The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, India’s premier domestic one-day tournament, plunged into its sixth round on January 6, 2026, with a blend of anticipation, early drama, and unexpected delays. As top stars prepared to light up the competition, dense fog in Jaipur cast a literal shroud over proceedings, delaying multiple high-profile encounters and leaving fans eagerly awaiting the sight of India’s ODI captain, Shubman Gill, and prolific batter Shreyas Iyer in action.

Foggy Start in Jaipur: A Waiting Game for Stars

The morning’s narrative was initially dominated not by bat or ball, but by the weather. Intense fog enveloped Jaipur, forcing a delay in the tosses and subsequent starts of several crucial Group C fixtures. Matches involving Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh, Goa facing Punjab, Sikkim versus Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh against Maharashtra all found themselves on hold at various grounds across the city, including the KL Saini Stadium and Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

This delay proved particularly frustrating for fans keen to witness two of India’s biggest white-ball talents. Shubman Gill, slated to feature for Punjab against Goa, had missed the previous game due to food poisoning, making his return even more anticipated. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer, set to lead Mumbai for the remainder of the tournament, saw his chance to make an impact temporarily postponed. Their presence in the domestic circuit is a testament to the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s importance, not just as a proving ground for young talent but also as a crucial platform for established internationals to maintain form and rhythm.

Early Action Unfolds: IPL Stars and Seasoned Veterans Make Mark

While Jaipur waited, other venues across India saw immediate action and early momentum shifts, with both seasoned campaigners and burgeoning IPL talents making their presence felt.

Delhi’s Pace Attack Dominates: Pant and Rana in Action

In Alur, the Delhi contingent made a formidable start against Railways after their opponents opted to bat. Headlining their lineup, although not explicitly stated to be playing, was wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, whose mere presence generates significant buzz, especially given his journey back to top-flight cricket. Pacer Harshit Rana, who has been a standout performer for his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, continued his impressive run. He picked up an early wicket, dismissing Pratham Singh for 11. Complementing him was the veteran seamer Ishant Sharma, who rolled back the years to remove Ansh Yadav for a duck, giving Delhi two crucial early breakthroughs. This dominant start saw Railways struggling at 26/2 within 8 overs, highlighting the potency of Delhi’s attack.

Rana’s performance, in particular, will be closely watched by IPL scouts and his franchise. His ability to strike early and consistently is a valuable asset in the shortest format, and maintaining that form in 50-over cricket further solidifies his credentials. Ishant Sharma, on the other hand, embodies the enduring spirit of domestic cricket, using his vast experience to trouble opposition batters.

The Rs 8.4 Crore Man Strikes: Auqib Nabi’s Instant Impact

Perhaps the most eye-catching performance of the early exchanges came from Jammu & Kashmir’s pacer, Auqib Nabi. Fresh off a significant IPL 2026 auction acquisition by Delhi Capitals for a hefty Rs 8.4 crore, Nabi wasted no time in justifying his price tag. Facing Baroda, who had opted to bat, Nabi cleaned up AH Pasi for 6, providing a vital early breakthrough for J&K. His quick wicket, coupled with Yudhvir Singh’s dismissal of Nitya Pandya for 5, left Baroda reeling at 12/2 in just 2.1 overs.

Nabi’s immediate impact underscores the pressure and expectation that comes with a big IPL contract. To deliver so swiftly on the domestic stage, particularly after such a significant financial investment, speaks volumes about his temperament and skill. His performance will undoubtedly send a strong message to his new IPL franchise and rival teams alike, suggesting he is poised for a breakthrough season.

Struggles and Strategic Gambles: Hits and Misses

Sundar’s Opening Experiment Falters for Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, known for its strategic flexibility, experimented by sending all-rounder Washington Sundar to open alongside N Jagadeesan against Tripura. However, the gamble did not pay off in the early stages. Skipper Jagadeesan fell for a duck in the second over, dismissed by Mura Singh. Sundar himself struggled to find rhythm, departing for a painstaking 9 runs off 30 balls, falling to AK Sarkar. This left Tamil Nadu in a precarious position at 30/2 after 9 overs, forcing them to re-evaluate their early game plan. The decision to promote Sundar, a capable middle-order batter and off-spinner, to the opening slot was a bold one, aiming to leverage his ability to both build an innings and accelerate. Its early failure highlights the inherent risks in such tactical shifts, particularly against a disciplined bowling attack.

Mohammed Shami Under Pressure for Bengal

Meanwhile, for Bengal, the experienced Mohammed Shami, whose ‘heartbreak’ of yet another Team India snub was noted, found himself in a challenging position against Hyderabad. After Bengal opted to field, Hyderabad’s openers, Aman Rao and Rahul Singh Ghalaut, started strongly, forming a ‘terrific partnership.’ Shami and fellow pacer Akash Deep struggled to find a breakthrough, with Hyderabad cruising to 50 without loss in 7 overs. This early struggle adds a layer of narrative for Shami, who would be keen to prove his mettle and continue to push for national selection through strong domestic performances.

The Specter of Superstars: Gill, Iyer, and Kohli

Beyond the immediate action, the tournament continues to feature a fascinating interplay between national duties and domestic commitments. While Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer’s much-anticipated participation was momentarily delayed by fog, their impending return signifies the high stakes for both their state teams and their individual national aspirations. Gill, a fixture in India’s ODI setup, and Iyer, a strong contender across formats, will look to use the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stamp their authority and maintain peak performance.

Conversely, India superstar Virat Kohli, who had previously marked his return to the premier domestic one-day competition with scores of 131 and 77, was confirmed not to feature in Delhi’s fixture against Railways. His absence, as confirmed by head coach Sarandeep Singh, is strategic, allowing him to rejoin the national team for the ODI series against New Zealand beginning on January 11. Kohli’s brief, impactful stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy underlines the importance top players place on domestic cricket as part of their preparation and commitment.

A Day of Mixed Fortunes and Unfolding Narratives

The sixth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 began with a diverse set of events: environmental disruptions, strategic gambles, immediate impacts from big-money IPL buys, and the steady performance of established stars. From Auqib Nabi’s early validation of his Delhi Capitals contract to Delhi’s pace duo making early inroads, and from Tamil Nadu’s opening experiment faltering to Mohammed Shami facing a stern test, the day offered a glimpse into the myriad stories unfolding across India’s domestic cricket landscape. As the fog lifts and matches progress, the tournament promises more compelling cricket, showcasing the depth of talent and the competitive spirit that defines Indian domestic cricket.

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