Virat Kohli Set to Return to Ranji Trophy Action Against Railways

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli confirms participation in Delhi’s Ranji match, marking his return to domestic cricket after more than a decade.

New Delhi, January 21: Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli is set to return to the Ranji Trophy for Delhi’s match against Railways, sources from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) have confirmed. Kohli’s last Ranji appearance was in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, where he managed scores of 14 and 42, falling to pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in both innings.

The 36-year-old, however, will not feature in Delhi’s upcoming match against Saurashtra, starting January 23. Instead, Kohli has confirmed his availability for the match against Railways, scheduled for January 30.

BCCI’s New Domestic Policy and Kohli’s Comeback

Kohli’s return coincides with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) newly implemented policy, which mandates participation in domestic cricket for national team selection and eligibility for central contracts. This shift follows India’s 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, prompting a push for top performers to participate more in the domestic circuit.

A DDCA source said, “Virat Kohli has confirmed his participation in the Ranji match against Railways from the Delhi team.”

Kohli’s Stellar First-Class Record

In 155 first-class matches, Kohli has amassed 11,479 runs at an average of 48.23, including 37 centuries and 39 fifties, with a highest score of 254*. His return to the domestic format is expected to boost Delhi’s chances, with the team currently fourth in their group, having one win, one loss, and three draws.

Struggles with Form and the Path Ahead

Kohli’s reappearance in domestic cricket could serve as a platform to regain form after a challenging year. In 2023, he scored just 417 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 24.52, including one century. Across all formats, Kohli managed 655 runs in 32 innings, averaging 21.83.

Over the past three years, Kohli’s performance in Tests has been below par by his standards, with 2,028 runs in 39 matches at an average of 30.72. His last ICC World Test Championship cycle also saw a modest output, with 751 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.65.

Key Boost for Delhi and Indian Cricket

Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy is expected to be a morale booster for Delhi and a step towards rebuilding his dominance in international cricket. His presence is also likely to inspire young cricketers and reinforce the importance of domestic cricket as a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s success.

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Tags: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy, Delhi cricket team, Indian domestic cricket, BCCI domestic cricket policy, Virat Kohli career stats, Kohli form slump, Ranji Trophy 2025

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