“I won’t let him go home” – Vijay Dahiya makes special request to Virat Kohli for Vijay Hazare Trophy

“I won’t let him go home” – Vijay Dahiya makes special request to Virat Kohli for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Vijay Dahiya Wants Virat Kohli in Delhi’s Dressing Room for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Delhi head coach Vijay Dahiya hopes Virat Kohli will return to the state team for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy—not only for the runs the star batter could contribute, but also for the example he could set for a new generation of cricketers.

Dahiya says Kohli’s experience, discipline and understanding of what it takes to reach international cricket could make a lasting impression on Delhi’s younger players, even if the former India captain is unable to play every match. With the domestic 50-over competition scheduled to begin on December 14, Kohli’s availability will depend on his international commitments.

Dahiya welcomes Kohli back to the Delhi dressing room

Speaking to reporters at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam after Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Services, Dahiya said he would gladly include Kohli if the batter wanted to take part in the tournament. The coach suggested that Kohli’s value to the squad would extend beyond his performances on the field.

“If he wants to play, I would love to have him in this dressing room,” Dahiya said. He added that he would like Kohli to speak with the younger players about his journey, the work behind his success and the responsibility of representing India.

For a young domestic side, access to an established international player can offer a practical view of the demands of elite cricket. Training habits, preparation, decision-making under pressure and the ability to recover from setbacks are all lessons that can be difficult to learn from statistics alone. Dahiya believes Kohli could help make those lessons tangible.

International fixtures could affect Kohli’s availability

Kohli’s participation may be limited by India’s schedule. The national team is due to play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on December 13, 16 and 19. Those fixtures overlap with the opening phase of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, meaning Kohli is expected to miss Delhi’s first three group matches against Goa, Punjab and Rajasthan.

His availability for later games will depend on the international calendar and team plans. For Delhi, even a brief appearance could be significant: Kohli would bring top-level experience to the squad while giving emerging players a chance to observe how an elite batter prepares for a 50-over contest.

That possibility has added interest to the tournament for Delhi supporters. A prediction about Kohli’s exact role would be premature, but Dahiya’s comments make clear that the coach would welcome him whether he is available to play regularly or only able to spend time with the squad.

“There is a pathway,” says Dahiya

Dahiya has followed Kohli’s progress since his junior cricket days and sees his career as a valuable case study for young players. He acknowledged that no two careers are identical, but said aspiring cricketers can learn from the choices and habits that helped Kohli advance.

“Maybe you cannot become Virat, but you can become someone if you do certain things the right way,” Dahiya said, explaining that he could show the players where Kohli began and how he developed into one of India’s leading batters.

The message is particularly relevant in domestic cricket, where talented players are competing for limited opportunities. A clear development pathway involves more than natural ability: consistency, fitness, technical improvement and mental resilience can all influence whether a promising player makes the next step. Dahiya’s approach is to use Kohli’s career to illustrate that process rather than present his achievements as an impossible standard.

Kohli’s strong Vijay Hazare return

Kohli has already shown what he can bring to the competition. Last season, he made a memorable return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after an absence of nearly 15 years. He scored 131 against Andhra Pradesh and followed it with 77 against Gujarat, finishing with 208 runs from two matches.

Those innings gave him an average of 104 and a strike rate of 128.40, underlining his ability to adapt his batting to the 50-over format. His performances also offered Delhi a reminder of the influence a high-profile player can have in domestic cricket, where one substantial innings can shape a match and lift the confidence of teammates.

Kohli has continued to produce eye-catching performances for India. In the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park, he struck 74 from 51 balls, including 13 fours and a six. His 113-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill helped India secure a five-wicket victory in a rain-affected match.

Priyansh Arya’s question underlines Kohli’s influence

Dahiya also described a conversation with Delhi opener Priyansh Arya during the Ranji Trophy match against Services. Delhi had been set a target of 320 in 56 overs, and Arya was dismissed for 15 after being caught at deep square leg off Jayant Goyat.

Afterwards, Arya asked Dahiya how Kohli might have approached the chase. The coach said they discussed the possible strategy, including how a batter might manage the required rate and pace an innings while pursuing a demanding target.

The exchange illustrates why Dahiya wants Kohli around the team. His influence could be felt even when he is not batting: young players can use his approach as a reference point when thinking through match situations. For Delhi, such conversations may help turn experience into practical learning.

Dahiya also wants Ishant Sharma to mentor Delhi’s bowlers

Kohli is not the only senior cricketer Dahiya hopes to involve in Delhi’s development. The coach also believes veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma could provide valuable guidance to the state’s red-ball players. Ishant has represented India in 105 Test matches, and Dahiya says that experience could help younger bowlers understand the demands of long-form cricket.

Dahiya has spoken with Ishant about a possible mentoring role and said the fast bowler is working hard and feels he is bowling well. He also noted that Ishant remains available for white-ball cricket, making his potential contribution relevant beyond the Ranji Trophy setup.

For Delhi, the broader goal is to connect established players with emerging talent. Whether through Kohli’s batting insights or Ishant’s knowledge of Test-match bowling, senior figures can help young cricketers develop a clearer sense of what professional success requires. As the Vijay Hazare Trophy approaches, Dahiya’s hope is that Delhi’s youngsters will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced names in Indian cricket.

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