Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most prolific batters, has once again grabbed headlines — not for a century, but for his strategic decision to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy match ahead of the NZ ODIs. As the India vs New Zealand One-Day International (ODI) series draws near, the former India captain has chosen to withdraw from Delhi’s domestic fixture against Railways, prioritizing his preparation for international duty. 

Kohli’s Domestic Stint and Form

After a long absence of over 15 years from domestic one-day cricket, Kohli made a notable return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season, featuring in high-impact innings for Delhi:

• He scored a brilliant 131 against Andhra Pradesh. (NDTV)
  
• Followed it with an impressive 77 against Gujarat.

These performances not only helped Delhi stay competitive but also tested Kohli’s match readiness ahead of international competition. 

The Official Confirmation

On January 5, 2026, Delhi’s head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Virat Kohli would not be available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways. The decision came at the last moment as Kohli prepared to rejoin the Indian national squad ahead of the NZ ODI series beginning on January 11, 2026. 

Reasons Behind the Decision

1. Prioritizing International Duty

With the ODI series versus New Zealand around the corner, Kohli and the team management evaluated that additional domestic matches weren’t essential for his preparedness. His prior performances in the competition had already displayed strong form, alleviating the need for more domestic game time. 

2. BCCI Participation Requirements Met

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandates that centrally contracted players take part in domestic competitions before joining national duty. Kohli has already satisfied this requirement by playing two VHT matches this season and delivering impactful performances. 

3. Workload and Freshness

Cricket’s modern schedule is grueling, and managing workload has become a priority for elite players. Skipping the final domestic match gives Kohli a strategic rest period to ensure optimal physical and mental freshness for the ODI series — a tactic commonly used among senior international athletes. (General context from athlete management trends)

Impact on Delhi and the Series

Kohli’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy match means Delhi will field other players like Rishabh Pant and Harshit Rana. (Sports News) Meanwhile, Kohli is expected to play a key role for India in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting in Vadodara on January 11, 2026. 

His exclusion from the final domestic outing isn’t a reflection of form or fitness issues — it’s a calculated move to ensure peak performance against New Zealand. With his recent performances and fitness levels, Kohli remains one of India’s pivotal batters. 

What Fans Can Expect Next

Cricket followers can now look forward to seeing Kohli back in the blue jersey as India take on New Zealand in the ODI series. The scheduling choice underlines how elite cricketers balance domestic and international commitments — especially as senior players manage their workload heading into major series and future tournaments. 

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s choice to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy match ahead of the NZ ODIs is a strategic decision aligned with his international priorities. By fulfilling the BCCI’s participation requirements, showcasing strong form, and conserving energy for upcoming high-stakes games, Kohli has set the stage for a focused lead-up to India’s ODI series against New Zealand.

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For a detailed look at Virat Kohli’s career statistics, centuries, runs, and records, visit:
👉 Virat Kohli Career Stats 2026: Complete Guide to Records, Centuries, and Achievements