After India’s 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has become strict. They have made it mandatory for Team India players to play domestic cricket. As a result, players like Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be seen playing in the second round of the Ranji Trophy starting from January 23.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Delhi’s team offered Rishabh Pant the captaincy, but the Indian wicketkeeper turned down the offer, keeping the team’s interest in mind. It is worth noting that Rishabh Pant captains in the IPL and has also led the Indian team once before.
Delhi will play against Saurashtra in Rajkot on January 23, but the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has not yet announced the team for the match. Rishabh Pant has made himself available for the match, while there is still uncertainty about Virat Kohli’s participation.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the board offered Rishabh Pant the opportunity to lead Delhi in the match. However, Pant suggested that Ayush Badoni should continue as captain. Pant believed that taking on the captaincy for just one match could disrupt the team’s combination. He also expressed that he would try his best to support Badoni.
It is also reported that Rishabh Pant’s selection for the One-Day series against England and the Champions Trophy squad is almost certain.
A source familiar with the matter said, “He was offered the captaincy, but he declined. He suggested that Badoni should remain the captain. Based on his experience as an international and IPL franchise captain, he felt that stepping in as captain for just one match wouldn’t be the right decision. He thought his entry as captain could disrupt the team’s balance. Instead, he placed his trust in the current captain and coach (Sandeep Singh) to carry forward the vision they had for the season’s beginning.”
It is important to note that Rishabh Pant last played a Ranji match in 2018, and now, after seven years, he is set to return to domestic red-ball cricket.