Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul will not play for the next round of the Ranji trophy. They have informed to BCCI.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will miss the next round of the Ranji Trophy, which starts on January 23. According to ESPN Cricinfo, both players have informed the BCCI’s Medical Team that they have minor injuries and won’t be able to play for their respective state teams.
The BCCI recently made it mandatory for centrally-contracted players to play in domestic cricket to stay in contention for selection and central contracts. The board also stated that strict action will be taken if players don’t comply. If a player is unavailable, they need permission from the national chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Virat Kohli Suffering with Neck Stiffness
Kohli had neck pain during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney. After the series ended, he took an injection on January 8, 2025. He has informed the BCCI medical staff that he’s still experiencing pain, which is why he will miss Delhi’s upcoming match against Saurashtra in Rajkot. Kohli was recently named in Delhi’s squad for the match, but his availability was uncertain.
KL Rahul Suffering with Elbow Injury
KL Rahul, the right-handed batter, is dealing with an elbow issue and will not play for Karnataka in their Ranji Trophy match against Punjab.
Kohli and Rohit will get another opportunity to play in the Ranji Trophy when the final round of the group phase starts on January 30.
The final round of the Ranji Trophy will finish just before the ODI series against England begins. Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), and Shubman Gill (Punjab) will be available for the next Ranji Trophy round starting January 23.
Both Kohli and KL Rahul are expected to be included in the squad for the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy.