The Star batter Virat Kohli who played his last Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012, could be likely seen in action in the domestic tournament next week.
According to reports, the 36-year-old right-handed batter is yet to officially confirm his availability for Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match against Saurashtra from January 23, it is likely that Virat “will join the Delhi team in Rajkot and train with the team even if he were not to play in the match.”
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has already confirmed his availability for the match to Delhi and Delhi Cricket Association (DDCA) officials and there is a high possibility that he will lead the side as well.
“We will announce the squad tomorrow (Friday), and as of now we have not heard from Virat,” said DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma.
However, it is reported that Ravindra Jadeja could take the field for the home team. Jadeja who failed to perform in the last three Border Gavaskar Trophy has returned to India after delaying his departure from Australia to spend some time with Family.
According to Saurashtra Cricket Association official, there is hope that the World No. 1 all-rounder will play in the match against Delhi.
“There are chances, but at this stage we have not heard from him yet,” said an SCA official.
Meanwhile, there is no clarity over KL Rahul‘s participation in Kanataka’s Elite Group C match against Punjab at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
According to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, the association has no knowledge of Rahul’s participation. On the other hand, Shubman Gill is set to play for Punjab and the likes of Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt padikkal are almost certain to be part of Karnataka’s playing 11.
India’s Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma was spotted with Mumbai’s Ranji Team at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, but the right-handed batter is yet to confirm his availability for the match.
Mumbai is set to face Jammu & Kashmir in the Elite Group A match at Wankhede Stadium from January 23. Rohit hasn’t played a Ranji Trophy match for the 42-time Champions since 2015.
The match against Jammu & Kashmir is a must win for Mumbai to keep its chances of finishing in the top two alive and advance to the knockouts.
