Virat Kohli set for Vijay Hazare return, but will fans be allowed at M Chinnaswamy Stadium?
Virat Kohli is set to make a comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years, playing for Delhi in Bengaluru.
New Delhi: Veteran India batter Virat Kohli is all set to make a comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but fans are wondering if they will be allowed at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to watch the star cricketer, six months after a stampede took place outside the venue.
Kohli, who is now focusing on ODIs, is currently playing in the three-match series against South Africa. He will return to play for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since his appearance against Services in February 2010.
The star batter notched up his 52nd ODI hundred in the first match in Ranchi and smashed his 53rd ton in Raipur, proving that he's still sharp despite playing just a single format. According to The Times of India (TOI), the Alur Stadium will host Delhi's five matches, and two matches will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in January 2026.
"He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in is not clear yet. Obviously, his being around will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room," DDCA president Rohan Jaitley said while speaking to PTI. India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, adding even more star power to the tournament.
Will fans be allowed at M Chinnaswamy Stadium?
KSCA managing committee member MS Vinay told TOI that the matches are as per schedule at the two KSCA stadiums. He further added that they have been hosting BCCI domestic matches since the start of the season without any problem.
"We will call for a managing committee meeting soon and discuss it. Allowing spectators at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a decision that will be taken in consultation with the police department and other authorities. We cannot say just yet that the matches will be held behind closed doors," Vinay said while speaking to The Times of India.
The stadium in Alur has also witnessed crowd chaos when MS Dhoni played for Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy eight years ago. The venue had no galleries for fans, prompting them to line up along the compound wall for a glimpse of India's former skipper.