Star Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to play the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Saurashtra in Rajkot, on January 23. As per the report of PTI, the superstar player has informed DDCA of his availability. However, there is still no confirmation on Virat Kohli's availability as he has not given any update from his side yet. The final squad will be announced in the next few days.
"Yes Pant has confirmed his availability for next Ranji game and will join the squad in Rajkot directly. About Virat Kohli we want him to play but we haven't heard from him while Harshit Rana is selected in the T20 squad and hence is unavailable," Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma told PTI.
Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli in probable of Delhi squad
Earlier, prominent Indian batters Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli were also included in Delhi's squad as probables for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024–25 round. However, sources told India Today that as of Tuesday, January 14, neither the selectors nor Kohli had communicated their desire to play. Rishabh Pant made his final appearance in India's top first-class event in 2017, and Kohli last participated in a Ranji match in 2012.
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.
"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.
Following the Test series in Australia, head coach Gautam Gambhir also encouraged all Indian players to play domestic cricket whenever they can. Fast bowler Harshit Rana has also been included in the list of 41 likely players for the Ranji Trophy, in addition to Kohli and Pant. The three international players' inclusion is contingent upon their availability, according to the DDCA. In their upcoming Ranji Trophy round, Delhi will play Saurashtra in Rajkot starting on January 23.