Virat Kohli is set to make his first domestic cricket appearance since 2012, as the former India captain will feature in Delhi’s match against Railways for the final Ranji Trophy group game. The game starts on Wednesday at Arun Jaitley Stadium. As reported, Kohli was offered to take the captaincy for the match; like Rishabh Pant, he refused, allowing Ayush Badoni to lead the squad.
Kohli ranks among the best Test captains in world cricket and is statistically India’s finest. He was approached to lead the team after making himself available for the last group game, according to the Times of India. Having last captained Delhi in September 2013, Kohli declined the offer this time.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who didn’t have much luck upon his return to Delhi’s domestic cricket in the match against Saurashtra, won’t participate against Railways.
“Pant has been playing first-class cricket regularly since the Duleep Trophy in September. Over the last three-and-a-half months, he has participated in 12 first-class matches. With the Champions Trophy approaching, he has been advised to rest and prepare for the white-ball season,” said a DDCA official.
On Tuesday, Kohli joined his Delhi teammates after training in Alibaug under former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. He reached the Arun Jaitley Stadium at 9 am, huddled with the team, and warmed up with a bit of light exercise. Then, Kohli spent 15 minutes playing football with his teammates as part of the practice.
Even when Kohli was criticized for failing with the bat on the recent home series against New Zealand and immediately during the Australian tour, he was relaxed and composed in the company of his teammates.
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