Senior Indian players Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant were picked in Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 squad for the first round of the domestic 50-over competition. While Kohli returned to List A cricket for Delhi after a 15-year absence, Pant was named captain. For Delhi’s first two group-stage games, which will take place in Bengaluru beginning on December 24, the 20-man roster has been revealed.
Kohli and Pant’s involvement coincides with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requiring centrally contracted players to participate in at least two Vijay Hazare Trophy rounds. After almost three weeks of having no international obligations, a number of Indian regulars have offered themselves for domestic service. Between December 24 and January 8, Delhi, which is in Group D, will play all seven of its group-stage games in Bengaluru.
The availability of Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Pant, and Kohli has been verified by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Following his release from national duty, Harshit Rana, who is currently a member of India’s T20I squad against South Africa, will join the team.
As Delhi attempts to recover from lacklustre showings in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Pant has been given the leadership position. In addition, he will wear the wicketkeeping gloves. Anuj Rawat is listed as a backup and Tejasvi Dahiya is designated as the second keeper.
The former India captain, on the other hand, just finished a successful ODI series against South Africa in which he amassed two hundred and fifty runs. The Ranji Trophy in January marked his final domestic cricket match for Delhi and his first participation in the 50-over format since 2011.
Ishant Sharma, a seasoned bowler who, like Kohli, made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi in 2006, is another member of the team. The pace department is further strengthened by Navdeep, while depth is added by youthful quicks Prince Yadav and Simarjeet Singh. Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, and Vaibhav Kandpal will spearhead the spin attack, while Rohan Rana will serve as an all-around choice. The batting group consists of Yash Dhull, Nitish Rana, Priyansh Arya, and Ayush Badoni, who has been elected vice-captain.
The Delhi team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s opening two games
Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (capt), Ayush Badoni (vice-capt), Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja,Anuj Rawat (standby wicketkeeper)
India
