After a 12-year hiatus, cricket icon Virat Kohli is set to don Delhi’s colors once again in the Ranji Trophy. Kohli has confirmed his participation in Delhi’s final group-stage match against Railways, scheduled from January 30 to February 2, 2025, at the Roshanara Club Ground in Delhi.
A Long-Awaited Return
Virat Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy dates back to 2012, when he played against Uttar Pradesh. In that match, he scored 4 and 43 runs in the respective innings, with Delhi succumbing to a six-wicket defeat. Notably, that Delhi squad featured stalwarts like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ishant Sharma, and Ashish Nehra.
BCCI’s Directive and Player Participation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently mandated that centrally contracted players participate in domestic cricket to maintain match fitness and form. This directive comes in the wake of India’s recent Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia, which also dashed their hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship final.
In compliance with this guideline, several prominent players have returned to the Ranji Trophy:
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper is set to play for Mumbai after a nine-year absence from the tournament. Reuters
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: India’s leading scorer in the recent Australia series will represent Mumbai. Reuters
- Shubman Gill: After a challenging series in Australia, Gill will play for Punjab against Karnataka. Reuters
- Rishabh Pant: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is set to feature for Delhi, marking his first Ranji appearance since the 2017-2018 season. Reuters
Implications for Delhi and Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli’s inclusion is expected to bolster Delhi’s batting lineup significantly. His vast experience and current form can provide invaluable guidance to the younger members of the squad. Moreover, his participation underscores the importance of domestic cricket in nurturing and maintaining the prowess of international players.
For Indian cricket, the return of top-tier players to domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy is a positive development. It not only elevates the standard of the competition but also allows players to regain form and confidence ahead of international assignments. India’s next Test series is a five-match tour in England, commencing on June 20, 2025.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after more than a decade is a momentous occasion for Delhi cricket and fans alike. As he prepares to take the field at the Roshanara Club Ground, anticipation is high for a stellar performance that could set the tone for India’s forthcoming international engagements.