<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0"></div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
Come January 30, all roads in the national capital Delhi will lead to the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
After 13 long years, the wait is finally over &ndash; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> is set to make his much-anticipated return to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji </a>cricket, and there&rsquo;s no better place for it than the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
As winter slowly gives way to the crisp Delhi weather, fans are already buzzing with excitement, eager to witness the cricketing maestro in action once again on home soil. The atmosphere will be electric as passionate supporters are set to throng the stadium, with the cool, clear skies adding to the thrill of the occasion. The attention of fans thronging the stadium will be fixed on the talismanic Virat Kohli&rsquo;s batting performance in the coming four days.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
Delhi, with a very slim mathematical chance to enter the Ranji Trophy knockouts, face Railways in their final Group D clash of the season starting on Thursday (Jan 29).
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
Following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/board-of-control-for-cricket-in-india">B</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/board-of-control-for-cricket-in-india">oard of Control for Cricket in India</a> (BCCI&rsquo;s) recommendation for Indian players to play domestic cricket, when possible, Kohli is set to play a Ranji Trophy game for the first time in 13 years. A neck spasm delayed his Ranji Trophy return in Rajkot, but Kohli is now almost certain for his Ranji Trophy homecoming at a place where he began his journey to become an integral part of the Indian team across all formats.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-live-practice-video-delhi-ranji-team-8663405">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live Updates: Batter focuses on backfoot shots</a> 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
At the centre of every move Kohli makes in the match against Railways, his batting will come under supreme focus on a green pitch, as claimed by Delhi captain Ayush Badoni, to try and get an outright win.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
Dismissals outside off-stump largely defined Kohli&rsquo;s struggles in the 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia, his unbeaten Perth century being a notable exception. Now coming into the Delhi team after working on his game with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Alibaug, it will be intriguing to see how Kohli shapes with the bat in a game where he&rsquo;s the cynosure of all eyes and cameras.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
With Rishabh Pant not available and Pranav Rajvanshi likely to come in, Kohli joining the Delhi team is a huge help for their batting line-up, which was completely outplayed on a Rajkot pitch that turned from the start, resulting in a crushing ten-wicket defeat for them.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
The exciting possibility of bowling to Kohli in a Ranji Trophy match presents a chance for fast-bowlers Himanshu Sangwan (who previously played for Delhi), Kunal Yadav, Purnank Tyagi, and Rahul Sharma to rise to prominence by outsmarting the batting stalwart.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW133045538 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="2091505330" paraeid="{698dae58-fab8-4131-9886-6c92efeb2430}{255}">Squads:</h2>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
Delhi: Ayush Badoni (captain), Virat Kohli, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Shivam Sharma, Pranav Rajvanshi (wk), Vaibhav Kandpal, Mayank Gusain, Gagan Vats, Sumit Mathur, Rahul Gahlot, Jitesh Singh, Vansh Bedi.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW133045538 BCX0">
Railways: Pratham Singh (captain), Vivek Singh, S A Ahuja, Upendra Yadav (wk), Mohammad Saif, B H Merai, Anchit Yadav, Karn Sharma, Purnank Tyagi, Kunal Yadav, Himanshu Sangwan, K T Marathe, Ravi Singh, Ayan B Chaudhari, and Rahul Sharma.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Cricket Sports: After 13 long years, the wait is finally over – Virat Kohli is set to make his much-anticipated return to Ranji cricket. Delhi will lock horns against Railways

Come January 30, all roads in the national capital Delhi will lead to the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. After 13 long years, the wait is finally over – Virat Kohli is set to make his much-anticipated return to Ranji cricket, and there’s no better place for it than the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. As winter slowly gives way to the crisp Delhi weather, fans are already buzzing with excitement, eager to witness the cricketing maestro in action once again on home soil. The atmosphere will be electric as passionate supporters are set to throng the stadium, with the cool, clear skies adding to the thrill of the occasion. The attention of fans thronging the stadium will be fixed on the talismanic Virat Kohli’s batting performance in the coming four days. Delhi, with a very slim mathematical chance to enter the Ranji Trophy knockouts, face Railways in their final Group D clash of the season starting on Thursday (Jan 29). Following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI’s) recommendation for Indian players to play domestic cricket, when possible, Kohli is set to play a Ranji Trophy game for the first time in 13 years. A neck spasm delayed his Ranji Trophy return in Rajkot, but Kohli is now almost certain for his Ranji Trophy homecoming at a place where he began his journey to become an integral part of the Indian team across all formats. Also Read: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live Updates: Batter focuses on backfoot shots At the centre of every move Kohli makes in the match against Railways, his batting will come under supreme focus on a green pitch, as claimed by Delhi captain Ayush Badoni, to try and get an outright win. Dismissals outside off-stump largely defined Kohli’s struggles in the 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia, his unbeaten Perth century being a notable exception. Now coming into the Delhi team after working on his game with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Alibaug, it will be intriguing to see how Kohli shapes with the bat in a game where he’s the cynosure of all eyes and cameras. With Rishabh Pant not available and Pranav Rajvanshi likely to come in, Kohli joining the Delhi team is a huge help for their batting line-up, which was completely outplayed on a Rajkot pitch that turned from the start, resulting in a crushing ten-wicket defeat for them. The exciting possibility of bowling to Kohli in a Ranji Trophy match presents a chance for fast-bowlers Himanshu Sangwan (who previously played for Delhi), Kunal Yadav, Purnank Tyagi, and Rahul Sharma to rise to prominence by outsmarting the batting stalwart. Squads: Delhi: Ayush Badoni (captain), Virat Kohli, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Shivam Sharma, Pranav Rajvanshi (wk), Vaibhav Kandpal, Mayank Gusain, Gagan Vats, Sumit Mathur, Rahul Gahlot, Jitesh Singh, Vansh Bedi. Railways: Pratham Singh (captain), Vivek Singh, S A Ahuja, Upendra Yadav (wk), Mohammad Saif, B H Merai, Anchit Yadav, Karn Sharma, Purnank Tyagi, Kunal Yadav, Himanshu Sangwan, K T Marathe, Ravi Singh, Ayan B Chaudhari, and Rahul Sharma. (With inputs from agencies)

Kohli’s Ranji return: Delhi gears up for a Virat show

India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>'s presence in the Delhi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a> squad has created enough buzz among the team and fans as well. The India batter, who is struggling for from, will feature in Delhi's match against Railway from January 30, a first in since 2012. The star batter did some batting practice on Tuesday (Jan 28) and was seen working on his backfoot shot in the nets in a new video.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-live-practice-video-delhi-ranji-team-8663405">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Updates</a>
Kohli, who batted for about 55 minutes on Tuesday, could be seen guiding the ball towards the third-man area with an open face of the bat during the net session. Have a look at the video below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Virat Kohli working on his back foot game! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/5A7vjOsc59">pic.twitter.com/5A7vjOsc59</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trend_VKohli/status/1884123400798626196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-virat-kohli-practice-video-with-delhi-team-ahead-of-railways-match-from-jan-30-8660376" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli starts practice with Delhi team ahead of Railways match</a>
He is one of the high-profile players, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja, to feature in Ranji Trophy matches for their respective teams.
The participation comes in the wake of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) making it mandatory for the player to play domestic cricket after a recent series loss against New Zealand and Australia in Tests.
<h2>Virat Kohli's stats</h2>
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches, scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).
Kohli is considered one of the finest batters ever to play the game with 50 tons in ODIs&mdash;a world record&mdash;and more than 80 tons in international cricket&mdash;second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100.

Ranji Trophy: Kohli is one of high profile players including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja to feature in Ranji Trophy. Cricket Sports

India batter Virat Kohli's presence in the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad has created enough buzz among the team and fans as well. The India batter, who is struggling for from, will feature in Delhi's match against Railway from January 30, a first in since 2012. The star batter did some batting practice on Tuesday (Jan 28) and was seen working on his backfoot shot in the nets in a new video. Also Read: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Updates Kohli, who batted for about 55 minutes on Tuesday, could be seen guiding the ball towards the third-man area with an open face of the bat during the net session. Have a look at the video below: Virat Kohli working on his back foot game! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5A7vjOsc59 — Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 28, 2025 Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. Also Watch: Virat Kohli starts practice with Delhi team ahead of Railways match He is one of the high-profile players, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja, to feature in Ranji Trophy matches for their respective teams. The participation comes in the wake of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) making it mandatory for the player to play domestic cricket after a recent series loss against New Zealand and Australia in Tests. Virat Kohli's stats Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches, scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests). Kohli is considered one of the finest batters ever to play the game with 50 tons in ODIs—a world record—and more than 80 tons in international cricket—second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100.

