Virat Kohli Set to Play Ranji Trophy Match Against Railways on January 30

Virat Kohli might get ready to play for Delhi in their game against Railways on January 30 in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Notable is that Kohli, along with others such as KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, wasn't expected to play earlier because of injuries, but it looks like things have changed. Kohli had to sit out of the Ranji Trophy before because he hurt his neck during a match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. People said he was still hurting and wouldn't play, but now, Sumit Ghosh shared that Kohli is actually getting ready to go onto the field against Railways.

This game is pretty crucial for him because the BCCI wants all players to play in domestic matches to even be considered for the Test series in England. This is important since after India didn't do so well, losing 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI became strict about this.

ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant :Credits for Rohit Sharma for Shaping His Leadership

🚨 VIRAT KOHLI IN RANJI TROPHY 🚨

- Virat Kohli is set to play the Ranji Trophy match against Railways starting on January 30th. [Sumit Ghosh from ABP] pic.twitter.com/wWZpKn78wE

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 20, 2025

It's a major deal because top players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli haven't really played much in local games lately. Also, Kohli's part of the team for the ODI series against England that begins on February 6, making the Delhi vs. Railways match a great chance for him to play first class cricket, since that match wraps up on February 2. Considering all that, it seems players like Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and others are going to be in the tournament's next round, showing everyone's preparing carefully following the BCCI's new rule.

Virat Kohli might play in a Ranji Trophy game against the Railways team, and it's a focused situation because it will help him prepare for some big games against England soon. The BCCI told players they need to play some first class matches to improve the game and it is helpful for champions trophy, and Kohli doing this is his following the rules and getting the practice he needs.

The next Ranji Trophy round will start on 23rd January and will see Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill in action, but someone who was continuously in talks will be missing. 

There were some doubts and questions about Virat Kohli playing Ranji from 23rd January as he was added to the squad but due to his neck pain, he was subject to availability. 

Now, Virat Kohli has informed BCCI that he has taken niggles so he won’t be able to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. 

It was priorly informed, that Virat Kohli took an injection on 8th January, 3 days after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

He has been ruled out from Delhi's game against Saurashtra in Rajkot, as he informed BCCI about his neck pain. 

KL Rahul will also not be able to participate in Ranji 

KL Rahul has an elbow issue due to which he won’t be able to participate in Karnataka’s match against Punjab in Bengaluru. 

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Named Vice-Captain for Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill as Standby

However, participation in domestic cricket has become mandatory for all players as BCCI has introduced a 10-point disciplinary policy. If a player is not able to play he will need permission from the national chairman of selectors. 

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have another chance to play in the Ranji Trophy, the final round in the group phase starting on 30th January. 

After all the rumors, it was confirmed and reports came that Virat Kohli is ready to play domestic cricket for the first time since 2012. He will participate in the upcoming Delhi matches in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Virat Kohli's name has been added to Delhi's probable squad which will play against Saurashtra on 23 January.

But there is still doubt about his participation because Virat Kohli suffers from a neck sprain, due to this, he had to take an injection.

And it raises doubt whether he will be available for the next Rajkot clash or not. 

DDCA is likely to name him in the squad, subject to availability 

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has reported that they have not received any update on Virat Kohli’s condition. 

Regardless of how he (Virat Kohli) is likely to be included in Delhi’s squad with the subject to availability.

According to the source, “Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left, and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update.”

DDCA optimistic on Rishabh Pant’s’ playing both games 

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra. 

On the other hand, DDCA wants him to play in the final Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game at home.

Also Read: BCCI's New Discipline Code: Key Guidelines for Indian Cricketers

Virat Kohli is likely to train with the squad in Rajkot 

His participation in Delhi’s Ranji against Saurashtra remains uncertain due to a neck sprain, but he will be added to the squad and train with them in Rajkot on the 21st and 22nd of January ahead of the Saurashtra clash in the Ranji “subject to availability”.

Puma: A very famous brand in the sports industry. Recently PUMA has rebranded its brand from ‘PUMA’ to ‘PVMA’. 

After adding 'V' to PUMA, it is becoming quite viral on the internet and some cricket fans are guessing that the V here stands for Virat Kohli, who is also the brand ambassador of PUMA India. 

The real story it was not about cricket it was about smashing suttles 

However, the reality is that Puma has rebranded due to a recent collaboration with Indian badminton player PV Sindu, and here only V has not changed, ‘PV’ has been replaced with ‘PV’, which stands for PV Sindu itself. 

Viral Posts of PUMA Speculation over Virat Kohli

V in PVMA is for Virat, King Kohli. He is the brand ambassador for PUMA in India.

