The suspense surrounding Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy is almost clear amid swirling rumors about his availability for Delhi's upcoming matches in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
Kohli has been named in Delhi's likely squad for their crucial Ranji clash against Saurashtra on January 23. However, Virat Kohli suffered a neck sprain that was serious enough to require him to take an injection, raising doubts over his availability for the Ranji clash. in Rajkot.
DDCA awaits update as Virat Kohli battles neck sprain ahead of Saurashtra clash in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
But surprisingly, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) claimed that the state body has not received any official update on Kohli's condition. However, Virat Kohli is likely to be included in Delhi's 'subject to availability' squad.
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A source was quoted by TOI, “Virat Kohli had a sprained neck and even got an injection for it. There is a possibility that he may skip the first of the two remaining Ranji Trophy games and a clear picture could emerge if the DDCA selectors get an update.”
On the other hand, Indian batsman Rishabh Pant has confirmed that he will play in the next Delhi Trophy Ranji match against Saurashtra. However, some DDCA officials are hopeful that Pant will play in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final against Railways at home.
Virat Kohli is likely to train with the Delhi team in Rajkot
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli's participation in the upcoming Delhi Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter against Saurashtra remains uncertain but there is a good chance that he will be named in the squad for the match. There are reports that Kohli might join the Delhi cricket team in Rajkot and train with them.
The Delhi team is scheduled to leave on January 20, with two training sessions scheduled before the match in Rajkot. According to a senior DDCA official, Kohli is likely to be named in the Delhi squad but with “subject to availability” next to his name.
However, Kohli's case will become clearer after a key meeting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on January 17. This meeting will be between the senior men's selection committee and coach Sarandeep Singh, who will finalize the Ranji squad after a net session with the odds.
Will BCCI give any relief to Virat Kohli after issuing strict guidelines?
Meanwhile, the BCCI has made it mandatory for all international players to participate in domestic matches to remain eligible for India selection and a central contract. So, it will be interesting to see if Kohli returns to Ranji cricket after 12 years if he gets clearance.
However, the BCCI can grant relaxation to those in “extraordinary circumstances” with the approval of senior selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. As Kohli has retired from T20I cricket and the ODI series against England is two weeks away, the former Indian skipper is very likely to be asked to play for Delhi if his neck problem is not that bad, especially given his terrible form with the bat on the field. recent tour in Australia.