Why Kohli shouldn't play in Ranji [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.Com]
As per the latest reports, Virat Kohli is likely to play in the Delhi's upcoming Ranji Trophy clash Vs the Railways, starting on January 30. The star Indian batter had a horror Test tour of Australia, where, barring a century in Perth, he failed to deliver the goods. Now, to regain his midas touch, the batter has decided to take part in the Ranji Trophy clash for his state team, Delhi.
The decision looks good on paper, however, with the upcoming schedule coming up for Team India, the decision seems like a hurried one and it feels as if Kohli was forced to take part in the Ranji Trophy match. Here are 3 massive reasons as to why Kohli should avoid playing in the Ranji Trophy game, especially with other important matches lined up.
3) Focus on Champions Trophy
At the moment, Team India's primary motive is to win the Champions Trophy, set to begin next month. With that in mind, India will play a 3-match ODI series vs England, next month. Hence, Kohli should only concentrate on white-ball cricket and the aim should be to get used to the white-ball conditions.
Post the 2023 World Cup, Kohli has only played in 3 ODIs, and hence, it is important to get back into the groove. Playing a red-ball cricket before such a big ICC event will be of no use.
2) Kohli should have played red-ball cricket before Australia tour
Virat Kohli had an underwhelming Test series Vs New Zealand at home, last year. Many experts called for him to play the Duleep Trophy matches before the Australian tour, but the batter ignored it.
When the focus was on red-ball cricket, the India great should have focused on it, but now when the priority is ODIs, Kohli shouldn't invest his energy in playing a Ranji game for Delhi.
1) Quality in Ranji Trophy won't help his cause
The quality in bowling attacks and the pitch quality won't help Kohli's cause in the long run. At the moment, his biggest issue is the moving delivery pitched outside the off stump and in India, the pitches won't offer that movement to trouble the batter.
India's next Test series is the tour of England and to genuinely challenge himself, Kohli should play County games in order to get prepared for perhaps his last Test tour.