The next round of Ranji Trophy matches is all set to begin on January 23. According to sources, several top Indian cricketers are expected to return to domestic cricket. With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, the squad will likely be announced on January 18 or 19. After the squad announcement, Ranji Trophy matches will take place, and even if some players are selected for the ODI series against England, they will still have time to participate in a Ranji match as the India-England ODI series is scheduled to start on February 6. Now, let’s take a look at these players who are expected to return in the next round of Ranji Trophy matches.
Rishabh Pant to Play Ranji Trophy Match
Rishabh Pant has been an important player for India in red-ball cricket but has struggled in white-ball cricket. He has played 33 ODIs but hasn’t scored 1,000 runs yet. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma has confirmed that Pant will play for the Delhi team against Saurashtra, starting January 23. This match is a chance for Pant to prove his critics wrong with a strong performance.
Rishabh Pant will be playing the next round Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. (Kushan Sarkar/PTI). pic.twitter.com/H2CxGW1eSl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 14, 2025
Will Virat Kohli Return to Domestic Cricket?
Virat Kohli hasn’t played a domestic match since 2012. While DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma has confirmed Pant’s participation, there is no confirmation about Kohli yet. With pressure on Kohli to improve his form and talking about his retirement, he might decide to play in the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI has also confirmed that if Kohli and Rohit Sharma don’t perform well in the Champions Trophy, they could be dropped.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Ready for Ranji Trophy
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who plays for the Mumbai team, is set to play in the Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, starting January 23. A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association said Jaiswal will join the practice session and play in the match. Jaiswal has performed well in T20 and Test formats, and many want him in the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy.
🚨 JAISWAL TIME IN RANJI TROPHY. 🚨
– Yashasvi Jaiswal confirmed his availability for the Ranji match against Jammu on 23rd January. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/IEtv17MuKj
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 14, 2025
Shubman Gill Likely to Play Ranji Trophy Match
Shubman Gill’s recent Test performances have raised questions about his place in Team India. Since he is not in the T20 series against England, he is likely to play for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, starting January 23. This match is a good chance for Gill to regain his form and confidence.
