Virat Kohli Marks Sensational Return to Vijay Hazare Trophy After 15 Years: Virat Kohli made a grand return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, representing Delhi in their high-voltage clash against Andhra Pradesh in Bengaluru. Playing his first VHT match since the 2010–11 season, Kohli delivered an impactful knock and achieved one of the biggest milestones of his career—completing 16,000 List A runs with the very first run he scored.
The return of the 37-year-old added star power to Delhi’s squad, and he once again showcased his world-class temperament in a stiff chase of 299.
16,000 List A Runs – Another Historic Milestone for Kohli
Virat Kohli’s first run of the match etched his name deeper into cricketing history. He became:
- Only the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to score 16,000 List A runs
- Ninth player globally to cross the milestone
The achievement underlined his unmatched consistency in the 50-over format over nearly two decades.
Read Also: Rohit Sharma Smashes His Fastest List A Century
Kohli’s Innings: Calm, Classy & Impactful
Chasing 299, Delhi lost a wicket early, bringing Kohli to the crease in the first over itself. He started confidently, striking two fours soon after arriving and maintaining excellent rhythm throughout the innings.
Kohli’s Score Progression
- 10 off 5 balls – Two stylish boundaries
- 21 off 10 balls – First six of the innings
- 35 off 23 balls – Fluent strokeplay
- 50 off 40 balls – Seven fours and one six
- 58 off 49 balls* (final recorded score during live play)
His control, timing, and placement reflected the same sharpness he carries at the international level.
Virat Kohli’s VHT Comeback Innings – Score Summary
| Detail | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 58* |
| Balls Faced | 49 |
| Fours | 7 |
| Sixes | 1 |
| Strike Rate | 118.36 |
| Key Milestone | Completed 16,000 List A runs |
Kohli-Arya Partnership Drives Delhi’s Chase
Virat Kohli forged a brilliant partnership with Priyansh Arya, who played an aggressive knock of 74 off 44 balls. Together, they added:
Second-Wicket Partnership
| Batters | Runs Added | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli & Priyansh Arya | 113 runs | 63 balls |
Arya dominated early, but Kohli’s composure ensured Delhi kept full control over the chase.
Match Situation When Kohli Was Batting
At 19 overs:
- Delhi: 152/2
- Runs needed: 147
- Balls remaining: 186
- Required run rate: 4.74
Kohli’s steady yet attacking approach perfectly balanced the chase
See Also: Highest Scores by a Team in Vijay Hazare Trophy History
Kohli’s List A Career Highlights (Updated)
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total List A Runs | 16,000+ |
| Centuries | 57 |
| Fifties | 80+ |
| ODI Runs | 14,557 |
| ODI Average | 58.46 |
| Most ODI Centuries | 53 |
| Fastest to 14,000 ODI runs | Yes |
Kohli now continues to chase the all-format record of 60 List A centuries.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy was more than just a comeback—it was a statement. His composed 58 off 49*, the historic 16,000 List A runs milestone, and a commanding partnership with Priyansh Arya showcased why he remains one of the greatest limited-overs batters in cricket.
With Delhi chasing 299 confidently, Kohli’s impact was immediate and powerful, setting the tone for a strong campaign in the 2025–26 season.
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