Why Virat Kohli Missed Delhi vs Railways Selection | January 6 Update

Cricket fans woke up to a big surprise today. Star batter Virat Kohli won't play for Delhi against Railways in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 6, 2026. Everyone wondered what happened after early buzz said he was ready.New Delhi, 5 January 2026 – Cricket fans were eagerly awaiting the return of India’s batting legend Virat Kohli in the Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture Delhi vs Railways on January 6, but he will not be available for selection. This news has sparked major interest across India and around the world. Here’s the latest update, explained clearly with verified information and context.

Why Virat Kohli Is Not Selected for Delhi vs Railways on January 6

• Official Reports Say Kohli Won’t Be Available

According to recent reports — including from ANI and cricket news outlets — Virat Kohli will not be available for selection in Delhi’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways on 6 January 2026. Officials confirmed that his name is missing from the list of available players. 

•  Reason: Preparing for India’s ODI Series vs New Zealand

While no official injury has been announced, most credible sources suggest Kohli might be skipping this domestic game to join the Indian camp early and prepare for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting 11 January 2026. This series is a big stage for India’s white-ball setup, and star batsmen are expected to join early for training.

•  Central Contract & BCCI Rule Clarification

The BCCI introduced a rule stating centrally contracted players must play at least two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want future ODI selection. Kohli has already played in two matches earlier in the tournament, which may satisfy this requirement and allow him to skip the third game without penalty.

What is Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026

This edition, called 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, started December 24, 2025. It runs through mid-January 2026 with league stages leading to knockouts. Named after India's cricket legend Vijay Hazare, it sharpens skills for IPL and international duty.​

Teams split into Elite Groups (A, B, C, D) for top states and a Plate Group for others. Elite has powerhouses like Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka; Plate includes teams like Bihar, Nagaland. Total around 38 squads compete fiercely

Venues and Schedule Highlights

Opens with 16+ matches on day one. Bengaluru's Alur Stadium hosts Delhi vs Andhra, Railways clashes. Ahmedabad's Motera sees Tamil Nadu, Karnataka action. Jaipur, Rajkot add variety ​

Key upcoming: Delhi vs Railways on Jan 6 at Alur (Kohli absent). Full league wraps early Jan, knockouts heat up.

Where to Watch

Stream select games on JioHotstar or OTTplay Premium. Cricbuzz, BCCI.tv offer live scores, points tables. TV coverage on Star Sports for big matches.

Why Did Virat Kohli Skip Railways Match?

Reports point to national team duties as the main block. Kohli must join India soon for the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. Travel and prep time make it tough to fit in the domestic game.

Some whispers mention rest after a packed schedule. Kohli played two Vijay Hazare games post international breaks, but workload rules from BCCI push stars to balance red-ball and white-ball cricket. No injury news yet, but fans hope it's just timing.​

This isn't Kohli's first close call with Railways. Last year in Ranji Trophy, he faced them from January 30 to February 1, ending a long domestic gap. History repeats, but not this time around.

Why Virat Kohli is not going

Virat Kohli skips Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways on January 6, 2026, mainly to prepare for India's ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. He already played his required two domestic games, fulfilling BCCI rules for contracted players.

Impact on Delhi vs Railways Clash

Delhi loses a massive boost without Kohli. Their batting looks weaker against Railways, a tough side in Vijay Hazare knockouts. Rishabh Pant leads, but filling Kohli's shoes tests the youngsters.​

Railways eyes a strong knockout push. This match at Alur could shift group standings. Fans tune in for Pant's fireworks, but Kohli's absence steals the headline.

What This Means for Delhi & Railways Match

Impact on Delhi’s Squad

Without Kohli, Delhi will rely on other experienced players like Rishabh Pant, who is named in India’s ODI squad and may play this domestic match before joining the national team.

Railways Team Boost

Railways will face Delhi without the pressure of bowling to Kohli, which could create a more balanced contest — and a chance for lesser-known players to shine.

Kohli's Domestic Comeback Stats Breakdown

Virat Kohli's Packed 2026 Schedule Ahead

After domestics, Kohli gears up for India vs New Zealand ODIs. Expect him to anchor the middle order. Then comes IPL prep and more global tours. Staying fit remains key for the 37-year-old legend.​

BCCI's push for domestic play helps stars like Kohli sharpen skills. His recent knocks prove he's still hungry for runs in shorter formats

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