Virat Kohli Returns to Ranji Trophy After 12 Years: Revival Amid Struggles in Test Cricket

Mumbai: Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is set to make a return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years. Kohli has been struggling with his form in Test cricket over the past few months.

In the three-Test series against New Zealand, Kohli managed to score only 93 runs in total. Similarly, during the five-Test series against Australia, he scored just 190 runs, which included one century. These performances drew sharp criticism, particularly for his repeated dismissals while chasing deliveries outside the off-stump.

In this context, with star players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant returning to the Ranji Trophy, Kohli is also set to play for the Delhi team in their match against the Railways starting on the 30th of this month. Currently, Kohli is training in Mumbai with former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar. During the training camp, Bangar has been providing Kohli with advice on batting techniques, including handling deliveries outside the off-stump.Sanjay Bangar was the Indian team's batting coach during Kohli's tenure as captain. From 2014 to 2019, Bangar worked closely with Kohli, and the cricketer has often credited Bangar for his batting success.

After Bangar's departure from the Indian team, Kohli joined forces with him again at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL. Now, as Kohli struggles to regain his batting form, he is training with Bangar in Mumbai.

The Ranji Trophy match against the Railways will be played from January 30 to February 2. Following this, the Indian team is set to play a three-match ODI series against England starting February 6. After the ODI series, the team will travel to Dubai to participate in the Champions Trophy.