Rishabh Pant is all set to return to playing domestic cricket for his state side Delhi. However, there is a twist in the tale. The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) has ended their meeting on selecting the squad with questions hovering over Virat Kohli's participation.
Pant is all set to return to playing Raji Trophy cricket for Delhi. However, he declined the captaincy role upon his return. Ayush Badoni was retained as the captain. Meanwhile, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman informed Gursharan Singh-led DDCA selection committee about his decision. However, he has promised to help the side to the best of his ability.
Delhi are in joint second position in the Elite Group D Ranji table with 19 points. Sources close to the Delhi state side said that Pant was offered the role of captain. However, he declined and suggested that Badoni should continue as the skipper.
"He was offered the captaincy but declined, suggesting that Badoni should continue as skipper," "He believed it wouldn't be right to step in as captain solely based on his experience as an international and an IPL franchise skipper. He felt that his entry as captain might disrupt the team's balance. Instead, he expressed confidence in the current captain and coach (Sarandeep Singh), to carry forward their vision envisioned at the start of the season" a source familiar with the matter told Cricbuzz.
Rishabh Pant Suggested Ayush Badoni's Name As Captain
Pant already among the senior players in the Indian Test side had an underwhelming Australia tour along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He has been asked to play domestic cricket along with the other two to improve their red-ball game. Meanwhile, Kohli's Ranji Trophy participation is in doubts as he is suffering from a stiff neck.
It is reported that Kohli is not fully fit. Sources say that DDCA president Rohan Jaitley may speak to the senior Indian batsman who has been struggling with form in international cricket. It is further reported that KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to play in the Ranji Trophy.
