Virat Kohli’s brief return powers Delhi into Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinals

Thanks to two heart-warming ‘guest appearances’ by Virat Kohli, Delhi has qualified for the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in five years, with one league match still to play.

It remains to be seen whether Delhi will top its pool or finish second. Two teams from each of the four groups advance to the quarterfinals.

Kohli played only two matches but left an indelible mark, scoring a century and a half-century as Delhi won both games. His presence also generated massive interest among fans. Against Andhra, Kohli smashed a 101-ball 131 to steer Delhi to a four-wicket win, while against Gujarat he scored 77 off 61 balls as Delhi clinched a seven-run victory.

However, heading into the quarterfinals, Delhi will lose some sting. Captain Rishabh Pant and pacer Harshit Rana, along with Kohli, will leave to join the India team for the three-match home One-day International series against New Zealand starting January 11.

Consistent Delhi campaign

Overall, Delhi won five of its first six group league matches, losing only to Orissa, and collected 20 points — enough to secure qualification for the knockout round. Their final league match is against Haryana, who have 18 points, on January 8, the last pool encounter for both teams. The outcome will decide whether Delhi finishes first or second in the group. Saurashtra, with 16 points, is also in the three-way race. The top two teams from each group progress.

While Kohli was the headline act, opener Priyansh Arya and pacer Prince Yadav emerged as key contributors to Delhi’s campaign. With one group match remaining, the consistent left-handed Arya has scored 310 runs, including four half-centuries, at an impressive average and strike rate. Yadav, who joined from Uttar Pradesh this season, has taken 13 wickets so far.

A chequered tournament history

Delhi has won the Vijay Hazare Trophy only once — in 2012–13 — and finished runners-up twice, in 2015–16 and 2018–19, since the tournament began in 1993–94. Nitish Rana is the lone survivor from the title-winning side that beat Assam in the final at Visakhapatnam. However, his form has been patchy this season. Rana returned to Delhi this year after representing Uttar Pradesh for two seasons.

Even so, the team, clearly inspired by Kohli’s presence, has punched above its weight this season. “The team is good and the players have performed well in the tournament,” Delhi team manager Mahesh Bhati said.

Disappointing show in age-group tournaments

Delhi’s struggles have continued in the age-group competitions. In the men’s under-23 CK Nayudu Trophy, Delhi has 16 points and is placed at the bottom of the eight-team Group C after three matches, with Madhya Pradesh leading the table on 30 points.

Although all teams still have four matches to play when the tournament resumes on January 23, it will be a herculean task for Delhi to climb the standings and qualify for the quarterfinals. Only the top two teams from each group advance.

In the men’s under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, Delhi failed to reach the knockout stage after finishing fourth among six teams in Group A. The team lost three of its five matches, managing just two wins to round off a dismal campaign.