Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic cricket for the first time since 2012 might be delayed due to a neck sprain, according to a report by Times of India. The injury could rule Kohli out of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy fixture against Saurashtra, scheduled to take place from January 23-26 in Rajkot.
A source quoted in the report stated, “Virat Kohli has a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left, and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors get an update.”
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has yet to issue an official update regarding Kohli’s fitness.
Delhi, currently fourth in Elite Group D, have had a mixed campaign with one win, one loss, and three draws. Kohli’s participation was seen as a significant boost, especially after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandated domestic cricket participation for eligibility in national team selection and central contracts.
The BCCI’s recent guidelines emphasize discipline, stating:
“The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player, which may include sanctioning participation in all BCCI tournaments, including the IPL, and deductions from retainer amounts or match fees under BCCI Player contracts.”
This policy has prompted other national players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and India skipper Rohit Sharma, to return to their domestic teams. Both are expected to feature in Mumbai’s upcoming match against Jammu & Kashmir.
Shubman Gill, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, and others have also rejoined their state sides following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ashok Sharma, DDCA secretary, earlier encouraged Kohli to take inspiration from Mumbai players who regularly appear in domestic matches. Kohli’s potential absence, however, raises questions about how the DDCA will manage without their star player in a crucial stage of the Ranji Trophy.
Delhi is scheduled to depart for Rajkot on January 20. Whether Kohli will travel with the squad remains uncertain, with clarity expected in the coming days. If he misses the match, it could delay his domestic comeback further, given only one game will remain in Delhi’s group stage campaign.
