New Delhi — In a game-changing step for Indian domestic cricket, Virat Kohli is set for a long-awaited comeback to the Ranji Trophy, this time as a key player for Delhi in their impending match against the Railways starting January 30. This will be Kohli’s first venture into this illustrious tournament since the year of 2012, putting an end to a 13-year absence.
Kohli’s Return to the Scene
DDCA has included the star in Delhi’s squad for the last two group-stage matches of this Ranji season. While Kohli’s participation against Saurashtra, starting on January 23 in Rajkot, has not been confirmed yet, insiders suggest that he is likely to play against the Railways in the next match.
The BCCI recently issued guidelines to centrally contracted players urging them to play domestic cricket in order to retain their competitive edge and match fitness.
BCCI’s Order and Receiving Respective Cry
The BCCI themselves ordered the participation of national team players in domestic cricket in light of their matches not being truly productive.
After the Indian team got whitewashed by New Zealand in the home series and Australia beat them 3-1, the Bhartiya Cricket Control Board pronounced it to be quite rational that these national team players should play in the Ranji Trophy to get back on form and regain confidence.
Some of the other players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant have also joined the parade, making themselves available for participation in their respective state teams.
Rishabh Pant Takes the Lead
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will captain Delhi for their upcoming match against Saurashtra. Pant will return to the Ranji Trophy for the first time in seven years, last playing in the 2017-2018 season final against Vidarbha.
His experience and captaincy are expected to bolster Delhi’s chances as they march into the crucial end phases of the tournament.
Implications for Delhi’s Ranji Campaign
Delhi’s show in the present Ranji Trophy has brought a blend of results, with the team recording one win and three draws. It is believed that the inclusion of seasoned players, like Kohli and Pant, will provide the squad with experience and skill, fundamental for the team’s advancement in the tournament.
The return of Kohli is expected to instill deep motivation in team members and fans and assert the significance of domestic cricket in the identification and preservation of cricketing talent.
International cricket has traditionally been supported through domestic tournaments. Kohli’s continued association with the Ranji Trophy might not just mean a personal milestone for him, but a commitment to building blocks of Indian cricket.
It will also bring with it a surge of attention towards the domestic circuits, which could motivate the new generation of players-especially those who take their competition in the domestic tournament very seriously.
Virat Kohli’s anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy match with Delhi against Railways not only gives a chapter to his career, but also adds to the BCCI’s plan to allow national players to engage with domestic cricket to improve and create a healthy competitive environment for cricket.
As Delhi gears up for its coming matches, the presence of stars like Kohli and Pant strengthens the team’s prospects and sets the stage for thrilling encounters to follow.
