Virat Kohli ends 5-year Ranji Trophy hiatus as Indian batting superstar makes Delhi's probable players list

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With the BCCI implementing stricter regulations for Indian cricketers, the focus is now on encouraging more seasoned players to participate in domestic cricket whenever feasible. This recent move underscores the seriousness of the situation, as exemplified by the removal of central contracts from Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for failing to adhere to the established guidelines. Notable players like Hardik Pandya have also committed to prioritizing domestic cricket, whether it be in the Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy, whenever their schedules allow.

"The committee has selected the following probables for consideration in the Delhi Men's Senior Squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy tournament in the 2024-25 domestic season. A fitness test for the selected players will take place on September 26 2024, with the venue details to be communicated by the team manager," the release said with names of 84 cricketers in the list including the likes of Navdeep Saini, Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull and Anuj Rawat.

Kohli's last Ranji Trophy match

But putting Kohli in the list makes little sense as it's given that at 35 years of age and all that he has earned over the years, Kohli needs to be used judiciously by Indian cricket. With a long Test season ahead, Kohli will channel all his energy and focus on the upcoming five-Test series in Australia starting November, the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final next year. The same goes for Pant as he is just making a comeback into the Indian team after a year away due to injury. Pant did, however, play one game in the Delhi Premier League, so never say never. He even played the first-round Duleep Trophy game.

It was way back in 2012, 12 year ago that Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy match. He scored 14 and 42 against Uttar Pradesh before getting out to Bhuvneshwar Kumar in both innings.

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