Following a difficult run in the Ranji Trophy, Delhi head coach Vijay Dahiya has set his sights on strengthening his side for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is scheduled to commence on December 14. In a recent interaction with reporters at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam, Dahiya expressed his strong desire to have veteran batsman Virat Kohli in the dressing room for the white-ball competition.
Dahiya emphasized that the value of having a player of Kohli's stature extends far beyond his batting statistics. The coach stated his intention to utilize Kohli’s presence to educate the younger members of the Delhi squad on the rigors of professional cricket. “If he wants to play, I would love to have him in the dressing room! I will chew his brains out to tell these guys about hard work, work ethic, and what it takes to reach where he is today,” Dahiya remarked.
Addressing the ambiguity surrounding Kohli’s participation, Dahiya dismissed the need for a formal announcement. He argued that since the player represented the side last season, he remains an available option for selection. “He is available. Somebody who played last year is always available; he doesn’t need to formally declare it,” Dahiya added, noting that Kohli has been maintaining a rigorous training schedule.
The coach further highlighted the impact Kohli’s influence could have on the team’s current roster. Reflecting on a conversation with Delhi opener Priyansh Arya, Dahiya shared how younger players actively look to emulate the former India captain. According to Dahiya, the team had been analyzing potential match situations by asking how Kohli would approach a specific run chase. He noted that having the senior batsman physically present would allow the coaching staff to mentor the squad through every phase of the game.
Dahiya described a vision where he would keep the veteran cricketer involved in the dressing room to provide guidance on both white-ball and red-ball cricket. By sharing insights from his own career path, Kohli could provide a roadmap for younger players to hone their craft, even if they do not replicate his specific success. Dahiya underscored that Kohli’s commitment to his own game remains high, mentioning that the star indicated he was bowling well during their recent correspondence.
While Dahiya’s aspirations for his team are clear, the situation regarding player availability remains part of a broader trend of senior cricketers planning their domestic commitments. Reports have previously indicated that former India captain Rohit Sharma has also informed the Mumbai Cricket Association of his intention to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy following the conclusion of India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka.
As Delhi looks to bounce back from their recent performance, the possibility of integrating an experienced leader like Kohli remains a point of significant interest. The Vijay Hazare Trophy serves as a major platform for domestic talent, and Dahiya is clearly looking to leverage every available resource to bolster Delhi’s campaign when the tournament begins in December.
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