3 Reasons Why Virat Kohli Should Play Ranji Trophy In The 2024-25 Season

Virat Kohli [PTI]Virat Kohli [PTI]

India is currently playing Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home. They dominated the visitors in the first match and earned a dominating win by 280 runs. The action of the series now shifts to Greenfield Park at Kanpur. 

One of the major concerns for the Indian team in the longest format of the game is the form of their prime batter, Virat Kohli. In 2024, Kohli has played 15 matches across formats and scored 319 runs at an average of 18.76. This is one of the worst years for the Indian icon as far as performances with the bat are concerned. 

While Virat Kohli is considered a master in the ODI format, there has been a severe dip in his Test performances in the last five years. From 2020, Kohli crossed the average of 50 only in 2023; in the other four years, he averaged in the lower or mid-20s. Even during the first Test against Bangladesh, it looked like Kohli was struggling to adjust his game to the purest format. 

While discussions about his Test game gain more traction, a news regarding the player has created a stir in the media. It has been reported that Virat Kohli has been announced in the probable squad of the Delhi Ranji Team for the 2024-25 season. 

Here are three reasons why Virat Kohli's playing in the Ranji Trophy will be a big boost for him and the Indian team. 

3. Getting Kohli adjusted to the longest format ahead of the long Test season

India will play 14 Tests within the following year. Kohli will be crucial to the team's success, especially in the away ventures to England and Australia. Playing in the Ranji Trophy will allow Kohli to adjust his game to the longest format and keep himself prepared for the challenges to come. 

The number four position in Test cricket is crucial for a batting line-up in this format. Kohli's inability to consistently deliver the impact performances he is known for is putting India in trouble in many cases, and it is the lower-order batters who often have to fight the battle for the team. Thus, going back to the Ranji Trophy and getting his basics right will not only improve his game but also benefit the team. 

2. Improvement in his game against spinners

In the last five years, Virat Kohli has scored 629 runs against the spinners at an average of 28.59. This average of Kohli is 29 less than his career average of 57 against the spinners. Even during the first Test against Bangladesh, Kohli fell to the off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz after getting set. 

Playing in Indian conditions against quality Indian spinners will help Kohli work on his game against them. Even when he plays in Australia, the improvement in his game will help him face the quality of Nathan Lyon. 

1. Playing Without Pressure

Virat Kohli has raised his bar to such a stage that the fans expect him to score a Hundred whenever he walks out with the bat. This creates pressure to perform in the highest stage. However, while playing for Delhi, Kohli will be free of the pressure of performing for his nation and contributing significantly to their win. Kohli has the aggression and attitude to go out and play for the win, even in first-class matches, but the pressure of the international arena is a different ball game. Not having the pressure of the highest level might allow Kohli to play more freely and rediscover his batting approach.