— SamD 🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@revisitorSam) January 11, 2025

V stands for Virat Kohli in this new logo of puma #puma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/U4oCZUfh34

— 🏏CricketFeed (@CricketFeedIN) January 10, 2025

PV Sindhu as a brand ambassador of PUMA 

The buzz was all part of a genius marketing stunt to unveil PUMA's latest partnership with India's badminton player and two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu.

Puma India has officially expanded into the world of badminton through a multi-year collaboration with Sindhu making this a power move for both the brand and the sport. 

Also Read: Sanju Samson Likely to Miss Out on Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

To celebrate the brand temporarily rebranded as PVMA across the country. As part of the collaboration puma will soon launch a high-performance badminton range including specialized footwear apparel and accessories.

Sindhu joins an impressive list of PUMA ambassadors, including stars like Harmanpreet, Mohammad Shami, and more.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) recently announced the senior men’s probable squad for the upcoming round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. International cricketers Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Harshit Rana have been included in the probable squad.

In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 points table, Delhi are in fourth place in Group D of the Elite Group challenge with 14 points after five matches (one win, one loss, and three draws). In the group stage, Delhi have two matches left, against Saurashtra and Railways, starting on January 23 and 30, respectively. 

Both matches are must-win games for Delhi to stay in contention for the knockout stages of the tournament.

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah: ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024

Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Harshit Rana are in Delhi's probable squad

Recently, the DDCA announced the complete probable squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, where the international players Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Harshit Rana were also named. It was also mentioned that the international players' inclusions are subject to their availabilities. 

Rana is in Indian T20I squad, Kohli and Pant can serve for Delhi

Meanwhile, India are ready to host England in a five-match T20I series and then a three-match ODI series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the T20I squad, where the pacer Harshit Rana has been included. While the T20I series will start on January 22, Rana is likely to be unavailable for Delhi in the last two league-stage matches of the Ranji Trophy. 

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli already retired from T20I cricket, and Rishabh Pant has been rested from the T20I series. While both can be named for the ODI series, which will be a crucial preparation for Team India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, they can play for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. 

Kohli is struggling with the bat in the red-ball format, and the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches can boost his confidence before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21-year-old Indian cricketer, has caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide with his incredible performances. He recently showcased his talent in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia. Despite India losing the series 3-1, Reddy stood out as a promising all-rounder. His maiden Test century in the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) made him the second-highest run-scorer for India in the series. Facing one of the best Australian bowling attacks on their home soil, Reddy's composure and skills earned him widespread praise.

Read Also: 3 Big Changes India Needs to Make in Test Cricket to Avoid Agonizing Defeats

Following his remarkable performance, Nitish Kumar Reddy returned to India and chose to express his gratitude by visiting the sacred Tirupati Temple. In a heartfelt gesture of devotion, he climbed the temple stairs on his knees, a tradition followed by many devotees. Sharing the moment with his fans, he posted a video on Instagram, which quickly went viral.

Nitish Kumar Reddy climbing stairs of Tirupati after scoring ton in his debut series. The peace is in the feet of Govinda 🧡 pic.twitter.com/23xKmNOpaC

— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) January 13, 2025

Nitish Kumar Reddy has quickly impressed everyone with his performances in all formats of cricket. Before his amazing display in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he made a strong debut in a home T20 series against Bangladesh, showing his ability to win matches.

Even before his international debut, he caught attention in the IPL 2024 with excellent performances that marked him as a future star.Australian legend Shane Watson praised him during a live broadcast, calling him his "favorite player" and saying he could be the "next big thing in Indian cricket." Though he has played only a few matches, Reddy has already shown great promise and talent, exciting fans and experts alike.

Reddy’s visit to Tirupati Temple after a career-high moment reflects his grounded personality, leaving a positive impact on his admirers.

Read Also: Virat Kohli Aspires to Be Interim Test Captain 

Interestingly, Nitish Kumar Reddy isn’t the only cricketer to seek spiritual guidance during pivotal moments. Virat Kohli recently visited Vrindavan with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay. Kohli attended a spiritual discourse by Premanand Ji Maharaj, showcasing his faith and spirituality. This was his second visit to Vrindavan, the first being during a lean patch in his career two years ago when he hit his 70th international century.

The Indian Express wrote something about helping cricketers improve in test matches. They're thinking about paying the players based on how well they do, basically how jobs check workers each year to decide how much money they earn. If the players don't do well, they may potentially make less money.

During the General Management Committee (GMC) meeting, India's disappointing performance in the Test series against Australia was a key point of discussion. Having lost three out of four matches and winning only one, the committee explored the idea of linking player pay to their performance. Notable attendees at the meeting included Captain Rohit Sharma, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, as reported by The Indian Express.

