In a much-discussed move, Virat Kohli made his return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years. Playing for Delhi, Kohli’s performance was widely anticipated, but it was a mixed affair. While Delhi registered a stunning victory, Kohli’s personal outing was far from impressive. He managed just six runs off 15 balls before being dismissed by Himanshu Sangwan.
Ambati Rayudu’s Supportive Remarks
Amid the ongoing debate surrounding Kohli’s return to domestic cricket, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu weighed in with his thoughts. Rayudu, known for his measured approach to the game, emphasized that Kohli did not need to play Ranji Trophy. Rather, he believes that Kohli requires time to “feel good about everything again” and work through his form issues at his own pace.
Rayudu posted on X (formerly Twitter). This is what he says, “Right now Virat Kohli does not need Ranji. His technique was good for 81 hundreds, and it will be good going forward as well. No one should force him into forcing himself for anything. He needs time to feel good about everything again. The spark within will ignite on its own.”
Declining Test Performances of Kohli: A Cause for Worry
Kohli has faced a tough time with regards to form, especially in Test cricket. After the start of 2020, Kohli managed to score only 2,028 runs in 39 Test matches with an average of 30.72. With so much success under his belt in the recent past, this trend has made many cricket experts and fans nervous over the past couple of years. He has achieved only three centuries and nine fifties during this period, and his highest score has been 186.
In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, Kohli scored 751 runs in 14 matches, averaging 32.65, with just two centuries and three half-centuries. Last year, Kohli’s international run tally was dismal, with only 655 runs in 23 matches, averaging a mere 21.83. His best score was 100*, while his performance in the last 10 Tests was equally disappointing with 417 runs at an average of 24.52.
Pressure from BCCI: New Mandate for International Stars
Kohli will return to Ranji cricket due to a new mandate from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The board has made it mandatory for international stars like Kohli to play domestic cricket. This decision came after Kohli’s struggle with form across all formats, especially in Test cricket. The BCCI believes that this step will help the players regain their touch and prepare better for major international assignments.
Kohli’s Domestic Cricket Performance: A Mixed Bag
Kohli’s return to Ranji Cricket with Delhi was far from spectacular. He faced 15 balls in his only innings, scoring just six runs before getting dismissed. Though the match ended in a win for Delhi, the victory was seen as an important morale booster for the team.
However, Kohli’s individual performance served as a reminder of the struggles he has been going through in recent years. His poor showings in Ranji added fuel to the fire regarding his form in international cricket, especially in Test matches.
Rayudu’s Call for Space and Support for Kohli
Urging fans and cricketing circles at large to keep off him so that he gives his all while not feeling overly pressured, Rayudu recalled through his tweet: “Remember this man’s technique has seen 81 centuries till date, a technique is either there or isn’t”. All that was now required, emphasized Rayudu was time, patience, and backing for Kohli to rediscover himself, though he wasn’t in any rush to make returns. Inwardly, opined the retired cricketer, the right time will ensure Kohli comes alive once more.
Virat Kohli Returns to Ranji Trophy: Ambati Rayudu’s Perspective
The return of Virat Kohli to domestic cricket is when his form has been most keenly questioned. His failure in Test cricket performances has brought questions about his future in the format. But, with the help of Ambati Rayudu and a lot of dedication toward his form, it will be very interesting to watch Kohli back to his best.
The coming months will tell whether Kohli can regain that magic for himself and become one of the biggest batsmen in the history of cricket again. For now, there is hope that the Indian batter takes time for regaining his lost form without undue pressure from fans and experts alike.