When was the last time Virat Kohli played a red-ball domestic game in India?
Media reports on Monday, August 12, have suggested that senior India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might be returning to domestic cricket this year via the Duleep Trophy in September. Although some reports say they haven't been "directed" but given an option to play the tournament, others mention that the senior duo might willingly feature in the four-team tournament. Other stars like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin may also play.
Kohli hasn't played a domestic red-ball game in India in ages. If one doesn't count matches against county and local sides on international tours and practice matches at home, Kohli's last red-ball domestic game in India came as far back as 2012.
Uttar Pradesh hosted Delhi in the Group B match of the 2012 Ranji Trophy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Ghaziabad between November 2-5. Uttar Pradesh won the toss and elected to field first.
Delhi, led by Virender Sehwag (with now India men's coach Gautam Gambhir as his opening partner), got bowled out for 235 in the first innings. Kohli came to bat at number four and got out for just 14 (19), dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and caught by Mohammad Kaif.
Mukul Dagar (116), Kaif (91), and skipper Suresh Raina (55) flew Uttar Pradesh to 403. In reply, Delhi did better but not by much, scoring 322 in the third innings, courtesy of Sehwag's fighting 107 (165) after a batting demotion to No. 6 due to injury.
Kohli batted at number three and again got out to Bhuvneshwar, this time for 43 (65).
Virat Kohli's last Ranji Trophy game ended in a defeat
Asked to chase just 155, Uttar Pradesh rode through the nervy moments and four wickets to chase it in the 40th over.
Delhi tried to bog them down for a draw as the match reached the final day, which was also Kohli's birthday, but failed as the superior home side claimed a well-deserved win.