"One Match Doesn’t Change His Legacy": Rayudu on Kohli’s Form

Sachin Tendulkar’s last first-class match in 2013 was probably the last time the Ranji Trophy grabbed so much attention. The legendary Indian batter was saying goodbye to domestic cricket, and nearly 15,000 fans filled the small Lahli ground, with another 5,000 waiting outside. While it wasn’t quite the same, Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy comeback after 122 months still drew a solid crowd of around 10,000 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The outcome wasn’t ideal, either for the fans or Virat Kohli. He didn’t get to bat on the first day, and when he finally walked in on day two, his stay was short just 6 runs off 15 balls. The two stands opened by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) were packed, but the moment Himanshu Sangwan bowled him out, most of the crowd quickly cleared out.

The low score by Kohli has generated controversy regarding his form. If he cannot perform well in the Ranji Trophy, how will he be when India faces England in its Test series? For those doubting him, his former teammate Ambati Rayudu has a response.

“Right now Virat Kohli doesn’t need the Ranji (Trophy). His technique was good for 81 hundreds, and it will be good going forward as well,” Rayudu wrote on his X.

“No one should force him into forcing himself for anything. He needs time to feel good about everything again. The spark within will ignite on its own. Basically respect and believe in him. Most importantly, leave him alone,” Rayudu added.

The retired Indian cricketer does not quite agree with the rule that BCCI has that mandates international players to play in domestic cricket before getting selected to play for the country. For Rayudu, making someone like Kohli play in the Ranji Trophy just doesn't seem to do any good.

According to him, the desire to play domestic cricket should come naturally, and Kohli knows what works best for him. Even during his prime years, he rarely played domestic matches, yet his record speaks for itself. Just because he had one disappointing outing, the BCCI shouldn’t treat him any differently.