DDCA Names Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant Named For Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Probables

Virat Kohli, the former captain of India, and Rishabh Pant, the current Test wicketkeeper, have been included in Delhi's list of probables for the Ranji Trophy 2024/25 season. This decision aligns with the BCCI's strategy to reintroduce experienced players into domestic cricket. Both Kohli and Pant are regulars in Test matches and have been named by the Delhi and District Cricket Association.

The senior selection committee, led by Gursharan Singh as chairperson, along with selectors K Bhaskar Pillai and Rajeev Vinaik, chief coach Sarandeep Singh, and joint secretary Rajan Manchanda, released an 84-member list on September 24. Kohli and Pant top this list of players who will undergo a fitness test on September 26. However, those engaged in international duties are exempt from this requirement.

Delhi's Ranji Trophy Probables

Among the notable names in the extensive list are IPL players such as Ayush Badoni, Hrithik Shokeen, Anuj Rawat, and Simarjeet Singh. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav, known for his impressive speeds during IPL 2024, is also included. Navdeep Saini, who was the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 Duleep Trophy but is currently out of contention for India selection, has made it to the list. However, Ishant Sharma is notably absent.

Kohli and Pant have not been part of Delhi's Ranji probables since 2019. They are expected to play in the second India-Bangladesh Test starting on September 27 in Kanpur. The statement also mentions that players under 23 years old who aren't selected for the Ranji squad can attend U-23 team trials.

The full list of probables includes: Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Himmat Singh, Pranshu Vijayran, Anirudh Chowdhary, Kshitiz Sharma, Vaibhav Kandpal, Siddhant Bansal, Samarth Seth, Jonty Sidhu, Siddhant Sharma, Tishant Dabla, Navdeep Saini, Harsh Tyagi, Lakshay Thareja (wk), Sumit Mathur, Shivank Vashisth.

Additional names include Salil Malhotra, Ayush Badoni, Gagan Vats, Rahul S Dagar, Hrithik Shokeen among others. The list continues with Mayank Rawat and Anuj Rawat (wk), Simarjeet Singh along with several other promising talents like Shivam Kumar Tripathi and Kuldip Yadav.

The inclusion of seasoned players like Kohli and Pant aims to strengthen domestic cricket by providing younger players with valuable experience alongside established stars. This approach is part of a broader effort to enhance the competitiveness of domestic tournaments.