In a surprising turn of events at the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Virat Kohli's electrifying performances have set the internet ablaze, despite the matches not being televised. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) only arranged broadcast facilities at a few selected stadiums during the group stage. This decision left many fans disappointed, as they were eager to watch Kohli and other star players like Rohit Sharma in action in domestic cricket.
Kohli made a notable return to domestic cricket after almost 15 years, representing Delhi. His first match against Andhra Pradesh was held behind closed doors at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, without any live telecast. Similarly, Rohit Sharma's comeback match for Mumbai against Sikkim in Jaipur was also not streamed. This selective broadcasting has drawn criticism from fans, who expressed their disappointment over not being able to watch their favorite cricketers play. Some fans even used social media to express their displeasure, questioning why the BCCI isn't telecasting all domestic matches, especially when they feature international players.
Despite the lack of live coverage, Kohli's performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been nothing short of spectacular. In his first match, he scored a commanding 131 off 101 balls against Andhra, helping Delhi chase down a target of 299 with ease. He reached his half-century in 39 balls and his century in just 83 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes. This innings not only showcased his exceptional form but also made him the fastest player to reach 16,000 runs in List A cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record.
Kohli continued his impressive run in the subsequent match against Gujarat, scoring a fluent 77 off 61 balls. He stabilized Delhi's innings after an early wicket, forming a 72-run partnership with Arpit Rana. Kohli reached his half-century in just 29 balls, maintaining a high scoring rate before being dismissed while trying to accelerate. His innings included 13 fours and a six, demonstrating his aggressive intent and control.
The absence of live telecasts has led fans to rely on live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and social media updates to follow Kohli's performance. Websites and social media platforms have been flooded with updates and clips of his innings, highlighting the immense interest and engagement surrounding his return to domestic cricket.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin addressed the fans' frustration, acknowledging their disappointment but also explaining the logistical challenges faced by the BCCI. He pointed out that broadcasting decisions are often made in advance and cannot always accommodate last-minute player selections. Ashwin also emphasized the need to support domestic cricket as a whole, recognizing that it is impossible to televise all matches due to the large number of first-class teams in India.
Despite the broadcasting limitations, Virat Kohli's stellar performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have undoubtedly captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide. His consistent form and aggressive batting style have reaffirmed his status as a key player. While fans may have missed the opportunity to watch him live, the buzz and excitement surrounding his innings have undoubtedly set Google on fire, proving that Kohli's impact transcends the boundaries of television screens.
