Home
India's senior batter Virat Kohli marked his return to Ranji Trophy after over 12 years. Kohli made a return amidst calls for senior players to play domestic cricket after the Border-Gavaskar series loss on Australian soil. Kohli did not last long at the crease and was dismissed for just six runs by Railways' Sarandeep Singh. But Ayush Badoni-led Delhi were boosted by Kohli's return and beat Railways by an innings and 19 runs. After Delhi's Ranji Trophy season came on an end, coach Sarandeep Singh revealed that Kohli has confirmed he will return if he gets another opportunity.
“There is a definite commitment. Whenever he will get an opportunity, he said he will definitely come,” Sarandeep told HT.
As Kohli played Ranji Trophy, thousands of fans flocked to the Arun Jaitley Stadium for Delhi's dead rubber game as they were already out of knockout contention. Sarandeep said that Kohli has the intent to play domestic cricket but packed international schedule keeps him busy.
“He loves and wants to play domestic cricket but because he plays all three formats (two formats as Kohli retired from T20Is after T20 World Cup 2024 title win) in international cricket, it is busy and hectic. The domestic season also coincides with the international schedule and sometimes he also needs rest,” he said.
Kohli effect on Delhi players
While Kohli could not contribute much with the bat, he helped Delhi cricketers by interacting with them.
“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 learnt 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,” he added.
Kohli will now join the Indian camp ahead of the three-ODI series against England starting February 6. It will serve as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
ADVERTISEMENT