Virat Kohli in Ranji Trophy: WATCH | India batter practices backfoot shots towards third-man ahead of Railways match

India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a>'s presence around the Delhi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy </a>team has created a lot of buzz. Kohli will return to domestic cricket when he takes on the field for Delhi against Railways on January 30. It will be the first time in nearly 13 years that Kohli will play in a domestic match.
<h2>Kohli presence around Delhi team creates buzz&nbsp;</h2>
During the practice session with Delhi team on January 28, Kohli met with old friends and one of the kids of those friends asked the India batter: "what one needs to do to become an Indian cricketer?"
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-live-practice-video-delhi-ranji-team-8663405" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Updates</a>
Kohli's reply to the young kid was something the India batter has done himself over the years.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
such a heartwarming and inspiring little conversation 🫶🥹 <a href="https://t.co/YZQD2JuU1h">pic.twitter.com/YZQD2JuU1h</a>
&mdash; 𝒑. 💌 (@ssnoozefest) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssnoozefest/status/1884296205850866056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We need to do a lot of hard work, and your dad shouldn't be asking you to go for practice and training. You yourself should wake up early and say 'I have to go for practice'. And if someone practices for one hour, you practice for two hours. That's the only way, right? If someone makes a fifty, you score a hundred. If someone makes a hundred, you score two hundred -- double of the benchmark. Then you will go a level up. If you need to be told to practice, then that's not right," advised the India batter.
<h2>Virat Kohli's stats</h2>
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-when-where-to-watch-delhi-vs-railways-match-live-8663407" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">When &amp; where to watch Delhi vs Railways match live?</a>
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).
Kohli is considered one of the finest batters ever to play the game with 50 tons in ODI - a world record and more then 80 tons in international cricket - second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100.

Ranji Trophy: Kohli is considered one of the finest batters with 50 tons in ODI - a world record and more then 80 tons in international cricket - second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100. Cricket Sports

India batter Virat Kohli's presence around the Delhi Ranji Trophy team has created a lot of buzz. Kohli will return to domestic cricket when he takes on the field for Delhi against Railways on January 30. It will be the first time in nearly 13 years that Kohli will play in a domestic match. Kohli presence around Delhi team creates buzz During the practice session with Delhi team on January 28, Kohli met with old friends and one of the kids of those friends asked the India batter: "what one needs to do to become an Indian cricketer?" Also Read: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Updates Kohli's reply to the young kid was something the India batter has done himself over the years. such a heartwarming and inspiring little conversation 🫶🥹 pic.twitter.com/YZQD2JuU1h — 𝒑. 💌 (@ssnoozefest) January 28, 2025 "We need to do a lot of hard work, and your dad shouldn't be asking you to go for practice and training. You yourself should wake up early and say 'I have to go for practice'. And if someone practices for one hour, you practice for two hours. That's the only way, right? If someone makes a fifty, you score a hundred. If someone makes a hundred, you score two hundred -- double of the benchmark. Then you will go a level up. If you need to be told to practice, then that's not right," advised the India batter. Virat Kohli's stats Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Also Read: When & where to watch Delhi vs Railways match live? Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests). Kohli is considered one of the finest batters ever to play the game with 50 tons in ODI - a world record and more then 80 tons in international cricket - second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100.

Ranji Trophy: 'Double of the benchmark,' Virat Kohli's advice to young kid to become India cricketer | WATCH

Delhi vs Railways, Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue:&nbsp;Former India captain Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy as Delhi take on Railways. The contest set to start on Thursday (Jan 30), will see the return of Virat in the domestic red-ball contest for the first time in over a decade.&nbsp;Ahead of the Ranji Trophy contest between Delhi and Railways, here are all the details, including live streaming, squads, and more.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">When is Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start on Thursday (Jan 30).
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Which stadium will host Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy&nbsp;match?</h2>
Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">What time will Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match start?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start at 9:30 AM IST on Thursday (Jan 30) with the toss taking place at 9:00 AM IST.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match on TV?<o:p></o:p></h2>
At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live broadcast by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in the build-up to the contest.&nbsp;
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-delhi-railways-contest-unlikely-to-be-telecasted-live-streamed-report-8659828" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecasted, live streamed - Report</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming online on OTT?<o:p></o:p></h2>
At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live streaming on any OTT platform by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in build-up to the contest.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Squads<o:p></o:p></h2>
Delhi: Ayush Badoni (capt), Virat Kohli, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Shivam Sharma, Pranav Rajvanshi, Vaibhav Kandpal, Mayank Gusain, Gagan Vats, Sumit Mathur, Rahul Gahlot, Jitesh Singh, Vansh Bedi.
Railways: Anchit Yadav, Vivek Singh, Suraj Ahuja, Pratham Singh (c), Upendra Yadav (wk), Mohammad Saif, Bhargav Merai, Karn Sharma, Purnank Tyagi, Himanshu Sangwan, Kunal Yadav, Shivam Chaudhary, Yuvraj Singh, Akash Pandey, Adarsh Singh, Ayan Chaudhari, Rajat Nirwal, Ashutosh Sharma.

Sports, Cricket: Former India captain Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy as Delhi take on Railways. 

Delhi vs Railways, Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Former India captain Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy as Delhi take on Railways. The contest set to start on Thursday (Jan 30), will see the return of Virat in the domestic red-ball contest for the first time in over a decade. Ahead of the Ranji Trophy contest between Delhi and Railways, here are all the details, including live streaming, squads, and more. When is Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match? Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start on Thursday (Jan 30). Which stadium will host Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match? Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. What time will Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match start? Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start at 9:30 AM IST on Thursday (Jan 30) with the toss taking place at 9:00 AM IST. Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match on TV? At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live broadcast by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in the build-up to the contest. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecasted, live streamed - Report Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming online on OTT? At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live streaming on any OTT platform by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in build-up to the contest. Squads Delhi: Ayush Badoni (capt), Virat Kohli, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Shivam Sharma, Pranav Rajvanshi, Vaibhav Kandpal, Mayank Gusain, Gagan Vats, Sumit Mathur, Rahul Gahlot, Jitesh Singh, Vansh Bedi. Railways: Anchit Yadav, Vivek Singh, Suraj Ahuja, Pratham Singh (c), Upendra Yadav (wk), Mohammad Saif, Bhargav Merai, Karn Sharma, Purnank Tyagi, Himanshu Sangwan, Kunal Yadav, Shivam Chaudhary, Yuvraj Singh, Akash Pandey, Adarsh Singh, Ayan Chaudhari, Rajat Nirwal, Ashutosh Sharma.

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: When & where to watch Delhi vs Railways match live?

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
India batter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;linked up with the Delhi team on Tuesday (Jan 28) ahead of his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a>&nbsp;match against Railways to be played from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will be playing his first domestic cricket match in Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
Former India off-spinner and head coach of Delhi Ranji team, Sarandeep Singh, said that Kohli was the source of motivation for his young teammates during training session.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
The former India captain joined his Delhi teammates for football drills, shared laughs, and participated in 100-metre sprints before heading to the batting nets.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-india-batter-declines-to-lead-delhi-team-in-railways-match-8660850">Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli declines to lead Delhi team in Railways match</a> 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
For around 15 minutes, he faced throwdowns delivered from the middle of the pitch. He dedicated five minutes to front-foot strokes and, in the remaining time, focused on handling back-of-length deliveries off the back foot.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
The session featured a mix of defensive and aggressive shots. Although he was beaten a couple of times outside off, he also connected well, middling several pulls and short-arm jabs along the ground.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
&ldquo;Young players were feeling motivated while training with their idol Virat Kohli. It is good for domestic cricket. We had just cricket chat with Kohli and plans for the match were discussed. It was indeed a good day,&rdquo; Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh was quoted as saying to IANS.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
There has been a lot of pressure on the Indian Test players to play domestic matches after the abject batting failure in Australia, as the Indian team barely crossed 150 runs in its first innings of most of the Test matches.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
Delhi, currently placed sixth in the Elite Group D table with 14 points from six games, are out of the knockout stage after losing to Saurashtra in their last match by 10 wickets.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
The final round of Ranji Trophy group games will end four days before India's first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW80261986 BCX0">
Kohli is part of the ODI squad for the three-match bilateral series in the lead-up to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> from February 19.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Cricket Sports: The former India captain joined his Delhi teammates for football drills, shared laughs, and participated in 100-metre sprints before heading to the batting nets

