Star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have once again been named in the 84-member Delhi Ranji Trophy probables list for the upcoming season. However, despite their inclusion, both players are unlikely to participate in any red-ball matches this season due to their national team commitments and personal schedules.
Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy back in 2012, and Pant, whose last appearance in the tournament came before the COVID-19 pandemic, remain pivotal figures in Indian cricket. Their inclusion in the probables list is more of a procedural move. “This is a protocol. They are our registered players, and it is our duty to put their names on the probables list in case they want to play,” a Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) official explained to Sportstar, speaking on condition of anonymity.
While Kohli and Pant may not feature, the absence of veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma from the list has drawn attention. Ishant, a 100-Test veteran, no longer figures in India’s national team plans and has not participated in the ongoing domestic circuit. His omission from the Delhi Ranji probables list further fuels speculation about his future in competitive cricket.
There are hints that Ishant could retire soon, although it remains to be seen if he will participate in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament before the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions.
Delhi’s squad, however, includes other promising talents, notably Mayank Yadav and Harshit Rana, both of whom have drawn interest from the national selectors. Mayank, in particular, has generated excitement due to his express pace, clocking in mid-150 km/h deliveries during his brief IPL stint.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an abdominal muscle injury. Now fully recovered, Mayank has been bowling intensively, with daily spells of at least 15 overs at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), signaling his readiness for a return to competitive cricket.
Mayank’s performance will be closely monitored, especially with the upcoming India A team selection for a tour of Australia. Should he remain fit and continue impressing, the pacer could make a strong case for inclusion. Rana, another fast-bowling prospect, is also in contention for national honors and will look to make his mark during the Ranji Trophy season.
In addition to established names, the probables list also includes Sarthak Ranjan, son of Member of Parliament Pappu Yadav, who has made the cut for the Delhi squad.
As the Delhi team prepares for the season, much of the attention will be on these young fast bowlers, while the absence of seasoned campaigners like Kohli, Pant, and Ishant raises questions about the next generation of Delhi cricket stars.
