The Delhi cricket team is set to receive a significant boost in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant gears up to make his return to red-ball cricket. Pant will play for Delhi in their Elite Group D match against Saurashtra, starting January 23 in Rajkot. This marks his first Ranji Trophy appearance since the 2017-18 season.
Pant Confirms, Kohli Uncertain
Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed Pant’s availability, stating he will join the squad directly in Rajkot. However, uncertainty surrounds Virat Kohli’s participation, as the Indian batting star has not yet communicated with the DDCA regarding his inclusion. Kohli last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2012.
Delhi’s Challenges and Updates
Delhi is currently ranked fourth in Group D and faces a tough challenge against Saurashtra. The team will also miss the services of pacer Harshit Rana, who has been named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, starting January 22. Rana’s absence could impact Delhi’s bowling attack in their final Ranji fixtures.
National Players in Domestic Action
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated that centrally contracted players participate in domestic cricket. While Pant was recently dropped from India’s T20I squad, his availability for Delhi strengthens the team. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to represent Punjab and Mumbai, respectively, in their upcoming Ranji matches.
Mumbai will face Jammu and Kashmir, while Punjab takes on Karnataka. Rohit Sharma was recently seen training with Mumbai but has not confirmed his participation.
Mixed Form for Indian Stars
Pant and Kohli struggled during India’s recent Test series in Australia, with India losing the series 1-3. Kohli managed 190 runs in nine innings, while Pant scored 255 runs but failed to capitalize on good starts.
As Delhi prepares for a critical phase in their Ranji Trophy campaign, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated return to domestic cricket, with hopes of a strong performance to inspire the team.
