Virat Kohli, gearing up for his much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy, has been making headlines not just for his cricket but also for his heartwarming interactions with fans. The former Indian captain has been practising in Mumbai under the guidance of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. Amidst his rigorous preparations, Kohli took time to engage with fans and younger players, showcasing his generosity.
A video that has gone viral on social media shows Kohli gifting his gloves to a devoted fan. The fan, visibly overwhelmed, later shared photos of himself wearing the gloves, expressing his gratitude with a caption: “Thank you so much Virat sir for giving your gloves.” In addition to this touching moment, Kohli was also seen signing bats for young cricketers present at the ground.
DDCA Gears Up for Kohli’s Ranji Trophy Comeback
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for Kohli’s return to domestic cricket. Special arrangements are being made at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to accommodate the anticipated crowd. The North End and Old Club House sections of the stadium will be opened for spectators, allowing up to 10,000 fans to witness the action.
If needed, additional seating will be arranged on the ground floor of the other stands. Importantly, entry to the stadium will be free, making it easier for fans to catch a glimpse of the cricketing legend in action.
Kohli’s Ranji Trophy Return After 13 Years
Kohli was initially expected to feature in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra in Rajkot earlier this week. However, he withdrew from the match due to neck stiffness. Despite the setback, he has confirmed his availability for Delhi’s upcoming game against Railways, scheduled to begin on January 30. This match marks Kohli’s first appearance in the Ranji Trophy in 13 years.
The decision to return to domestic cricket aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent directive mandating regular participation in domestic tournaments for players aiming to stay in contention for the national team. This move comes in the wake of India’s disappointing batting performances during the recent tour of Australia, where Kohli managed to score 190 runs, including a century in Perth.
Other Indian Stars Return to Domestic Cricket
Kohli isn’t the only senior player making a comeback to domestic cricket. Several Test regulars, including Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill, have also returned to the domestic circuit as part of BCCI’s renewed focus on strengthening the bench strength through local tournaments.
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy has created immense excitement among fans, with many eagerly awaiting to see the cricketing legend back in action on the domestic stage.
