In a major surprise, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has made his return to domestic cricket, as he has been named in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad after a 12-year hiatus. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) recently revealed the list of 84 probable players for the upcoming Ranji season, which includes several notable names alongside Kohli, such as Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, and Navdeep Saini.
The inclusion of Kohli, who last played a Ranji match back in 2012, has stunned fans and experts alike. His return is being attributed to the influence of Gautam Gambhir, the current Team India mentor, who has consistently emphasized the importance of international players participating in domestic cricket.
Why is Virat Kohli Returning to Domestic Cricket?
Kohli’s return to the Ranji fold after more than a decade has fueled speculations. Experts are pointing to the possible influence of Gambhir, who, even before becoming Team India’s mentor, advocated for international cricketers to take part in the domestic circuit. Another key figure behind this push could be former India coach Rahul Dravid, who stressed the value of domestic cricket for both upcoming and experienced players. Both players are known for their emphasis on domestic cricket as a vital tool for sharpening skills.
It’s worth noting that players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were reportedly disciplined for not playing domestic matches. Kohli’s decision could be a sign that the Indian cricket management is getting serious about ensuring even its top players stay connected to the domestic game.
Virat Kohli’s Last Ranji Match
Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy game in November 2012, when Delhi faced Uttar Pradesh. His performance in that match was memorable but not for the reasons you’d expect—he was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in both innings after scoring 14 and 42 runs. Since then, Kohli has been focused on his international career, which has seen him evolve into one of the world’s greatest batsmen.
With 146 first-class matches under his belt, Kohli has amassed 11,120 runs at an impressive average of 49.86, including 36 centuries and 38 half-centuries. His highest score in first-class cricket remains an unbeaten 254. Now, after more than a decade, fans are eager to see if Kohli can bring his international experience to the domestic stage and help Delhi to Ranji Trophy glory.
Delhi’s Team Full of Star Power
Kohli is not the only big name in Delhi’s probable squad. The list also includes some of India’s rising stars, like Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini, Ayush Badoni, and Yash Dhul. Pant, who is currently recovering from injury, will be one to watch if he makes a comeback to domestic cricket. Players like Saini and Badoni bring a lot of potential to the table, making this Delhi squad one of the strongest in recent memory.
However, one notable absentee from the list is Ishant Sharma, the veteran fast bowler who has been a mainstay in Delhi cricket for many years. His exclusion raises questions about his future in domestic cricket.
Ranji Trophy Fixtures and Schedule
Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign will begin on October 11, 2024, against Chhattisgarh in a Group-D match. However, there’s some uncertainty about Kohli’s availability for the fixture. India is set to play a Test match against New Zealand starting on October 16, just days after the Ranji opener. It remains to be seen whether Kohli will participate in the domestic fixture or be rested for the international duty.
Full List of Delhi’s Ranji Probables
The list of 84 players includes big names as well as promising young talents. Some of the standout names in the squad are:
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Ayush Badoni
- Navdeep Saini
- Yash Dhul
- Anuj Rawat (Wicketkeeper)
- Simarjeet Singh
- Lalit Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Mayank Rawat
With a mix of seasoned international cricketers and emerging talents, Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad is brimming with potential. Fans are eager to see if these players can lead the team to a strong campaign, especially with the possibility of Kohli’s participation.
The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling one, with Kohli’s return adding to the excitement surrounding domestic cricket in India.
