Kohli named in Delhi's squad for first-two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches

Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi's squad for the first-two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Rishabh Pant appointed captain and Ayush Badoni his deputy. As reported by Cricbuzz earlier, Kohli had informed about his availability this season to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

Delhi's opening fixtures are against Andhra (December 24) and Gujarat (December 26). It isn't clear how many matches Kohli and Pant would be available for. India are set to play a three-match ODI series against New Zealand beginning January 11. In any case, Anuj Rawat has been named the standby wicketkeeper in the squad.

Kohli last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2009-10 season, with his most recent outing coming on February 18, 2010. Overall, Kohli has played 14 Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, scoring 819 runs at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106.08, including four centuries and three half-centuries.

Delhi's squad for the first-two matches also features Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, who have made themselves available for selection. Harshit Rana, DDCA said in a media release, will link up with the squad once released from national duty after the T20I series against South Africa.

Delhi's squad for first two matches: Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni (vc), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini