'I won't let him go home' - Vijay Dahiya keen to have Virat Kohli in Delhi dressing room

The 2026-27 Vijay Hazare Trophy begins on December 14, with centrally contracted Indian players expected to balance international commitments and domestic participation. Virat Kohli has faced renewed pressure to feature in the one-day tournament as he prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle. The BCCI has made clear that domestic cricket participation will be weighed when assembling squads for the World Cup.

Vijay Dahiya, the former India cricketer now heading Delhi's coaching setup, has expressed strong interest in having Kohli available for the tournament. Dahiya's appeal goes beyond simply wanting Kohli to play matches. He has articulated a vision of how Kohli's presence could benefit the entire squad, whether on the field or in a mentoring capacity.

"If he wants to play, I would love to have him in this dressing room. I would love to have him there just to talk to the boys. I won't let him go home. I'll make him sit in the dressing room and tell the boys about his journey, the hard work, the ethics, and the honour of playing for the country," Dahiya told The Times of India.

Dahiya's perspective reflects his understanding of Kohli's standing in world cricket. Venues sell out wherever Kohli plays globally, and his commercial appeal is undeniable. However, Kohli has made his preference clear to focus exclusively on international ODI cricket, creating a challenge for Dahiya's overture. Delhi are scheduled to face Goa in their opening match of the tournament.

What Dahiya believes Kohli can offer younger players?

Dahiya has spent considerable time observing Kohli's career trajectory and understands the lessons younger cricketers could draw from his experience. The Delhi coach sees value in Kohli sharing his journey with the next generation of players, regardless of whether he takes the field.

"I have seen him through all the stages. I can tell the boys where he started and where he is today. There is a pathway. Maybe you cannot become Virat, but you can become someone if you do certain things the right way," he added.

Kohli's recent international performances underscore his continued relevance at the highest level. In India's first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, Kohli struck 74 off 51 balls, giving India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. His aggressive approach demonstrated the match-winning potential he brings to the ODI format.

Kohli's participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy remains uncertain, though his domestic record when he does play is strong. In the previous edition, he returned to the tournament after 15 years away, featuring in two matches for Delhi. He scored 131 runs against Andhra and 77 against Gujarat, showcasing his ability to deliver in domestic one-day cricket.

Rohit Sharma has similarly indicated his availability for Mumbai's fixtures in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, signalling a broader trend among senior players to manage both international and domestic responsibilities.