Ranji Trophy 2025: Rishabh Pant Answers Ranji Call While Virat Kohli Remains Silent on Return
Rishabh Pant is set to return to the Ranji Trophy after six years, boosting Delhi squad for their Elite Group D clash against Saurashtra starting January 23, 2025, in Rajkot. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds Virat Kohli participation, as he hasn’t confirmed his availability. Pant last played Ranji in 2017-18, while Kohli hasn’t featured since 2012.
After a humiliating loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Australia, the focus has shifted to domestic cricket. Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has decided to return to the Ranji Trophy after six years, confirming his participation in Delhi’s Elite Group D match against Saurashtra starting January 23 in Rajkot. This will mark Pant’s first appearance in the Ranji Trophy since the 2017-18 season.
On the other hand, uncertainty looms over Virat Kohli’s availability for the tournament. Kohli, who last played a Ranji game in 2012, has been included in Delhi’s probable squad but has not confirmed his participation. DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma revealed that while Pant is set to join the squad, Kohli is yet to communicate his decision. He said:
Yes, Pant has confirmed his availability for the next Ranji game and will join the squad in Rajkot directly. About Virat Kohli, we want him to play, but we haven’t heard from him while Harshit Rana is selected in the T20 squad and hence is unavailable.
Meanwhile, Delhi pacer Harshit Rana will miss the upcoming Ranji matches due to his inclusion in India’s T20I squad for the England series.
Delhi currently ranked fourth in their group, will benefit from Pant’s return as they aim for a stronger finish. However, with Kohli’s silence adding intrigue, the spotlight remains on whether India’s former captain will make a much-anticipated comeback to domestic cricket.
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