Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most celebrated players, is gearing up for a much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year gap. The former Indian captain will feature for Delhi in their fixture against Railways, scheduled to begin on January 30. Kohli, who missed Delhi’s January 23 game against Saurashtra due to neck stiffness, has now been confirmed to rejoin the team.
“We are thrilled that Kohli has chosen to represent Delhi again after all these years,” a source from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) told Hindustan Times.
Kohli’s Ranji Trophy Journey So Far
Having played 23 Ranji matches for Delhi, Kohli boasts an impressive record, scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.77. His tally includes five centuries, with his most notable season being 2009-10, where he amassed 374 runs in just three matches at an astounding average of 93.50.
Kohli’s last Ranji appearance came in the 2012-13 season against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 57 runs. However, one of the most iconic moments in Kohli’s domestic career occurred in 2006 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla). Despite the tragic loss of his father overnight, Kohli resumed his innings the next day, scoring a resilient 90 runs before attending the funeral. This instance has since been etched as a testament to Kohli’s mental strength and dedication.
Recent Challenges in Form
Kohli has faced challenges in recent Test matches, including inconsistent performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite a century in the Perth Test, he struggled for consistency, accumulating just 190 runs in the series. A recurring flaw saw him repeatedly edging deliveries outside the off-stump, leading to similar dismissals. His frustration was evident, especially during the Sydney Test, where another edge saw him visibly agitated.
Over the last four years, Kohli has managed only three Test centuries, lagging behind his peers in the ‘Fab Four’ – Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root. His recent form has raised expectations for a revival in upcoming international tournaments, including the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy.
BCCI’s Domestic Participation Mandate
Kohli’s decision to play in the Ranji Trophy aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent directive. The BCCI has emphasized that centrally contracted players must participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection and retain their contracts.
A document accessed by Hindustan Times elaborates on the importance of this mandate:
“Participation in domestic matches ensures players stay connected to the domestic cricket structure, maintain match fitness, and inspire upcoming talent by competing alongside them.”
The policy has seen other top players like Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal confirm their availability for the current Ranji Trophy season. The BCCI has also warned that non-compliance could result in disciplinary action, ranging from suspension from tournaments, including the IPL, to financial penalties.
Kohli’s Return Brings High Expectations
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket not only boosts Delhi’s prospects in the Ranji Trophy but also provides an opportunity for emerging players to share the field with a modern legend. Fans and cricketing experts alike will watch closely to see if Kohli’s domestic stint can help him regain his best form ahead of upcoming international challenges.
