The stage is set for an exciting clash in the Ranji Trophy as Delhi faces Railways in a match scheduled from January 30 to February 2. Delhi has already announced its squad for the encounter, with Ayush Badoni leading the team. The buzz around the match has intensified as reports suggest Virat Kohli might feature in the playing XI, marking his return to domestic cricket after 12 long years.
Virat Kohli to Join Delhi Squad?
While Kohli was absent in Delhi’s previous game against Saurashtra due to an injury, media reports now indicate that he has recovered and will be joining the Delhi team on Tuesday. Videos of Kohli practicing with former batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Mumbai recently went viral, further fueling speculation about his return. Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh has also confirmed Kohli’s availability for the Railways match.
Kohli’s Recent Form Raises Questions
Kohli’s potential participation in domestic cricket comes on the heels of a disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In nine innings, the star batter managed just 190 runs at an average of 23.75. This led to growing calls for senior players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja to participate in domestic tournaments to regain form and contribute to the domestic cricket ecosystem.
Delhi Squad for the Match
The Delhi team, under Ayush Badoni’s captaincy, boasts a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. The squad includes:
- Captain: Ayush Badoni
- Players: Virat Kohli, Pranav Rajvanshi, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Mayank Gusain, Shivam Sharma, Sumit Mathur, Vansh Bedi (wicketkeeper), Mani Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddharth Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dhull, and Gagan Vats.
High Stakes for Kohli
Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is not just about regaining his form but also about inspiring younger players with his presence. All eyes will be on the Delhi-Railways match to see how the former Indian captain fares on his homecoming to the domestic circuit.
This match could prove to be a defining moment, both for Delhi’s campaign in the Ranji Trophy and Kohli’s cricketing journey.
