Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma asked Virat Kohli on Tuesday to make himself accessible for Delhi's forthcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter, following in the footsteps of Mumbai cricketers.
Notably, India skipper Rohit Sharma was seen practicing with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad at the Wankhede Stadium, however, he has yet to confirm his participation in the team's home game against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23.
The DDCA secretary stated that Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been chosenaso Delhi's probable team for the final two rounds of the Ranji Trophy tournament.
“Both Virat and Rishabh’s names are on the probable list. The Ranji Trophy camp is underway. Virat should take inspiration from the Mumbai cricketers and play for Delhi in domestic cricket, whenever he is available.
See in Mumbai, there has always been a culture where their Indian players turn up for Ranji matches whenever available. It is missing in the North, especially in Delhi,” Sharma told Indian Express.
Ashok stated that Kohli and Pant should play at least one of the last two games before focusing on Champions Trophy preparations, after the outrage overthe India stars' failure to prioritize local cricket.
“The BCCI has also mentioned players should participate in domestic cricket. I feel Virat and Rishabh should play at least one game, but I don’t think they will,” he added.
Virat Kohli made only 190 runs in 9 innings in the Australia Test series, despite an unbeaten century in the first Test in Perth. Rishabh Pant blew cold in the entire series but played two very different innings in the SCG Test.
DDCA president Rohan Jaitley believes that "fit" Kohli and Pant should be eligible for the Ranji Trophy, although he admits that workload management plays a significant role in decision making.
“They should, but there are too many moving parts. With the amount of cricket that they are playing, to be at the top of their fitness, they have to be at the top of their fitness. Multiple factors have to be looked at also,” Jaitley said.
However, he was quick to stress the importance of playing domestic cricket.
“It is exceptionally important to participate in the domestic tournament. If on national duty, obviously one cannot participate, but otherwise, they should. Since the players are managed by the NCA and the national selectors, there are multiple things, based on their load management, etc. But they would keep domestic cricket on their priority list, which is exceptionally important,” he said.
Delhi will play Saurashtra in Rajkot in their next Ranji Trophy match on January 23 and then against Railways at home on January 30. Jaitley believed Kohli's presence in the Delhi camp would have a significant impact on the team, particularly the younger players.
“You see, it is exceptional because it is not about the game, it is about what you pick up also from the experience of a cricketer. Sharing a dressing room, and being a part of a camp with the likes of Virat is huge. I am also a lawyer, so when you assist a senior advocate or you are working on an important matter, you may not be arguing it, but you will learn a lot in that process,” he added.
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are both expected to be part of the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
