India's senior batters Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will not feature in their respective state sides' next Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash. The senior duo informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical staff about the niggles they have been carrying since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Kohli had taken an injection on January 8, three days after India lost the Sydney Test and the series with it. He will not feature in Delhi's next game against Saurashtra. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will mark his return to the Ranji Trophy on January 23.
On the other hand, Rahul will not play in Karnataka's home clash against Punjab due to an elbow injury. Earlier this week, the BCCI issued a long list of dos and don'ts which states that players will need permission from the national chairman of selectors if they are not available to play domestic cricket.
Kohli, Rahul unlikely for last round of Ranji Trophy?
The new development comes on the day of the announcement of India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Before the Champions Trophy, India will prepare for the big event with a three-ODI series at home against England starting February 6.
Kohli and Rahul can still feature in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash. The final round of the group stage will start on January 30. However, it is to close to the ODI series against England and the players are unlikely to turn up for their respective sides.
Players confirmed for next round of Ranji Trophy
So far, three players -- Pant, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja -- are confirmed to play in the next round of Ranji Trophy. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been practising with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad. Skipper Rohit Sharma turned up for practice as well but is yet to confirm his availability.