Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has had an illustrious career spanning over a decade and a half. The excellence of his Ranji Trophy performances matches the fame of his major international achievements. Virat Kohli played his final Ranji Trophy game for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh back in November 2012. Apart from being notable for Kohli the match created lasting memories for his supporting team members.
Before Virat Kohli steps onto the Ranji Trophy field again in January 2025 we’ll investigate what his past teammates have accomplished since they played with him in 2012.
A Look Back at Virat Kohli’s Last Ranji Trophy Match
Virat Kohli ended his Ranji Trophy career by playing in the group stage between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh at Ghaziabad. Delhi’s team under Captain Virender Sehwag played with top players like Gautam Gambhir Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra. Delhi’s players tried hard together but fell short when Uttar Pradesh defeated them by six wickets.
Here’s a quick recap of that Delhi squad:
| Player Name | Role | Current Status (2025) |
| Virender Sehwag | Batter & Captain | Retired; Cricket commentator and entrepreneur |
| Gautam Gambhir | Batter | Retired; Politician and philanthropist |
| Ishant Sharma | Fast Bowler | Active in domestic cricket and IPL |
| Ashish Nehra | Fast Bowler | Retired; IPL coach |
| Mithun Manhas | All-rounder | Retired; Cricket coach |
| Unmukt Chand | Batter | Playing league cricket in the USA |
| Puneet Bisht | Wicketkeeper | Active in domestic cricket |
| Sumit Narwal | All-rounder | Retired; Cricket mentor |
| Pradeep Sangwan | Fast Bowler | Active in domestic cricket |
| Vikas Mishra | Left Arm Spinner | Active in domestic cricket |
Let’s explore where these players are now and how their careers have unfolded.
Virender Sehwag
India’s powerful opener Virender Sehwag ended his entire cricket career at the end of 2015. Following his player career he successfully shifted into sports broadcasting as a well-known cricket expert and expert analyst. Virender Sehwag stands out as a leading cricket commentator with his clever observations and clear analysis of India. Beyond professional work, Sehwag manages the Sehwag International School to develop sports education for children.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir bid farewell to professional cricket in 2018 after achieving two World Cup triumphs through the T20 and ODI formats. After retirement, Gambhir joined politics and serves today as East Delhi’s Bharatiya Janata Party MP. He leads the Gautam Gambhir Foundation in its mission to improve education and healthcare facilities across India.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma is continuing his professional cricket career while most of his 2012 Delhi teammates have retired. Through both domestic and IPL tournaments Ishant represents Delhi’s cricket scene. He plays in matches while teaching upcoming bowlers how to perfect their skills.
Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra stepped away from international cricket after 2017 but continued his involvement by coaching. As head coach for Gujarat Titans today he also maintained ties with other IPL franchises during his extensive experience. The IPL title went to Gujarat Titans in 2022 under Nehra’s coaching leadership. Nehra’s expertise as a fast-bowling coach has made him one of the most sought-after mentors in Indian cricket.
Unmukt Chand
After winning the 2012 U-19 World Cup with India Unmukt Chand failed to establish himself in the Indian cricket team. He became a top story in 2021 when he relocated to play in America’s cricket league. Since his 2025 MLC debut Chand has established himself as an important cricket ambassador throughout North America.
Mithun Manhas
The all-rounder Mithun Manhas represented Delhi’s cricket team before Kohli’s last Ranji match experience. He made his career in coaching after exiting professional cricket. Manhas has been an IPL assistant coach and continues to develop younger players as a mentor for Indian domestic cricket.
Puneet Bisht
Puneet Bisht continues his domestic cricket career as a wicketkeeper who bats well. Bisht maintains his reliable performance as a glove and bat player while playing for smaller teams in domestic Indian cricket.
Sumit Narwal
Sumit Narwal was an all-rounder who played an integral role for Delhi during his career. After retiring from competitive cricket, he has taken up mentoring roles at grassroots levels to nurture young talent.
Virat Kohli’s Return to Ranji Trophy (2025)
Virat Kohli has made his official return to the Ranji Trophy as he faces Railways in a match scheduled for January 30, 2025. Kohli combines his training for future international duties with his valued experience in domestic cricket competitions. The youth and supporters celebrate this opportunity because they view him as the ultimate cricket hero.
Conclusion
The team members Virat Kohli played with in his final Ranji Trophy match have taken separate career directions with many now working as coaches or commentators while others entered politics or international leagues. Players who excel in cricket find numerous ways to succeed outside their athletic careers.
On his expected return to domestic cricket in 2025, Indian cricket stands as evidence of its advancement since 2012 and reflects the lasting positive influence of its players.