Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included in their respective state squads for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, adding significant strength and experience to their teams. This decision comes in the wake of an unexpected series loss to New Zealand at home and Australia away, coupled with underwhelming individual performances, prompting the players to return to domestic cricket to regain form and confidence.
In 2024, Virat Kohli’s Test performances witnessed a significant dip. Across 10 matches and 19 innings, he managed to score 417 runs at an average of 24.52, including just one century and one fifty. This decline in form has sparked debates about his place in the Indian Test side, with some experts advocating for the inclusion of fresh talent.
Whereas Rohit Sharma struggled with consistency in Test cricket. Over 14 matches and 25 innings, he scored 610 runs at an average of 25.41, which included two centuries and two half-centuries. His performance during India’s tour of Australia was particularly concerning, where he managed just 31 runs in five innings at a disappointing average of 6.2. This slump has raised questions about his position in the Test side, with some experts advocating for exploring younger talent.
As per various rumours, the duo is set to play the Ranji Trophy fixture before the ICC Champions Trophy in February.
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli’s most recent appearance came during the 2012/13 Ranji Trophy, where he represented Delhi against Uttar Pradesh following a strong home series against New Zealand, in which he scored a century and two fifties. In that match, Kohli managed scores of 14 and 43, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissing him in both innings. Kohli’s last extended domestic red-ball stint dates back to 2010, when he played for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup and three Ranji Trophy games for Delhi.
Rohit Sharma last featured in domestic red-ball cricket in the 2016 Duleep Trophy, playing for India Blue under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy. Batting at No. 4 and No. 3, he scored 30 and an unbeaten 32. His most recent appearance for Mumbai came in the 2015/16 Ranji Trophy against Uttar Pradesh, where he struck a 140-ball 113 in the middle order. Rohit’s last full first-class season for Mumbai was in 2012/13, during which he amassed 712 runs at an impressive average of 71.20 and a strike rate of 66.35.
Recently, the BCCI issued new guidelines emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket. This move aims to encourage greater participation from international cricketers in domestic tournaments, enabling them to regain form, adapt to local conditions, and mentor emerging talent. This step will ensure more and more participation of international cricketers in the domestic circuit.
