Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, who last featured in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012, may make an appearance in the domestic tour next week. According to the latest reports, Virat Kohli is expected to join the Delhi Ranji team in Rajkot ahead of their next match against Saurashtra.
There is uncertainty whether Virat Kohli will feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. India's next Test series against England is scheduled after a gap of five months, with Kohli under scrutiny following his poor form in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia.
Virat Kohli is getting ready to join the Delhi team in Rajkot and train with the team
According to a report in Cricbuzz on Thursday, Virat Kohli is yet to officially confirm his availability for the match against Saurashtra scheduled to start on January 23. However, the 36-year-old batsman “will join the Delhi team in Rajkot and train. with the team even if he would not have played in the match”.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for the upcoming match and is likely to lead the team. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said the batch will be announced on Friday, but they are yet to receive any confirmation from Kohli about his participation.
“We will announce the squad tomorrow (Friday) and so far we have not heard from Virat,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Delhi face a must-win scenario ahead of their Ranji Trophy clash against Saurashtra
Delhi are in a tough spot in the Ranji Trophy as they need to win their next two matches to secure a place in the knockout stages. Delhi are currently fourth in Group D with 14 points from five matches, behind Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh, who both have 19 points.
The team will play Saurashtra away in their next match, followed by a home match against Railways. Rishabh Pant's inclusion could strengthen Delhi's squad. Wins in both matches are essential to keep their play-off hopes alive in the red ball tournament.
Availability of Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul for upcoming Ranji Trophy matches
Ravindra Jadeja can play for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. Jadeja, who struggled with the ball in the last three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, delayed his return from Australia to spend time with his family.
The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) remains hopeful about his participation, with an official saying that while there is a chance of him playing, no confirmation has been received yet.
“There is a chance, but at this stage we have not heard of it yet,” said an SCA official.
There is uncertainty over KL Rahul's availability for Karnataka's upcoming Elite Group C match against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. KSCA president Raghuram Bhat confirmed that the association has no information regarding Rahul's participation.
India's top batsman Shubman Gill is set to represent Punjab in the match while players like Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal are expected to feature in Karnataka's playing XI.
Read also: Rishabh Pant makes the Ashes prediction; choices between Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma