Reports: Virat Kohli in Delhi's probable squad for Ranji Trophy 2018-19

In what is a surprising news for fans, and an exciting one for the domestic cricketers, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy probable squad for the 2018-19 season. Other Delhi international players – Ishant Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir have also been included in the squad.

Reports in Times Now suggests that the players have been asked to report at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on September 5, but those who are currently in England will miss the camp. In the previous season too, Virat was included in the squad and was also named the captain but he couldn’t feature in any game because of national commitments. Ishant and Pant have also led Delhi in the past.

However, it is highly unlikely that Kohli will play the season, given that his last game for Delhi was way back in 2013. The skipper chose to rest himself from the Asia Cup too, in order to manage workload ahead of India’s tour to Australia, and West Indies’ tour to India.

Gambhir might as well lead the Delhi Ranji side this season. He had earlier said that if given the opportunity to don the captain’s hat, he would be more than willing to accept it. Last year, the left-hander was removed from captaincy and young Rishabh Pant was given the responsibility. The team reached the finals of the tournament where they eventually lost.

Delhi have won 7 Ranji trophies

Delhi have won the Ranji Trophy seven times and have been runners-up on eight occasions. Their latest title in 2007-08 came after a long wait of 16 long years. Ashish Nehra, Bishan Singh Bedi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Mohinder Amarnath, Virender Sehwag and Kohli are some of the most prominent names to have played for Delhi.

The current Ranji Trophy championship is held by Vidarbha, who beat Delhi by 9 wickets in the final match of the 2017-18 season.

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