Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma has called on Virat Kohli to participate in domestic tournaments for Delhi, following the example of some players who have recently represented Mumbai.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of domestic cricket, making it an essential component of players’ central contracts. Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was in 2012, a gap that has drawn criticism from former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan.
The new directive urging players to focus on domestic cricket has been well-received, but seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have not yet participated. Rohit joined Mumbai’s practice for the Ranji Trophy’s second phase, and Shubman Gill is available for Punjab, but Virat Kohli has made no such commitment.
“Both Virat and Rishabh’s names are in the probable list. The Ranji Trophy camp is underway. Virat should take inspiration from the Mumbai cricketers and play for Delhi in domestic cricket, whenever he is available.”
“See in Mumbai, there has always been a culture where their India players turn up for Ranji matches whenever available. It is missing in the North, especially in Delhi,” Ashok Sharma told The Indian Express.
Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, and others have starred for Mumbai, winners of the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Ashok Sharma doubts Virat Kohli or Rishabh Pant will play this season.
“The BCCI has also mentioned players should participate in domestic cricket. I feel Virat and Rishabh should play at least one game, but I don’t think they will,” he added.
“They should, but it’s complicated”- DDCA chief on Kohli, Pant in domestic cricket
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant were included in the 84-man probable list for the Ranji Trophy, though the first half overlaps with Team India’s home season and Border-Gavaskar series. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley emphasized players should participate if fit and available, but acknowledged the challenge due to workload and fitness.
“They should, but there are too many moving parts. With the amount of cricket that they are playing, to be at the top of their fitness, they have to be at the top of their fitness.”
“Multiple factors have to be looked at also. It is exceptionally important to participate in the domestic tournament. If on national duty, obviously one cannot participate, but otherwise, they should,” Jaitley told the Indian Express.
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