Rishabh Pant included in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad; Virat Kohli's availability still in doubt despite being added to the squad

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been provincially added to Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad. Rishabh Pant is also set to play his first domestic match in seven years as Delhi gets ready to take on Saurashtra in a key game starting on the 23rd of January. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked players to take part in the Ranji Trophy after the disastrous show in Australia recently. 

According to reports carried by the Times of India, 36-year-old Kohli has been added to the squad and will play subject to fitness. It has come to light that Kohli had suffered a sprain in his neck during the SCG Test match and had taken injection for the same. India’s former skipper hasn’t played Ranji Trophy since 2012 and fans will be eager to see the batter back in the mix. 

One source, while speaking to the Times of India, said, “Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of two Ranji Trophy games left and a clear picture could come out if the DDCA selectors are given an update.”

Rishabh Pant set to make his return to Ranji Trophy cricket 

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will be back in the whites of Delhi for the massive game against Saurashtra. The 27-year-old hasn’t been named as the captain of the side, with Ayush Badoni set to lead the team for the game starting on the 23rd of January. 

Delhi are in Elite Group D and are placed fourth in the table with 14 points from five matches. Ayush Badoni’s side will play Saurashtra next before rounding off their campaign against Railways. The former Ranji Trophy winners will have to win both their games if they have to make it to the next stage of the tournament. 

Meanwhile, there is no clarity if Ravindra Jadeja will be playing the game for Saurashtra. The veteran all-rounder was the last to arrive back home after spending time with his family in Australia post the Border Gavaskar series. Yet another player whose participation is up in the air is KL Rahul. The 32-year-old is yet to confirm his status to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) ahead of Karnataka's next match against Punjab. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to play for Mumbai in their game against Jammu and Kashmir. Defending champions Mumbai are third in the table, with Jammu and Kashmir occupying the second spot. There are reports that Rohit Sharma could play the match but India’s skipper is yet to confirm his status to the Mumbai Cricket Association.