Virat Kohli rejects Delhi's major Ranji Trophy request

Team India star batter Virat Kohli will play in Delhi's upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Railways, scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 30. Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) reportedly approached Virat Kohli to take on the captaincy, but the 36-year-old batter declined the offer.

Virat Kohli is set to return to play domestic cricket for Delhi after 12 years. This will be his first appearance in the red-ball domestic competition since November 2012. The right-handed batter was initially expected to play in Delhi's recent match against Saurashtra, but a neck sprain delayed his comeback.

Virat Kohli Declines DDCA Offer to Take Over Captaincy in Upcoming Game

According to a report by Times of India, Virat Kohli has declined the captaincy offer for Delhi's Ranji Trophy match against Railways. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter Ayush Badoni will continue to lead the side.

A DDCA official mentioned that Kohli informed coach Sarandeep Singh about his willingness to practice with the team, highlighting the valuable experience this interaction would provide to the Delhi players.

"Kohli informed coach Sarandeep Singh about his willingness to train with the team. It will be a great experience for the Delhi players if they get to spend so much time with him," a DDCA official said.

Virat is considered one of the greatest Test captains in history and statistically India's best. The last time Kohli captained Delhi was during the Challenger Trophy in September 2013.

Rishabh Pant Set to Miss Ranji Trophy Game Against Railways

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who had a lackluster performance in Delhi's previous match against Saurashtra, will not participate in their upcoming game against Railways. Pant has been advised to rest to prepare for the upcoming white-ball season, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Pant has been playing first-class cricket since Duleep Trophy in September. He has played 12 first-class matches in the last three-and-a-half months. With the Champions Trophy around the corner, he has been advised rest in order to get ready for the white-ball season,” a DDCA official told the national daily.

Ayush Badoni will captain Delhi in their upcoming Elite Group D match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi is currently in sixth place on the points table. The Railways, who are in fourth, will consider this game crucial for securing a spot in the knockout stages.

Virat Kohli Trained with Former India Batting Coach Ahead of Ranji Trophy Return

Virat Kohli joined his Delhi teammates at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday ahead of his Ranji Trophy return. Kohli engaged in training under the supervision of Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh. Prior to this, he trained in Alibaug with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, focusing on his backfoot game.

The 36-year-old returned to domestic cricket after criticism of his recent performances, including a poor home series against New Zealand and the Australia tour. He began the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with an unbeaten century but ended the series with 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75.

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