Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Robin Uthappa has extended his full support to Virat Kohli’s choice to participate in the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, beginning on December 24. Earlier, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed on December 2 that Kohli had made himself available for Delhi, just before India’s ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara.
While speaking on his YouTube channel on December 5, Uthappa revealed that Kohli had informed the relevant authorities about his decision nearly three weeks earlier. According to him, playing competitive domestic cricket would offer Kohli far better preparation than training overseas. He emphasized that Kohli would gain the match rhythm he needs only through actual games, saying:
“Three weeks ago Virat had confirmed that he would play, and all this about whether he will play or he is not going to play, it’s all conjecture. He already knew, and the communication was already that he would play, three weeks ago. For him, the more matches he plays, the better it is for him, because it helps build flow. When you get older, you want to play as many matches as possible.”
“How much match practice will he even get in London or in India, if he doesn’t play actual competitive matches? He also feels his mental preparation is key. He has done it for 20 years; he knows how to do it. He is a master of ODI cricket, but still, you need those reps in the middle. It always helps. So, that communication was already done between the important people and him, that he’s going to play a bunch of games for DDCA,” he added
Uthappa’s Praise For Kohli’s Current Form
Speaking about Kohli’s performance in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, Uthappa highlighted the veteran’s exceptional consistency. Kohli has been in top form, scoring 135 and 102 in the two matches played so far. According to Uthappa, Kohli’s early preparation, calm presence at the crease, and near-perfect technique reflect why he continues to dominate. He pointed out how even the smallest technical elements in Kohli’s game remain sharp and controlled, noting:
“I just think he’s (Virat Kohli) getting ready very early and his eyes are really still. His technique hasn’t changed; it has pretty much been the same. If there’s any change, like a very fine change, that we can’t really decipher just by watching, that’s the great thing about his batting, that his pushback is absolutely immaculate.”
“Even when he’s stepping out, his hands are still, his hand is still, his eyes are still, he always tracks the ball beautifully. The steadiness in his eyes is the best in the world, and very few people can watch the ball the way Virat does. See, Virat has always been an energy guy. The energy he brings, that fire he brings into every innings, that’s what drives his performance. It was so fresh and nice that it’s there, it has come back, that fire is there. That was extremely pleasing to see,” he added.
Looking Ahead To The Final ODI
Virat Kohli is all set to return for the final ODI of the South Africa series, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, in Visakhapatnam. His form, intensity, and hunger for runs have once again become central talking points as India prepares for both the series finale and the upcoming home ODIs against New Zealand.
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