Virat Kohli to once again skip domestic cricket? Here's the update

Indian batters have been facing a challenging period in Test cricket, with their struggles becoming increasingly evident over recent series. The downturn began during the home series against New Zealand, where the Indian batsmen appeared particularly vulnerable to the Kiwi spin attack. Despite playing in familiar conditions, they struggled to counter the spin and were often caught out by well-executed deliveries, which left many questioning their technique against spin bowling. Things did not improve when India toured Australia, where the batsmen’s performances continued to fall short. Their shot selection and approach were heavily criticized by former cricketers and cricket pundits. One of the most notable concerns was the team's inability to adapt to the Australian conditions, which led to some poor dismissals.

Amidst struggles, Virat Kohli set to miss Ranji Trophy match?

Virat Kohli, despite his monumental century in Perth, was one of the most scrutinized. Throughout the series, Kohli looked uncomfortable, getting dismissed repeatedly to deliveries outside the off stump. His inability to adjust to the line and length of the Australian bowlers raised doubts about his form, especially in a high-pressure series. This lack of consistency among the Indian top order, including key players like Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara, has been a worrying sign for the team. The Indian batting lineup, once known for its solidity, is now under the microscope as the team faces increasing pressure to regain its rhythm and form in the longer format of the game.

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season is set to resume on January 23, and with it, several former cricketers have called on the Indian batters to participate in the prestigious domestic competition. After a series of disappointing performances in Test cricket, many experts believe that playing in the Ranji Trophy could help India’s top-order batsmen, including Virat Kohli, regain their form. The domestic tournament offers a vital platform for players to get back into rhythm, especially those struggling with consistency at the international level. Former cricketers have emphasized that competing in the longer format could help these players fine-tune their technique and rediscover their confidence ahead of crucial series.

However, despite these calls, Kohli will not feature in the second leg of the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. According to reports, Kohli is dealing with a neck sprain, which has ruled him out of the remainder of the first-class tournament. This injury comes at a time when Kohli's form has been under scrutiny, especially after his struggles in Australia and during the recent Test series. The absence of such a key player from domestic cricket will undoubtedly be a blow for Delhi, but the decision to prioritize recovery is important for Kohli’s long-term fitness and readiness for upcoming international assignments.

“Virat Kohli had 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 are given an update," said a source to The Times of India.

On January 16, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a new policy mandating the participation of international players in domestic cricket. The policy emphasizes the importance of players featuring in domestic competitions, specifically in the Ranji Trophy and other first-class tournaments, as a means to maintain and enhance their form. It outlines that involvement in these competitions is not only vital for a player’s individual development but also plays a significant role in their selection prospects for the national team.

According to the BCCI’s new guidelines, the domestic circuit serves as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills, improve their game, and gain valuable match practice, particularly in the longer format of the game. This decision comes in the wake of concerns about the Indian team's performance in Test cricket, where several senior players have been criticized for their lack of form. The policy reinforces the idea that consistent performances in domestic cricket should serve as a stepping stone to securing spots in the national team, ensuring that players stay sharp and competitive.

By making domestic cricket participation a key criterion for selection, the BCCI aims to ensure that India’s top players remain grounded in the fundamentals of the game, while also fostering a deeper connection between the national team and the domestic structure. This move is expected to boost the quality and competitiveness of Indian domestic cricket, benefiting both the players and the overall health of the sport in the country.

"Participation in Domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression," reads one of the points in the policy introduced by the BCCI.