Virat Kohli is poised to make his eagerly awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after a 13-year absence. The prominent batsman is anticipated to play for Delhi in their upcoming match, which is set to commence on January 30. Previously, Kohli was omitted from Delhi's lineup for the January 23 encounter against Saurashtra due to neck stiffness. However, sources from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed on Monday that he will be available for the forthcoming match against Railways.

"Virat Kohli is confirmed to participate in the Ranji Trophy match against Railways on January 30. He experienced some neck stiffness, which prevented his participation in the match against Saurashtra. We are delighted that he has chosen to represent Delhi after such a long time," sources informed Hindustan Times.

Kohli has participated in 23 Ranji Trophy matches for Delhi, amassing 1,574 runs at an average of 50.77. His achievements include five centuries, with his most remarkable season occurring in 2009-10 when he scored 374 runs in just three matches at an impressive average of 93.50. In his last Ranji appearance during the 2012-13 season, the 36-year-old recorded a score of 57 runs.

A pivotal moment in Kohli's early career transpired in 2006 while he was playing for Delhi against Karnataka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla. During this match, Kohli received the devastating news of his father, Prem Kohli, passing away from a heart attack. Despite being unsettled by the tragedy, Kohli returned to the field the following day and scored a vital 90 runs for his team. After his innings, he attended his father's funeral, showcasing his remarkable resilience and commitment to the sport.

Kohli has faced challenges with consistency in Test cricket, experiencing a difficult phase despite moments of brilliance. Although he scored a century in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth, his overall performance in the five-match series was disappointing, totalling only 190 runs.

A persistent technical issue has hindered Kohli throughout the series. He has repeatedly...

'Domestic cricket is mandatory'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently implemented a 10-point directive aimed at centrally contracted players, highlighting the necessity of engaging in domestic cricket. A document obtained by the Hindustan Times reveals that participation in domestic tournaments is now a prerequisite for players wishing to maintain their eligibility for national selection and retain their central contracts.

The document specifies that participation in domestic matches is essential for players to qualify for the national team and to uphold their central contracts, in accordance with BCCI regulations. This initiative is designed to ensure that players remain integrated within the domestic cricket framework, promoting talent development, sustaining match fitness, and reinforcing the overall domestic structure.

Furthermore, it provides emerging players with the chance to compete alongside established cricketers, thereby ensuring a continuous progression of talent. Exceptions to this rule will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must receive formal notification and approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent process.

Since the announcement of this directive, prominent players such as Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, which is scheduled to commence on January 23.

The BCCI has also indicated that failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disciplinary measures. "All players are required to strictly follow the aforementioned guidelines. Any exceptions or deviations must receive prior approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the Head Coach. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary actions deemed appropriate by the BCCI," the document further elaborates.

Moreover, the BCCI retains the authority to impose disciplinary actions against players, which may include sanctions preventing participation in all tournaments organized by the BCCI, including the Indian Premier League.

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