Delhi cricket fans witnessed a rare treat as Virat Kohli returned to domestic cricket after 12 years. The iconic batter, who will represent Delhi in their Ranji Trophy group-stage match against Railways on January 30 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, attended a practice session on Tuesday. His presence turned the usual session into an event, captivating everyone from teammates to coaches and spectators alike.
Kohli’s Return to Domestic Cricket After a Decade
Kohli, who last played a first-class match for Delhi in December 2012, was back at his home ground, earning admiration for his humility and commitment to the game. Despite being one of the biggest names in world cricket, Kohli maintained his grounded demeanor, interacting warmly with everyone around him.
A Change in Kohli’s Food Choices
Known for his love of Delhi’s chhole bhature, Kohli surprised everyone with a significant change in his diet. A senior DDCA official revealed that arrangements had been made for his favorite breakfast, but Kohli politely declined.
“Woh badlaa nahi hain. Usko chhole-poori pasand the aur humne mangaake rakhha tha, par usne mana kar diya (He used to love chhole poori, and we had arranged it for him, but he refused),” the official shared.
Instead, after the practice session, Kohli opted for another classic north Indian dish—kadhi chawal. “Practice ke baad purane time ki tarah kadhi chawal khaya sabke saath (After practice, he had kadhi chawal with everyone just like old times),” the official added.
A Star Among the Crowd
Kohli’s return to Delhi cricket created a buzz that tripled the usual attendance for a Ranji Trophy practice session. Photographers, videographers, and even players followed his every move. Head coach Sarandeep Singh and batting coach Bantu Singh stayed by his side throughout, ensuring he felt at home.
Fond Memories of ‘Cheeku’
The nickname ‘Cheeku,’ now synonymous with Kohli, was recalled fondly by DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma. “It was Ajit Chaudhary, the former manager of the Delhi Ranji team, who gave him the nickname back in 2006-07,” Sharma reminisced.
While Kohli interacted warmly with everyone, he seemed particularly comfortable with Mahesh Bhati, his former U-19 coach and the current administrative manager of the Delhi team.
A King Among His People
For the three hours Kohli spent at the stadium, he left an indelible mark on everyone present. Whether it was the young players seeking inspiration, the seasoned coaches guiding him, or the fans watching from the sidelines, Kohli’s aura remained unmatched.
As the ‘King’ of Indian cricket gears up for his Ranji Trophy match, his return has already brought renewed energy to Delhi’s cricketing scene.
