Virat Kohli succumbs to BCCI's pressure, set to play Ranji Trophy? Fresh update arrives

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, who last participated in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012, might make an appearance in the domestic tournament next week. According to the latest reports, Virat Kohli is expected to join the Delhi Ranji team in Rajkot ahead of their next match against Saurashtra.

There is uncertainty about whether Virat Kohli will participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. With India's next Test series against England scheduled after a five-month gap, Kohli is under scrutiny following his poor form in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia.

Virat Kohli Set to Join Delhi Team in Rajkot and Train with the Squad

According to a report in Cricbuzz on Thursday, Virat Kohli has not yet officially confirmed his availability for the match against Saurashtra, scheduled to begin on January 23. However, the 36-year-old batter “will join the Delhi team in Rajkot and train with the team even if he were not to play in the match."

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for the upcoming match, and he is likely to lead the team. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma stated that the squad will be announced on Friday, but they have not yet received any confirmation from Kohli regarding his participation.

“We will announce the squad tomorrow (Friday), and as of now we have not heard from Virat," DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Delhi Faces Must-Win Scenario Ahead of Ranji Trophy Clash Against Saurashtra

Delhi is in a challenging situation in the Ranji Trophy as they must win their next two matches to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Delhi is currently placed fourth in Group D with 14 points from five games, behind Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh, who both have 19 points.

The team will play Saurashtra away in their next match, followed by a home game against Railways. The inclusion of Rishabh Pant could strengthen Delhi's squad. Victories in both fixtures are essential to keep their knockout hopes alive in the red-ball tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul’s Availability for Upcoming Ranji Trophy Matches

Ravindra Jadeja may feature for Saurashtra in their Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. Jadeja, who struggled with the ball in the last three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, delayed his return from Australia to spend time with his family.

The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) remains hopeful about his participation, with an official stating that while there are chances of him playing, no confirmation has been received yet.

“There are chances, but at this stage we have not heard from him yet," said an SCA official.

There is uncertainty about KL Rahul’s availability for Karnataka’s upcoming Elite Group C match against Punjab at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. KSCA president Raghuram Bhat confirmed that the association has no information regarding Rahul's participation.

Shubman Gill, India’s top-order batter, is set to represent Punjab in the match, while players like Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal are expected to feature in Karnataka’s XI.

Also read: Rishabh Pant makes Ashes prediction; picks between Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma