DELHI COACH VIJAY DAHIYA has issued an open invitation to global cricketing icon Virat Kohli, expressing a profound desire to have the legendary batter grace the Delhi dressing room during the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. As Delhi looks to cultivate a winning culture and nurture the next generation of domestic talent, Dahiya believes the presence of a titan like Kohli would be transformative for the squad.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to commence on December 14, represents a vital window for domestic players to showcase their skills on the national stage. For Dahiya, the value Kohli brings extends far beyond the crease. “If he wants to play, I would love to have him in this dressing room,” Dahiya told reporters at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam. “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.”
### A Mentorship Beyond the Pitch
Dahiya, who has tracked Kohli’s meteoric rise since his formative years in the Delhi setup, emphasized that the mentorship component is arguably more valuable than the runs Kohli scores—though those remain formidable. Having witnessed Kohli play two matches for Delhi in last season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy—where he smashed 131 against Andhra Pradesh and 77 against Gujarat—Dahiya knows the energy the senior batter injects into the side.
“I have seen him through all the stages. I can tell the boys where he started and where he is today,” Dahiya remarked. “There is a pathway. Maybe you cannot become Virat, but you can become someone if you do certain things the right way.”
The influence of Kohli’s ethos is already permeating the Delhi camp. Following a high-stakes draw against Services in the Ranji Trophy—where Delhi secured three points via a first-innings lead—Dahiya shared an intimate anecdote regarding Delhi opener Priyansh Arya. Tasked with chasing 320 runs in just 56 overs, the young batter sought counsel from his coach after falling at deep square leg.
“He asked me, ‘If Virat was there, how would he have chased this total?'” Dahiya recalled. The conversation turned into a tactical masterclass, with the two dissecting the potential approach of a player who has defined modern run-chasing. This curiosity among the youngsters is precisely why Dahiya is so eager to bridge the gap between his current squad and the icons of the game.
### Logistics and Availability
While the intent from the coaching staff is clear, reality dictates a complex schedule for the 38-year-old Kohli. With the former India captain now focusing his efforts on limited-overs cricket, he is slated to feature in India’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, running from December 13 to December 19.
This commitment will inevitably force Kohli to miss Delhi’s opening three Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures against Goa, Punjab, and Rajasthan. However, a potential return to the domestic fold remains on the cards for the December 21 clash against Chandigarh. Should the timing align, the dressing room atmosphere in Delhi promises to shift from a developmental setup to an elite learning environment.
### The Vision for Ishant Sharma
Dahiya’s desire for mentorship doesn’t stop with Kohli. The coach is also advocating for the involvement of veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, a stalwart who boasts a resume of 105 Test matches. Dahiya envisions the towering fast bowler stepping into a mentor role, specifically for the red-ball side.
“Somebody who has played 100 Test matches can come back. He should be here as a mentor for red-ball cricket and share his ideas,” Dahiya asserted. The coach remains optimistic about Ishant’s current physical state and his utility in the shorter formats, noting that the pacer has been putting in significant work in the nets. “I asked him, and he said he was bowling really well. He is definitely available as far as white-ball cricket is concerned,” Dahiya confirmed, pointing to the veteran’s potential participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
### Building a Legacy
The dual push to integrate legends like Kohli and Ishant into the daily operations of the Delhi squad highlights a strategic shift for the state team. It is a move to move beyond merely playing matches and toward creating a pipeline of talent that understands the rigor of the international game before they even reach that level.
As Delhi continues its campaign in the domestic circuit, the focus remains on the “pathway” Dahiya speaks of—a structured approach to excellence defined by hard work and professional discipline. Whether Kohli suits up for the team this December or simply stops by to share his wisdom, the message to the Delhi squad is clear: the blueprint for success is sitting right in front of them, provided they are willing to do the work.
With the Vijay Hazare Trophy fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Delhi team sheet. In a season defined by transition and growth, the potential addition of the country’s most prolific run-scorer could prove to be the spark that ignites a championship run.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
