New Delhi, January 27, 2025 – Cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic red-ball cricket will be disappointed, as no live telecast or streaming has been confirmed for Delhi’s final group-stage Ranji Trophy match against Railways.

The match, set to begin on January 30 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, marks Kohli’s first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012, when he last played against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. Despite the excitement surrounding his comeback, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make arrangements for a live broadcast of this marquee domestic fixture.

Excitement in the Delhi Camp

Kohli, who has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers with 80 international centuries, will be a valuable addition to Delhi’s squad, led by Ayush Badoni. His presence is expected to provide crucial exposure and learning opportunities for younger players. DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma highlighted how this experience will benefit the squad, noting that apart from Navdeep Saini, none of the current Delhi players have played alongside Kohli in the Ranji Trophy.

Security & Spectator Arrangements

To accommodate the influx of fans, Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has ramped up security measures and made special arrangements, including opening additional stands at the Ambedkar Stadium End (Gate Nos. 7, 15, and 16). Spectators can enjoy free entry to witness the action, with provisions for clean drinking water and hygienic restrooms.

No Live Broadcast – A Major Letdown for Fans

While the excitement is high, the lack of a confirmed live broadcast remains a disappointment. According to a DDCA official, BCCI’s match broadcasting schedule is finalized months in advance, and Delhi’s fixture was not selected for TV or online streaming. Matches like Mumbai vs J&K, Karnataka vs Haryana, and Bengal vs Punjab have been prioritized for telecast.

Though there is speculation about a last-minute arrangement for live streaming given Kohli’s presence, officials have indicated that such a decision would be challenging due to the logistical demands of a multi-camera production setup.

Delhi’s Squad for the Match

Squad: Ayush Badoni (C), Virat Kohli, Pranav Rajvanshi (WK), Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Mayank Gusain, Shivam Sharma, Sumit Mathur, Vansh Bedi (WK), Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dhull, Gagan Vats, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rahul Gehlot, Jitesh Singh.

Final Thoughts

While Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is a historic moment, the lack of live coverage remains a significant letdown for fans eager to watch their favorite star in action. However, spectators in Delhi will have a golden opportunity to witness Kohli’s presence at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Will BCCI reconsider and bring this match to fans worldwide? Only time will tell.

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Sri Lanka’s cricketing history is filled with legendary players who have dominated the game with their extraordinary skills. From elegant batters to world-class bowlers, these players have etched their names in cricketing history, inspiring generations of fans. Here’s a look at Sri Lanka’s top batters and bowlers of all time, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s cricket legacy.

Sri Lanka’s Top Batters of All Time

1. Kumar Sangakkara

Widely regarded as one of the finest batters in cricket history, Kumar Sangakkara is Sri Lanka’s all-time leading run-scorer with over 28,000 international runs across all formats. Known for his elegant stroke play and unmatched consistency, Sangakkara’s iconic double centuries and ability to deliver under pressure make him a legend of the game.

2. Mahela Jayawardene

A master strategist and technically gifted batter, Mahela Jayawardene’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket are immense. With over 25,000 international runs, Jayawardene’s most memorable achievement was his breathtaking 374 against South Africa, the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan batter.

3. Sanath Jayasuriya

The pioneer of aggressive batting in ODI cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the game with his explosive hitting. With over 13,000 ODI runs and 21 centuries, Jayasuriya was a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team.

4. Aravinda de Silva

Aravinda de Silva remains one of Sri Lanka’s most clutch players. Known for his match-winning innings, including his unforgettable 107 in the 1996 World Cup final, he was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup during the 1990s.

5. Tillakaratne Dilshan

The inventor of the iconic “Dilscoop,” Tillakaratne Dilshan was a dynamic batter who excelled across all formats. With over 10,000 ODI runs and a reputation for innovation, he was a game-changer at the top of the order.

Sri Lanka’s Top Bowlers of All Time

1. Muttiah Muralitharan

With a staggering 1,347 international wickets, Muttiah Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in cricket history. His unmatched spin, control, and variations made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. A true cricketing icon, Murali’s legacy is unparalleled.

2. Chaminda Vaas

Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, Chaminda Vaas, was the backbone of the team’s pace attack for over a decade. With 761 international wickets, Vaas’s ability to swing the ball and bowl accurately made him a formidable opponent.

3. Lasith Malinga

Known as the “Slinga,” Lasith Malinga revolutionized limited-overs cricket with his deadly yorkers and unique bowling action. The only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries in ODIs, Malinga’s contributions to T20 cricket are legendary.

4. Rangana Herath

Rangana Herath carried Sri Lanka’s spin department after Muralitharan’s retirement, claiming 433 Test wickets. His accuracy, subtle variations, and ability to perform in tough conditions made him one of the best left-arm spinners in history.

5. Nuwan Kulasekara

A key player in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack during the late 2000s and early 2010s, Kulasekara’s ability to swing the ball and his contributions in white-ball cricket played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s success.

Sri Lanka’s Legacy

These legendary players have elevated Sri Lanka to the top of world cricket over the years. From their contributions in historic moments, such as the 1996 World Cup victory, to dominating in all formats, they have created a legacy that inspires future generations of cricketers.

As fans celebrate Sri Lanka’s cricketing heroes, the nation looks forward to nurturing the next generation of stars who will carry the legacy forward.

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The Sri Lanka U19 Women’s cricket team faced a tough defeat against India in their final Group A match of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, played on January 23 at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Six stage, marking a significant milestone in their campaign.

India’s Innings: A Steady Recovery After Early Wickets

Sri Lanka’s decision to field first paid off initially, as they reduced India to 17/2 in the first 4.2 overs. However, Indian batter Gongadi Trisha played a key role, scoring 49 runs to anchor the innings. Sri Lanka’s Pramudi Methsara and Limansa Thilakaratne each took two wickets, limiting India to a total of 118/9 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles with the Bat

Chasing 119, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup faltered against India’s disciplined bowling. The team was reeling at 15/5 in the powerplay, with key players dismissed early. Rashmika Sewwandi offered some resistance, scoring 15 runs, but Sri Lanka was bowled out for 59 in 18 overs, falling short by 59 runs.

Super Six Qualification: A Positive Takeaway

Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka’s performances earlier in the group stage ensured their progression to the Super Six stage. This achievement provides an opportunity for the young side to gain more exposure and showcase their talent on the global stage.

As the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 unfolds, Sri Lanka’s journey continues to inspire cricket fans, highlighting the growth of women’s cricket in the country.

For more updates on Sri Lanka U19 Women’s cricket and the latest sports news, stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV.