Why won’t even a bonus point win take Virat Kohli’s Delhi to Ranji knockout?

Before the final round of the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 league stage began, it was predicted that Delhi, led by Virat Kohli, would have a chance to advance to the knockout stages of India’s top first-class tournament for the first time in a decade if they defeated Railways by bonus points.

Nevertheless, even though Virat Kohli himself struggled in the first innings,

they were able to defeat Railways by an innings and 19 runs to earn the bonus point.

However, other requirements meant that Saurashtra and Chandigarh had to either lose their games or give up the first innings advantage in a game that was drawn in order to go to the knockout stages.

Saurashtra, who defeated Assam by 144 runs and an innings and gained seven points, had other ideas. With 18 points already, the team captained by Jaydev Unadkat reached 25 and joined Tamil Nadu in the knockout stage.

As a result, Delhi would have to wait until a different season to attempt to qualify for the knockout stages, even after reaching 21 points from nine games.

Kerala, Vidarbha, Tamil Nadu, and Saurashtra have already advanced to the last eight. Following the final round, Gujarat, Mumbai, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana appear to have the best chance of securing the four remaining places.