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Amid the rumors regarding Virat Kohli’s availability for the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, the suspense surrounding Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy has almost become clear.
Kohli has been named in Delhi’s likely squad for the crucial match against Saurashtra in Ranji on January 23. However, Virat Kohli has reportedly suffered a neck sprain serious enough to require an injection, raising doubts over his availability for the Ranji clash. In Rajkot.
DDCA awaits update, Virat Kohli battles neck sprain ahead of Saurashtra match in 2024-25 Ranji Trophy
But surprisingly, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) claimed that the national body has not received any official update on Kohli’s condition. However, Virat Kohli is likely to be included in Delhi’s squad but “subject to availability”.
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Times of India quoted sources as saying: “Virat Kohli has a neck sprain and has even received an injection. He is likely to skip the first of the two remaining Ranji Trophy matches if the DDCA selectors get Update, the situation may become clearer.”
On the other hand, India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has confirmed that he will feature in Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra. However, some DDCA officials are hopeful that Pant will be available for the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final against Railways at home.
Virat Kohli likely to train with Delhi team in Rajkot
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s availability for Delhi’s upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra is still uncertain, but he is likely to be included in the squad for the match. It is said that Kohli may join the Delhi cricket team in Rajkot and train with them.
The Delhi team is scheduled to depart on January 20, with two practice matches scheduled before the Rajkot match. According to a senior DDCA official, Kohli is likely to be included in the Delhi squad but a “subject to availability” will be noted next to his name.
However, Kohli’s situation will become clearer after a crucial meeting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on January 17. The meeting will be held by the men’s senior selection committee and coach Sarandip Singh, who will finalize Ranji’s squad after conducting online meetings with potential players.
Will BCCI give Virat Kohli any relief after issuing strict guidelines?
Meanwhile, the BCCI has made it mandatory for all international players to play domestic matches to remain eligible for Indian selection and central contracts. So, it will be interesting to see if Kohli returns to Ranji cricket after 12 years if he gets the go-ahead.
However, the BCCI can grant lenient treatment only in “exceptional circumstances” with the approval of senior selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. With Kohli retiring from T20I cricket, with just two weeks to go before the ODI series against England, if his neck problem is not so serious, especially considering his poor form with the bat, the former India The captain is likely to be invited to play for Delhi. Recent Australian tour.
