Is there a reasoning as to why Virat Kohli missed the BCCI awards?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted the prestigious Naman Awards 2025 on Saturday, February 1, an event that celebrates the exceptional performances of Indian cricketers both domestically and internationally. The Naman Awards have become an annual tradition, honoring the talents and achievements of players who have made significant contributions to Indian cricket throughout the year. The gala evening attracted several cricketing legends and current stars, with a number of distinguished personalities in attendance. However, there was one notable absence that caught the attention of fans — Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter and former national captain.

Virat Kohli absent from the BCCI Naman awards

Virat Kohli, known for his leadership and exceptional batting records, has been a regular at such events over the years. His absence from the Naman Awards 2025 left fans puzzled and sparked speculations regarding the reason for his non-attendance. Despite being one of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, Kohli’s absence raised eyebrows, as no official statement was provided by the BCCI or Kohli himself. Fans were left wondering whether the absence was due to personal reasons, professional commitments, or another factor. Kohli’s omission from the high-profile event remained a topic of conversation on social media, with supporters eagerly awaiting clarity.

For those unaware, Virat Kohli was busy representing his state team, Delhi, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Railways at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This match marked a significant milestone for the cricketing legend as it was his 100th game in the domestic arena, making it a momentous occasion in his career. As the game was still in progress, Kohli found it difficult to attend the Naman Awards 2025, which was being held in Mumbai on the same day.

Given the timing of the match and his commitment to the ongoing fixture, Kohli had to make the decision to opt out of the prestigious event. The logistical challenge of traveling from Delhi to Mumbai in such short notice made it impractical for him to attend. While fans were initially puzzled by his absence, it became clear that Kohli’s dedication to his domestic responsibilities, especially on such a special occasion, took priority over the event.

In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match between Delhi and Railways, Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic cricket did not go as planned. The star batter was dismissed cheaply for just 6 runs off 15 balls, with his off-stump knocked over in a dramatic delivery from young pacer Himanshu Sangwan. For Sangwan, getting Kohli out was a moment to remember, as he claimed the wicket of one of India’s modern greats. Kohli’s early departure was a setback for Delhi, but the team quickly regrouped.

Ayush Badoni, playing an inspiring captain's knock, took charge with a steady hand. He came agonizingly close to a century, falling just one run short after scoring 99. Badoni’s resilience kept Delhi's momentum going. Thanks to his brilliant innings and valuable contributions from other players, Delhi managed to put up a massive total of 374 runs in response to Railways’ first-innings score of 241. Despite Kohli's early dismissal, Badoni’s effort ensured that Delhi had a strong reply, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the match.

Delhi’s commanding performance in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter against Railways saw them seal a dominant victory by an innings and 19 runs. After posting a massive total of 374 runs in response to Railways' first-innings score of 241, Delhi chose not to bat again, given the significant lead they had gained. Instead, they focused on wrapping up the match by bowling Railways out cheaply for just 114 runs in their second innings. This comprehensive performance showcased Delhi’s all-round strength and clinical approach to the game.

The standout story of the match, however, was Virat Kohli’s much-awaited return to Indian domestic cricket after 13 years. The legendary batter had made his comeback in this fixture, playing for his state team, Delhi, in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. Although Kohli’s personal performance was brief, as he was dismissed for just 6 runs in the first innings, his return to the domestic fold added an emotional element to the game. Despite his early exit, Delhi’s dominant performance with both bat and ball was the highlight, with Ayush Badoni’s near-century and an impressive team effort ensuring a commanding victory. Kohli's return marked a memorable chapter in the match, adding to the significance of Delhi’s comprehensive win.