Delhi head coach Vijay Dahiya has expressed his desire to have Virat Kohli back in the state dressing room for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Dahiya believes the senior batter's experience, work ethic, and journey could inspire Delhi's younger players, even if he does not feature in every match.
The right-handed batter continued his impressive form in India's ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. Kohli scored 74 off 51 balls, including 13 fours and a six, in the first ODI at Eden Park. He shared a 113-run stand with captain Shubman Gill and helped India secure a five-wicket win in a rain-affected game.
Vijay Dahiya Wants Virat Kohli Back in Delhi Dressing Room for Vijay Hazare Trophy
Speaking to reporters at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam after Delhi's Ranji Trophy match against Services, Vijay Dahiya said he would welcome Virat Kohli if the senior batter wanted to play the domestic 50-over tournament, which begins on December 14.
"If he wants to play, I would love to have him in this dressing room. I would love to have him there just to talk to the boys. I won't let him go home. I'll make him sit in the dressing room and tell the boys about his journey, the hard work, the ethics and the honour of playing for the country," Dahiya told reporters.
However, Virat Kohli's international commitments could prevent him from joining Delhi at the start of the tournament. India are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on December 13, 16 and 19. He will miss Delhi's first three group matches against Goa, Punjab and Rajasthan.
'There Is a Pathway' - Vijay Dahiya Explains How Virat Kohli Can Inspire Delhi's Youngsters
Vijay Dahiya, who has followed Virat Kohli's progress since his junior cricket days, believes the former India captain's presence could teach Delhi's younger players valuable lessons about reaching the highest level.
"I have seen him through all the stages. I can tell the boys where he started and where he is today. There is a pathway. Maybe you cannot become Virat, but you can become someone if you do certain things the right way," Dahiya said.
Virat Kohli made a memorable return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season after nearly 15 years away from the competition. He scored 131 against Andhra Pradesh and followed it with 77 against Gujarat, finishing with 208 runs from two matches at an average of 104 and a strike rate of 128.40.
Priyansh Arya Asked How Kohli Would Have Chased 320; Dahiya Also Wants Ishant Sharma as Mentor
Vijay Dahiya also recalled a conversation with Delhi opener Priyansh Arya during the Ranji Trophy match against Services. Delhi had been set a target of 320 runs in 56 overs. Arya was caught at deep square leg off Jayant Goyat's bowling on the fourth day after scoring a run-a-ball 15.
"He asked me, 'If Virat was there, how would he have chased this total?' We worked it out and discussed how he would have approached the chase," Dahiya said.
"That's the reason why I said I would love to have him there. He was there last season as well. I would love to have him there just to talk to the boys. I won't let him go home. I will make him sit in the dressing room and tell the boys, step by step, about his journey," Dahiya added.
The Delhi coach also wants veteran India fast bowler Ishant Sharma to take up a mentoring role with the state's red-ball team. Ishant has played 105 Test matches, and Dahiya believes his experience could help the younger bowlers develop.
"Somebody who has played 100 Test matches can come back. He should be here as a mentor for red-ball cricket and share his ideas," he said.
"He is working hard right now. I asked him, and he said he was bowling really well. So he is definitely available as far as white-ball cricket is concerned," Dahiya concluded.
