Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant set to take the domestic route ahead of the India vs England Test series?

Star Indian batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, set to begin on January 23 in Rajkot. This marks a significant development, as Pant has not played a domestic red-ball match since the 2017-2018 Ranji Trophy season. The announcement was made by Ashok Sharma, a key figure in the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), highlighting Pant’s eagerness to return to domestic cricket after a challenging year in international cricket. Pant’s decision to participate in the prestigious tournament has sparked excitement, especially considering his form in white-ball cricket and his leadership role with the Indian team.

Will Virat Kohli return to Ranji Trophy after the Border Gavaskar Trophy defeat?

However, questions remain regarding the participation of another key player, Virat Kohli. There is still no official confirmation on whether the former Indian captain will feature in the Ranji Trophy match. Kohli, who has been a central figure in Indian cricket for over a decade, has largely focused on international cricket and limited-overs formats in recent years, which has raised doubts about his availability for domestic cricket. His absence or inclusion will certainly be closely watched, as fans and experts alike are eager to see if he too decides to return to domestic cricket for a short stint. With both players now under the spotlight, Delhi's upcoming Ranji match is expected to generate considerable attention.

“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 [for the England games] and hence is unavailable,” Ashok Sharma was quoted as saying in a recent interview. 

Interestingly, former India cricketers Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar have both advocated for the current crop of Indian players to return to domestic cricket in order to avoid the disappointing outcome seen in the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy. Both Shastri and Gavaskar, who have vast experience and deep insights into Indian cricket, expressed concerns over the lack of match fitness and preparation for the longer format. According to them, playing in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy can help players regain the sharpness and discipline required for Test cricket, something that appeared to be missing during India's recent setbacks.

The duo's comments come on the back of India’s first-ever defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in over a decade, where a 1-3 loss to Australia raised serious questions about the team’s readiness and approach to red-ball cricket. Shastri and Gavaskar suggested that the absence of regular participation in domestic cricket could be contributing to the inconsistent performances of key players, especially in Test cricket. With several senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, facing criticism for their recent form, Shastri and Gavaskar’s call for a return to the domestic grind has gained further significance.

Team India will be coming off a disappointing defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy when they face England in an upcoming white-ball series. The Indian side began the Test series on a strong note, securing a dominant win in the opening match in Perth. However, a series of losses in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney resulted in a 1-3 defeat to Australia, ending India’s hopes of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This defeat came as a blow to India, especially after a period of dominance in the series.

Now, with a white-ball series against England looming, India will look to bounce back quickly and regain their confidence. The upcoming series presents an opportunity to sharpen their skills and form ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue will aim to put in solid performances, with the ultimate goal of lifting the Champions Trophy once again. India has a proud history in ICC events, and their focus will be on fine-tuning their preparations for what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament. The team will hope to build momentum and enter the Champions Trophy in top form, eager to reclaim the prestigious title.