Virat Kohli has been added to the Delhi squad for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy matches. His availability will decide whether he is available to play, according to sources from the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Though Kohli is not likely to play for Delhi when they launch their campaign against Saurashtra in Group D at Rajkot on January 23, sources indicate that he may be available for the second match against Railways from January 30.
The decision has come after the board enforcing a sharper policy for international cricket players participating in domestic cricket activities by the BCCI. Last week, in a statement recently made, BCCI declared mandatory participation of local games for one’s eligibility as well as remaining under consideration by the national camp and central contract.
The BCCI statement stated that participation in domestic cricket is required to maintain contact with the cricket environment, aid in player development, keep fit, and strengthen the domestic structure. It also provides opportunities for new talent to compete against the best players. Any deviation from this principle shall be made only in exceptional cases and would be subject to the Chairman of the Selection Committee’s approval.
The BCCI’s stand has come after India’s disappointing loss to Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 that put an end to their hope of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. This is after India was defeated 0-3 at home by New Zealand, which raised the question of regular participation of international stars in domestic cricket.
Earlier this week, Rohit Sharma also rejoined Mumbai’s squad for the 2nd phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, while Shubman Gill confirmed his availability for Punjab’s sixth-round fixture against Karnataka, starting January 23 in Bengaluru.
If Kohli plays in the Ranji Trophy, it would mark his first appearance in the competition since 2012. His last Ranji match was against Uttar Pradesh in November 2012, where he scored 14 and 42 runs in the two innings, dismissed by pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Over his career in first-class cricket, Kohli has accumulated 11,479 runs in 155 matches, with 37 centuries and 39 fifties at an average of 48.23, including a best score of 254*.
Kohli’s return could provide a significant boost to Delhi’s campaign, as they currently sit fourth in their group with a win, a loss, and three draws, totaling 14 points.
Participation in domestic cricket could help Virat Kohli address his recent form, particularly in Tests. In 2024, he managed just 417 runs in 10 Test matches at an average of 24.52, with only one century and one fifty. Across all international formats, Kohli’s performance in 2024 was disappointing, scoring just 655 runs at an average of 21.83 in 32 innings, including only 1 century and 2 half-centuries.
During the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli scored 751 runs in 14 matches, averaging 32.65 with two centuries and three fifties. Since 2020, in 39 Test matches, he has scored 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, with three centuries and nine fifties. His best Test score in this period is 186.
With inputs from ANI.