Virat Kohli’s participation in the upcoming round of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy 2025 campaign is still up in the air, but the Delhi & District Cricket Association has given the star batsman a direct message. Delhi-born player Rishabh Pant has already declared himself available for selection, while several other players, like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, have also committed to participate in the Ranji Trophy. Despite being included in Delhi’s initial roster.
Kohli’s availability has not yet been confirmed. Ashok Sharma, secretary of the DDCA, has encouraged Kohli to follow the example set by the Mumbai cricketers and play against Saurashtra in Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy match starting on January 23. In a recent review meeting, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also made its position on the subject. This recommended that available players.
They are keen to extend their Test careers and participate in the Ranji Trophy. Virat, meanwhile, has remained silent about the issue. However, Rohan Jaitley, the head of the DDCA, has a somewhat different view. Despite his desire for Kohli to represent Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. He believes that other considerations must also be acknowledged.
Delhi Cricket Sends Shockwaves
Sharma was quoted as saying by the Indian Express that Virat Kohli’s name is on the probables list and mentioned that Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra in Rajkot on January 23. He suggested that Kohli should take inspiration from Mumbai cricketers and play domestic cricket for Delhi whenever he is available. Sharma pointed out that Mumbai has a culture of its Indian players participating in Ranji matches.
It is a culture that feels is missing in the North, particularly in Delhi. Sharma said, “The BCCI has also mentioned players should participate in domestic cricket. I feel Virat should play at least one game.” Further more Rohan Jaitely added, “He should, but there are too many moving parts. With the amount of cricket that they (cricketers) are playing, they have to be at the top of their fitness. Multiple factors have to be looked at.”
