The final round of the Ranji Trophy is set to captivate cricket fans, with key Indian players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul returning to domestic action. Kohli is making his first appearance for Delhi since 2012, while Rahul will feature for Karnataka, marking his first match since March 2019. The round holds significant meaning for teams vying for the knockout stages, including Saurashtra, who depend on Ravindra Jadeja’s presence for their must-win clash.
Virat Kohli’s Return After Over a Decade
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated batsmen, will take the field for Delhi against Railways at the Kotla. This marks his first Ranji appearance since 2012, after a long career in international cricket. However, Delhi’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals were dashed by a recent defeat to Saurashtra, making this match more of a milestone than a crucial contest for the team. Despite the lack of a significant outcome, Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is sure to draw significant attention.
KL Rahul to Bolster Karnataka’s Playoff Hopes
KL Rahul, another star returning to the domestic fold, will play for Karnataka in their pivotal clash against Haryana at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Rahul’s last Ranji outing was in 2019, and he has been sidelined for the previous round due to a minor injury. Karnataka, sitting third in their group, need a win—with a bonus point—to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. Rahul’s return offers a huge morale boost to the team as they take on a top-ranked Haryana side.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Crucial Role for Saurashtra
Ravindra Jadeja, who is part of India’s ODI squad, will feature for Saurashtra in their must-win encounter against Assam in Rajkot. With Saurashtra currently third in the table, they have a slim chance of making the knockout stages, but only if they secure a victory, potentially with a bonus point, and hope other results fall in their favor. Jadeja’s expertise, especially in turning tracks like those in Rajkot, could prove invaluable as Saurashtra hopes to advance past tough competition from Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh.
Other Notable Returnees
Riyan Parag, who had missed the previous match due to a shoulder injury, will also return to action, strengthening Saurashtra’s squad alongside Jadeja. This final round promises an exciting finish to the tournament as key players return, making it an unmissable spectacle for cricket fans.