Kohli confirms availability to play Vijay Hazare Trophy

Virat Kohli is set to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the domestic 50-over tournament. He has conveyed his availability to the Delhi team, a development confirmed by the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA).

"Yes, that's right. He has given his availability," DDCA president Rohan Jaitley stated. It is, however, unlikely that he will feature in all the games for Delhi. The Vijay Hazare Trophy runs from December 24 to January 18.

Kohli's decision marks a change of heart. His post-match comments in Ranchi had been viewed as at odds with the BCCI's position that international players must make themselves available for domestic competitions.

"I've never been a big believer of a lot of preparation, if that makes sense. All my cricket has been mental. As long as I feel mentally I can play the game, I work physically very hard every day of my life. It's got nothing to do with cricket anymore. It's the way I live," Kohli had said after the first ODI. Those comments were largely interpreted as a push-back against the BCCI line.

Kohli last played in the VHT in the 2009/10 edition. His last game was on February 18, 2010. He has featured in 14 VHT games, scoring 819 runs at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106.08, with four centuries and three fifties. Delhi are placed in Group D this year. Their first match is against Andhra at Alur.

The BCCI's domestic cricket policy is influenced by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who have insisted that international players make themselves available for their state teams when not on India duty. Under this policy, Rohit Sharma, Kohli and others played Ranji Trophy games last season.

After their retirement from Test cricket, Agarkar made clear that Rohit and Kohli would be required to play Vijay Hazare. Rohit has reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he will play in the VHT.

No review meeting held

The widely reported review meeting did not take place on Tuesday. It had been suggested the BCCI would hold discussions with selectors, team management and senior players to address communication issues in Raipur around the second ODI on December 3.

However, there was no indication of any such meeting. Agarkar, who was in Ahmedabad to watch Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, flew out but did not travel to Raipur. A selection committee meeting may take place on Wednesday, when the T20I squad is expected to be picked.

The selectors are expected to recall Jasprit Bumrah for the T20Is, along with Hardik Pandya, who showed good form in an SMAT game. A question mark remains over Shubman Gill's availability. Sources indicate the India Test and ODI captain is recovering from a neck injury.

India will play five T20Is against South Africa between December 9 and 19, after the third ODI in Visakhapatnam on December 6.