Virat Kohli, the top Indian batsman, just stated that he will be available for the Delhi vs. Railways Ranji Trophy 2024–25 match, which begins on January 30. After a 12-year absence, Kohli will make his comeback to India’s top domestic first-class competition. Notably, the stalwart’s final match was against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad during the 2012–13 season.
Given that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) just unveiled new regulations directing centrally contracted players to compete in local competitions, Kohli’s decision to do so is not surprising. Following India’s consecutive Test series losses to Australia and New Zealand, which sparked worries about the senior players’ lack of red-ball match practice, the 10-point guideline was implemented. The BCCI responded to this by stressing how crucial it is to play domestic cricket in order to keep up shape and fitness.
Other Indian players, including Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill, have made themselves available for the current Ranji Trophy season as a result of this policy. The Delhi side, which is presently in a close battle for the knockout berths, will greatly benefit from the right-hander’s comeback to the Ranji Trophy.
Delhi is currently in fourth place in Group D after five rounds, behind Railways, Tamil Nadu, and Chandigarh. Delhi’s games against Saurashtra and Railways would be crucial because Tamil Nadu will play Chandigarh in the sixth round. His state squad could advance to the quarterfinals with a solid showing in these games.
Due to an injury, Virat Kohli was not included in the Saurashtra game.
In the meantime, senior India mainstay Virat Kohli had previously stated that he would be available for Delhi’s match against Saurashtra; however, because of certain injury concerns, he was not included in the DDCA’s 21-man team. Just three days before India’s ODI series against England begins on February 6, the match against Railways ends on February 2.
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