Senior Indian batter Virat Kohli was reportedly approached by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to captain the Delhi Ranji team in their upcoming match against Railways. However, the star batter turned down the offer, expressing his desire to let young Ayush Badoni continue in the leadership role, according to a DDCA source.
Speaking to ANI, the source revealed, “We asked Virat if he would be willing to take up the captaincy for the game against Railways. However, he refused, saying, ‘Let Ayush Badoni continue. I don’t want to lead.'”
Kohli joined Delhi’s practice session on Tuesday ahead of their Elite Group D Ranji Trophy match against Railways, scheduled for Thursday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Kohli, returning to domestic cricket after a long hiatus, was spotted honing his skills in the nets as he prepares for the much-anticipated encounter.
Earlier, Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Virat would join the Delhi squad for their Ranji Trophy match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Virat’s participation in the domestic circuit comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) adopted a firmer stance on the participation of Indian international stars in domestic cricket.
Over the past few days, photos and videos of Kohli working with former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar have surfaced on social media.
The final round of Ranji Trophy matches will conclude on February 2, just four days before India begins their three-match bilateral ODI series against England in Nagpur. Kohli has accumulated 11,479 runs in 155 first-class matches, with an average of 48.23 and a strike rate of 55.96.