Rishabh Pant to Play for Delhi in Ranji Trophy, Kohli’s Participation Unclear
By Aayush Pathak in 2 hours
Rishabh Pant is set to make a comeback in domestic red-ball cricket as he confirms his availability for Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra. The game is scheduled to begin in Rajkot on January 23. This will be Pant’s first Ranji Trophy appearance since the 2017-18 season.
Pant Ready for Red-Ball Action
Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, Pant has confirmed his availability for the next Ranji game and will join the squad in Rajkot directly.”
Pant’s return to the domestic circuit comes at a crucial time. Several formal Indian cricketers including Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri urged Indian Test players to play more red-ball cricket to regain form.
Kohli’s Participation Still Uncertain
While Pant’s return is confirmed, there’s no clarity on Virat Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy. Kohli last played for Delhi in the 2012 season. The DDCA has included both Kohli and Pant in their list of probables for the remainder of the season, but Kohli’s inclusion in the final squad depends on his availability.
Sharma added, “We want Virat to play, but we haven’t heard from him yet.”
Speculation around Kohli’s potential return to domestic cricket has been rife, especially after his struggles in the recent Test series against Australia. His issues outside the off stump have been a concern, with several dismissals caught behind the wicket.
Rohit Sharma’s Red-Ball Focus
Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, was seen training with the Mumbai team ahead of the next round of Ranji matches. His availability for Mumbai’s next game remains uncertain, but his participation could be a step towards regaining form ahead of India’s upcoming Test assignments.
Besides Pant and Kohli, Delhi has named 38 players in their probable list for the remaining two Ranji games. Fast bowler Harshit Rana, however, is unavailable as he’s part of India’s T20 squad for the England series. Delhi currently sits fourth in Group D, with 14 points from five matches.
Expert Opinions on Domestic Cricket Participation
Former cricketers have voiced their support for India’s Test players participating in the Ranji Trophy to improve their red-ball form. Gavaskar emphasised the importance of playing domestic cricket, especially for players struggling with their technique.
“It’s important to play competitive red-ball cricket to get back into form. The Ranji Trophy is the best platform to do that,” Gavaskar said in a recent interview.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also expected to turn out for their respective state teams, Punjab and Mumbai, in the upcoming matches. Both young players have been in stellar form and are looking to continue their impressive run in the domestic circuit.
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