Delhi on Friday announced their squad for the opening phase of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, with senior India stars Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant named in the 20-member roster for the domestic 50-over tournament. Pant has been appointed captain, while Kohli is set to make a long-awaited return to List A cricket for Delhi after 15 years.

The squad has been selected for Delhi’s first two group-stage matches, which will be played in Bengaluru starting December 24. Delhi are placed in Group D and will play all seven of their group fixtures in the city between December 24 and January 8.

Rishabh Pant to lead as Virat Kohli returns after 15 years

The inclusion of Kohli and Pant follows the BCCI’s directive making it mandatory for centrally contracted players to feature in at least two rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With no international commitments for nearly three weeks, several India regulars have made themselves available for domestic duty.

According to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), Kohli, Pant, Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini have all confirmed their availability for the tournament. Fast bowler Harshit Rana, who is currently part of India’s T20I squad against South Africa, will join the team once released from national duties.

Pant has been handed the leadership role as Delhi look to recover from disappointing campaigns in both the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will also serve as the team’s primary wicketkeeper, with Tejasvi Dahiya named as the second-choice keeper and Anuj Rawat included as a standby option.

Kohli, meanwhile, comes into the tournament on the back of a prolific ODI series against South Africa, where he struck two centuries and a half-century. His last appearance for Delhi in domestic cricket was during the Ranji Trophy in January, while this marks his first outing in the List A format since 2011.

The squad also features veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, who, alongside Kohli, made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi back in 2006. Navdeep Saini adds further experience to the pace attack, while Simarjeet Singh and Prince Yadav provide youthful depth.

Delhi’s spin department will be led by Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi and Vaibhav Kandpal, with Rohan Rana offering an all-round option. Ayush Badoni has been named vice-captain, while the batting unit includes Yash Dhull, Nitish Rana, Priyansh Arya and other promising names.