Cricket fans eagerly anticipated Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket, but his much-awaited Ranji Trophy comeback for Delhi ended in disappointment. The star batter was dismissed for just 6 runs off 15 balls in the first innings, leaving fans stunned at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
A Brief Stay at the Crease
Facing Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, Kohli initially looked promising, striking a beautiful straight drive for a boundary. However, on the very next delivery, Sangwan adjusted his length, deceiving the Delhi batter and sending his off-stump cartwheeling. The early dismissal shattered the hopes of thousands who had gathered to witness Kohli in action.
The impact of his dismissal was evident as a significant number of fans left the stadium immediately, disappointed by the short-lived innings of their cricketing hero.
Unmatched Fan Frenzy
Kohli’s presence in domestic cricket generated immense excitement, with fans queuing outside the venue as early as 3 AM to catch a glimpse of him. The Arun Jaitley Stadium was packed with supporters, all hoping for a memorable knock from the former Indian captain. Kohli, in his characteristic style, interacted with the crowd, keeping the energy alive throughout the day.
Despite his early dismissal, the focus now shifts to the second innings, where fans will be hoping for a strong comeback from the batting maestro.
A Struggle for Form
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy comes at a time when he has been battling a rough patch with the bat. Over the last Test season, he managed only one century and failed to score a single half-century in 10 matches. His only three-figure score came in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, but he struggled in the rest of the series, accumulating less than 100 runs across four matches.
Concerns over the Indian batting lineup’s performance led the BCCI to mandate international players’ participation in domestic tournaments, prompting Kohli’s inclusion in the Ranji squad. Ahead of the match, he trained with the Delhi team for two consecutive days before stepping onto the field under the captaincy of Ayush Badoni.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Kohli’s next innings, with fans hoping he can deliver a performance worthy of his legendary stature.
