Virat Kohli marked his return to List A cricket with a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, as Delhi chased Andhra's

298/8. While the focus remained on Kohli's individual performance, the match highlighted the broader challenges and

mental adjustments required of players in the domestic circuit. The game, played at the Centre of Excellence, saw

limited fan presence, a stark contrast to the usual fanfare surrounding Kohli, emphasizing the relative anonymity

experienced by domestic cricketers.

Andhra's innings was anchored by Ricky Bhui's impressive 122 off 105 balls, including 11 fours and 7 sixes. Bhui's

century was crucial in propelling Andhra to a competitive total, particularly after they were initially struggling at

42/2. His aggressive approach, especially against Navdeep Saini, shifted the momentum, demonstrating his ability to

accelerate the scoring rate despite losing partners at the other end. This innings underscored Bhui's importance to

Andhra's batting lineup and his capacity to perform under pressure.

Delhi's chase began poorly with the early loss of Arpit Rana, bringing Kohli to the crease. Kohli's innings was

initially characterized by a blend of aggression and luck. He survived two dropped catches, on 32 and 97, indicating a

degree of risk-taking in his approach. However, his ability to capitalize on these reprieves and convert them into a

substantial score demonstrated his experience and match awareness. Kohli's initial scoring shots included lofted drives

and aggressive shots in the powerplay, mirroring his ODI approach.

Priyansh Arya's aggressive 74 off 44 balls provided valuable support, momentarily overshadowing Kohli with his array of

boundaries and sixes. Arya's innings allowed Kohli to settle in and build his innings. Once Arya was dismissed, Kohli

shifted gears, displaying a more measured approach. He rotated the strike effectively with Nitish Rana, minimizing risks

and focusing on consistent scoring. His century, achieved off 83 deliveries, was a testament to his adaptability and

ability to construct an innings according to the match situation.

This match served as a reminder of the contrasting realities between international and domestic cricket. Kohli's

presence brought attention to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the focus also shifted to the less glamorous aspects of

domestic cricket, including limited crowds and the grind of the schedule. The match provided a platform for players like

Bhui and Arya to showcase their talent, highlighting the depth of cricketing talent beyond the international stage.