Virat Kohli is set to make a rare appearance in domestic cricket, featuring for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy group match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This marks his first domestic game since 2012. Despite being offered the captaincy for the game, Kohli declined the role, leaving Ayush Badoni to continue leading the side.
A Return Without Leadership
According to a report by the Times of India, Kohli was approached to take on the captaincy role given his stature as one of India’s greatest Test captains. However, much like Rishabh Pant, Kohli opted not to take the responsibility. The last time Kohli captained Delhi was during the Challenger Trophy in September 2013.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who struggled in Delhi’s previous game against Saurashtra, has been rested for this fixture. A DDCA official explained that Pant has played 12 first-class matches since the Duleep Trophy in September and has been advised to rest ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Back to the Nets at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Before joining the Delhi team, Kohli trained in Alibaug under the guidance of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. On Tuesday, he arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium at 9 AM to practice with his teammates. After a warm-up session and a team huddle, Kohli engaged in a light football match with the squad.
The Delhi team’s practice session, overseen by head coach Sarandeep Singh, saw Kohli in high spirits despite his recent struggles with the bat. Following a disappointing run in the home series against New Zealand and the tour of Australia, Kohli appeared relaxed and focused on preparing for the upcoming match.
A Crucial Game for Kohli
Kohli’s participation in this Ranji Trophy match is a significant moment for domestic cricket fans. As one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, his return is expected to provide a boost to the Delhi team and inspire younger players in the squad. While he has chosen not to take up the captaincy, his presence alone adds immense value to the team’s prospects in this crucial match.
