Virat Kohli is back among the runs and fans are celebrating. The star batter has amassed three centuries since his 71st international ton which came against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022. However, Kohli has gotten all four centuries in white-ball cricket and is yet to end the drought in red-ball cricket. The star batter last got a Test century against Bangladesh in 2019 which was also his 70th int’l ton.
Since then, Kohli has failed to reach the three-figure mark in the longest format. He could not do much against Bangladesh. And now, with the Boarder Gavaskar Trophy on the line as well as a spot in the World Test Championship Final up for grabs, India need Kohli to fire on all cylinder in Tests too. But India don’t have any practice game scheduled ahead of the four-match series.
Therefore, commentator and cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle has suggested Kohli plays in the ongoing season of the Ranji Trophy. During India’s 1st ODI against New Zealand, Bhogle suggested that the star batter ditches the 3rd ODI against New Zealand and goes to play for Delhi in their match against Hyderabad. He also asked his fellow commentator Ravi Shastri, who was also head coach of the Indian team, what would have he done if he was the coach now.
“What would you rather have? Virat Kohli doesn’t play the last ODI and instead goes and plays the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. As a coach, who is trying to put forward the best Indian team, what would you want him to do? Play that One-Day international or go and play that Ranji Trophy game?” said Harsha on air.
To which Shastri replied, “I have always believed you play more first-class cricket. Especially when you are going to play a lot in India. I feel our top players go and play in our FC cricket.”
Notably, the third ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled to take place on 24 January in Indore. Meanwhile, Delhi is set to play a Ranji match against Hyderabad which also starts on 24 Jan.