DDCA secretary urges Virat Kohli to play for Delhi
What's the story
Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary, Ashok Sharma has urged Indian cricketer Virat Kohli to play in domestic cricket tournaments for Delhi.
He said Kohli should "take a leaf out of Mumbai cricketers' book" who regularly turn up for their city in Ranji matches.
Sharma's comments come as India's captain Rohit Sharma was seen practicing with the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team at Wankhede Stadium.
Squad inclusion
Kohli, Pant listed in Delhi's probable Ranji Trophy squad
Kohli and fellow cricketer Rishabh Pant have been added to Delhi's probable squad for the last two rounds Ranji Trophy rounds.
"Both Virat and Rishabh's names are in the probable list. The Ranji Trophy camp is underway," Sharma confirmed to The Indian Express.
He stressed that this culture of national players playing domestic matches is missing in North India, especially Delhi.
President's perspective
DDCA president echoes Sharma's sentiments on domestic cricket participation
DDCA President Rohan Jaitley echoed Sharma's sentiments, saying "fit and available" Kohli and Pant should feature in the Ranji Trophy.
However, he admitted that there are other factors to consider owing to the demanding schedule of international cricket.
Despite the challenges, Jaitley emphasized on the importance of playing in domestic tournaments for all cricketers, unless they are on national duty.
Last appearance
Kohli's last Ranji Trophy appearance for Delhi was in 2012
Notably, Kohli's last Ranji Trophy appearance for Delhi was almost a decade ago, in 2012.
He is now expected to play in the last two Ranji Trophy rounds, starting January 23.
Delhi will take on Saurashtra in Rajkot before facing Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Jaitley believes Kohli's participation could have a huge impact on emerging cricketers from Delhi.