Ranji Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant To Play for Delhi; Pant to Step Down from Captaincy

Ranji Trophy 2025: In a welcome relief for cricket fans, Indian cricket’s star batter Virat Kohli has been added to Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad ahead of their next encounter against Saurashtra next week. Kohli is yet to be confirmed in the side though as he still needs to clear his neck sprain that forced him to undergo treatment last week.

Adding to the buzz, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to return to Delhi’s domestic lineup after a considerable hiatus. Interestingly, Pant has decided not to take on the captaincy for the match. According to Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley, Pant personally requested the selectors to retain the existing captain, Ayush Badoni, who has been leading the side since November last year.

Rishabh called me on Friday morning and said the selectors must continue with the existing captain. He doesn’t want to disturb the leadership group of the team for just one match. He feels that the current captain, who knows the team dynamics well, should remain in charge. This decision speaks volumes about Rishabh’s character and his commitment to the team,” Jaitley remarked.

Pant’s decision to step down as captain comes with a larger goal in mind. The ODI series against England and the 2025 Champions Trophy are ahead of him, and he is looking to be committed to his national commitments. It may also mean that his availability for Delhi could be limited after the match against Saurashtra.

Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the team has created much excitement among the supporters of Delhi. Though his participation is subject to his recovery, Kohli’s presence in the team would be a huge boost for the team. His experience and leadership, even if not as a captain, would be crucial for Delhi in their campaign.

The selectors have announced a balanced squad for the next two matches against Saurashtra and Railways, which includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents from the U-23 category. It has been reported that players from the U-23 contingent will be released if they are not selected in the final 15-member squad for the matches.

Delhi has managed to show signs of promise in Ayush Badoni’s stewardship, with the team on tenterhooks as they go out to face the remaining matches with the zeal of winning. It is assumed that the squad will leave later this week, possibly for a Rajkot tour, with most players likely heading off in great numbers to meet the demands from the selectors with options galore.

Delhi’s matches against Saurashtra and Railways are crucial, as the team must win both to stay in contention for the knockout stages. The addition of marquee players like Kohli and Pant, even in limited roles, underscores the team’s determination to succeed.

As the cricketing world awaits the unfolding of the Ranji Trophy, it will be on Delhi to see how they cash in on the skills and experience of their star players in these decisive encounters.