Win Projections to be updated soon
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has included star players Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in their list of 84 probables for the upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. This announcement has generated excitement among fans, marking Kohli’s first appearance in a probable list since 2019. However, his participation is likely to be limited due to impending international commitments.
A Long-Awaited Return for Kohli
Kohli’s inclusion in the probable squad is particularly notable as it represents his potential return to domestic cricket after a lengthy absence. The last time he played a Ranji Trophy match was back in the 2012-13 season, where he scored 14 and 42 runs against Uttar Pradesh. Since then, he has established himself as one of the leading batsmen in international cricket, making this call-up a significant moment for Delhi cricket fans.
Despite the excitement surrounding his name, it is essential to recognize that Kohli will be focusing on the upcoming five-Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16, just days after Delhi opens its Ranji Trophy campaign against Chhattisgarh on October 11. This tight schedule raises questions about whether he will actually take the field for Delhi.
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback Trail
Rishabh Pant has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team after a year-and-a-half-long injury layoff following a serious car accident in December 2022. The wicket-keeper batter has been included in India’s Test squad for the ongoing series against Bangladesh, where he scored a century in the first Test.
Despite his long layoff, Pant has shown glimpses of his form in recent matches. He played one game in the Delhi Premier League and participated in the first round of the Duleep Trophy. In the T20 World Cup, Pant was part of the winning Indian team and was also Delhi Capitals‘ highest run-scorer in the IPL.
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BCCI’s Push for Domestic Participation
The BCCI’s decision to include established players like Kohli and Pant in domestic competitions reflects a broader strategy to enhance the quality of domestic cricket. With recent changes to player contracts—where players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan lost their central contracts for not adhering to guidelines—the board is keen on ensuring that top players participate whenever possible.
Hardik Pandya has also committed to playing domestic cricket when his schedule allows, indicating a shift towards prioritizing domestic tournaments among India’s elite cricketers.
Upcoming Fitness Tests
As part of the selection process, a fitness test for the selected players will take place on September 26, 2024, with details communicated by the team manager. Players currently engaged with international duties will be exempt from this fitness assessment.
The anticipation surrounding Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign is palpable as fans eagerly await confirmation of whether their cricketing icons will take part. The inclusion of Kohli and Pant, even if only on paper, adds considerable star power to Delhi’s roster as they prepare to face Chhattisgarh.
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