Premier Indian batter and former captain Virat Kohli is making a much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after a 12-year hiatus as he prepares to represent Delhi in their Ranji Trophy clash against Railways on January 30. Kohli, who missed Delhi’s previous game against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain, has recovered and is ready for action.
In a surprising move, Kohli has declined the captaincy role offered by the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA). Instead, he has supported 25-year-old Ayush Badoni, a rising star who represents the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, to continue leading the team.
Kohli reportedly emphasized that he did not want to disrupt the team’s current dynamics and believed in giving young players opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Kohli’s decision mirrors a similar gesture made recently by India and Delhi teammate Rishabh Pant, who also participated in a Ranji Trophy match without taking on the captaincy.
Kohli’s Focus on Regaining Form
The upcoming Ranji game is critical for Kohli, who has been struggling in Test cricket. His poor form was evident during India’s recent tour of Australia, where he scored just 190 runs across nine innings at an average of 23.75, with only two 50+ scores. The Delhi stalwart will look to use this domestic outing to regain his rhythm and confidence.
Kohli’s focus will soon shift to white-ball cricket as India gears up for a three-match ODI series against England, serving as a preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for February. With India’s next Test series against England later this year, it is unlikely Kohli and other senior players will have additional opportunities to play red-ball cricket before the series.
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket reflects his commitment to overcoming his recent struggles and contributing to India’s success in key upcoming tournaments. His decision to forego captaincy in favour of nurturing younger leadership highlights his team-first approach, even at the domestic level.
As Delhi faces Railways, fans will be eager to see whether Kohli can rediscover his trademark form and set the tone for a strong year ahead. With critical international fixtures on the horizon, including the Champions Trophy and the England Test series, all eyes will be on Kohli’s performance and his journey back to top form.
