Kohli made a triumphant return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year.
Delhi coach Vijay Dahiya expressed that he would be thrilled to have Virat Kohli in the dressing room if the star Indian batter decides to play the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, slated to get underway on December 14.
Kohli, who now only plays the ODI format for India, made a triumphant return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year, scoring 131 and 77 against Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat respectively.
Dahiya noted that having senior figures like Kohli around provides a clear roadmap and inspiration for young players. He further stated that he would have the batting stalwart talk to the squad about his career journey, work ethic, and the value of representing India.
"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, as quoted by TOI.
"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."
Kohli is set to feature in India's three-ODI series against Sri Lanka at home on December 13, 16, and 19, meaning he would miss Delhi's opening few matches of the domestic List A tournament but could potentially link up with the squad later next month.
Dahiya also recalled opener Priyansh Arya’s words after being dismissed during Delhi’s recent Ranji Trophy match against Services to highlight the deep-rooted reverence the young squad holds for Kohli, who celebrated his 38th birthday on November 5.
Delhi was set a daunting target of 320 runs in the final sessions of the match. In an attempt to set an aggressive tempo, Arya pulled a delivery from Services' seam-bowling all-rounder Jayant Goyat but was caught by Nitin Tanwar at deep square leg after scoring a run-a-ball 15.
Shortly after Arya’s dismissal, Ayush Badoni fell leg-before, prompting Delhi to abandon the chase and play defensively. Thanks to a brilliant, unbeaten century from Yash Dhull (104* off 104 balls), Delhi successfully salvaged a draw and walked away with three points due to their first-innings lead.
"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.
"I have seen him through all the stages. I can tell them where he was 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 remarked.
Vijay Dahiya also expressed desire to bring in veteran Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma as a mentor for Delhi’s red-ball cricket team.
He emphasized that someone with Ishant's immense experience of playing 105 Test matches would be invaluable in guiding the state's upcoming generation of players.
"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," Dahiya 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."
(With TOI Inputs)