India batter Virat Kohli linked up with the Delhi team on Tuesday (Jan 28) ahead of his Ranji Trophy match against Railways to be played from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will be playing his first domestic cricket match in Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012. Former India off-spinner and head coach of Delhi Ranji team, Sarandeep Singh, said that Kohli was the source of motivation for his young teammates during training session. The former India captain joined his Delhi teammates for football drills, shared laughs, and participated in 100-metre sprints before heading to the batting nets. Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli declines to lead Delhi team in Railways match For around 15 minutes, he faced throwdowns delivered from the middle of the pitch. He dedicated five minutes to front-foot strokes and, in the remaining time, focused on handling back-of-length deliveries off the back foot. The session featured a mix of defensive and aggressive shots. Although he was beaten a couple of times outside off, he also connected well, middling several pulls and short-arm jabs along the ground. “Young players were feeling motivated while training with their idol Virat Kohli. It is good for domestic cricket. We had just cricket chat with Kohli and plans for the match were discussed. It was indeed a good day,” Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh was quoted as saying to IANS. There has been a lot of pressure on the Indian Test players to play domestic matches after the abject batting failure in Australia, as the Indian team barely crossed 150 runs in its first innings of most of the Test matches. Delhi, currently placed sixth in the Elite Group D table with 14 points from six games, are out of the knockout stage after losing to Saurashtra in their last match by 10 wickets. The final round of Ranji Trophy group games will end four days before India's first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6. Kohli is part of the ODI squad for the three-match bilateral series in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy from February 19. (With inputs from agencies)

Ranji Trophy 2025: ‘Young players felt motivated after training with Kohli,’ says Delhi coach

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0"></div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
India paceman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Bumrah</a> on Tuesday (Jan 28) was named cricketer of the year by the International Cricket Council.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
He was honoured with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year 2024. Bumrah beat fellow nominees Travis Head, Joe Root, and Harry Brook to the award as he became the fifth recipient from India, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rahul-dravid">Rahul Dravid</a> (2004), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sachin-tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</a> (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016) and Virat Kohli (2017, 2018). &nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
&ldquo;Across formats, Bumrah's 2024 exploits were a masterclass in skill, precision, and relentless consistency, as he shattered record after record and cemented his place as the world's premier fast bowler,&rdquo; the ICC website read.
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
&ldquo;The current No. 1 ranked bowler in the ICC Test Rankings became the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets, achieving the feat with a sub-20 bowling average - the best in history.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ab-de-villiers-set-to-return-to-cricket-after-four-years-in-20-over-league-8661350">AB de Villiers set to return to cricket after four years in 20-over league</a> 
On Monday,&nbsp;Bumrah was named ICC men's Test Cricketer of the Year for amassing 71 wickets in just 13 matches at a jaw-dropping sub-15 average, statistics that placed him heads and shoulders above his contemporaries during a phenomenal 2024.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
Bumrah expressed his delight at winning the award, pointing out that winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 was a moment which will always be close to his heart.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
&ldquo;I am really happy to be winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Men's Cricketer of the Year award. Last year was really memorable, especially winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados. It will always be close to my heart.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW9208581 BCX0">
&ldquo;When I was a youngster, I saw many of my heroes winning this ICC award. I am very happy to be receiving one,&rdquo; said Bumrah.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Cricket Sports: Bumrah was also named ICC men's Test Cricketer of the Year for amassing 71 wickets in just 13 matches at a jaw-dropping sub-15 average

India paceman Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (Jan 28) was named cricketer of the year by the International Cricket Council. He was honoured with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year 2024. Bumrah beat fellow nominees Travis Head, Joe Root, and Harry Brook to the award as he became the fifth recipient from India, after Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016) and Virat Kohli (2017, 2018). “Across formats, Bumrah's 2024 exploits were a masterclass in skill, precision, and relentless consistency, as he shattered record after record and cemented his place as the world's premier fast bowler,” the ICC website read. “The current No. 1 ranked bowler in the ICC Test Rankings became the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets, achieving the feat with a sub-20 bowling average - the best in history.” Also Read: AB de Villiers set to return to cricket after four years in 20-over league On Monday, Bumrah was named ICC men's Test Cricketer of the Year for amassing 71 wickets in just 13 matches at a jaw-dropping sub-15 average, statistics that placed him heads and shoulders above his contemporaries during a phenomenal 2024. Bumrah expressed his delight at winning the award, pointing out that winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 was a moment which will always be close to his heart. “I am really happy to be winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Men's Cricketer of the Year award. Last year was really memorable, especially winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados. It will always be close to my heart.” “When I was a youngster, I saw many of my heroes winning this ICC award. I am very happy to be receiving one,” said Bumrah. (With inputs from agencies)

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian pacer to win this prestigious ICC award...

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
India&rsquo;s newly-appointed batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave an update on when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-shami">Mohammed Shami</a> could play his next match for the national cricket team. Shami returned to the India cricket team after a gap of over one year with his selection for the ongoing T20I series against England, but the 34-year-old pacer has not featured in the two T20Is played so far.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
Shami was also seen bowling in the nets with his knees heavily strapped during a practice session recently. It was a swelling in the knee that ruled Shami out of the last two Tests in the Bord-Gavaskar Trophy.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW263307374 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="782628980" paraeid="{1a275190-067a-410c-a100-7f22402f4c7b}{131}">Gambhir and SKY will take call on Shami&rsquo;s selection&nbsp;</h2>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
The Indian batting coach also cleared the air over concerns regarding the pacer's fitness and said that it is &ldquo;not a problem&rdquo; but his return to the team will depend on the plans of coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gautam-gambhir">Gautam Gambhir</a> and T20I captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suryakumar-yadav">Suryakumar Yadav</a> as Shami has also been picked for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-3rd-t20i-live-score-update-india-vs-england-playing-xi-ind-eng-live-match-updates-today-jan-28-liveblog-8661395">IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I Live Score: India aim to seal series in Rajkot</a> 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
&ldquo;Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer. There is definitely a plan (for Shami) looking at coming matches as well as one-dayers. So, that is something Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call on. But (his) fitness, definitely is not a problem, depending on how they are planning to build his load,&rdquo; Kotak said in a presser.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW263307374 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="1828628672" paraeid="{1a275190-067a-410c-a100-7f22402f4c7b}{194}">Kotak looks forward to working with Kohli&nbsp;</h2>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
Kotak is also looking forward to working with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODIs, as they have been in poor form off late.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW263307374 BCX0">
&ldquo;Rohit and Virat are senior players, but even the players we have now, it is a lot about understanding how they are planning their games, how they think, and then see if we can add something. If I can add value to 2%, 5% (of their game), that would be great. There might be a lot of things that I can also learn from them,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Cricket Sports: Shami was also seen bowling in the nets with his knees heavily strapped during a practice session recently. Shami has not featured in the two T20Is played so far

India’s newly-appointed batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave an update on when Mohammed Shami could play his next match for the national cricket team. Shami returned to the India cricket team after a gap of over one year with his selection for the ongoing T20I series against England, but the 34-year-old pacer has not featured in the two T20Is played so far. Shami was also seen bowling in the nets with his knees heavily strapped during a practice session recently. It was a swelling in the knee that ruled Shami out of the last two Tests in the Bord-Gavaskar Trophy. Gambhir and SKY will take call on Shami’s selection The Indian batting coach also cleared the air over concerns regarding the pacer's fitness and said that it is “not a problem” but his return to the team will depend on the plans of coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav as Shami has also been picked for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Also Read: IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I Live Score: India aim to seal series in Rajkot “Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer. There is definitely a plan (for Shami) looking at coming matches as well as one-dayers. So, that is something Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call on. But (his) fitness, definitely is not a problem, depending on how they are planning to build his load,” Kotak said in a presser. Kotak looks forward to working with Kohli Kotak is also looking forward to working with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODIs, as they have been in poor form off late. “Rohit and Virat are senior players, but even the players we have now, it is a lot about understanding how they are planning their games, how they think, and then see if we can add something. If I can add value to 2%, 5% (of their game), that would be great. There might be a lot of things that I can also learn from them,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I: 'Mohammed Shami is fit, but...’, says Indian batting coach ahead of 3rd T20I

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Knocks in Dubai

1. 122 vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2022*

2. 77 vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2012 

3. 65 vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2014

4. 60 vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2021

5. 55 vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2016*

6. 49 vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2018

7. 33 vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2018 Final

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Knocks in Dubai ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates as he hunts for glory. 

