 "Virat Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in 2012. Image: PTI")
Virat Kohli trained with the Delhi Ranji Trophy cricket team players on Tuesday (28 January) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital as he prepares to make his much-awaited return to domestic cricket. Kohli, on Monday, was named in Delhi’s 20-member squad for the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match in the national capital from 30 January.
Kohli will be making his return to domestic cricket for the first time in 13 years having last played for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh in November 2012. Kohli, however, will not captain Delhi as the team will be led by Ayush Badoni.
Kohli trains with Delhi Ranji team
The videos of Kohli warming up with the Delhi cricket team and later batting nets have been going viral on social media since morning. Kohli was also seen having a hearty conversation with coach Sarandeep Singh.
He started his warm-up with a football session and running around the stadium. During the batting session, Kohli faced bowlers like Sumit Mathur, Harsh Tyagi, Shivam Sharma and Navdeep Saini, reported the Times of India.
Impact Shorts
View AllHe was expected to return to the Delhi side for the previous match against Saurashtra but skipped it because of a neck sprain .
Kohli’s comeback to domestic cricket is inspired by BCCI’s new 10-point diktat that makes it mandatory for centrally contracted players to take part in their state team matches.
The 36-year-old batter, who scored just 190 runs on the Australia tour in nine innings and got out caught behind the wicket eight times , will also look to use the upcoming Ranji Trophy match to rediscover his form before the Champions Trophy 2025.