NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi Ranji Trophy squad for the game against Saurashtra next week but the star batter's participation is subject to availability.
As reported by TimesofIndia.com, Kohli was always going to be named in the squad but there is no clarity on him playing the fixture yet. He had a sprain in the neck and also took an injection for the same.
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Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, is set to play a game for Delhi after a very long time but will not be leading the squad. The wicketkeeper-batter informed Delhi and District Cricket Association President (DDCA) Rohan Jaitley about his decision to feature just as a player because he didn't want to disturb the existing leadership group for just one match.
“Rishabh called me up on Friday morning and said that the selectors must continue with the existing captain. He doesn’t want to disturb the leadership group of the team for an odd match.. He feels the existing captain must have had his own ideas and knows the players in the team much better than him. There must be continuity. He will be there to guide the team on the field. It’s a great gesture from him and it shows he thinks of the team ahead of himself,” DDCA president Rohan Jaitley said on Friday.
Pant is likely to be picked for India for the ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy next month. Therefore, his participation in the next round of Ranji Trophy matches is unlikely. That prompted Pant to make the call to the DDCA.
Ayush Badoni, who replaced Himmat Singh as the skipper ahead of their last red-ball match in November, will continue to lead the side.
While the squad isn't made public yet, it's understood that it is another jumbo contingent which leaves for Rajkot on January 20. The selectors have included some performers from the U-23 age-group but they are likely to be released if they don't make the 15 for the game.
The squad picked is for Delhi's remaining two games vs Saurashtra (away) and Railways (home). They need a strong show in the last two games to qualify for the knockouts from Group D of India's premier domestic competition.
(With inputs from Arani Basu)
