Delhi: The performance of the senior players of the Indian team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was not very special. While captain Rohit Sharma scored 31 runs in the series, Virat Kohli scored 190 runs. After this performance, it was emphasized that these players should participate in domestic cricket. In this context, Rohit Sharma has started practicing with the Mumbai team before the second round of Ranji Trophy.

Kohli and Pant's names in Delhi's probable team

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Secretary Ashok Sharma, citing the example of Mumbai cricketers, said that Virat Kohli should also play domestic cricket tournaments for Delhi. Kohli and Rishabh Pant's names are in Delhi's probable team for the last two rounds of Ranji Trophy. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “Both Virat and Rishabh's names are in the probable list. Virat should take inspiration from Mumbai cricketers and play for Delhi in domestic cricket whenever he is available.”

Mumbai's cricket culture

Ashok Sharma said that there has always been a culture in Mumbai that Indian players take part in Ranji matches whenever they are available, whereas this is lacking in Delhi. He also said that BCCI has advised the players to play domestic cricket, and he believes that Virat and Rishabh should play at least one match, but he doubts that they will do so.

DDCA President's statement

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley says that “fit and available” Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant should play Ranji Trophy, but there are some other factors too. “They should do it, but there are a lot of things,” he said. “As much cricket as he is playing, he has to take care of many factors to maintain his fitness.” Jaitley also said that it is very important to participate in domestic tournaments, but if players are busy playing for the national team, they have to stay away from domestic cricket.

He further said, “The players are managed by the NCA and the national selectors. Many things are decided based on their workload management, but it is important to give priority to domestic cricket.”

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