DRS Jan 27: Bad signs for RCB, Rohit Sharma against Gavaskar & Virat Kohli ready for Ranji Trophy return

Virat Kohli is ready, guys. He was spotted working with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar in the nets but now it has been confirmed that he was batting with red-ball and is readying himself for the Ranji Trophy. As you know, the sixth round of the Ranji Trophy culminated on the Republic Day, with Jammu-Kashmir, Haryana, Vidarbha, and Tamil Nadu finding their one feet in the knockouts. Meanwhile, we had several updates regarding Rohit Sharma and Sunil Gavaskar as well. And why is there a bad sign coming for RCB? Let’s find all this and much more as he skims through the top six stories from January 26, Sunday.

Virat Kohli is set to make his Ranji Trophy comeback after a decade, with Delhi taking on Railways on January 30. Kohli has been working with former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar to improve his backfoot play, an area of concern after his recent slew of dismissals in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bangar had previously worked with Kohli from 2014 to 2019, a period of great success for the modern-day master. Kohli’s Test form has been inconsistent since 2020, with an average of just 30.70 and only three centuries in 69 innings. Read more here: Virat Kohli almost certain for Ranji Trophy return, took help from Sanjay Bangar to improve backfoot game

Rohit Sharma vs Sunil Gavaskar?

A report claims that Rohit Sharma has complained to the BCCI about Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism of his form during the IND vs AUS series. Gavaskar had written that Rohit was “out of his depth” and questioned his future in Test cricket. Rohit allegedly felt that Gavaskar’s criticism was unnecessary and too negative. However, it’s worth noting that Rohit’s performance in the series was indeed poor, scoring just 31 runs in three Tests at an average of six. Read more here: Did Rohit Sharma complain to BCCI over Sunil Gavaskar’s scathing remarks?

Bad signs for RCB?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 preparations have hit a snag as their new recruits, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, have failed to impress in the IND vs ENG T20I series. Salt and Livingstone, who were bought for Rs 11.50 cr and Rs 8.75 cr respectively, have struggled to score runs in the series in India. Their poor form is a concern for RCB, who rely on them to deliver in the IPL. Their struggles in Indian conditions have raised alarm bells for the franchise. Read more here: Alarming signs for RCB ahead of IPL 2025 as Salt, Livingstone fail to fire in IND vs ENG T20Is

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Rohit Sharma, please don’t retire

Rohit Sharma’s return to domestic cricket was modest, scoring just 31 runs in his Ranji Trophy comeback for Mumbai. However, his performance didn’t deter a 15-year-old superfan, who penned a heartfelt note expressing admiration and support for the Indian Test captain. The fan urged Rohit to ignore critics and never retire, praising his captaincy and batting skills. The letter also revealed the fan’s aspiration to become a sports analyst and invited Rohit to offer guidance. Read more here: “Please never retire” – 15-year-old fan pens heartfelt note for Rohit Sharma, Indian captain responds

Tilak Varma in Test side?

Tilak Varma’s impressive 72-run knock in the 2nd T20I against England has earned him praise from former player Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu believes Varma has the potential to become an all-format player and deserves a Test debut soon. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ageing out, Rayudu thinks it’s time to introduce youngsters like Varma into the Test team. Varma’s first-class record, averaging over 50 with 5 hundreds, supports Rayudu’s claim that he’s ready for the next level. Read more here: With Rohit & Kohli ageing out, Rayudu wants Gambhir to add Tilak Varma to India’s Test team

CSK special for Maharashtra

Mukesh Choudhary, a pacer from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), delivered a stellar performance for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, claiming 5 wickets to restrict Baroda to 177 runs in their second innings. Maharashtra, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, had set a massive target of 617 runs, and Choudhary’s bowling helped his team secure a dominating victory by an innings and 439 runs. This was Maharashtra’s largest win in terms of runs in the Ranji Trophy. Read more here: Ranji Trophy Day 4: CSK pacer takes 5 for Gaikwad & Kerala sans Samson frustrate MP