Virat Kohli succumbing to pressure from BCCI, willing to play in Ranji Trophy? A new update is coming

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, who last featured in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012, could feature in the domestic tournament next week. According to the latest reports, Virat Kohli is expected to join the Delhi Ranji team in Rajkot ahead of their upcoming match against Saurashtra.

There is uncertainty over whether Virat Kohli will feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. With India’s next Test series against England scheduled after a gap of five months, Kohli is under scrutiny following his poor form in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia.

Virat Kohli is all set to join the Delhi team in Rajkot and train with the team

According to a report in Cricbuzz on Thursday, Virat Kohli is yet to officially confirm his availability for the match against Saurashtra, scheduled to start on January 23. However, the 36-year-old batsman “will join the Delhi team in Rajkot and train”. with the team even if he didn’t play the game.”

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for the upcoming match, and is likely to lead the team. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma stated that the squad will be announced on Friday, but they are yet to receive any confirmation from Kohli about his participation.

“We will announce the squad tomorrow (Friday) and so far we have not heard from Virat,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Delhi face a must-win scenario ahead of the Ranji Trophy clash against Saurashtra

Delhi find themselves in a tough spot in the Ranji Trophy as they need to win their next two matches to secure a place in the round of 16. Delhi are currently fourth in Group D with 14 points from five matches, behind Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh, who both have 19 points.

The team will play Saurashtra away in their next match, followed by a home match against Railways. The inclusion of Rishabh Pant could strengthen Delhi’s squad. Wins in both matches are essential to keep their knockout hopes alive in the red ball tournament.

Availability of Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul for upcoming Ranji Trophy matches

Ravindra Jadeja may feature for Saurashtra in their Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. Jadeja, who struggled with the ball in the last three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, delayed his return from Australia to spend time with his family.

The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) remains hopeful about his participation, with an official saying that while there is a chance he will play, no confirmation has been received yet.

“There are possibilities, but at this stage we haven’t heard from him yet,” said an SCA official.

There is uncertainty over KL Rahul’s availability for Karnataka’s upcoming Elite Group C match against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. KSCA president Raghuram Bhat confirmed that the association has no information about Rahul’s involvement.

India’s leading batsman Shubman Gill will represent Punjab in the match while players like Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal are expected to feature in the Karnataka XI.

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