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Test Knocks

1. 141 vs. Australia, Adelaide (2014)

2. 149 vs. England, Birmingham (2018)

3. 254 vs. South Africa, Pune (2019)*

4. 200 vs. West Indies, Antigua (2016)

5. 116 vs. Australia, Melbourne (2012)

6. 123 vs. Australia, Perth (2018)

7. 103 vs. England, Nottingham (2018)

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Test Knocks ft Australia, England, Sri Lanka ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 as he hunts for glory. 

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Knocks vs Australia

1. 100 off 52 balls vs. Australia (Jaipur, October 16, 2013)*

2. 100 off 76 balls vs. Australia (Hobart, February 28, 2012)*

3. 115 off 66 balls vs. Australia (Nagpur, October 30, 2013)*

4. 133 off 86 balls vs. Sri Lanka (Hobart, February 28, 2012)*

5. 139 off 126 balls vs. Sri Lanka (Ranchi, November 16, 2014)*

6. 107 off 114 balls vs. Pakistan (Dhaka, March 18, 2012)

7. 122 off 125 balls vs. England (Pune, January 15, 2017)

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Knocks vs Australia ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 as the former India captain hunts for glory. 

India star batter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;is all set to join Delhi's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy</a>&nbsp;squad on Tuesday (Jan 28) for their upcoming fixture against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will play the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012 when he had played against Uttar Pradesh.
Virat Kohli's link-up with the squad was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-virat-kohli-to-join-delhi-team-on-tuesday-jan-28-kohli-last-ranji-trophy-match-score-8659298" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">confirmed by Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh</a> as reported by cricket news website ESPNCricinfo. Kohli had earlier opted out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match from January 23 to 25 due to a neck injury.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-final-tickets-sale-date-tickets-for-india-champions-trophy-match-india-schedule-in-champions-trophy-2025-india-vs-pakistan-feb-23-8659064" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025: ICC says sale of tickets for final to be open only after first semi-final | Know Why</a>
Kohli had said that he is recovering from neck pain for which he took an injection on January 8 - three days after India's tour of Australia had ended while opting out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match.
Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets.
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
<h2>Follow Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Updates below:</h2>

That's all for today. We'll be back tomorrow with more updates as Virat Kohli gets a day closer to his Ranji Trophy comeback in nearly 13 years.
This live blog has ended.

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return

Delhi batter Ayush Badoni will be leading&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;in Delhi's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy</a>&nbsp;match against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Badoni, who made his first class debut only last year, had shot to fame after his exploits in cash-rich T20 tournament Indian Premier League (IPL).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ayush-badoni-uncapped-india-batter-ipl-lsg-player-will-captain-virat-kohli-in-delhi-ranji-trophy-match-against-railways-8661279" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: Badoni to lead Delhi

Kohli, who will return to domestic cricket for the first time in 12 years, will play under 25-year-old uncapped India batter Ayush Badoni. Kohli is one of the big players who is returning to domestic cricket after BCCI's new policy which demanded the players to be part of it.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-india-batter-declines-to-lead-delhi-team-in-railways-match-8660850" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: India batter declines to lead Delhi

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to increase the security of Arun Jaitley stadium in anticipation of large crowd coming in to watch India batter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a>. The India batter is set to play in Delhi's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy</a>&nbsp;match against Railways from January 30 to February 2.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-in-ranji-trophy-ddca-increasing-security-to-manage-crowd-during-railways-match-8660676" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: DDCA increasing security to manage crowd

Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats

Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs.
The batter, who had been practicing with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Alibaugh, arrived at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 28). Kohli took part in team huddle and net session as well.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-virat-kohli-practice-video-with-delhi-team-ahead-of-railways-match-from-jan-30-8660376" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Watch Here</a>

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: Watch Kohli in practice

According to a report from a leading news outlet, Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy match will not be telecasted on the Sports 18 Network, which holds the rights to broadcast India&rsquo;s domestic matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already allocated telecast slots to Karnataka vs. Haryana, Bengal vs. Punjab, and Jammu &amp; Kashmir vs. Baroda, meaning there could be logistical issues in broadcasting the match.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-delhi-railways-contest-unlikely-to-be-telecasted-live-streamed-report-8659828" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: Delhi vs Railways live telecast

November 2012 was the last time&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;featured for Delhi in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranji Trophy</a>. 13 years later, he will play his next game in India&rsquo;s premier domestic tournament. The ace Indian batter, perhaps the best of the past decade, will play Delhi&rsquo;s last league game this season.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/here-are-all-details-of-virat-kohlis-ranji-trophy-game-for-delhi-after-13-years-8647202" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read all details here</a>

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live: All details you should know

Ranji Trophy: India batter Virat Kohli has linked up with the Delhi team ahead of his return to domestic cricket for the first time since 2012. Cricket Sports

India star batter Virat Kohli is all set to join Delhi's Ranji Trophy squad on Tuesday (Jan 28) for their upcoming fixture against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will play the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012 when he had played against Uttar Pradesh. Virat Kohli's link-up with the squad was confirmed by Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh as reported by cricket news website ESPNCricinfo. Kohli had earlier opted out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match from January 23 to 25 due to a neck injury. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: ICC says sale of tickets for final to be open only after first semi-final | Know Why Kohli had said that he is recovering from neck pain for which he took an injection on January 8 - three days after India's tour of Australia had ended while opting out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match. Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets. Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Follow Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Updates below:

HIGHLIGHTS | Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Updates: India batter begins practice with Delhi team

India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a> has declined to captain the Delhi Ranji Trophy team in their next match against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli, who will return to domestic cricket for the first time in 12 years, will play under 25-year-old uncapped India batter Ayush Badoni.
Kohli is one of the big players who is returning to domestic cricket after BCCI's new policy which demanded the players to be part of it.
<h2>Kohli declines to lead Delhi Ranji Trophy team</h2>
The former India skipper, playing his first match in nearly 13 years, has declined to lead the Delhi team, reported media outlet Times of India. Kohli is not only one of the most successful skippers of India but world cricket as well.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-live-updates-kohli-last-ranji-match-score-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ranji-trophy-8660230" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Live Updates</a>
The Delhi team instead will be led by Ayush Badoni who had also led Delhi in the last match against Saurashtra from January 23-25.&nbsp;
Earlier, Kohli <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-virat-kohli-practice-video-with-delhi-team-ahead-of-railways-match-from-jan-30-8660376" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">joined the Delhi team</a> at Arun Jaitley stadium on Tuesday (Jan 28) and took part in practice session as well. He batted about 45 minutes in the nets.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-in-ranji-trophy-ddca-increasing-security-to-manage-crowd-during-railways-match-8660676" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">planning to increase security</a> of the stadium in anticipation of the crowd which may come to watch the star India batter play.
<h2>Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats</h2>
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).
The India international players are showing in Ranji Trophy matches after BCCI's new policy which made it mandatory for them to participate in domestic cricket.

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli, who will return to domestic cricket for the first time in 12 years, will play under 25-year-old uncapped India batter Ayush Badoni. Sports Cricket

India batter Virat Kohli has declined to captain the Delhi Ranji Trophy team in their next match against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli, who will return to domestic cricket for the first time in 12 years, will play under 25-year-old uncapped India batter Ayush Badoni. Kohli is one of the big players who is returning to domestic cricket after BCCI's new policy which demanded the players to be part of it. Kohli declines to lead Delhi Ranji Trophy team The former India skipper, playing his first match in nearly 13 years, has declined to lead the Delhi team, reported media outlet Times of India. Kohli is not only one of the most successful skippers of India but world cricket as well. Also Read: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Live Updates The Delhi team instead will be led by Ayush Badoni who had also led Delhi in the last match against Saurashtra from January 23-25. Earlier, Kohli joined the Delhi team at Arun Jaitley stadium on Tuesday (Jan 28) and took part in practice session as well. He batted about 45 minutes in the nets. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is also planning to increase security of the stadium in anticipation of the crowd which may come to watch the star India batter play. Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests). The India international players are showing in Ranji Trophy matches after BCCI's new policy which made it mandatory for them to participate in domestic cricket.

