Virat Kohli affected by neck sprain, anticipated to skip Delhi’s Ranji Trophy matches

Virat Kohli is unlikely to feature in Delhi’s match against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The former Indian captain was named in Delhi’s 41-man probable squad for the second leg of the red-ball tournament. Given his form in Test cricket, many expected Kohli to feature for Delhi, but it seems difficult at the moment.

Neck injury to rule Virat Kohli out of Ranji Trophy?

According to the Times of India, Kohli has suffered a neck sprain. To get back to his best, he’s already undergoing treatment and has taken an injection for it. However, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that he won’t feature for Delhi in Rajkot for the game starting on January 23.

“Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update,” a source told the Times of India.

The squad for the two matches (Saurashtra and Railways) will be announced sometime today (January 17). It was expected that Kohli wouldn’t play. He hadn’t contacted the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) yet, but it was believed that he might train with the team at least. Given this new development, his neck injury, it seems unlikely Kohli will join Delhi in Rajkot.

Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi, Harshit Rana out

Pant has confirmed that he’s available for selection and is expected to lead Delhi against Saurashtra. “Rishabh Pant has confirmed that he will be available for selection for Delhi’s Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra in Rajkot,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told PTI on January 15.

As for right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana, as he’s selected for the India vs. England T20I series, he won’t feature against Saurashtra or Railways.