Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy:Virat Kohli to feature for Delhi on 6 Jan; KL Rahul likely to feature for Karnataka

The Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) is set to gain major attention in the New Year as several Indian international cricketers prepare to return to domestic cricket. Star players like Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul will represent their respective state teams in the ongoing 50-over tournament, even as Team India gears up for a three-match ODI series against New Zealand next month. As per Cricbuzz report, these senior players have already informed their state associations about their availability. Their participation comes in line with the BCCI’s mandatory domestic cricket rule, which requires centrally contracted players to feature in domestic tournaments whenever available. Shubman Gill to play for Punjab on 3 6 Jan India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is expected to play for Punjab in their matches on 3 January and January 6 against Sikkim and Goa, respectively, with both games scheduled in Jaipur. Punjab are placed fourth in Group C, having won two of their three matches so far. Gill will, however, have to leave the tournament early as the Indian team is likely to assemble in Baroda on January 7–8 ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand on 11 January. Also read: RCB’s maiden IPL crown to Indian Women’s World Cup triumph: South Africa ditched ‘chokers’ tag; why 2025 was ‘a year of firsts’ Ravindra Jadeja confirms availability for Saurashtra All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has also confirmed his availability to the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA). He is set to play the matches on 6 8 January against Services and Gujarat. Saurashtra are currently playing their league matches in Alur, Karnataka, and have one win from three games. They are placed sixth in their group, which also features Rishabh Pant-led Delhi. KL Rahul is likely to feature for Karnataka While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has not officially confirmed KL Rahul’s schedule, sources suggest that the senior batter may play the January 3 and January 6 games against Tripura and Rajasthan in Ahmedabad. Karnataka have been in strong form and are currently second in Group A, with a perfect record of three wins from three matches. Yashasvi Jaiswal returns for Mumbai, replacing Rohit Sharma The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal has joined the squad in Jaipur and is expected to play Mumbai’s match against Goa on 31 December. Also read: Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour to ISL crisis: A year of rare highs and shocking lows for Indian football Jaiswal missed the first three games due to illness. Mumbai, however, have been dominant and sits at the top of Group C with three consecutive wins. Kohli, Rohit, Pant and others fulfil domestic duties Most Indian internationals, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, have featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season. Virat Kohli, who has already played two matches, will return for Delhi’s 6 January game. Delhi are being captained by Pant, who has committed to playing all VHT matches for his state side. The only notable absentee is Jasprit Bumrah, with the BCCI opting to manage the fast bowler’s workload carefully.