India’s star batter Virat Kohli is set to return to first-class cricket, marking his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. Kohli will train with the Delhi squad on Tuesday in preparation for their final group-stage match against Railways, scheduled from January 30 to February 2 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi’s head coach, Sarandeep Singh, confirmed Kohli’s availability, adding a significant boost to the team’s morale as they face a crucial fixture.
This announcement comes after Kohli missed Delhi’s previous Ranji Trophy matches due to a neck injury. Over recent days, glimpses of Kohli’s training with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar have surfaced on social media, sparking excitement among fans eager to witness the batting maestro back in action on the domestic stage.
Ranji Trophy Final Group Stage Intensifies
The final round of Ranji Trophy group-stage matches is shaping up to be pivotal for many teams. With the tournament’s conclusion coinciding with the lead-up to India’s ODI series against England, several high-profile players have made themselves available for their respective domestic sides.
Virat Kohli’s Return Coincides with National Team Commitments
Kohli’s upcoming Ranji Trophy appearance will serve as a vital tune-up ahead of India’s first ODI against England on February 6 in Nagpur. The three-match bilateral series is an essential preparatory phase for the Indian team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
Key Players Set to Bolster Teams in Final Matches
KL Rahul Returns for Karnataka
KL Rahul, another prominent Indian batter, has been cleared by the BCCI medical panel after recovering from an elbow injury. Rahul will feature in Karnataka’s must-win game against table-toppers Haryana in Bengaluru. His inclusion adds depth to a squad that already boasts Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna, both of whom recently featured in India’s Test squad in Australia.
This fixture marks Rahul’s first first-class match for Karnataka since the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy semi-final against Bengal, held at Eden Gardens.
Jadeja to Represent Saurashtra
Ravindra Jadeja, who delivered a stellar ten-wicket haul in Saurashtra’s previous victory over Delhi, will also take the field in the team’s final group-stage match against Assam in Rajkot. His performance will be critical for Saurashtra as they seek to secure a favorable position heading into the knockout stages.
Incidentally, Assam will be led by Riyan Parag, who has been declared fit following a shoulder injury.
Mohammed Siraj to Play for Hyderabad
Mohammed Siraj will feature for Hyderabad in their game against Vidarbha, marking his return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly three years. Hyderabad will look to Siraj’s experience to bolster their chances against Vidarbha, who currently sit atop the Group B standings. Siraj recently bowled an incredible 157.1 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, showcasing his stamina and skill.
Delhi Without Rishabh Pant
While Kohli’s return strengthens Delhi’s squad, they will be without wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for their upcoming match against Railways. Pant featured in the previous game against Saurashtra, scoring 1 and 17 in Delhi’s ten-wicket defeat. His absence leaves a gap in Delhi’s batting order, but the inclusion of Kohli is expected to provide stability and experience.
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Ranji Trophy: A Platform for Stars to Shine
As the Ranji Trophy group stage nears its conclusion, the return of marquee players like Kohli, Rahul, Jadeja, and Siraj underscores the tournament’s importance in preparing India’s best for international assignments. These fixtures not only offer these players valuable match practice but also elevate the quality of domestic cricket, inspiring young talents and fans alike.
With Kohli set to grace the Arun Jaitley Stadium once again, all eyes will be on the Delhi team as they strive to make the most of their final group-stage opportunity.
