New Delhi: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play for the Delhi men’s cricket team in the second phase of Ranji Trophy 2024-25. This will mark his return to India’s premier red-ball competition after seven years.
Delhi is scheduled to play against Saurashtra from January 23 to 26 in Rajkot as the Ranji Trophy returns for the final two rounds before proceeding to the knockout stage. Delhi and District Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma said that Pant has made himself available to play for the Saurashtra fixture.
“Rishabh Pant has confirmed that he will be available for selection for Delhi’s Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra in Rajkot,” Ashok Sharma told The Indian Express.
Earlier in the day, the same publication reported that Sharma mentioning that Pant and Virat Kohli are in the list of probables for their final two Ranji Trophy matches against Saurashtra and Railways. However, the state association isn’t expecting Kohli to turn up for the matches. Sharma even asked Kohli to take a cue from Mumbai cricketers to make themselves available for domestic matches.
Pant’s availability will be a massive boost for Delhi as they are in contention to qualify for knockout stage. The team currently sits on fourth position in the Elite Group D with just one win from five matches and three draws to rake 14 points.
The Indian gloveman, who recently participated in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia down under, last played in the Ranji Trophy in the 2017 final against Vidarbha, which Delhi lost by nine wickets. Pant was the captain of Delhi back then.
Pant’s decision comes after reports suggest that Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have also confirmed their availability to play for Punjab and Mumbai, respectively, in the resumption of the Ranji season. This comes after Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed on the significance of ‘players should play domestic cricket when available’ after India’s 3-1 loss to Australia in the Test series.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play for the Delhi men’s cricket team in the second phase of Ranji Trophy 2024-25. This will mark his return to India’s premier red-ball competition after seven years. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
