Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has decided not to take up the captaincy of the Delhi cricket team ahead of his return to the Ranji Trophy. The star batter, known for his leadership and stellar performances on the international stage, made this decision despite being approached by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). This surprising choice came after Kohli made himself available to play for Delhi in the upcoming domestic tournament.
Earlier in January 2025, Virat Kohli announced his availability for the Delhi team, a move that followed the new rules set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which made it mandatory for national players to participate in domestic cricket. Kohli, who hasn’t played in the domestic cricket scene for over 13 years, was excited to get back to his roots and regain his form in the competitive format. His first match in the Ranji Trophy after a long break will be against Railways on January 30, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Before this much-awaited match, Kohli faced a minor setback when he missed Delhi’s game against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain. However, he bounced back and arrived in Delhi on January 26, ready to train with his team for the Railways clash.
In a surprising twist, the DDCA reached out to Kohli, offering him the captaincy role for the Delhi team’s return to the Ranji Trophy. However, in an unexpected move, Kohli decided to decline the offer. The 35-year-old cricketer expressed his belief that the team’s progress should not be disrupted by any leadership change. Kohli supported the young and promising captain, Ayush Badoni, encouraging him to continue leading the team.
Kohli’s decision echoes a similar move made by Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Pant, too, was offered the captaincy of Delhi’s domestic team but decided to step back from it for reasons related to team dynamics and focus on his individual performance.
This season of the Ranji Trophy will mark an important chapter for Kohli, who will be returning to domestic cricket after more than a decade. His return is highly anticipated by cricket fans, as they eagerly look forward to seeing the former Indian captain showcase his skills on the domestic circuit. His experience and leadership could bring valuable insights to the younger players, but for now, Kohli seems focused solely on his performance rather than taking on any extra responsibilities.
The Delhi team for the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Railways has a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Along with Kohli, the squad includes players like Ayush Badoni, Pranav Rajvanshi, Mayank Gusain, and others. Badoni, who continues to captain the team, will be looking to lead Delhi to success in the prestigious tournament, while Kohli’s presence in the squad adds extra excitement and hope for the team.
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket also reflects his commitment to the game and his desire to keep improving his skills. His participation in the Ranji Trophy is seen as a step towards regaining his form, which will be crucial as he continues to represent India on the international stage.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s decision to decline the captaincy of the Delhi team highlights his selflessness and focus on the bigger picture. While his leadership would undoubtedly have brought strength to the team, Kohli’s support for Badoni and his commitment to his own game show his dedication to both his personal growth and the success of the team. As Kohli prepares to make his much-awaited return to domestic cricket, cricket fans eagerly await his performance and hope for a successful Ranji Trophy campaign.
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