Virat Kohli

Will Virat Kohli Represent Delhi in the Ranji Trophy Clash Against Saurashtra?

 

In a bold move, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has issued a strong message to Virat Kohli, urging the star batter to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. While Rishabh Pant has already confirmed his availability for Delhi’s next match against Saurashtra, Kohli’s silence on the matter has sparked widespread discussion.

 

DDCA Calls for Kohli’s Participation

 

DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma has called on Kohli to follow the example set by players in Mumbai, where cricketers regularly participate in domestic tournaments when available. Sharma emphasized that Mumbai's culture of Indian players playing in domestic matches should be a model for Delhi cricketers. “Kohli should take inspiration from Mumbai cricketers and play for Delhi whenever he is free. It's a culture that’s missing in Delhi,” Sharma shared.

Despite being named in Delhi’s provisional squad for the Ranji Trophy, Kohli’s participation remains uncertain. Rishabh Pant, along with other cricketers like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, has already agreed to play. However, Kohli’s stance has yet to be confirmed.

 

Importance of Domestic Cricket for Player Fitness

 

According to the Delhi cricket body, playing in the domestic competition is crucial for the fitness of a cricketer and also increases the length of his career. The BCCI has also aired similar sentiments in the form of encouraging the participation of players in domestic cricket.

The message is that the players who are willing to prolong their Test careers would be able to do so playing in domestic leagues like the Ranji Trophy, Sharma said urging Kohli to find time for at least one game. According to him, participation is key to a player's overall fitness.

 

DDCA President Acknowledges Complexities

 

However, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley provided a more balanced view. Though he wishes Kohli to play for Delhi, Jaitley admitted that the international schedule is very tight and that peak fitness is required.

"Cricketers need to manage their load and prioritize their fitness," Jaitley said. "There are multiple factors, but domestic cricket should remain a priority when possible."

 

Anticipation Builds as January 23 Match Approaches

 

With the Saurashtra game scheduled on January 23, the cricketing fraternity is keenly waiting to know what decision Kohli has in store. The hype and buzz created about his participation are seen by many who are awaiting this veteran batter's inclusion into the domestic circuit to represent Delhi for their season ahead.