In a major boost for the Delhi team ahead of their crucial match against Railways, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is set to feature in the upcoming encounter.
Last week, Kohli confirmed his availability for Delhi’s final group match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Railways, scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from January 30
Virat Kohli is set to make his return to Ranji Trophy and play for Delhi against Railways.
Several Indian cricket stars, including captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, participated in the latest round of matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, as per the BCCI’s directive. After India’s 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25, the BCCI introduced guidelines for centrally contracted players to feature in domestic cricket when available.
Virat Kohli missed Delhi’s previous match due to neck pain but is now set to play in the Ranji Trophy after a long break.
When Was the Last Time Virat Kohli Played a Ranji Trophy Match?
Virat Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy came in 2012. At that time, he was a young player, featuring under the captaincy of Virender Sehwag against Uttar Pradesh in November 2012. Kohli scored 14 and 43 runs in a match that saw Delhi lose by six wickets.
Recently, Kohli trained with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar at a Reliance cricket facility in Alibaug, ahead of his departure for Delhi. Videos and photos of Kohli’s net sessions with Bangar have been circulating widely on social media.
Bangar, who was the batting coach during Kohli’s peak years from 2014 to 2019, has once again been sought by Kohli, especially after his recent struggles outside the off-stump in Australia.
The final round of Ranji matches is set to conclude on February 2nd, just four days before the ODI series between India and England begins. Kohli is part of the ODI squad for the England series, as well as the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.