Virat Kohli, KL Rahul set to skip next Ranji Trophy Match for Respective States - Reasons Revealed

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will not take part in the next round of Ranji Trophy, as per reports.

ESPNcricinfo has claimed that both India players have communicated to their respective states that a pre-existing injury will prevent them from featuring in the upcoming Ranji match.

Virat Kohli to Miss Ranji Trophy Game Due to Neck Pain

Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI medical team that he is dealing with neck pain, which will prevent him from participating in Delhi's Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra in Rajkot, starting January 23. Kohli reportedly experienced discomfort and took an injection on January 8, three days after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy concluded in Sydney. However, the pain has persisted, ruling him out of the upcoming match.

KL Rahul Sidelined by Elbow Issue

KL Rahul is also set to miss Karnataka's Ranji Trophy game against Punjab in Bengaluru due to an elbow injury. The injury has made him unavailable for selection, as confirmed by the BCCI medical staff.

The BCCI recently issued a directive making participation in domestic cricket mandatory for all players. If unavailable, the players must seek clearance from Medical staff. The new set of guidelines came into the fray after India's dismal outing in Australia.

Both Kohli and Rahul have one more opportunity to feature in the Ranji Trophy, with the final group phase matches beginning on January 30. However, those games end just before the ODI series against England, which starts on February 6. Both players are expected to be in the Champions Trophy squad, which will be announced on Saturday (January 18).

KL Rahul has been tipped to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, ahead of Rishabh Pant in the Champions Trophy. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is a quintessential figure in ODI cricket but will be aiming to restore his form in the England series.