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli declines to lead Delhi team in Railways match

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to increase the security of Arun Jaitley stadium in anticipation of large crowd coming in to watch India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a>. The India batter is set to play in Delhi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy</a> match against Railways from January 30 to February 2.
Kohli is one of the big players who is returning to domestic cricket after BCCI's new policy which demanded the players be part of it. He&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-virat-kohli-practice-video-with-delhi-team-ahead-of-railways-match-from-jan-30-8660376" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">joined the Delhi team</a> for practice on Tuesday (Jan 28).
<h2>DDCA beefs up security ahead of Virat Kohli's Ranji return</h2>
The DDCA is planning to increase the security as well as ask Delhi Police for help to manage the crowd that may visit the Arun Jaitley stadium to watch Virat Kohli play.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-live-updates-kohli-last-ranji-match-score-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ranji-trophy-8660230" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live Updates</a>
"The Delhi Police will receive a letter from us. We have enhanced our private security, so we have initiated all these arrangements, and we will attempt to ensure there is no inconvenience for the fans when they come on January 30 to see the match," DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said, as reported by media outlet Times of India.
Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets.
India skipper Rohit Sharma also played in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23. Along with him, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also featured for their respective teams.
Rohit's return to the Ranji Trophy, after nearly a decade, lasted only for 19 balls as he was dismissed by J&amp;K pacer Umar Nazir Mir. Mumbai eventually went on to lose the game.

Ranji Trophy: The DDCA is planning to increase the security as well as ask Delhi Police for help to manage the crowd which may visit to watch Virat Kohli play. Cricket Sports 

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to increase the security of Arun Jaitley stadium in anticipation of large crowd coming in to watch India batter Virat Kohli. The India batter is set to play in Delhi's Ranji Trophy match against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli is one of the big players who is returning to domestic cricket after BCCI's new policy which demanded the players be part of it. He joined the Delhi team for practice on Tuesday (Jan 28). DDCA beefs up security ahead of Virat Kohli's Ranji return The DDCA is planning to increase the security as well as ask Delhi Police for help to manage the crowd that may visit the Arun Jaitley stadium to watch Virat Kohli play. Also Read: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live Updates "The Delhi Police will receive a letter from us. We have enhanced our private security, so we have initiated all these arrangements, and we will attempt to ensure there is no inconvenience for the fans when they come on January 30 to see the match," DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said, as reported by media outlet Times of India. Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets. India skipper Rohit Sharma also played in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23. Along with him, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also featured for their respective teams. Rohit's return to the Ranji Trophy, after nearly a decade, lasted only for 19 balls as he was dismissed by J&K pacer Umar Nazir Mir. Mumbai eventually went on to lose the game.

Virat Kohli in Ranji Trophy: DDCA increasing security to manage crowd during Railways match

India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a> linked up with the Delhi team on Tuesday (Jan 28) ahead of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy</a> match against Railways to be played from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will be playing his first domestic cricket match in Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012.
Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-live-updates-kohli-last-ranji-match-score-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ranji-trophy-8660230" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live Updates</a>
<h2>Kohli joins Delhi team</h2>
The batter, who had been practicing with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Alibaugh, arrived at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 28). Kohli took part in team huddle and net session as well. Have a look at the video below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Virat Kohli at Arun Jaitley Stadium 😍 <a href="https://t.co/Ock3jyVlLH">pic.twitter.com/Ock3jyVlLH</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trend_VKohli/status/1884099221550424519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kohli started with warm-up along with the squad including other drills before batting for 45 minutes and faced a mix of five pace bowlers (3 right-arm and 2 left-arm) including two left-arm spinners.
The India star also participated in fielding throwdowns towards the end of the session.
<h2>Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats</h2>
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).
The India international players are showing in Ranji Trophy matches after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BCCI</a>'s new policy which made it mandatory for them to participate in domestic cricket.

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli started warm-up with the squad including other drills before batting for 45 minutes and faced pace bowlers and left-arm spinners as well. Cricket Sports

India batter Virat Kohli linked up with the Delhi team on Tuesday (Jan 28) ahead of his Ranji Trophy match against Railways to be played from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will be playing his first domestic cricket match in Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012. Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets. Also Read: Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Return Live Updates Kohli joins Delhi team The batter, who had been practicing with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Alibaugh, arrived at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 28). Kohli took part in team huddle and net session as well. Have a look at the video below: Virat Kohli at Arun Jaitley Stadium 😍 pic.twitter.com/Ock3jyVlLH — Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 28, 2025 Kohli started with warm-up along with the squad including other drills before batting for 45 minutes and faced a mix of five pace bowlers (3 right-arm and 2 left-arm) including two left-arm spinners. The India star also participated in fielding throwdowns towards the end of the session. Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests). The India international players are showing in Ranji Trophy matches after BCCI's new policy which made it mandatory for them to participate in domestic cricket.

Ranji Trophy: WATCH | Virat Kohli starts practice with Delhi team ahead of Railways match

Virat Kohli&rsquo;s fans could be left disappointed as the star India batter is set to return to the Ranji Trophy contest for the first time in over a decade on Thursday (Jan 30). Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 will play in the domestic red-ball format against Railways in Elite Group D. However, according to a report, the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium between Delhi and Railways will not be telecast or live-streamed on any digital platform. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kohli fans disappointed<o:p></o:p></h2>
According to a report from a leading news outlet, Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy match will not be telecasted on the Sports 18 Network, which holds the rights to broadcast India&rsquo;s domestic matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already allocated telecast slots to Karnataka vs. Haryana, Bengal vs. Punjab, and Jammu &amp; Kashmir vs. Baroda, meaning there could be logistical issues in broadcasting the match. <o:p></o:p>
The current broadcaster will either have to drop one match from the already allotted slot to accommodate the Kohli contest on TV or make necessary arrangements for live streaming on the digital platform.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-naomi-girma-24-years-old-million-dollar-female-footballer-most-expensive-female-football-player-chelsea-women-olympic-gold-winner-8659154" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Meet Naomi Girma - 24-year-old Olympic gold winner and world's first million-dollar female footballer</a>
"We don't know if BCCI will make any last-minute arrangements since Kohli is playing but we haven't been intimated anything about the broadcast of this game. Normally all big centres get one live game allotted (TV or streaming). We had a game against Tamil Nadu which was aired live. The roster for broadcast is set months in advance," a DDCA official told PTI.<o:p></o:p>
It is also reported that the BCCI decision to broadcast Mumbai&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy match last week was made well in advance before Rohit Sharma joined the team. This means no last-minute changes were needed in the broadcasting schedule. However, the BCCI now has less than 48 hours to decide whether the Delhi-Railways Ranji Trophy match will be broadcast or not.<o:p></o:p>
(Inputs from Agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Virat Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 will play in the domestic red-ball format against Railways in Elite Group D.

Virat Kohli’s fans could be left disappointed as the star India batter is set to return to the Ranji Trophy contest for the first time in over a decade on Thursday (Jan 30). Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 will play in the domestic red-ball format against Railways in Elite Group D. However, according to a report, the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium between Delhi and Railways will not be telecast or live-streamed on any digital platform. Kohli fans disappointed According to a report from a leading news outlet, Kohli’s Ranji Trophy match will not be telecasted on the Sports 18 Network, which holds the rights to broadcast India’s domestic matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already allocated telecast slots to Karnataka vs. Haryana, Bengal vs. Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir vs. Baroda, meaning there could be logistical issues in broadcasting the match. The current broadcaster will either have to drop one match from the already allotted slot to accommodate the Kohli contest on TV or make necessary arrangements for live streaming on the digital platform. ALSO READ | Meet Naomi Girma - 24-year-old Olympic gold winner and world's first million-dollar female footballer "We don't know if BCCI will make any last-minute arrangements since Kohli is playing but we haven't been intimated anything about the broadcast of this game. Normally all big centres get one live game allotted (TV or streaming). We had a game against Tamil Nadu which was aired live. The roster for broadcast is set months in advance," a DDCA official told PTI. It is also reported that the BCCI decision to broadcast Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match last week was made well in advance before Rohit Sharma joined the team. This means no last-minute changes were needed in the broadcasting schedule. However, the BCCI now has less than 48 hours to decide whether the Delhi-Railways Ranji Trophy match will be broadcast or not. (Inputs from Agencies)

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecast, live streamed - Report

India star batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a> is all set to join Delhi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy</a> squad on Tuesday (Jan 28) for their upcoming fixture against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will play the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012 when he had played against Uttar Pradesh.
The decision to play in domestic cricket comes days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BCCI</a> made it mandatory for players in the new policy.
<h2>Kohli to play Ranji Trophy after 12 years</h2>
Virat Kohli's link-up with the squad was confirmed by Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh as reported by cricket news website ESPNCricinfo. Kohli had earlier opted out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match from January 23 to 25 due to a neck injury.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/here-are-all-details-of-virat-kohlis-ranji-trophy-game-for-delhi-after-13-years-8647202" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Here are all details of Virat Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi</a>
Kohli had said that he is recovering from neck pain for which he took an injection on January 8 - three days after India's tour of Australia had ended while opting out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match.
<h2>Virat Kohli's score in his last Ranji Trophy match</h2>
Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets.
<h2>Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats</h2>
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against UP in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the 1st innings and 43 runs in 2nd. Cricket Sports

