Kohli and Pant Named in Delhi's Probable Ranji Trophy Squad

In a significant development for Delhi's cricket team, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been named in the extensive 84-member probable squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy. However, veteran pacer Ishant Sharma has decided to skip the tournament. Kohli's last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was in 2012, while Pant played once in 2019.

Gursharan Singh, the chief selector, clarified to The Indian Express, "This is standard procedure. Virat is a registered player for Delhi, and it’s not unusual for his name to appear in the probable list, which is the same for Rishabh." Despite their inclusion, it is unlikely that Kohli or Pant will participate in any of Delhi's matches during the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma has confirmed his withdrawal from red-ball cricket after appearing in a few matches last season. Although he did not join the inaugural Delhi Premier League, he is expected to be available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament ahead of the IPL auctions. A DDCA official remarked, "Ishant has made it clear that he won’t be involved in red-ball formats but may take part in white-ball competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy."

Additionally, rising Delhi fast bowler Mayank Yadav, renowned for his speed demonstrated during the IPL, has also been included in the probable squad. Having been out of competitive cricket for over four months, he is eager to make a comeback for Delhi's initial matches in the tournament. Yadav, who did not participate in any Duleep Trophy squads and withdrew from the inaugural DPL, is reportedly regaining his fitness. His mentor and former Delhi U-19 coach, Narender Negi, shared, "Mayank is currently bowling 15 overs daily at the NCA nets and is determined to be fit for Delhi’s first Ranji Trophy match."