As Rishabh Pant confirmed his availability for Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, the question remains whether India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, will feature in Delhi’s domestic fixture. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has suggested that Kohli should follow the example of Mumbai cricketers who make themselves available for domestic matches when possible. This comment came after India’s captain Rohit Sharma was spotted at Mumbai’s practice session at Wankhede Stadium ahead of their own domestic fixture.
Ashok Sharma, DDCA Secretary, confirmed that Kohli’s name has been included in Delhi’s probables list for the final two rounds of the Ranji Trophy. He emphasized that Kohli should take a cue from Mumbai’s tradition of their top international players participating in domestic cricket whenever feasible. Sharma noted, “It is missing in the North, especially in Delhi. In Mumbai, there has always been a culture where India players turn up for Ranji matches whenever available.”
Pant, at 27, has been actively involved in domestic cricket, having appeared in all 10 Tests for India since September 2024, and made an appearance in the Duleep Trophy. His last Ranji Trophy match was in the 2017-18 final, but he is now ready for selection in Delhi’s upcoming match. In contrast, Rohit’s last Ranji appearance was in 2015, while Kohli hasn’t played a domestic match since 2012.
Kohli’s absence from domestic cricket has been a topic of discussion, particularly after India’s recent struggles, including a 0-3 series loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in Australia. The lack of game time for top cricketers has raised concerns, with experts advocating for more involvement in domestic competitions to stay match-fit. DDCA Secretary Sharma added that Virat should follow the BCCI’s guidance, stressing the importance of domestic cricket participation.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has reinforced the significance of domestic cricket in the selection process. Last year, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah sent a reminder to centrally contracted cricketers and those in India A that domestic cricket is a key factor for national team selection. He pointed out that cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar played club cricket immediately upon returning from international tours, exemplifying the commitment expected from players.
DDCA president Rohan Jaitley supported the call for Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy, acknowledging the pressure on players due to their heavy schedules. He emphasized the importance of fitness, but stated that domestic cricket should remain a priority whenever possible. “It is exceptionally important to participate in domestic tournaments,” Jaitley said, adding that factors like load management and coordination with the NCA and selectors play a role in scheduling.
Although it remains unclear whether the DDCA has specifically reached out to Kohli, Jaitley believes that Kohli’s presence in Delhi’s camp could have a lasting impact on younger cricketers. He remarked, “It is not just about the game. Sharing a dressing room with someone like Virat Kohli is a huge learning opportunity for upcoming cricketers.”
While the focus is on the importance of domestic cricket for the overall development of the game, it remains to be seen whether Kohli will answer the call for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji matches.