India star batter Virat Kohli is all set to join Delhi's Ranji Trophy squad on Tuesday (Jan 28) for their upcoming fixture against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will play the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012 when he had played against Uttar Pradesh. The decision to play in domestic cricket comes days after the BCCI made it mandatory for players in the new policy. Kohli to play Ranji Trophy after 12 years Virat Kohli's link-up with the squad was confirmed by Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh as reported by cricket news website ESPNCricinfo. Kohli had earlier opted out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match from January 23 to 25 due to a neck injury. Also Read: Here are all details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi Kohli had said that he is recovering from neck pain for which he took an injection on January 8 - three days after India's tour of Australia had ended while opting out of Delhi's last Ranji Trophy match. Virat Kohli's score in his last Ranji Trophy match Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets. Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli set to join Delhi team for practice on Tuesday

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Kocks against Australia Across Formats

1. 183 (Hobart, 2012 - CB Series, ODI)

2. 82 (Mohali, 2016 - T20 World Cup)*

3. 141 & 115 (Adelaide, 2014 - Test)

4. 169 (Melbourne, 2014 - Test)

5. 116 (Nagpur, 2013 - ODI)

6. 123 (Perth, 2018 - Test)

7. 90 (Adelaide, 2016 - T20I)*

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Kocks against Australia Across Formats ft 183 in Mohali, 82 in T20 World Cup as the star India batter hunts for glory at the CT.

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif on Saturday (Jan 25) said that Indian senior duo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> are being targeted for their red-ball form and are forced to play domestic cricket ahead of the white-ball tournaments.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
Rohit turned up for Mumbai in their ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Jammu &amp; Kashmir. He scored 3 and 28 runs in the match. Meanwhile, Kohli will join Delhi's squad for the match against Railways from January 30.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
Other than the star duo, members of the Test squad that faced a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia are also featuring for their respective state sides for the latest round of Ranji Trophy matches. The other notable players include Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra) and Shubman Gill (Punjab).&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-t20i-varun-chakravarthy-attributes-domestic-cricket-for-his-t20i-career-boom-says-smat-is-at-par-with-ipl-8652112">IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Varun attributes domestic cricket for his T20I career boom</a> 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
Latif said that Rohit and Kohli should focus on their upcoming white-ball tournaments against England and next month&rsquo;s Champions Trophy in Dubai.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
Latif said that due to the busy international calendar, players don&rsquo;t get much time to play domestic cricket. He went on to say that the star duo played two World Cup finals in the last two years without playing domestic cricket.&nbsp;
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW169062253 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="433085391" paraeid="{7cce9581-a817-48ac-a2ac-951d36acae50}{90}">White-ball is a totally different game: Rashid</h2>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
&ldquo;There is no time for players to play domestic cricket due to the packed international calendar. If needed they should play domestic cricket but due to the targeting of Rohit and Virat, they&rsquo;re forcing everyone to play domestic cricket. In the past, barring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sachin-tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</a>, others have not played much domestic cricket... Rohit and Virat have won the T20 World Cup and reached the final of the ODI World Cup without playing domestic cricket. They will next play the ODI series against England so they should prepare for it as white-ball is a totally different game,&rdquo; Latif was quoted saying to IANS news agency.<span class="EOP SCXW169062253 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}">&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW169062253 BCX0">
Rohit and Kohli will feature in the three-match ODI series against England starting on February 6. Both teams are currently playing the five-match T20I series. India started with a thumping win at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the first T20I.
(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

Sports, Cricket: Rohit turned up for Mumbai in match against J&K. He scored 3 and 28 runs. Meanwhile, Kohli will join Delhi's squad for match against Railways from Jan 30

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif on Saturday (Jan 25) said that Indian senior duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are being targeted for their red-ball form and are forced to play domestic cricket ahead of the white-ball tournaments. Rohit turned up for Mumbai in their ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Jammu & Kashmir. He scored 3 and 28 runs in the match. Meanwhile, Kohli will join Delhi's squad for the match against Railways from January 30. Other than the star duo, members of the Test squad that faced a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia are also featuring for their respective state sides for the latest round of Ranji Trophy matches. The other notable players include Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra) and Shubman Gill (Punjab). Also Read: IND vs ENG 2nd T20I: Varun attributes domestic cricket for his T20I career boom Latif said that Rohit and Kohli should focus on their upcoming white-ball tournaments against England and next month’s Champions Trophy in Dubai. Latif said that due to the busy international calendar, players don’t get much time to play domestic cricket. He went on to say that the star duo played two World Cup finals in the last two years without playing domestic cricket. White-ball is a totally different game: Rashid “There is no time for players to play domestic cricket due to the packed international calendar. If needed they should play domestic cricket but due to the targeting of Rohit and Virat, they’re forcing everyone to play domestic cricket. In the past, barring Sachin Tendulkar, others have not played much domestic cricket... Rohit and Virat have won the T20 World Cup and reached the final of the ODI World Cup without playing domestic cricket. They will next play the ODI series against England so they should prepare for it as white-ball is a totally different game,” Latif was quoted saying to IANS news agency. Rohit and Kohli will feature in the three-match ODI series against England starting on February 6. Both teams are currently playing the five-match T20I series. India started with a thumping win at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the first T20I. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Rohit, Kohli are being forced to play...’ says former Pak cricketer Rashid Latif

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Innings vs Pakistan

1. 183 (148 balls) – Asia Cup 2012, Mirpur

2. 82 (53 balls) – T20 World Cup 2022, Melbourne

3. 107 (126 balls) – ICC World Cup 2015, Adelaide

4. 79 (104 balls) – ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Edgbaston

5. 78 (61 balls) – Asia Cup 2016, Mirpur

6. 49 (52 balls) – ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Final, The Oval

7. 55 (37 balls) – T20 World Cup 2016, Kolkata

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Innings vs Pakistan including T20 World Cup 2022, Asia Cup 2012, ODI World Cup as he hunts for glory. 

Virat Kohli's 7 Unbreakable Records

1. Most ODI Centuries (50)

2. Fastest to Multiple ODI Run Milestones

3. Most Double Centuries by a Test Captain (7)

4. Most Runs in a Single Edition of the ODI World Cup (765 in 2023)

5. Most Player of the Series Awards (21)

6. Highest Career Batting Average in T20Is (48.69)

7. Most Runs in a Single IPL Season (973 in 2016)

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: 7 Unbreakable Records of Virat Kohli ft ODI Centuries, Multiple ODI Run Milestones, Most Double Centuries by a Test.

Australia&rsquo;s newbie opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sam-konstas" rel="dofollow">Sam Konstas</a> made the most of his enthralling debut against India at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/boxing-day-test" rel="dofollow">Boxing Day Test</a> in Melbourne. The rookie batter enjoyed his time in the middle, hitting a fifty on his first outing, smashing ace seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a> for a six off a ramp shot and getting a shoulder bumping from cricket&rsquo;s beloved Virat Kohli, all in the same innings. Reflecting on his talked-about international debut, Konstas regrets nothing.
Almost one month since emerging onto the Test scene as among the youngest present across both camps, Konstas admitted watching videos of it, reflecting how he felt about playing in front of a packed house at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t believe (it),&rdquo; Konstas said in a video chat shared by cricket.com.au on their social media handle.
&ldquo;The first hour of the Boxing Day Test and (the way) I went about it. I watched it quite a few times &ndash; the videos and the crowd&rsquo;s reaction.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Obviously, I felt at times (that) the emotions did get to me, which was a great learning. Hopefully, if I do play with the bigger crowds, I can control that,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/boost-for-australia-as-test-specialist-cleared-for-sri-lanka-tests-matthew-kuhnemann-steve-smith-8649272" rel="dofollow">Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests</a>
Though he was tipped for bigger things in Australian cricket even before his Test debut, considering his pedigree for success, Konstas did justice to his reputation. Replacing Nathan McSweeney at the top, Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja and, in no time, took the attack to Bumrah &ndash; India&rsquo;s best bowler on the tour.
Before he smoked him for 18 runs in one over (11th) &ndash; the most that Bumrah conceded in his Test career thus far, Konstas made headlines for hitting Bumrah for a six and four off two ramp shots, breaking the internet. His sweep to Bumrah for a boundary came in the same over, adding up to 14.&nbsp;
A few overs later, he smashed the ace quick for another six down the ground, hitting two off his bowling on his Test debut.
&ldquo;Probably my ramp shots (to be fair),&rdquo; Sam replied when asked what clips did he watch the most. &ldquo;Watched that a few times; me trying to smack him (Jasprit Bumrah) in the first innings.&rdquo;
<h2>Shoulder bumping Kohli</h2>
Even with all of that happening around, with the crowd and the visitors loving every moment of it, Kohli's shoulder bump to Konstas took the viewing to the next level. With both sharing some words, the umpires and Khawaja had to intervene to separate them.&nbsp;
Though Kohli faced a wrath for the same with the ICC punishing him, Konstas said such things happen in cricket, and a bit of theatre is good for the game.
&ldquo;Nah, not really. I haven&rsquo;t watched that as much, but I felt like it was in the contest. It&rsquo;s good to have a bit of theatre in the game,&rdquo; he&nbsp;added.
Watch -
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ahu9d3-lqay1ph6-dd7pxvgu">
"I've watched it quite a bit!" Almost one month (!) on, Sam Konstas reflects on his WILD first hour of Test cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnplayablePodcast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnplayablePodcast</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Qantas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Qantas</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y3R6NPPr42">pic.twitter.com/Y3R6NPPr42</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1882668913332552081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, the opener&nbsp;will fly to Sri Lanka for his first away series starting January 29 in Galle.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Replacing Nathan McSweeney at the top, Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja and, in no time, took the attack to Bumrah – India’s best bowler on the tour.

