Rajkot: Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to make his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy, representing Delhi for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Pant will play against Saurashtra in an Elite Group D clash in Rajkot on January 23, marking his comeback to the domestic circuit after a six-year gap. However, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) remains in the dark about Virat Kohli’s participation in the fixture, as the former India captain has yet to communicate his availability.
DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed Pant’s inclusion, stating, “Yes, Rishabh Pant is available, and he will be travelling with the team to Rajkot.” Delhi, currently ranked third in Elite Group D with 14 points, will look to capitalize on Pant’s return as they aim to strengthen their position in the tournament.
Kohli’s Silence Raises Questions
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, continues to keep his plans under wraps. Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance dates back to 2012, and despite a rough outing in the recent tour of Australia, where he scored 190 runs in nine innings, his participation in domestic cricket remains uncertain. DDCA officials have confirmed that Kohli has not informed them of his intentions.
In Australia, Kohli displayed flashes of brilliance, including a century in Perth, but struggled with consistency, falling victim to deliveries outside off-stump repeatedly. Fans and analysts are eager to see if Kohli heeds the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) directive encouraging contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments.
A Push for Domestic Cricket
The BCCI’s recent mandate for players to represent their state teams is part of a broader effort to refocus on domestic cricket following India’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The board has emphasized that centrally contracted players must either play or obtain clearance from team physios and selectors if unavailable.
This directive has seen other big names, such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, preparing to represent their respective state teams. While Gill and Jaiswal are set to play for Punjab and Mumbai, respectively, Rohit Sharma’s participation remains unconfirmed, despite his presence at Mumbai’s training sessions ahead of their clash against Jammu and Kashmir.
Pant’s Return: A Boost for Delhi
Rishabh Pant’s return is expected to bolster Delhi’s lineup as they face Saurashtra, who boast a strong domestic record. Pant last played in the Ranji Trophy final in December 2017 against Vidarbha, a game remembered for his explosive batting performances during the tournament.
With Pant back in action, Delhi hopes to maintain their upward momentum in the Ranji Trophy standings. The team will also rely on other senior players to step up as they navigate the crucial phase of the season.
What Lies Ahead
The Ranji Trophy continues to serve as a platform for Indian cricketers to showcase their mettle, and the return of high-profile names like Pant adds excitement to the competition. However, Kohli’s silence raises eyebrows, with fans eagerly waiting to see if the Delhi stalwart will don the whites for his state team once again.
For now, all eyes will be on Rajkot, where Pant’s return could signal a fresh start for both him and Delhi in their quest for domestic glory.
