Rishabh Pant rejects Delhi Ranji Team captaincy; Virat Kohli to report matter to Rohan Jaitley
Published - 17 Jan 2025, 02:31 PM | Updated - 17 Jan 2025, 02:38 PM
Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has decided not to take on the captaincy for Delhi's next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, starting on Thursday, January 23. Star batter Virat Kohli has been included in the squad, but his inclusion in the playing XI for the upcoming match depends on his availability.
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant were initially included in the probable list for the domestic season, but their international commitments kept them unavailable for the first leg of the Ranji Trophy and the white-ball tournament. With the BCCI's new mandate, star players are now joining their domestic sides.
Rishabh Pant Has Said He Doesn't Want to Captain Delhi Side
Delhi's squad for the next two Ranji Trophy games has been revealed. Rishabh Pant has shown no interest in the captaincy, allowing Ayush Badoni to continue in the role. The wicketkeeper-batter, who is preparing for his comeback in the domestic tournament, has made himself available for selection.
"Delhi's squad for the next two Ranji Trophy games has been selected. Rishabh Pant has said he doesn't want to captain the side. So, Ayush Badoni remains skipper. Virat Kohli named in the squad but it is subject to availability," a Sportstar journalist wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Delhi's squad for the next two Ranji Trophy games has been selected. Rishabh Pant has said he doesn't want to captain the side. So, Ayush Badoni remains skipper. Virat Kohli named in the squad but it is subject to availability. @TheHinduSports @sportstarweb
— Vivek Krishnan (@vivek9301) January 17, 2025
Virat Kohli Was Treated for His Neck Niggle in Sydney
Revsportz reported that Virat Kohli received treatment for his neck issue in Sydney from the Team India physio. He will update DDCA president Rohan Jaitley about his availability for the upcoming Ranji matches by this evening.
"Virat Kohli was treated for his neck niggle in Sydney by Team India physio. He will inform the DDCA prez @rohanjaitley about his availability for the Ranji matches by today evening," a RevSportz journalist tweeted.
Virat Kohli was treated for his neck niggle in Sydney by Team India physio. He will inform the DDCA prez @rohanjaitley about his availability for the Ranji matches by today evening. https://t.co/xUItJL9MSg
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) January 17, 2025
Meanwhile, an ANI journalist stated that Kohli will most likely miss the first Ranji game but could join the team in the second game.
Delhi in Must-Win Situation Ahead of Ranji Trophy Clash Against Saurashtra
Rishabh Pant last played in the Ranji Trophy during the 2017-18 season. Since returning to the Indian team last year after a 15-month injury layoff caused by a car accident, he has been a regular in all three formats. However, his participation in the Ranji Trophy match is due to India's recent performance in Test cricket.
Virat Kohli had a disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India lost 1-3. He scored just 190 runs in nine innings, with an average of 23.75. Apart from an unbeaten century in the second innings of the Perth Test, Kohli failed to deliver significant contributions with the bat.
Delhi is in a must-win situation in their upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra. With 14 points from five matches, they are currently placed fourth in their group. To qualify for the knockouts, Delhi needs to win their remaining matches against Saurashtra (away) and Railways (home).
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