Virat Kohli Included in Delhi Ranji Trophy Squad for Upcoming Matches with a Twist

Published at: January 17, 2025 10:23 AM

Updated at: January 18, 2025 3:14 AM

Virat Kohli has been included in Delhi's squad for the next two Ranji Trophy matches, though his participation is uncertain. The right-handed batter, who had a below-par performance during the recent tour of Australia, scoring only 190 runs in 9 innings, will depend on his availability for the matches. Despite scoring a century in the first match of the series in Perth, Kohli struggled, getting dismissed similarly in all eight other innings while chasing deliveries outside the off stump.

Kohli, 36, has experienced a decline in form over the last five years, with only five centuries in Test cricket during this period. It remains unclear if he will play in Delhi's next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, scheduled for January 23 in Rajkot. This would also mark his first Ranji Trophy appearance in 13 years since he last played in 2012.

In addition to Kohli, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also been named for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches against Saurashtra and Railways. If Pant participates, it will be his first Ranji Trophy match in seven years. Ayush Badoni will captain Delhi in the upcoming fixtures.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently issued strict guidelines to promote discipline, unity, and a positive team environment. These guidelines require centrally contracted players to make themselves available for domestic cricket. Failure to comply may result in players being excluded from international duties and potentially losing their central contracts. Exceptions will only be allowed if approved by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have already confirmed their availability for the upcoming round of Ranji Trophy matches. It remains unclear whether Rohit Sharma will be available for Mumbai's fixture against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23.