Star batter Virat Kohli is set to make his return to domestic cricket by playing for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Railways. The game is scheduled from January 30 to February 2 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. This marks Kohli’s first appearance in the First Class competition since November 2012, when he rplayed against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.
Confirmation from DDCA President
Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s participation, stating, “Kohli spoke to me and confirmed his availability for the Railways game.”
Kohli’s Recent Absence
Virat Kohli was initially named in the squad for the match against Saurashtra but had to withdraw due to a neck sprain. He is expected to join the Indian team for the three-match ODI series against England, followed by the Champions Trophy. The Ranji fixture provides the 36-year-old with an opportunity to regain form ahead of these international commitments.
BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently mandated that centrally contracted players participate in domestic cricket to be eligible for national selection. This policy aims to strengthen the domestic circuit and provide players with ample match practice. As a result, several prominent Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, are set to feature in the upcoming round of Ranji Trophy matches starting January 23.
Impact on Delhi’s Lineup
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is anticipated to boost Delhi’s lineup and provide valuable experience to the team. His participation underscores the importance of domestic cricket in India’s cricketing ecosystem and highlights the commitment of top players to the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
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