Delhi head coach
Dahiya, who has followed Kohli’s career trajectory since his junior cricket days, emphasized that he would not simply want the star batter to play, but to actively engage with the team. He aims to have Kohli share insights into his work ethic, the challenges of his journey, and the dedication required to represent the country at the highest level.
Mentorship and team development
The coach highlighted the potential impact of such mentorship, noting that he often uses Kohli’s career as a benchmark for his players. During a recent Ranji Trophy fixture against Services, which ended in a draw with Delhi securing three points via a first-innings lead, Delhi opener Priyansh Arya specifically asked Dahiya how Kohli might have approached a challenging run chase. This interaction reinforced Dahiya’s belief in the importance of having experienced figures around the younger generation.
While Kohli is currently committed to India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which runs from December 13 to 19, he may be available to join the Delhi side for their match against Chandigarh on December 21. He is expected to miss the initial three fixtures against Goa, Punjab, and Rajasthan due to his international duties. Last season, Kohli featured in two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi, contributing scores of 131 and 77 against Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Focus on senior experience
Beyond Kohli, Dahiya is also looking to leverage the experience of other seasoned campaigners. The coach expressed a desire to bring veteran pacer
Dahiya confirmed that Sharma is currently training hard and remains available for white-ball selection, specifically for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. By integrating such experienced voices into the dressing room, the coaching staff hopes to provide a clearer pathway for emerging players to understand the professional standards required to succeed in domestic and international cricket.
