Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant named in Delhi's probable squad

In an interesting turn of events, star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been named in Delhi's probable squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. This announcement has surely got the cricket fraternity excited as they could see the two premier cricketers in action in BCCI's most prestigious red-ball tournament.

The Men in Blue have a busy schedule in the coming months as they are scheduled to play Test series against New Zealand and Australia after the ongoing one against Bangladesh concludes. Kohli and Pant are integral members of India's Test setup and this could keep them out of action in the Ranji Trophy. However, if the two iconic cricketers can somehow figure out at least a little bit of time amid their busy schedule, it would be huge for the tournament and its fans.

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As per a release by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), the list of 84 probables includes Kohli, Pant, and Navdeep Saini, who recently had an impressive Duleep Trophy campaign. However, experienced speedster Ishant Sharma, who played for Delhi last season, was notably snubbed from the squad.

Virat Kohli's last Ranji Trophy appearance

Kohli has been named in Delhi’s probable Ranji Trophy squad for the first time since 2018. Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance was in the 2012-13 season when he played against Uttar Pradesh after a successful international series against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Pant made his debut in the tournament in 2015. He turned heads in the 2016-17 season when he amassed the fastest century in Ranji Trophy history, smashing a 48-ball hundred against Jharkhand.

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Delhi are scheduled to begin their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign against Chandigarh on October 11. India will be playing a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh during this time. While Kohli has retired from the game's shortest format, Pant is expected to be in action. However, India's first Test against New Zealand begins on October 16. Therefore, it is doubtful that Kohli and Pant will be seen in action in the Ranji Trophy opener.