Star Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have pulled out of their respective Ranji Trophy second-round matches for Delhi and Karnataka, citing fitness concerns. According to reports by ESPNcricinfo, both players informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team about their inability to participate due to persistent niggles.
Virat Kohli, battling neck pain, revealed to the BCCI medical staff that despite receiving an injection on January 8, he continues to experience discomfort. As a result, the 36-year-old will not feature in Delhi’s upcoming match against Saurashtra in Rajkot. Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance was in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 and 42 in two innings. Over his illustrious first-class career, Kohli has amassed 11,479 runs in 155 matches, averaging 48.23 with 37 centuries and 39 half-centuries. His highest score in the format remains an unbeaten 254.
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Meanwhile, KL Rahul is sidelined with elbow problems and will miss Karnataka’s clash against Punjab in Bengaluru. Rahul, who last played a Ranji Trophy match in March 2020 during Karnataka’s semifinal against Bengal, managed scores of 26 and 0 in that game. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s absence is another blow to Karnataka, a team banking on experienced players to advance in the ongoing season.
The withdrawals come shortly after the BCCI introduced a new policy making domestic cricket participation mandatory for eligibility in the national team and central contracts. The policy aims to strengthen the domestic ecosystem by ensuring players maintain match fitness, develop talent, and inspire young cricketers.
According to the BCCI statement, exceptions to this rule will only be granted under extraordinary circumstances, requiring formal approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee.
“Participation in Domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure,” stated the BCCI.
In contrast, several Indian players, including Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Shubman Gill (Punjab), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), and Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra), have confirmed their participation in upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Their involvement reflects a commitment to the domestic cricket ecosystem and adherence to the new BCCI guidelines.