Reports: Virat Kohli to train with Delhi Ranji squad from Tuesday

Virat Kohli is all set to return to red-ball practice on Tuesday, January 28, in what is poised to be the star batter's first appearance in the Ranji Trophy since November 2012. The head coach of Delhi, Sarandeep Singh, confirmed that Kohli will join the squad shortly.

As per Sarandeep, Kohli confirmed his availability last week. Delhi are scheduled to play Railways as a part of their final Group D fixture against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The game is slated to commence on January 30.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli backed out of Delhi's previous game against Saurashtra citing a neck injury. His participation in the upcoming round of India's premier domestic red-ball competition comes following the Board of Control for Cricket in India had released guidelines for the contracted players having to participate in the domestic circuit, when not on national duty.

Over the previous couple of days, photos and videos have surfaced on social media where the 36-year-old Kohli could be seen fine-tuning his skills along with former Indian and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach, Sanjay Bangar. The duo were snapped at a training facility in Mumbai. After the game, Kohli is set to feature for India in their three-match ODI series against England, before leaving with the squad to take part in the Champions Trophy.

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Rahul named in Karnataka squad, Jadeja to play for Saurashtra

When it comes to other cricketing stars, KL Rahul has been listed in Karnataka's squad for their must-win fixture against Haryana. A niggle to his elbow kept him out of the previous match against Punjab. However, as per the same report, it is understood that the medical panel of the BCCI cleared the wicketkeeper-batter for his state's imminent fixture. Rahul's appearance will be his first in the Ranji Trophy scheme of things in nearly half a decade. 

Ravindra Jadeja, who starred with a 12-wicket haul against Delhi in the previous round, will play in Saurashtra's fixture against Assam in Rajkot. The same match will also feature the returning Riyan Parag, who is poised to play his first competitive game since October 2024, after recovering from a shoulder injury.