Australia’s newbie opener Sam Konstas made the most of his enthralling debut against India at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The rookie batter enjoyed his time in the middle, hitting a fifty on his first outing, smashing ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for a six off a ramp shot and getting a shoulder bumping from cricket’s beloved Virat Kohli, all in the same innings. Reflecting on his talked-about international debut, Konstas regrets nothing. Almost one month since emerging onto the Test scene as among the youngest present across both camps, Konstas admitted watching videos of it, reflecting how he felt about playing in front of a packed house at the ‘G’. “I couldn’t believe (it),” Konstas said in a video chat shared by cricket.com.au on their social media handle. “The first hour of the Boxing Day Test and (the way) I went about it. I watched it quite a few times – the videos and the crowd’s reaction. “Obviously, I felt at times (that) the emotions did get to me, which was a great learning. Hopefully, if I do play with the bigger crowds, I can control that,” he said. Also read | Boost for Australia as Test specialist cleared of injury for Sri Lanka Tests Though he was tipped for bigger things in Australian cricket even before his Test debut, considering his pedigree for success, Konstas did justice to his reputation. Replacing Nathan McSweeney at the top, Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja and, in no time, took the attack to Bumrah – India’s best bowler on the tour. Before he smoked him for 18 runs in one over (11th) – the most that Bumrah conceded in his Test career thus far, Konstas made headlines for hitting Bumrah for a six and four off two ramp shots, breaking the internet. His sweep to Bumrah for a boundary came in the same over, adding up to 14. A few overs later, he smashed the ace quick for another six down the ground, hitting two off his bowling on his Test debut. “Probably my ramp shots (to be fair),” Sam replied when asked what clips did he watch the most. “Watched that a few times; me trying to smack him (Jasprit Bumrah) in the first innings.” Shoulder bumping Kohli Even with all of that happening around, with the crowd and the visitors loving every moment of it, Kohli's shoulder bump to Konstas took the viewing to the next level. With both sharing some words, the umpires and Khawaja had to intervene to separate them. Though Kohli faced a wrath for the same with the ICC punishing him, Konstas said such things happen in cricket, and a bit of theatre is good for the game. “Nah, not really. I haven’t watched that as much, but I felt like it was in the contest. It’s good to have a bit of theatre in the game,” he added. Watch - "I've watched it quite a bit!" Almost one month (!) on, Sam Konstas reflects on his WILD first hour of Test cricket #UnplayablePodcast | @Qantas | #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/Y3R6NPPr42 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 24, 2025 Meanwhile, the opener will fly to Sri Lanka for his first away series starting January 29 in Galle. (With inputs from agencies)

Konstas on shoulder bump with Kohli: ‘It’s good to have a bit of theatre in the game’

November 2012 was the last time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> featured for Delhi in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a>. 13 years later, he will play his next game in India&rsquo;s premier domestic tournament. The ace Indian batter, perhaps the best of the past decade, will play Delhi&rsquo;s last league game this season. Find out all the details of Virat Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy return match.
The India international has amassed 81 centuries across formats - 50 of those have come in the One-Dayers, 30 in Tests and the remaining one in the shortest format &ndash; the T20Is. Even though he has nothing to prove to anyone, having won all ICC trophies, barring the newly-inducted World Test Championship (WTC), Kohli finds himself in a tighter spot form-wise, willing to work his way out ahead of the first showpiece event of the year &ndash; the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled next month in Pakistan.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jaiswal-to-open-gill-drops-to-number-3-where-does-kohli-bat-ravi-ashwin-drops-his-predicted-xi-for-champions-trophy-2025-8646818" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI</a>
However, following India&rsquo;s horrid run in the past two Test match series, having lost both to New Zealand at home (0-3) and against Australia Down Under (1-3), the BCCI issued a fresh ten-point policy mandate, making it compulsory for everyone to feature for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy.&nbsp;
Like his fellow India internationals, captain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-ranji-trophy-dismissal-on-return-video-mumbai-vs-jammu-kashmir-ranji-trophy-8646775">Rohit Sharma</a>, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Kohli was also named in the probable squad (for Delhi); however, he pulled out of their first match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain.
<h2>So when Kohli plays next?</h2>
The big question is, when will Kohli play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy?&nbsp;
Virat Kohli will feature for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy league game against Railways at home (Arun Jaitley Stadium) starting January 30. His last Ranji Trophy match came against Uttar Pradesh (in 2013), where he returned with scores of 14 and 43 across two innings.
Meanwhile, Kohli trained with the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad earlier but sat out of the game against Saurashtra.
With the world&rsquo;s best batter back to playing the Ranji Trophy, expect a sea of fans to visit the Delhi stadium for their next domestic match.
<h2>Ready for Champions Trophy</h2>
Virat endured a poor run with the bat in the last two Test series, scoring 91 and 190, respectively. Though his struggle against the spin worried most cricket fans, his inability to avoid chasing the fourth stump line that saw him getting out similarly on six occasions against Australia broke the camel&rsquo;s back.&nbsp;
With the England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looming, Kohli trying to find some luck with the bat in the Ranji Trophy game would benefit him.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: Ace batter Virat Kohli's last Ranji Trophy match came against Uttar Pradesh (in 2013), where he returned with scores of 14 and 43 across two innings.

November 2012 was the last time Virat Kohli featured for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. 13 years later, he will play his next game in India’s premier domestic tournament. The ace Indian batter, perhaps the best of the past decade, will play Delhi’s last league game this season. Find out all the details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return match. The India international has amassed 81 centuries across formats - 50 of those have come in the One-Dayers, 30 in Tests and the remaining one in the shortest format – the T20Is. Even though he has nothing to prove to anyone, having won all ICC trophies, barring the newly-inducted World Test Championship (WTC), Kohli finds himself in a tighter spot form-wise, willing to work his way out ahead of the first showpiece event of the year – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled next month in Pakistan. Also read | Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI However, following India’s horrid run in the past two Test match series, having lost both to New Zealand at home (0-3) and against Australia Down Under (1-3), the BCCI issued a fresh ten-point policy mandate, making it compulsory for everyone to feature for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy. Like his fellow India internationals, captain Rohit Sharma, keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Kohli was also named in the probable squad (for Delhi); however, he pulled out of their first match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain. So when Kohli plays next? The big question is, when will Kohli play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy? Virat Kohli will feature for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy league game against Railways at home (Arun Jaitley Stadium) starting January 30. His last Ranji Trophy match came against Uttar Pradesh (in 2013), where he returned with scores of 14 and 43 across two innings. Meanwhile, Kohli trained with the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad earlier but sat out of the game against Saurashtra. With the world’s best batter back to playing the Ranji Trophy, expect a sea of fans to visit the Delhi stadium for their next domestic match. Ready for Champions Trophy Virat endured a poor run with the bat in the last two Test series, scoring 91 and 190, respectively. Though his struggle against the spin worried most cricket fans, his inability to avoid chasing the fourth stump line that saw him getting out similarly on six occasions against Australia broke the camel’s back. With the England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 looming, Kohli trying to find some luck with the bat in the Ranji Trophy game would benefit him. (With inputs from agencies)

