Former India captain Virat Kohli was reportedly approached by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to captain the Delhi Ranji team in their upcoming match against Railways. However, the star batter declined the offer, expressing his desire to allow young Ayush Badoni, who plays for Lucknow Super Giants, to continue leading the side, a DDCA source revealed.
Speaking to ANI news agency, the source said, “We asked Virat if he would be willing to take up the captaincy for the game against Railways. However, he refused, saying, ‘Let Ayush Badoni continue. I don’t want to lead.”
Kohli’s decision highlights his support for young talent and his commitment to providing the next generation with leadership opportunities. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter joined Delhi’s practice session on Tuesday ahead of their Elite Group D Ranji Trophy clash against Railways, scheduled for Thursday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Returning to domestic cricket after a significant hiatus, the former India captain was seen sharpening his skills in the nets in preparation for the eagerly anticipated match.
With Kohli joining the side, the game which was not supposed to be live-streamed will now be available on Jio Cinema – which has been telecasting Ranji Trophy matches this season. One match in Delhi – their game against Tamil Nadu had been livestreamed on Jio Cinema, but now a last-minute decision has been taken to telecast this game as well since Virat Kohli will be playing Ranji Trophy after more than a decade.
Earlier, Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed Kohli’s inclusion in the Delhi squad for the Ranji Trophy game. Kohli’s participation in domestic cricket aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent directive emphasizing the importance of Indian international stars participating in domestic tournaments when possible.
The DDCA have thrown the gates open for the spectators as well, who can watch Kohli live in action at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from Thursday (January 30) onwards.
The final round of Ranji Trophy matches concludes on February 2, just four days before India’s three-match bilateral ODI series against England kicks off in Nagpur. Kohli, who has amassed an impressive 11,479 runs in 155 First-Class matches at an average of 48.23 and a strike rate of 55.96, will be looking to make an impact in his domestic comeback.
JIOCINEMA WILL TELECAST DELHI VS RAILWAYS RANJI MATCH. – The aura and impact of King Kohli.
pic.twitter.com/WtBcgvdSUb — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 28, 2025
Here are all the details about Virat Kohli’s Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match…
When is Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match going to take place?
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match will take place from Thursday, January 30.
Where is Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match going to take place?
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
What time will Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match start?
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match Day 1 will begin at 930am IST. The toss for the match will be held at 9am.
Where can I watch Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match on TV in India?
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match will not be available LIVE on TV in India.
How can I watch livestreaming of Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match in India?
The Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2025 match will be available for livestreaming on Jio Cinema website and app.
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