Wed Jan 15 17:34:43 UTC 2025: ## Pant Returns to Ranji Trophy After Seven Years; Kohli’s Participation Uncertain
**Rajkot, India** – Star Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will make his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy, playing for Delhi against Saurashtra starting January 23rd in Rajkot. This marks Pant’s first Ranji Trophy appearance in seven years, a decision spurred by Delhi’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and the BCCI’s mandate for players to participate in domestic cricket when not on national duty.
The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed Pant’s availability. However, the participation of former India captain Virat Kohli remains uncertain, despite his inclusion in the probable squad. Kohli last played Ranji Trophy for Delhi in 2012. Other Indian players are also weighing their participation in the domestic tournament. Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab, while Rohit Sharma has joined his Mumbai teammates in practice, but neither has yet confirmed participation. Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been instructed to join Mumbai’s training sessions.
The Indian cricketers have a three-week break following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy before the upcoming white-ball series against England. While Kohli and Rohit are not part of the T20I squad, Pant, Gill, and Jaiswal are expected to feature in the ODI squad, a crucial stepping stone towards the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s participation adds intrigue to Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign.
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