Here are all details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi

Former spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravichandran-ashwin" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> reflected on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-champions-trophy-squad-england-odi-announcement-date-live-updates-rohit-gill-kohli-rahul-iyer-pandya-shami-bumrah-axar-jadeja-kuldeep-karun-liveblog-8627125" rel="dofollow">Team India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy 2025 squad</a>, trying to work out the best XI for the eight-team tournament scheduled for February 19 start. Ashwin dropped his first XI for the opener against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, with star batters &ndash; Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant missing the cut. However, he discussed another scenario where Jaiswal comes into the XI, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli sacrificing their positions.
<h2>Rahul discusses India&rsquo;s strongest XI</h2>
The Men in Blue will play their first ODI since August last year (against England in February), with most of the 2023 ODI World Cup-bound players making the cut. Given how well each fared in the ten-team tournament almost 14 months ago, Ashwin didn&rsquo;t make too many changes to his predicted XI.
Discussing India&rsquo;s strongest side, Ashwin said the captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Shubman Gill will open, with the batting great Virat Kohli walking in next.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/coach-gautam-gambhir-gets-backing-from-t20i-captain-suryakumar-yadav-after-kolkata-t20i-win-against-england-8646233" rel="dofollow">Coach Gautam Gambhir gets backing from Suryakumar after Kolkata T20I win</a>
Ashwin picked Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul (keeper) to play at four and five, with Hardik Pandya and one of Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel accompanying him in the lower middle order.
Ashwin is keen on playing Kuldeep Yadav with three seamers. Though Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s availability remains subject to fitness, should he be declared fit, he will lead the pace attack consisting of Arshdeep Singh and returning Mohammed Shami.
&ldquo;Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there&rsquo;s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it&rsquo;s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,&rdquo; Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
<h3>Can Washington Sundar play?</h3>
Head coach Gautam Gambhir&rsquo;s growing confidence in Sundar (as a batter) played a role in Ashwin&rsquo;s shock retirement call midway through the BGT Down Under; however, speaking of the same, Ashwin discussed a scenario where Sundar could make it to the playing XI.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-bcci-suspends-ankit-bawne-for-refusing-to-walk-after-being-out-ankit-bawne-ranji-trophy-runs-matches-stats-8646387" rel="dofollow">Meet Ankit Bawne - Maharashtra batter with 8000-plus runs suspended by BCCI in Ranji Trophy for showing dissent</a>
&ldquo;Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. I&rsquo;m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater.&rdquo;
&ldquo;If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik&rsquo;s all-round skills,&rdquo; Ashwin said.
&ldquo;If Washington bats at No. 7, it weakens the batting. Ideally, he should bat at 8. Washington Sundar at 8 might not be feasible if dew is a major factor. In that case, Kuldeep Yadav would bat at 8, and the team would likely go with all seamers &ndash; Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami. In the 2023 World Cup, we lacked batting depth from No. 8 onwards. These are the crucial questions that need to be addressed,&rdquo; he continued.
<h3>Will Kohli bat at number 4?</h3>
Kohli is perhaps the greatest number three in the ODIs during his time, but if India considers playing Jaiswal, making the most of his form, Shreyas Iyer might face the axe. That doesn&rsquo;t end the top-order problem, with Ashwin reckoning Jaiswal and Rohit would open, with Gill at number three and Kohli playing at four.
&ldquo;Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to&nbsp;open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5.
&ldquo;If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal&rsquo;s current form.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s difficult to exclude KL Rahul given his excellent ODI and World Cup performances,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

Cricket Sports: Given how well each fared in the 2023 ODI World Cup almost 14 months ago, Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t make too many changes to his predicted XI.

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reflected on Team India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, trying to work out the best XI for the eight-team tournament scheduled for February 19 start. Ashwin dropped his first XI for the opener against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, with star batters – Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant missing the cut. However, he discussed another scenario where Jaiswal comes into the XI, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli sacrificing their positions. Rahul discusses India’s strongest XI The Men in Blue will play their first ODI since August last year (against England in February), with most of the 2023 ODI World Cup-bound players making the cut. Given how well each fared in the ten-team tournament almost 14 months ago, Ashwin didn’t make too many changes to his predicted XI. Discussing India’s strongest side, Ashwin said the captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Shubman Gill will open, with the batting great Virat Kohli walking in next. Also read | Coach Gautam Gambhir gets backing from Suryakumar after Kolkata T20I win Ashwin picked Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul (keeper) to play at four and five, with Hardik Pandya and one of Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel accompanying him in the lower middle order. Ashwin is keen on playing Kuldeep Yadav with three seamers. Though Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains subject to fitness, should he be declared fit, he will lead the pace attack consisting of Arshdeep Singh and returning Mohammed Shami. “Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there’s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Can Washington Sundar play? Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s growing confidence in Sundar (as a batter) played a role in Ashwin’s shock retirement call midway through the BGT Down Under; however, speaking of the same, Ashwin discussed a scenario where Sundar could make it to the playing XI. Also read | Meet Ankit Bawne - Maharashtra batter with 8000-plus runs suspended by BCCI in Ranji Trophy for showing dissent “Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater.” “If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills,” Ashwin said. “If Washington bats at No. 7, it weakens the batting. Ideally, he should bat at 8. Washington Sundar at 8 might not be feasible if dew is a major factor. In that case, Kuldeep Yadav would bat at 8, and the team would likely go with all seamers – Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami. In the 2023 World Cup, we lacked batting depth from No. 8 onwards. These are the crucial questions that need to be addressed,” he continued. Will Kohli bat at number 4? Kohli is perhaps the greatest number three in the ODIs during his time, but if India considers playing Jaiswal, making the most of his form, Shreyas Iyer might face the axe. That doesn’t end the top-order problem, with Ashwin reckoning Jaiswal and Rohit would open, with Gill at number three and Kohli playing at four. “Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5. “If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal’s current form. “It’s difficult to exclude KL Rahul given his excellent ODI and World Cup performances,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI

Most sixes in a T20I knock by Indian batsman while chasing 

7. Tilak Varma-6 sixes

6. Axar Patel-6 sixes

5. Suryakumar Yadav-6 sixes

4. Virat Kohli-6 sixes

3. Rohit Sharma-6 sixes

2. Rohit Sharma-6 sixes

1. Abhishek Sharma-8 sixes

Sports, Cricket: After Abhishek Sharma hit eight sixes against England during the first T20I on Wednesday (Jan 22), here is the list of Indian batsman hitting maximum number of sixes in a T20I while chasing

Most sixes in a T20I knock by Indian batsman while chasing

virat-kohli

Virat Kohli, News on Virat Kohli, stories on Virat Kohli, articles on Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli stories at Wion, Virat Kohli news, Virat Kohli latest news

virat kohli

Kohli’s Ranji return: Delhi gears up for a Virat show

Virat Kohli in Ranji Trophy: WATCH | India batter practices backfoot shots towards third-man ahead of Railways match

Ranji Trophy: 'Double of the benchmark,' Virat Kohli's advice to young kid to become India cricketer | WATCH

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: When & where to watch Delhi vs Railways match live?

Ranji Trophy 2025: ‘Young players felt motivated after training with Kohli,’ says Delhi coach

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian pacer to win this prestigious ICC award...

IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I: 'Mohammed Shami is fit, but...’, says Indian batting coach ahead of 3rd T20I

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Knocks in Dubai

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Test Knocks

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Knocks vs Australia

HIGHLIGHTS | Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy Updates: India batter begins practice with Delhi team

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli declines to lead Delhi team in Railways match

Virat Kohli in Ranji Trophy: DDCA increasing security to manage crowd during Railways match

Ranji Trophy: WATCH | Virat Kohli starts practice with Delhi team ahead of Railways match

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecast, live streamed - Report

Ranji Trophy: Virat Kohli set to join Delhi team for practice on Tuesday

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Kocks against Australia Across Formats

‘Rohit, Kohli are being forced to play...’ says former Pak cricketer Rashid Latif

Virat Kohli’s 7 Best Innings vs Pakistan

Virat Kohli's 7 Unbreakable Records

Konstas on shoulder bump with Kohli: ‘It’s good to have a bit of theatre in the game’

Here are all details of Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return game for Delhi

Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI

Most sixes in a T20I knock by Indian batsman while chasing