The former Indian skipper Virat Kohli and national wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant are in Delhi’s 84-man probable list for Ranji Trophy season. If the 35-year-old does play India’s domestic tournament it will be the first time since 2012 where he would play the tournament.
Rishabh Pant is another name that has been included in the list of probable players. The two Indian stars will be seen in action during the 2nd Test starting on Friday. The match is scheduled to be played in Kanpur.
One of the notable names missing from the list is that of veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma. The 36-year-old had played a handful of matches last season for Delhi. Navdeep Saini is also a part of the list along with young pace sensations Harshit Rana and Mayank Yadav.
Is Kohli set to make his Ranji Trophy return?
India’s ace batter Virat Kohli has been going through a lean patch with the bat in the red ball format. With just 23 runs in the first Test, Kohli failed to get going in Chennai. There are concerns about his form with series against New Zealand and Australia set to be played.
India’s team management will want Virat Kohli to be in his prime form especially ahead of the Australian series. India’s next Test series against New Zealand is set to begin on the 16th of October. Delhi are slated to take on Chandigarh in their opening game of the season on the 11th of October. Bengaluru is the venue where India will play its first Test match against New Zealand.
The four day game will finish on the 14th giving Kohli enough time to make it to the opening Test against the Kiwis. Rishabh Pant on the other hand has shown positive signs on his return to Test cricket. The left-handed batter scored 39 and 109 in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.
Some of the other known players in the Delhi probable list are Yash Dhull and Ayush Badoni. Young Priyansh Arya who hit six-sixes in an over during the Delhi Premier League has also been named.
The season will also be crucial for Harshit Rana and Mayank Yadav. Few good performances in the opening rounds could see the duo pencil their names for the Australian tour.