January 14, 2025: The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that they have not yet received official communication from Virat Kohli about his participation in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. According to a DDCA source, "We have not received an official intimation from Virat Kohli on his availability for the Ranji season."
This news comes amid the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s recent directive, which mandates that players missing domestic matches during the home season must provide valid reasons for their absence. These reasons will be reviewed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or the respective state association.
While Kohli's participation remains uncertain, Rohit Sharma, India's Test and ODI captain, was spotted attending Mumbai's Ranji Trophy practice camp at the Wankhede Stadium. Although his participation in upcoming matches has not been confirmed, his involvement indicates his commitment to maintaining match fitness and staying engaged with first-class cricket.
The BCCI's focus on ensuring accountability for domestic cricket participation follows India's disappointing 3-1 Test series loss to Australia. There have been discussions on the necessity for national players to stay connected with domestic cricket to maintain match readiness, especially for red-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, set to begin on January 23 in Bengaluru. Gill's inclusion in the Punjab squad is seen as a significant boost for the team, as they look to improve their performance in the ongoing season.
The BCCI's efforts to promote participation in domestic cricket, particularly by top players, are seen as a means to strengthen India's depth in red-ball cricket and ensure competitive form heading into future international commitments. Kohli's decision regarding his participation in the Ranji Trophy is eagerly awaited, as it will have implications for both his personal form and the state of Indian cricket in the longer format.
