Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Unbeaten Teams, Star Performers, and Rising Talent Shine in League Stage
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, India’s premier 50-over domestic cricket tournament, is currently in full swing and living up to its reputation as a crucial platform for elite and emerging talent. As the league stage nears its conclusion, fans have witnessed nail-biting finishes, high-scoring encounters, and standout individual performances across venues. With knockout qualification on the line, the intensity of competition has increased significantly, making this edition one of the most closely contested in recent years.
Featuring 38 teams, the tournament began on December 24, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude with the final on January 18, 2026. From experienced internationals to young prospects eager to make a mark, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has delivered quality cricket and compelling storylines throughout the league phase.
League Standings and Dominant Teams
As things stand, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as the most consistent sides in the tournament. Both teams remain unbeaten with five wins each, comfortably topping their respective groups and strengthening their chances of securing direct entry into the knockout stages. Their disciplined bowling attacks and balanced batting line-ups have set them apart from the rest of the competition.
Other traditional powerhouses such as Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Mumbai, and Delhi have also performed strongly. These teams have showcased impressive squad depth, tactical flexibility, and the ability to handle pressure situations—qualities that are vital as the tournament moves closer to the business end.
Top Performers and Breakout Stars
One of the highlights of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has been the impact of centrally contracted players, whose mandatory participation has significantly raised the tournament’s standard. Their presence has also provided younger players the opportunity to perform alongside established stars.
Karnataka opener Devdutt Padikkal has been in sensational form, once again proving his pedigree in the 50-over format. He has already crossed the 600-run mark for the third time in his Vijay Hazare Trophy career, registering four centuries. Padikkal narrowly missed a fifth hundred after scoring a composed 91 against Rajasthan, underlining his consistency and class.
Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has grabbed headlines with a breathtaking unbeaten 160 off 101 balls against Baroda. His maiden List A century showcased his power-hitting ability, maturity, and readiness for higher-level cricket, strengthening his case for future national selection.
Vidarbha’s Aman Mokhade and Himachal Pradesh’s Pukhraj Mann have also enjoyed prolific campaigns, regularly featuring among the top run-scorers. Their ability to score runs across different conditions has made them valuable assets for their teams.
On the bowling front, Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has been outstanding. Leading the wicket-takers’ chart with 17 dismissals, Ansari has impressed with his control, variations, and knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments.
International Stars Add Star Power
The tournament also received a significant boost with the participation of Indian internationals in the initial rounds, as per BCCI’s domestic participation guidelines. Virat Kohli turned out for Delhi and made an immediate impact, scoring 131 and 77 in his two appearances. Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma was equally dominant, smashing a brilliant 155 that lit up the competition.
Both Kohli and Rohit have since rejoined the national squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, but their brief stints added immense value and visibility to the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
In Rohit’s absence, Shreyas Iyer has taken over the captaincy duties for Mumbai. Under his leadership, the team remains firmly in contention for a knockout spot as they push hard in the remaining league fixtures.
Knockout Stage Beckons
With the league stage set to wrap up soon and the knockout rounds scheduled to begin on January 12 in Bengaluru, the stakes are higher than ever. Net run rate calculations, tactical decisions, and individual brilliance will play a decisive role in determining which teams advance.
As the tournament heads toward its climax, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 continues to reinforce its importance in India’s domestic structure—shaping future internationals and delivering thrilling cricket for fans nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 is India’s premier domestic One Day tournament, featuring top state teams competing in a league and knockout format.
2. Which teams remained unbeaten in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 league stage?
Several teams delivered consistent performances and finished the league stage unbeaten, showcasing strong squad balance and depth.
3. Who are the star performers of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26?
The tournament has seen standout performances from established batters, impactful all-rounders, and bowlers leading the wickets charts.
4. Which young players emerged as rising talent in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26?
Many emerging cricketers impressed with mature batting, sharp bowling spells, and athletic fielding, marking themselves as future prospects.
5. Why is the Vijay Hazare Trophy important for Indian cricket?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy plays a crucial role in identifying ODI-ready talent and helps selectors track players for national and IPL opportunities.
6. How does the league stage format work in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26?
Teams are divided into groups and play round-robin matches, with top teams advancing to the knockout stage based on points and net run rate.
7. Which performances stood out in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 league stage?
High-scoring centuries, match-winning bowling spells, and clutch performances in pressure games highlighted the league stage.
8. Where can fans follow Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 updates and analysis?
Fans can follow match updates, team news, and in-depth analysis on Today Cricket News and official cricket platforms.