Bengaluru: Star India batter Virat Kohli narrowly missed out on scoring his second successive century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, getting dismissed for an impressive 77 off 61 balls against Gujarat on Friday, December 26. The match was played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, where Kohli once again showcased his rich vein of form, though he fell just short of converting his start into a three-figure score.
Kohli entered the contest on the back of a commanding century in Delhi’s opening fixture against Andhra, and expectations were high as he walked out to bat early in the innings. Delhi were put under pressure right from the outset after opener Priyansh Arya was dismissed in just the second over by Gujarat pacer CT Gaja, leaving Kohli to steady the innings while maintaining momentum.
Aggressive start sets the tone
From the moment he arrived at the crease, Kohli looked in sublime touch. He wasted no time in asserting himself, playing with authority and confidence against both pace and spin. His footwork was sharp, and his trademark cover drives and flicks through the leg side brought the crowd to life.
Kohli raced into the 30s off just 16 deliveries, striking at a rate of over 190 in the early phase of his innings. The Gujarat bowlers struggled to contain him as he pierced the field with precision, collecting boundaries at will. His intent was clear — to dominate the bowlers and put Delhi on the front foot despite the early setback.
Fifty in quick time amid falling wickets
Kohli brought up his half-century in just 29 balls, underlining his ability to switch gears effortlessly in the limited-overs format. At the other end, however, Delhi’s batting line-up failed to provide him with substantial support.
Arpit Rana managed just 10 runs before being dismissed, while Nitish Rana departed for 12 off 22 balls. With wickets tumbling around him, Kohli was forced to reassess his approach. While he continued to find boundaries, the emphasis gradually shifted from aggressive strokeplay to responsible anchoring of the innings.
Change in approach as responsibility increases
As Delhi found themselves in a precarious position, Kohli slowed his scoring rate after reaching his fifty. The decision reflected his maturity and understanding of match situations, as the team desperately needed him to stay at the crease and guide the innings deeper.
Despite curbing his natural attacking instincts, Kohli continued to rotate the strike effectively, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. He picked his moments carefully, punishing loose deliveries while showing restraint against well-directed bowling.
His innings eventually came to an end on 77 off 61 balls, when he was dismissed by CT Gaja, the same bowler who had removed the opener earlier. Kohli’s knock included 13 boundaries and one six, and it was met with applause from teammates, support staff, and spectators alike.
Kohli’s form a major positive for Delhi
Although Kohli fell short of a century, his performance once again highlighted his excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With a hundred in the first match and a fluent 77 in the second, he has emerged as Delhi’s key batter and a pillar of stability in the top order.
Team management and fans alike will take heart from his consistency and confidence at the crease, especially as the tournament progresses into more competitive stages. His ability to adapt his game based on match situations continues to set him apart as one of the finest batters of his generation.
Rohit Sharma endures contrasting outing
While Kohli impressed with another strong knock, fellow India star Rohit Sharma endured a forgettable outing in his second match of the tournament. Representing Mumbai, Rohit returned to the pavilion without scoring against Uttarakhand, registering a golden duck.
This came as a surprise, especially after his sensational 155 off 94 balls in Mumbai’s previous match against Sikkim. Rohit attempted an aggressive pull shot off Devendra Singh Bohra in the very first over but ended up hitting the ball straight to Jagmohan Nagarkoti at fine leg.
The contrasting fortunes of Kohli and Rohit underlined the unpredictable nature of the game, even for batters of the highest calibre.
Tournament showcasing star power
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 has already provided fans with several memorable moments, with India’s top batters making headlines through their performances. Kohli’s consistency and Rohit’s explosive century have added significant star value to the domestic tournament, drawing attention from cricket enthusiasts across the country.
Selectors and former players have noted that such performances in domestic competitions reflect the importance of senior players participating and setting high standards for younger cricketers.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s knock of 77 may not have resulted in a century, but it once again reaffirmed his class, form, and adaptability in the limited-overs format. As Delhi look ahead to their remaining matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli’s presence at the top of the order will be crucial. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will look to bounce back strongly after his rare failure, setting the stage for more high-profile battles as the tournament unfolds.