January 27, 2025: Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is gearing up for his potential return to the Ranji Trophy after a gap of nearly 13 years, as he prepares to train with the Delhi team ahead of their upcoming match against Railways on January 30. This marks a major development in Kohli’s domestic career, with the match scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Kohli will join the squad for the match, which could potentially be his first appearance in the prestigious domestic tournament since 2012. This comes after the BCCI introduced a more stringent policy regarding the participation of international stars in domestic cricket, encouraging players like Kohli to take part in domestic competitions during off periods.
Recent photos and videos shared on social media have shown Kohli working closely with former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar, further fueling excitement about his participation. Kohli’s domestic experience is considerable, with over 11,479 runs in 155 First-Class matches at an average of 48.23 and a strike rate of 55.96.
Kohli’s inclusion in the Delhi squad will be a significant boost for the team as they look to make a mark in the Ranji Trophy’s final round. His involvement in the match will also allow him to fine-tune his form ahead of India’s upcoming ODI series against England, starting in Nagpur just four days after the conclusion of the Ranji Trophy round.
In a related development, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has also been named in Karnataka’s squad for their crucial match against Haryana. Rahul, who had been sidelined due to an elbow niggle, has been cleared by the BCCI medical panel, and his return will bolster Karnataka’s lineup as they aim for a strong finish. Rahul’s return will mark his first Ranji appearance since the 2019-20 season, adding to the excitement surrounding this round of matches.
With Kohli and Rahul both preparing to take part in Ranji fixtures, the competition is set to receive a significant boost, with fans eagerly awaiting their return to the domestic circuit.