Star Team India batter Virat Kohli is set to play under Ayush Badoni‘s captaincy in Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Railways. In anticipation of the match, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) playfully remarked that Kohli and AB de Villiers will be playing together once more.
Kohli and former South African captain AB de Villiers shared a memorable partnership at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the latter’s IPL career. LSG humorously suggested that Kohli is reuniting with AB, though this time with Ayush Badoni at the helm. The Lucknow-based franchise shared their thoughts on the microblogging platform:
“Didn’t think we’d see Virat and AB playing together again.”
https://x.com/lucknowipl/status/1884531779702579701?s=46
It is notable that the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) reportedly reached out to Virat Kohli about taking on the captaincy ahead of his return to domestic cricket. However, the experienced batter turned down the offer, and Ayush Badoni will continue to lead Delhi.
Kohli’s last appearance in a Ranji Trophy match was in November 2012. He was expected to play in the previous round of the current season, alongside other Indian stars like Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant. However, his return was postponed due to a neck sprain.
Badoni Grateful to Captain Pant and Kohli in Ranji 2024-25
LSG batter Badoni expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead prominent players like Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He also mentioned that the entire team was highly motivated by Kohli’s presence. The 25-year-old shared his thoughts with ESPNcricinfo:
“I am very grateful that I got the opportunity to captain Rishabh [Pant] bhaiya and Virat bhaiya. Right now, the situation of us is that we need to win with a bonus point to qualify for knockouts. At such a time, Virat bhaiya’s arrival has motivated the entire team. He has also told us to be confident on the field, just like he always is.”
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will take place at Arun Jaitley Stadium, starting Thursday, January 30.
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