Rishabh Pant confirms availability for Delhi's Ranji Trophy game; uncertainty over Kohli

DDCA’s inclusion of star players in the probables list is a standard practice, but their participation in the final squad depends on their availability.
Rishabh Pant bats during play on the second day of the fifth cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia.
Rishabh Pant bats during play on the second day of the fifth cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia.(Photo | AP)
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NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for Delhi's next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, scheduled to begin in Rajkot on January 23, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma said on Tuesday.

Pant last featured in a Ranji Trophy match during the 2017-18 season.

However, there remains uncertainty over the participation of superstar Virat Kohli, who last played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi back in 2012.

Both Pant and Kohli have been included in Delhi's probables for the remainder of the season.

"Yes, Pant has confirmed his availability for the next Ranji game and will join the squad in Rajkot directly.

About Virat Kohli, we want him to play, but we haven't heard from him, while Harshit Rana is selected in the T20 squad and hence is unavailable," DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told PTI.

The return of experienced players has been widely discussed, with former India greats Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri urging the current crop of players, including the struggling Rohit Sharma and Kohli, to play red-ball cricket to regain form following the series loss in Australia.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also expected to feature for their respective state teams.

Rohit’s recent training session with the Mumbai team on Tuesday drew significant attention. However, it remains to be seen whether he will make himself available for the next round of Ranji Trophy matches starting January 23.

Intense debate has surrounded Kohli's potential return to Ranji Trophy to regain his red-ball form alongside Rohit. Rohit had rested himself from the final Test in Australia due to poor form, while Kohli’s struggles outside the off-stump worsened, with his tally of being caught in the slips increasing to eight across five Tests.

DDCA’s inclusion of star players in the probables list is a standard practice, but their participation in the final squad depends on their availability.

Besides Pant, Kohli, and Harshit Rana, Delhi have named 38 probables for the remaining two games.

In Group D, Delhi are fourth in the standings with 14 points from five matches.

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