Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli Smashes 77 off 61 Balls Against Gujarat

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli Smashes 77 off 61 Balls Against Gujarat Get the full scorecard, boundary details, and stats

Delhi Innings: 254/9 (50 Overs)

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli Smashes 77 off 61 Balls Against Gujarat

Bengaluru, December 26, 2025: The “King” of modern-day cricket, Virat Kohli, continued his sublime form in domestic colors as he played a scintillating knock of 77 runs off just 61 balls for Delhi against Gujarat. Following his majestic century against Andhra in the opening round, Kohli’s aggressive yet calculated innings at the BCCI Centre of Excellence helped anchor Delhi’s total to 254/9 in their 50 overs.

While the fans at the ground were hoping for back-to-back centuries, Kohli’s performance further solidified his status as the most consistent batter in List A history, as he officially surpassed the legendary Michael Bevan to hold the highest batting average in List A cricket history.

Early Setback and the Kohli Rebuild

Gujarat won the toss and elected to bowl first on a pitch that offered some initial assistance to the pacers. Delhi got off to a rocky start when opener Priyansh Arya was dismissed cheaply in the second over. However, the atmosphere at the Alur ground transformed the moment Virat Kohli walked out to the middle.

There was no “feeling out” period for the veteran. Kohli signaled his intent from the first ball, leaning into a trademark cover drive that raced to the boundary. He stitched together a vital 72-run partnership with Arpit Rana, taking the attack to the Gujarat bowling lineup. Kohli reached his half-century in just 29 deliveries, his sixth consecutive 50+ score in List A cricket, showcasing a strike rate that hovered well above 120 throughout his stay.

Innings Details: Precision and Aggression

Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. He struck 13 boundaries and one towering six, finding gaps with surgical precision. His 77-run knock was particularly impressive because it came against a disciplined Gujarat attack featuring the likes of Ravi Bishnoi and Arzan Nagwaswalla.

Just as he looked set for his 58th List A century, tragedy struck in the 22nd over. Facing left-arm spinner Vishal Jayswal, Kohli danced down the track to loft one over the infield but was undone by the turn. Wicketkeeper Urvil Patel showed lightning-fast reflexes to whip off the bails, leaving Kohli stumped for 77.

Middle-Order Struggle and Pant’s Resistance

After Kohli’s departure at 108/4, Delhi found themselves in a precarious position. Captain Rishabh Pant took over the mantle of the anchor, playing a much more composed and patient innings of 70 off 79 balls. Pant, known for his explosiveness, showed great maturity as wickets fell around him. He shared a 73-run stand with Harsh Tyagi (40 off 47), helping Delhi cross the 200-run mark.

However, Gujarat’s Vishal Jayswal remained the thorn in Delhi’s side, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 42. Delhi suffered a late-order collapse, losing four wickets after the 43rd over, which restricted them to 254/9—a total that many experts deemed “below par” on a fast Bengaluru outfield.

What This Means for Sportzons.com Readers

For followers of Sportzons.com, this innings is more than just a score. It confirms that Virat Kohli is in peak physical and mental condition ahead of India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026. His decision to return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a 15-year hiatus has not only boosted Delhi’s prospects but has also given domestic cricket a massive viewership spike.

Match Summary:

• Delhi: 254/9 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 77, Rishabh Pant 70; Vishal Jayswal 4/42)

• Gujarat: (Target 255)

Virat Kohli may have missed out on the century, but his 77-run masterclass proved that his hunger for runs remains insatiable.