New Delhi [India], January 17: Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has been added to the Delhi squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, but his participation is subject to his availability, sources within the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) have confirmed.
According to the sources, Kohli is unlikely to feature in Delhi’s opening match against Saurashtra in Rajkot, scheduled to begin on January 23. However, he could potentially join the team for their second match against Railways, starting on January 30.
This news comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implemented a new policy, making participation in domestic matches mandatory for players to remain eligible for national team selection and central contracts. The policy emphasizes that participating in domestic cricket is crucial to maintaining a connection with the cricket ecosystem, ensuring match fitness, and fostering talent development. Exceptions will be made only under extraordinary circumstances, with approval required from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
The BCCI’s stricter stance on domestic cricket participation follows India’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which also ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. This defeat, coupled with a home whitewash by New Zealand prior to the Australia series, has fueled debates on whether international stars should play more domestic cricket.
In line with this, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has also rejoined Mumbai’s squad ahead of their second-phase Ranji Trophy fixtures, as confirmed by ESPNcricinfo. Additionally, Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab’s Ranji fixture against Karnataka, set to begin on January 23.
If Kohli does play in the Ranji Trophy, it would be his first appearance in the competition since 2012. His last Ranji match was in November 2012, where he scored 14 and 42 runs in a match against Uttar Pradesh. Over his career, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches, accumulating 11,479 runs at an average of 48.23, including 37 centuries and 39 fifties.
Delhi will benefit from his inclusion, especially given their current fourth-place standing in the group, with one win, one loss, and three draws, totaling 14 points. Kohli’s return to domestic cricket could also help him regain form, after a lackluster year in 2023, where his Test stats notably declined. In 10 Tests last year, he scored just 417 runs at an average of 24.52, including one century and one fifty.
Playing in the Ranji Trophy could serve as a valuable opportunity for Kohli to rediscover his form ahead of future international commitments.