New Delhi: Star India batter Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi’s 22-member provisional squad for their next Ranji Trophy game. Delhi will play their next match against Saurashtra in Rajkot but since Kohli is nursing a niggle, doubts remain about his participation in the clash.
It is being learnt that Kohli has already informed the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) top brass that he is suffering from a neck niggle that he sustained during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He was seen being treated by the physio there this month and there is no clarity on his availability for the match which starts on January 23.
Clarity expected in next few days
Clarity is expected in next few days only after the star batter details his position to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley on whether he will play the match or just fly down to Rajkot for a some training sessions. It has been more than 12 years when Kohli last played a red-ball match for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.
After India’s loss against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli and some other senior cricketers have faced a lot of criticism for their poor form and inability to cope up with pressure during high-octane clashes. This was followed by advices from all the quarters that the veteran players like Kohli and even Rohit Sharma should participate in domestic matches so as to regain their form.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to feature in a Ranji Trophy match after almost seven years. It has been learnt that he has declines the captain’s role at his state team which means Ayush Badoni will continue as the leader. This comes after the Indian cricket board made it mandatory for all the centrally-contracted cricketers to play domestic cricket matches unless there is some compelling reason to skip the assignment.
Among the big names who have already confirmed for upcoming Ranji game is Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will turn up for Mumbai, and Shubman Gill who will represent Punjab in the next round.
Delhi will play their next match against Saurashtra in Rajkot but since Virat Kohli is nursing a niggle, doubts remain about his participation in the clash. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
