Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, who last featured in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012, might feature in the domestic tournament next week. According to the latest reports, Virat Kohli is expected to join the Delhi Ranji squad in Rajkot ahead of their next match against Saurashtra.
It is uncertain whether Virat Kohli will participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. With India’s next Test series against England scheduled after a five-month break, Kohli is under scrutiny following his poor form in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia.
Virat Kohli will 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, which is scheduled for 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 play in the match.”
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for the upcoming match and is likely to lead the team. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said that the squad will be announced on Friday but they have not yet received any confirmation from Kohli regarding 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 are facing a must-win scenario ahead of their Ranji Trophy clash against Saurashtra
Delhi are in a challenging situation in the Ranji Trophy as they need to win their next two matches to secure a place in the knockout stage. Delhi are currently fourth in Group D with 14 points from five matches, behind Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh, who have 19 points each.
The team will play Saurashtra away in their next game, followed by a home game against Railways. The inclusion of Rishabh Pant could strengthen Delhi’s squad. Wins in both matches are essential to keep their knockout hopes alive in the red tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul availability for upcoming Ranji Trophy matches
Ravindra Jadeja could feature for Saurashtra in their Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. Jadeja, who has 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 of his participation and an official said that while there is a chance that he will play, no confirmation has been received yet.
“There are chances, but at this stage we have not heard from him 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 about Rahul’s involvement.
Shubman Gill, India’s best batsman, is set to represent Punjab in the match, while the likes of Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal are expected to feature in Karnataka’s XI.
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