
Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, will return to play a Ranji Trophy match after a long hiatus of 13 years. The match is set to take place on January 30, when Delhi faces Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This marks an exciting chapter in Kohli’s career, as he makes his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. However, despite being offered the captaincy by the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), Kohli has declined the opportunity to lead the side.
Virat Kohli to Play Ranji Trophy
Virat Kohli’s decision to feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match is a significant moment for Delhi cricket. He has not played a first-class match in India since November 2012, when he appeared for Delhi in a game against Uttar Pradesh (UP) at Ghaziabad. That match was also memorable because it was held on his 24th birthday. Since then, Kohli’s career has skyrocketed internationally, with his focus primarily on international cricket.
This return to domestic cricket has generated massive excitement, as it has been over a decade since Kohli played in the prestigious domestic competition. His last Ranji appearance was a memorable one, where he scored 1574 runs at an average of 50.77, including five centuries, from 23 matches. Kohli’s form in the competition as a young cricketer helped establish him as a formidable force in Indian cricket.
Kohli Declines Delhi Captaincy
In a surprising twist, Kohli will not be taking on the captaincy role for the match against Railways. Despite being offered the captaincy by the DDCA, he has chosen to decline. This decision mirrors the one made by another prominent cricketer, Rishabh Pant, who recently played for Delhi in their match against Saurashtra in Rajkot but also declined the captaincy.
Rishabh Pant, who was considered a future leader of the Indian team, recently decided against leading the Delhi side, allowing Ayush Badoni to continue in the captaincy role. Badoni, who has not yet made his debut for India, has been a regular feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he plays for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Badoni, who was retained by LSG for the 2025 season for a sum of Rs. 4 crore, will remain as Delhi’s captain for the upcoming match against Railways.
Why Kohli Is Not Leading Delhi
Kohli’s decision not to captain the side has sparked curiosity, with many wondering why he would decline such an opportunity. It is important to understand that Kohli’s primary focus is currently on his international career, with a packed schedule of series and tournaments. While his involvement in the Ranji Trophy is a welcome addition, leading Delhi would have added more pressure on the cricketer at a time when he is gearing up for important international commitments.
Kohli’s approach reflects a shift in mindset, where he recognizes the importance of focusing on his international career while still playing a part in domestic cricket. His choice to decline the captaincy is also a testament to the confidence he has in Ayush Badoni’s leadership abilities, showing that he believes in empowering the next generation of cricketers.
The Role of Other Key Players
While Kohli will play in the upcoming match, not all big names will be in action. Rishabh Pant, who has recently been recovering from injuries, will not feature in the match against Railways. Pant’s absence is notable, especially after his recent return to form. On the other hand, players like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer will also be unavailable for Mumbai as they shift focus to the England series.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who had been sidelined due to injuries, will make his return against Haryana after missing the previous round of matches. Rahul’s return is a welcome sight for both domestic and international fans. Kohli’s participation alongside Rahul provides a unique opportunity for Delhi fans to watch two of India’s top cricketers play together at the domestic level.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Role in the Domestic Scene
One of the few Indian players who will feature in both the domestic rounds of the Ranji Trophy is Ravindra Jadeja. After his match-winning performance against Delhi, Jadeja will play in Saurashtra’s matches against Assam. Jadeja’s participation in domestic cricket highlights his commitment to staying sharp and maintaining form for international duties. Unlike Kohli, who is balancing domestic and international commitments, Jadeja’s role in both competitions showcases his readiness for the England ODI series.
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Conclusion: A Historic Return for Kohli
Virat Kohli’s decision to play in the Ranji Trophy after 13 years is a historic moment for Indian cricket. While his return to domestic cricket is a treat for fans, his decision not to lead the Delhi team underscores his priorities as an international cricketer. With key players like Kohli, Rahul, and Jadeja returning to domestic cricket, this year’s Ranji Trophy promises to be an exciting one. Kohli’s involvement in the match against Railways is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a connection with domestic cricket, even for the biggest stars.
For Delhi cricket fans, watching Kohli back in action after such a long break is a moment to cherish, while his decision to support Ayush Badoni’s captaincy only strengthens the belief that the future of Delhi cricket is in capable hands.
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