Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli has been advised to represent Delhi in domestic cricket competitions by Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma. In reference to Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who was recently spotted practising at the Wankhede Stadium with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy team, Sharma urged that Kohli draw inspiration from the Mumbai players. Fans speculated that Rohit would take the same approach to solve his recent struggles in all forms, even though he has not yet confirmed his attendance at Mumbai's home game. Kohli along with Rishabh Pant was also named in Delhi’s provisional squad for the final two rounds of Ranji Trophy fixtures.
DDCA secretary on Kohli and Pant
The DDCA secretary also said that he is hoping both star players will feature in at least one of these crucial matches, ahead of the upcoming edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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"Both Virat and Rishabh’s names are in the probable list. The Ranji Trophy camp is underway. Virat should take inspiration from the Mumbai cricketers and play for Delhi in domestic cricket, whenever he is available. See in Mumbai, there has always been a culture where their India players turn up for Ranji matches whenever available. It is missing in the North, especially in Delhi. The BCCI has also mentioned players should participate in domestic cricket. I feel Virat and Rishabh should play at least one game, but I don’t think they will" Ashok Sharma said.
Virat's performance in his last Ranji game
Virat Kohli last featured in a Ranji Trophy match back in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. The match also featured big names Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, and Ashish Nehra for Delhi. On the other hand, UP played the game with names like Mohammad Kaif, Suresh Raina and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Delhi only managed to score 235 runs in the first innings after batting first. After Virat scored 14, Bhuvi took him out. Ashish Nehra took three wickets for Delhi as UP responded with a strong 403. Delhi did put on a far better show in the following innings, but it was unable to save a loss. UP scored 158/4 in 39.2 overs and won by six wickets. loss. Virat contributed 43 runs, while Virender Sehwag dominated the middle order. Ultimately, UP reached 158/4 in 39.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.