Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are set to play for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, scheduled to begin on January 23, 2025. Kohli’s inclusion marks his return to domestic cricket after more than a decade, with his last Ranji appearance dating back to 2012. He is expected to lead the team if he participates, which has generated significant excitement among fans.
Rishabh Pant Confirmation
Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play for Delhi in their Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, scheduled to begin on January 23, 2025, in Rajkot. This will mark his first appearance in the tournament since 2017, after a significant gap due to his international commitments. Pant’s return is welcomed as he has been an integral part of the Indian Test team, recently participating in all five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Virat Kohli Uncertainty
In contrast, Virat Kohli’s participation remains uncertain. Although he has been named in Delhi’s provisional squad, there has been no confirmation from him regarding his availability. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has expressed hope that Kohli will take inspiration from other Indian players who participate in domestic cricket when available. However, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma indicated that they have not received any communication from Kohli about his plans. Kohli last played in the Ranji Trophy back in 2012 and has faced criticism for not participating in domestic matches despite recent struggles in form.
Conclusion
As it stands, Rishabh Pant will definitely be playing for Delhi, while Virat Kohli’s involvement is still up in the air. The situation highlights ongoing discussions about the importance of domestic cricket among India’s top players.
