Ex Cricketer Ambati Rayudu against BCCI “forcing” Virat Kohli into Ranji Trophy participation
Sachin Tendulkar’s final first-class match in 2013 might be the last time the Ranji Trophy created such a buzz. The greatest Indian batter of all time was retiring from domestic cricket, and around 15,000 people came to a rather unknown cricket ground in Lahli. Another 5,000 were waiting outside. While not on the same level, the Arun Jaitley Stadium had around 10,000 in attendance to watch Virat Kohli in action as he made his Ranji Trophy return after 122 months.
The result wasn’t great, for fans or Kohli. The Delhiite didn’t bat on the first day, and when he did in the morning session of day two, he scored just 6 runs and faced just 15 balls. Two stands opened by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) were packed to the gills, and as soon as Himanshu Sangwan castled him, nearly everyone in the stands disappeared.
Kohli’s failure has everyone talking about how if he can’t perform in the Ranji Trophy, how will he do well in the India cricket team’s next Test series against England? For those people, Ambati Rayudu, Kohli’s former teammate, has an answer.