Ranji Trophy 2025: Kohli, Pant, Rohit and Gill Expected to Spark Excitement as Indian Cricket Stars Return!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): As the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season heads into its next round, several prominent Indian cricketers are set to make a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket. Among the players are captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and opener Shubman Gill. The matches are scheduled to begin on January 23, 2025 with teams aiming to strengthen their squads ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Virat Kohli has been included in Delhi's probable squad for the tournament, marking his return to the Ranji Trophy after playing in the competition for the last time in 2012. However his availability is subject to confirmation by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). His participation is highly awaited, especially after India’s recent Test series loss in Australia which has raised calls for more international players to take part in domestic cricket. Rishabh Pant is also set to play for Delhi against Saurashtra, offering him a valuable opportunity to prove his form following a difficult period in limited-overs formats. His performance in this match will be crucial for his chances of making the Champions Trophy squad. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been seen practicing with the Mumbai team though his participation is still uncertain as he has not played in the Ranji Trophy since the 2015-16 season.

Shubman Gill is expected to represent Punjab against Karnataka in what is a crucial match for him to regain his form and confidence following a disappointing series in Australia. His return is especially important for Punjab who have struggled in the tournament and are hoping to improve their performance. The upcoming fixtures will not only serve as a platform for these star players to get back into their rhythm but also as an opportunity to impress selectors ahead of the Champions Trophy. The focus on domestic cricket is part of a broader strategy by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure top players remain match-ready and contribute to their state teams when not on international duty. As the excitement grows for these matches, fans are eager to see how these elite players perform on the domestic stage.