As suspense continues over Virat Kohli's inclusion in the next round of Delhi's Ranji Trophy 2025 campaign, the star player has received a blunt message from the Delhi & District Cricket Association. Rishabh Pant, another player from Delhi, has already made himself available for selection, while a number of other players such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have also agreed to play in the Ranji Trophy. Although Kohli has been included in Delhi's provisional squad, there is still no confirmation on his availability.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma has urged Kohli to leave the Mumbai cricketers behind and play Delhi's next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, starting on January 23.
“Virat Kohli's name is on the likely list. Rishabh Pant has confirmed that he will be available for selection for Delhi's Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra in Rajkot on January 23. Virat should take inspiration from Mumbai cricketers and for Delhi should play in domestic cricket anytime.” He is available. In Mumbai, there has always been a culture of their Indian players turning up for Ranji matches whenever they are available. That is lacking in the north, especially in Delhi,” Sharma was quoted as saying by the IndianExpress.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also made its position clear on the issue at a recent review meeting, suggesting that those who are available and are keen to extend their Test careers should play the Ranji Trophy. But Virat remains silent about this.
“The BCCI has also said that players should participate in domestic cricket. I feel Virat should play at least one match,” Sharma said.
DDCA chairman Rohan Jaitley, however, takes a slightly different view. While he wants Kohli to play the Ranji Trophy for Delhi, he believes other factors need to be taken into account as well.
“There should be, but there are too many moving parts,” Jaitely told the newspaper. “With the amount of cricket they (cricketers) play, they have to be at the top level. Several factors have to be looked at.”
“It is exceptionally important to take part in domestic tournaments. If you have a national assignment you obviously cannot take part, but otherwise you should. Because the players are managed by the NCA (National Cricket Academy) and the national selectors , there are several things, based on about their tax management, etc. But they have to keep domestic cricket on their priority list, which is exceptionally important,” he said.
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