With all focus on Virat Kohli, will Delhi be able to qualify for Ranji Trophy knockouts?

As Delhi enters the most crucial phase of the Ranji Trophy, all eyes are on Virat Kohli, who is making a rare domestic appearance. His presence has undoubtedly boosted the morale of the squad, but the bigger question remains—can Delhi qualify for the knockouts?

The Delhi side’s campaign so far has been quite erratic – some imperious performances alongside dismal setbacks. Their bright and talented squad has crumbled at times through inconsistency in batting and bowling. Kohli is that cricketer who will provide solid support to the middle order, where Delhi has mainly suffered against pressure. He may be the game-changer for Delhi in their remaining league-stage matches.

However, cricket is a team sport, and Delhi cannot depend solely on Kohli to get them into the knockouts. The kind of bat performance required from Yash Dhull, Himmat Singh, and Nitish Rana is enormous. Then there’s the bowling unit led by Simarjeet Singh and Navdeep Saini, which needs to bank crucial breakthroughs. Fielding and temperament in matches will also be key in high-pressure games. Another test for Delhi will be the strong opposition from the teams in their group. Some teams still have chances to qualify for knockout rounds. This makes the final rounds quite close. Qualification will be determined by net run rate and the outright win.

While Kohli’s return has generated immense excitement, Delhi’s road to the knockouts will depend on collective performance rather than individual brilliance. If they can deliver in all departments and capitalize on key moments, they stand a strong chance of making it to the next stage. Otherwise, even Kohli’s presence might not be enough to salvage their season.