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"You need reps in middle": Robin Uthappa backs Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare move

Akshita Patel

Virat Kohli gets backing from Robin Uthappa [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Virat Kohli gets backing from Robin Uthappa [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Virat Kohli is reportedly available to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, marking his return to domestic cricket after years. Robin Uthappa, meanwhile, has supported Kohli, saying he needs match practice to be ready for international cricket.

The news surprised many, especially because earlier reports claimed that the 37-year-old had refused to take part in the domestic tournament, which is scheduled to begin on December 24.

Robin Uthappa’s take on Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare commitment

Meanwhile, according to former India wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa, those reports were completely off the mark. 

On his YouTube channel, Uthappa confirmed that Virat Kohli had already made up his mind three weeks ago. He said the decision was communicated well in advance, and Virat was never planning to go against the BCCI’s guidelines.

"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," Uthappa said.

In simple terms, Virat Kohli wants to keep playing, and the more matches he plays, the better he feels. As a cricketer gets older, staying in rhythm becomes extremely important. 

Uthappa believes that actual match experience is far more valuable than just training in nets, whether in London or India. Competitive cricket sharpens focus, timing, and most importantly, mental strength.

"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.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy will provide Kohli with valuable match practice ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. 

BCCI directive had mandated domestic cricket participation

Another important factor behind Virat Kohli’s decision is the new BCCI rule. The cricket board has made it mandatory for centrally contracted players to play domestic cricket when available, unless they are injured or on national duty. 

Interestingly, Rohit Sharma, who also retired from Test cricket, is also expected to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai. 

So overall, both Virat Kohli and Rohit, who are playing just one format currently, will feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is held in the 50-over format.