Delhi’s Ranji Trophy team has announced a 22-member preliminary team for the next match against Saurashtra, which also includes Virat Kohli’s name. This match will be played in Rajkot from January 23. However, there is doubt on Kohli’s playing, as he has suffered a slight neck injury. Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials said that Kohli himself has informed them about this injury.
Kohli’s injury status
According to sources, Kohli suffered this injury in the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. At that time the Indian team’s physio had examined his condition. But it is not clear yet whether Kohli will play Ranji matches or will only go to Rajkot to train with the team. Kohli will soon inform DDCA President Rohan Jaitley about his fitness.
Interestingly, Kohli last played red ball cricket for Delhi in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh. A year later, Sachin Tendulkar played his last Ranji match against Haryana in Lahli.
Rishabh Pant rejected captaincy
At the same time, Team India’s wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant will be seen playing Ranji Trophy after almost eight years. However, he has refused to accept the captaincy of the Delhi team. Young player Ayush Badoni has been made the captain in his place.
A senior member of DDCA told that Pant believes that the regular captaincy of the team should be given to a player who is available all the time. Pant said, “I am happy to play under Badoni’s captaincy.”
22 players have been selected in the team, including five Under-23 players. These players will play the CK Nayudu Under-23 match against Chhattisgarh in Bhilai from January 25.
BCCI’s emphasis on domestic cricket, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it mandatory for all centrally contracted players to play domestic cricket. In such a situation, Yashasvi Jaiswal is playing for Mumbai and Shubman Gill for Punjab. At the same time, Rohit Sharma is also practicing with Mumbai’s Ranji team, but his playing is not confirmed.
The participation of Indian star players in domestic cricket will give young players a great opportunity to learn. Having big names like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant on the field will act as an inspiration for the audience as well as the team. The final decision regarding Kohli’s injury will be taken before the match. BCCI physios are constantly monitoring Rishabh Pant’s fitness.
The participation of top players in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches is expected to increase the competition and interest in the tournament.
