Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli's potential return to the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year hiatus is generating significant buzz in the cricketing world. Following a disappointing performance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he managed to score only around 190 runs, Kohli's place in the Indian Test team has come under scrutiny. This has led to increased speculation about his participation in the domestic circuit, particularly as he has been included in the probable squad for Delhi in the second round of the Ranji Trophy.
Despite his inclusion in the squad, Kohli has yet to announce his availability, leaving fans and cricket analysts eagerly awaiting his decision. The star batter's struggles with form, especially against the Australian bowlers, have raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming England tour. During the 2014 series against Australia, Kohli tasted success and was in sensational form, scoring 692 runs which is the most runs by a Indian batsman in Australia.
If Kohli does participate in the Ranji Trophy, it would mark his first appearance in the tournament since 2012, making it a significant event for both him and Delhi cricket. The team is set to play Saurashtra in an away game from January 23 to 26, followed by a match against Railways from January 30 to February 2. This timeline allows Kohli to potentially participate in at least one Ranji match before taking a break ahead of the ODI series against England, which begins on February 6.
Kohli's involvement in the Ranji Trophy could serve as a crucial stepping stone for him to regain his form and confidence, providing him with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to his state team while also solidifying his place in the national setup ahead of international fixtures. The cricketing community is watching closely, as this could be a pivotal moment in Kohli's career as he seeks to bounce back from his recent struggles.