Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are included in Delhi’s list of probables for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.
New Delhi: Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are among Delhi’s probables for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy, but their participation in the premier domestic red-ball event remains uncertain.
Former India stalwarts Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri are among those who believe the current crop of players, particularly the struggling Rohit Sharma and Kohli, should play red-ball cricket. Rohit’s workout with the Mumbai team on Tuesday attracted excitement, but it remains to be seen whether he would be fit for the next round of Ranji Trophy matches, which begin on January 23.
There has also been much talk over Kohli returning to the Ranji Trophy to regain red ball form with Rohit. Kohli last competed in the Ranji Trophy in 2012, whereas Pant did so in 2017-18.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) names its best players on the list of probables, but their selection in the final squad is dependent on their availability.
“They were also considered possible before the season began. However, it remains unclear if they would be available for the next round,” a DDCA official told PTI.
“Also, it doesn’t make much sense for them to play red ball cricket when India’s next Test is in June. It would be beneficial to the Delhi squad, but I’m not sure how playing now will benefit Kohli and Pant with no Test cricket on the horizon,” the source added.
While Rohit sat for the final Test in Australia owing to poor form, Kohli’s problems outside the off-stump exacerbated, with his count of caught in the slips rising to eight over the course of five Tests.
Apart from Kohli, Pant, and Harshit Rana, Delhi has selected 38 probables for the remaining two games. Delhi faces Saurashtra at Rajkot on January 23.
(This story was released as part of an automated syndicate wire feed. SairaTimes did not modify the copy except for the headline.)
