Virat Kohli to play Ranji Trophy game for Delhi against Railways

India's Virat Kohli reacts to crowd during play on the first day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. (AP)

Just days after the BCCI issued new guidelines for its contracted players, which made participation in domestic tournaments a must, Virat Kohli has made himself available for Delhi’s last Ranji Trophy league match against Railways. Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley said that Kohli has confirmed his availability for the match to be played in the Capital from January 30. If the former India skipper plays the match, it will be his first Ranji Trophy appearance since November 2012.

After back-to-back Test series defeats at the hands of New Zealand at home and away in Australia, there have been questions from several quarters over the continued reluctance of India regulars to feature in domestic first-class matches. Ahead of the Test season, the likes of Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja chose to skip the Duleep Trophy. And in the review meeting held last Thursday, requiring players featuring in domestic tournaments was the top recommendation. Subsequently, Rohit, Jadeja, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill made themselves available for the sixth round of Ranji fixtures that begin on Thursday.

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