🚨 PAY CUT INTRODUCTION...!!! 🚨

- A suggestion has been mooted at the review meeting to introduce performance based variable pay structure for players.

- It is to ensure players are more accountable and if warranted, face a paycut based on performance. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/e4vZy9E2Do

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 14, 2025

ALSO READ: PSL 2025 Schedule & Squads: Pakistan Super League Fixtures and Team Lineups

Pay Cut Proposal Introduced

• A proposal was discussed during the review meeting to implement a performance-based variable pay structure for players.
• The aim is to ensure greater accountability among players and, if necessary, impose pay cuts based on their performance. 

A source mentioned that players getting paid less for not doing particularly well was brought up because they must be held responsible. The idea is to make what they earn depend on how well they play. If they don't reach the required level, they're looking at making less money under this plan.

As per journalist Abhishek Tripathi, new guidelines have also been introduced for players’ families during tours. On a 45-day tour, cricketers' families can stay with them for a maximum of two weeks. Furthermore, all players are mandated to travel together on the team bus, with separate travel arrangements strictly prohibited.

🚨 NEW GUIDELINES FROM BCCI. 🚨

- Cricketers' wives will not be able to stay for the entire tour.
- A cricketer's family can stay for a maximum of 2 weeks during a 45 day tour.
- Every player needs to travel by team bus, separate travelling not allowed. (Abhishek Tripathi). pic.twitter.com/ysCyHRguCO

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 14, 2025

New BCCI Guidelines

• Cricketers' wives will no longer be allowed to stay for the entire duration of a tour.
• For tours lasting 45 days, families can stay for a maximum of two weeks.
• All players must travel together on the team bus; separate travel arrangements are prohibited.

The team leaders think that some cricket players prefer the shorter games significantly more than the antiquated Test matches, as stated by the Indian Express. This is why the BCCI has set up a ₹40-crore deal to push Test cricket, trying to balance out how popular T20 leagues, especially the IPL, have become. They are doing this through a financial reward scheme.

During the review meeting, concerns were raised about players' diminishing interest in Tests. The management emphasized the need to instill a sense of pride in representing India in the longest format, particularly among younger players, to address this issue. Recent Test performances have highlighted these concerns. Before the series loss in Australia, where India managed just one win out of four matches, the team endured a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. This defeat ended India's incredible 12-year unbeaten streak of 18 consecPerformance-based payutive home series wins.

IPL 2025 to Align with ICC Code of Conduct for Better Discipline

The major cricket tournament, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is going to have some major changes in 2025 because they are beginning to use the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s rules for how players should behave. The individuals or people in charge, called the group that manages cricket in India, said yes to this plan in a meeting they had on Sunday. When the new season begins on March 23, 2025, players will need to pay much more attention to how they behave.

New Rules for IPL 2025

For the first time, the IPL is going to follow the ICC Code of Conduct when it comes to actions that are level 1, 2, or 3 offenses. This change is focused on making the tournament's rules the same as the ones used in international T20 cricket. Before, the IPL used to have its own rules only for the league, which made a special manner of handling how players behaved.

According to BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, the adoption of ICC rules signifies the league’s commitment to fostering fairness and professionalism on the field. “This is a step forward to ensure uniformity in how player behavior is regulated, aligning IPL standards with those of ICC T20I matches,” he stated.

They decided to make some new rules because, during the IPL 2024 season, there were a large amount of times, about ten, when people didn't follow the behavior rules. This showed that they really needed to be tougher on the guidelines.

One of the notable offenders was Harshit Rana from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who was involved in two Level 1 offenses. In one instance, Rana’s flying kiss gesture towards Mayank Agarwal after dismissing him was deemed inappropriate. Additionally, his overly exuberant celebration against the Delhi Capitals resulted in penalties, including fines and a one-match suspension. Other players, such as Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Tim David of Mumbai Indians (MI), also faced penalties for Level 1 offenses during the season. These incidents underscored the urgency for a more disciplined approach to player conduct in the tournament.

“From now on, ICC penalties will apply to all Level 1, 2, or 3 violations. Until now, the IPL had its own Code of Conduct, but moving forward, we’ll follow the ICC T20I guidelines for Playing Conditions.

ALSO READ: South Africa Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New inclusions like Riyan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs

Conclusion:IPL 2025: Raising the Bar for Fair Play and Discipline

The IPL is trying to place itself at the top as a major cricket event famous for its excellence and fair play. They want rules based on the ICC Code of Conduct which makes it clear that players have to face tougher penalties for breaking them. This entire effort is about cutting down on conflicts during matches--and making fully sure everyone plays in the right spirit.

Fans can look forward to a more disciplined and fair competition in the 2025 season. The emphasis on better behavior is expected to enhance the overall experience for players, officials, and audiences alike. As the league evolves, the integration of ICC rules reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity and global appeal of the sport.

