Virat Kohli was recently seen at the Gateway of India jetty in Mumbai after returning from his farmhouse in Alibaug, intensifying rumors about his possible return to the Ranji Trophy. Accompanying him earlier was his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, who was also spotted at the same jetty. Social media videos captured Kohli walking towards a car, sparking interest among fans and cricket enthusiasts.
The 36-year-old’s performance in red-ball cricket has faced scrutiny, particularly after his subpar outings during India’s 2024/25 Test season against Australia. Despite scoring a century in the first Test, Kohli managed only 90 more runs across the series, ending the year with an average of 24.52 in 10 matches, with just one century and a half-century.
Delhi and District Cricket Association Eyes Kohli’s Participation
Calls for Kohli to participate in domestic cricket have grown louder as experts suggest he needs to address his vulnerability outside the off-stump—a weakness Australia exploited. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary, Ashok Sharma, has reportedly requested Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to be available for Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy matches.
The DDCA emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for national players to regain form. “Virat should draw inspiration from Mumbai cricketers who regularly turn up for Ranji matches when available,” said Anil Sharma. Rohit Sharma, too, was seen training with Mumbai’s Ranji team, though his participation in their upcoming match remains uncertain.
Upcoming Fixtures and Expectations
Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign resumes with an away match against Saurashtra in Rajkot on January 23, followed by a home game against Railways on January 30. The inclusion of experienced players like Kohli and Pant is expected to bolster Delhi’s chances.
Additionally, the DDCA aims to instill a culture where Indian cricketers prioritize domestic matches, a tradition strongly upheld in Mumbai cricket circles. As speculations continue, Kohli’s potential participation in the Ranji Trophy could serve as a critical step toward regaining form and silencing critics ahead of India’s future international fixtures.
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