Virat Kohli set to make Ranji Trophy return after 13 years, will play under captaincy of LSG's 25-year-old young star

 

After a 13-year break, Virat Kohli has finally returned to India's domestic competition with his formal inclusion in Delhi's squad for the 2025 Ranji Trophy match against Railways, which starts on January 30. But instead of leading the team, the renowned Indian captain will play under Ayush Badoni, who is 25 years old. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant who participated in the most recent game against Saurashtra, has not been added to the squad.

 

Delhi's regular captain this season, Badoni, who plays for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, has led the team to a terrible run in the tournament. Out of six games, Delhi has only won one, drawn three, and lost two. Delhi lost by 10 wickets after being bowled out for 188 and 94 in two innings against Saurashtra, in which Kohli was not part of their squad. Even though his recent performance has been lacking, Kohli will bring strength to the team.

 

 

 In an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary said that Virat Kohli will join the Delhi Ranji team tomorrow and will start training at 10 AM. In November 2012, Kohli played his final Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh. Delhi lost by six wickets after he scored 14 in the first innings and 43 (65) in the second. He then established himself as a mainstay in India's elevens in all forms, and he and other international players ceased representing their states.

 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has issued new regulations requiring all international cricket players to play domestic cricket during every window, has also helped to expedite this comeback. Several players have already participated in the competition, including Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Test captain Rohit Sharma. According to reports, players like Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul are also expected to play in the upcoming round. Virat Kohli's return to Ranji cricket has been arranged by the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association officials. For their final Ranji Trophy match, the DDCA anticipates 10,000 spectators. Two stands will be made available to the public by the DDCA. As with all of Delhi's home games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium over the years, entry will be free as usual.