The 2025 IPL season is going to be strikingly large because they're bringing in some new rules that match up with the ICC code of conduct. A major change has the sincere intention to make sure players behave properly and sets the standard for how cricket tournaments should be run.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa opened up about the leadership differences between the former Indian captain Virat Kohli and the present Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, under whose leadership India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

In a recent interview with the Lallantop, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa claimed that captain Virat Kohli was speculative and exclusive, while he praised skipper Rohit Sharma for his inclusive leadership nature. 

Explaining their nature, Uthappa claimed that Kohli always set high standards for every player to stay in the team, while Rohit brought the best self from every player without changing their nature. 

See Also: Indian wicketkeeper-batter can be rested from England series

Robin Uthappa talked about Yuvraj Singh's yo-yo test failure

In the interview, Uthappa opened up about his views on the skipper Virat Kohli’s treatment of Yuvraj Singh in the Indian team. After winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the Player of the Tournament, Yuvraj had to battle against cancer before making his international cricket return in 2012. He participated in the ICC World T20 in 2012 and 2014 and also in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. 

However, due to failing to pass the yo-yo test, Singh’s international career didn’t stretch further. Uthappa felt that the yo-yo test mark for Singh should be adjusted. 

The former Indian cricketer also talked about the difference between cricket/batting fitness and match fitness. He feels that the present higher level of match fitness is overrated for the game. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Uthappa slammed Mr. Fix-it

Meanwhile, on his official social media account, Uthappa slammed the recent Mr. Fix-it report. Talking about Rohit Sharma’s leadership controversy, the former Indian cricketer felt that Mr. Fix-it should be named and shamed, whoever he is, either senior or junior, as Mr. Fix-it is a disappointment for human beings at this point in time. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is still yearning for their first Indian Premier League title, and 2025 will be another critical season for the team. In four of the previous five seasons, RCB has made the playoffs before collapsing. Building on this, the courageous army will be eager to go strong and long. The IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah saw RCB construct a decent yet fascinating lineup.

The loyal fanbase-supported squad is once again a team with several fresh faces. So, once again, we're starting from zero. It will be interesting to see if they would go to their veteran, Virat Kohli and persuade this team to play regularly and produce results that need to be seen or go for a new captaincy take in the form of Rajat Patidar, who was phenomenal in the domestic cricket space. Here, we present the two strengths and one weakness that can be taken away from the IPL 2025 RCB squad. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 IPL Squad: Virat Kohli, Rajit Patidar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, Abhinandan Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee

2 Strengths:

Strong top and middle-order batting unit

This season, they have a good lineup for batting is RCB's strength. RCB's bases are covered from start to end. What RCB did well was to get Phil Salt. He was a revelation for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season. With Salt in charge, RCB may expect a quick start this season. Salt will begin with Kohli, and the two may create a lethal combination. The opening duo can complement each other, especially given the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium's limited dimensions.

Rajat Patidar is another towering figure who can bat at number three or four. He can serve as the side's fulcrum. England's Liam Livingstone stands out at number five with tremendous hitting power. The side's finishers include Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David. Jacob Bethell is the player on the bench with the most potential to make an impact. He is one of the players to watch out for this season, showing promise through his recent international performances. 

Experienced fast-bowling campaigners

RCB's main-pace assault is potent and lethal, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood among the players. Bhuvi will effectively use his experience. Hazlewood will provide substance as well. Left-arm bowler Yash Dayal, who was renowned for conceding five sixes in the penultimate over against Rinku Singh of the Kolkata Knight Riders when playing for the Gujarat Titans, has shown to be a valuable asset for RCB and will continue to be. His return is nothing short of an inspiring piece.

Even the likes of Rasikh Salam Dar, who was bought for a colossal INR 6 Crores in the Mega Auction, can play a pivotal role with his emerging potent pace. Nuwan Thusara and Lungi Ngidi are essential players on the bench who can take over if Hazlewood or any of the primary bowlers are rested, citing an injury. 

1 Weakness:

Lack of a frontline spinner

Spin is probably the only biggest weakness for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They rely heavily on Krunal Pandya, a bowling all-rounder. Pandya struggled the previous season, averaging 42.50 and collecting six wickets in 14 matches. Pandya is not the type of bowler who can take 15 or more wickets in a season, as many other teams' spinners do, but can probably hinder the momentum of the opposition batters.

Suyash Sharma, RCB's second spin option, is set to play with Pandya. Suyash, a promising spin prodigy, played a few games for KKR, getting 10 wickets in 13 games. So, it's all about their inexperience, but only time will tell how they will unfold with their spinmeister tricks. Overall, their spin assault may or may not make it through.