Virat Kohli to become a regular in domestic cricket, reveals Delhi coach
Published - 03 Feb 2025, 06:22 PM
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Virat Kohli might have failed to make an impact in his return to domestic cricket after 13 years, but his presence was enough to boost Delhi’s confidence, and the result is evidence of this. The former Indian skipper made his way back to the Ranji Trophy after the BCCI made it mandatory for all the national players to play domestic cricket when they are not on national duty and they are fit.
Well, the 36-year-old’s Ranji return didn’t go as planned, as he was hoping to regain his form through the red-ball competition, but he got to bat only in the first inning against Railways. Kohli had scored only six runs, but Delhi managed to outclass Railways by an innings and 19 runs in their final group match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
There is a definite commitment: Delhi coach on Virat Kohli's return to domestic cricket
After Delhi's Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season ended with the Railways game, Sarandeep Singh revealed that Virat Kohli has confirmed he will return to domestic cricket whenever he gets another opportunity. Delhi coach mentioned that Kohli is committed to playing at the domestic level, but his busy international schedule often makes it difficult for him to be available.
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Sarandeep Singh was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, “There is a definite commitment. Whenever he gets an opportunity, he said he will definitely come. He loves and wants to play domestic cricket, but because he plays all three formats (Only Test and ODI as he retired from T20Is after T20 World Cup 2024) in international cricket, it is busy and hectic. The domestic season also coincides with the international schedule, and sometimes he also needs rest.”
Players learned a lot of things from him: Sarandeep Singh
Well, Kohli failed to contribute with the bat in Delhi’s big win over Railways, but he played a crucial role in guiding the young cricketers. Sarandeep Singh revealed that the right-handed batter regularly practiced early in the morning and then joined the batters for net sessions.
The Delhi coach stressed that Kohli’s presence boosted the players' confidence, and he shared valuable insights with them. Notably, the former Indian skipper will be next seen in action for the Men in Blue in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, starting on February 6.
The coach signed off by saying, “He had already been practicing every day. He would come at around 8 am, train a lot, and then join the other batters for the nets session at 9-9:30 am. The boys were very confident. They learned a lot of things from him. He talked to them every day about how to play disciplined cricket. That discipline should exist not just in the ground but even outside. He urged them to show character in the last game.”
Virat Kohli to hold key despite poor form for India
Kohli will also travel to Dubai with Team India for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to get underway on February 19 in Karachi.
India will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Kohli will be key to India's success in the tournament.
