“Discover the excitement surrounding Virat Kohli’s potential inclusion in the Delhi team for this season’s Ranji Trophy. Fans are eager to see if the cricket star will return to domestic action after his successful international career.
Virat Kohli to Play in Upcoming Ranji Trophy Round After Recent Test Struggles
Virat Kohli’s form in Test cricket has come under intense scrutiny following India’s recent defeats in Test series against New Zealand and Australia. Kohli’s numbers have been declining since 2021, with his performance on the Australian tour raising more concerns—he was dismissed eight times to deliveries outside off-stump.
In the two series losses to New Zealand and Australia, Kohli managed just two scores above fifty. Since 2021, his Test average has dropped to 31 with only three centuries. In 2024, his average has fallen further to just 23, with one half-century and one century. As a result, the BCCI has mandated that centrally contracted players participate in domestic cricket when not involved in international matches.
While players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant will feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy round starting January 23, Kohli is set to play in the next round.
Will Virat Kohli Feature in Delhi’s Last Ranji Trophy Group Match?
Virat Kohli is set to make his return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, as he will play in Delhi’s final group match against Railways, starting on January 30. Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed Kohli’s availability for the game to ESPNcricinfo.
However, Kohli will miss Delhi’s upcoming match against Saurashtra, starting on January 23 in Rajkot, due to reported neck pain. He has informed the BCCI about this issue.
Kohli had reportedly received an injection for neck pain following India’s 3-1 defeat in the Test series against Australia.
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji match will take place from January 30 to February 2, just three days before the start of India’s ODI series against England. Kohli has been named in the squad for the three-match series and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.