A host of Team India members are set to take part in the coming round of matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 for their respective states. At the top will be KL Rahul, who is set to turn out for his team Karnataka.
Karnataka is set to play against Haryana in Bengaluru from January 30 onwards. And Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Raghuram Bhat, who is the manager of Team India for the ongoing series vs England, confirmed Rahul's availability to Times of India.
"I am not in Bengaluru at the moment but from the information I have received, he is available for the last Ranji Trophy match," Bhat told TOI.
KL Rahul was earlier given a break by BCCI after he played all the five-Test in Australia. But later, the break was scrapped and he was asked to play in the Ranji Trophy. The right-hander missed the side's previous fixture against Punjab due to a niggle but will take the field in the crucial last game at home.
Karnataka kept their qualifying chances alive with a crushing win over Punjab, defeating the visitors by an innings and 207 runs. Mayank Agarwal and his teammates will now require a bonus point victory over Haryana, who are currently leading the standings.
Many prominent players will be in action in the next round, including Mohammed Siraj for Hyderabad and Virat Kohli returning to first-class cricket after 13 years.
Shubman Gill, who led Punjab's game against Karnataka, is unlikely to play in the next round. The right-hander, when asked about his availability after the match, told reporters, "I will not play, I have been asked to report".
Ravindra Jadeja will continue to train with the Saurashtra team and will most likely play in their must-win game against Assam.
And for Assam, Riyan Parag will return to competitive cricket after a long break due to a shoulder injury. Delhi, on the other hand, are expected to announce their squad for their Ranji Trophy match against Railways later in the day, with Virat Kohli expected to be named in the XI.
(Times of India report)