Kohli, Jadeja, and Rahul Set to Light Up Ranji Trophy Drama

The spotlight shifts to star players Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul as the Ranji Trophy resumes on January 23. Delhi, Saurashtra, and Karnataka await confirmation on their participation. Jadeja, recently back from a family vacation in Australia, is expected to feature in Saurashtra’s match against Delhi in Rajkot. If both Kohli and Jadeja play, this game could become a marquee clash. Kohli, who hasn’t played a Ranji game in 12 years, might train with the Delhi team even if he doesn’t play. Delhi's squad announcement is due, and Rishabh Pant is set to captain the side.

In Bengaluru, Karnataka hopes to see KL Rahul join their ranks for their fixture against Punjab, while Shubman Gill has already confirmed his availability for Punjab. Meanwhile, Mumbai awaits Rohit Sharma’s decision on his availability for their match against Jammu and Kashmir at Wankhede, although he has been practicing with the team. Rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal has confirmed participation.

The BCCI’s new policy mandates international players’ participation in domestic cricket to ensure match fitness, talent nurturing, and better integration with the domestic ecosystem. This move aligns with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s vision for strengthening the domestic circuit. However, this directive has raised eyebrows as stars like Pant and Jaiswal, rested from the upcoming T20I series against England, are still expected to play Ranji games.

This heightened focus on domestic cricket has added excitement to the Ranji Trophy fixtures, with fans anticipating high-profile clashes and the opportunity to see international stars in action.