Virat Kohli To Play Ranji Trophy? Star Player, Rishabh Pant Included In Delhi's Probable Squad

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma has urged Indian batting star Virat Kohli to participate in domestic cricket tournaments for Delhi. Sharma suggested that Kohli draw inspiration from Mumbai players, particularly Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who was recently spotted practising with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad at the Wankhede Stadium.

This move is likely aimed at helping Kohli regain his form after a dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Notably, Kohli has not played for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy since 2012.

The sighting of Rohit practising with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad has generated buzz among fans, who are now speculating whether Virat Kohli might adopt a similar approach to overcome his recent struggles across all formats.

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In a conversation with The Indian Express, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma revealed that Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in Delhi's provisional squad for the remaining two rounds of the Ranji Trophy.

"Both Virat and Rishabh’s names are in the probable list. The Ranji Trophy camp is underway. Virat should take inspiration from the Mumbai cricketers and play for Delhi in domestic cricket, whenever he is available. See in Mumbai, there has always been a culture where their India players turn up for Ranji matches whenever available. It is missing in the North, especially in Delhi," Ashok Sharma said.

“The BCCI has also mentioned players should participate in domestic cricket. I feel Virat and Rishabh should play at least one game, but I don’t think they will," he added.

In five Tests, Kohli scored just 190 runs and was dismissed eight times chasing deliveries outside the off-stump. On the other hand, Pant accumulated 255 runs including one half-century at an average of 28.33.

Both Kohli and Pant failed to live up to expectations and replicate their past heroics Down Under. Kohli last played for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012.

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After India's series defeat in Sydney, India head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasised the importance of Test players participating in domestic first-class cricket whenever possible. 

The wicketkeeper-batter is not part of India's squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Earlier in the day, India Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma joined Mumbai's squad for training sessions ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, which begins on January 23.

Delhi is scheduled to play against Saurashtra in Rajkot from January 23, followed by the last group game against Railways at Arun Jaitley Stadium, which starts on January 30.

(With IANS Inputs)