Thousands Gather from Early Morning to Witness Kohli’s Return to Domestic Cricket
Delhi witnessed a cricketing frenzy on Thursday as fans gathered outside Arun Jaitley Stadium from as early as 5 AM to catch a glimpse of Virat Kohli in action. The Indian cricket icon is set to play for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy league match against Railways, marking his return to domestic cricket after more than 12 years.
Excitement surrounding Kohli’s participation has been sky-high since he confirmed his availability earlier this month. He joined the Delhi squad on Tuesday, adding to the anticipation of fans eager to see him in a Ranji match once again.
Free Entry for Fans Adds to the Buzz
To make the occasion even more special, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced free entry for spectators, requiring only an Aadhar Card for access. As match time approached, the crowd outside the stadium grew significantly, with fans chanting “RCB, RCB,” a tribute to Kohli’s IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kohli’s Mission to Regain Test Form
Kohli’s decision to return to domestic cricket comes amid a dip in his Test match performances over the past few years. Since 2020, he has played 39 Tests, scoring 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, a stark contrast to his dominant years. In this period, he has managed only three centuries, with a highest score of 186.
Even in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, his numbers remain below expectations, with 751 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.65, including two centuries and three fifties.
Focused Training Ahead of the Match
Under the leadership of Ayush Badoni, Kohli has been actively involved in two-day intense training sessions with his Delhi teammates. Many young players in the squad have idolized him growing up, making his presence an inspiring moment for them.
With head coach Sarandeep Singh supervising, Kohli worked extensively on refining his footwork against spin, addressing his vulnerability outside off-stump, and improving his backfoot play. His structured approach to training reflected his determination to rediscover his red-ball dominance.
A Special Moment for Delhi Cricket
Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy is a major boost for domestic cricket, drawing massive fan engagement and reviving interest in first-class cricket. As Delhi takes on Railways, all eyes will be on the legendary batter, hoping to see him deliver a performance reminiscent of his prime years.
