Virat Kohli hits the nets ahead of domestic comeback for Delhi under Rishabh Pant in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

For the first time since dominating South Africa in three ODIs, Virat Kohli took to the field. The reason? Well, he is gearing up for the much-awaited return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament. Kohli has been named in Delhi’s 19-man squad for the first two matches, while Rishabh Pant is the team captain.

Kohli brings Delhi back

The Delhi tournament will begin with Andhra on December 24 and Gujarat on December 26. It is unclear how many matches Kohli and Pant will feature in as India prepare for a three-ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11.

In an attempt to prepare for the VHT, Kohli was seen hitting the nets with the white ball. According to reports, he is currently practicing in Alibaug, address at one of his residences.

Kohli was in his beast mode the last time he played for India, making a whopping 302 runs in the three matches. For context, the next best hitter scored 164 (Matthew Breetzke). With his two centuries and fifty against South Africa, Kohli also climbed to second in the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings. Now he’s just perfecting his skills because it’s been two weeks since he last played.