Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy has drawn significant attention from cricket enthusiasts, shifting focus to India’s premier domestic competition. Having last played in the tournament in 2012, Virat Kohli is set to represent Delhi in their match against Railways. His presence at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on January 30 created a buzz, with a massive crowd gathering before the start of play, eager to watch the star batter in action.
Enthusiastic fans lined up outside the venue well in advance, eagerly waiting for the gates to open, underscoring Kohli’s reputation as one of the biggest crowd-pullers of Indian cricket.
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Excitement was palpable as fans assembled early in the morning, chanting slogans and showing their unwavering support. The chants of “RCB… RCB…” echoed outside the stadium as anticipation built up.
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While more than 1,500 spectators were expected for the opening day of the match, the scenes suggested an even larger turnout. Even Virat Kohli himself appeared to be taken aback by the electrifying atmosphere as he stepped onto the field.
Delhi captain Ayush Badoni won the toss and chose to field first, allowing Virat Kohli and his teammates to take their positions as the crowd erupted in cheers. In a touching moment, the former Indian captain acknowledged the overwhelming support, expressing his gratitude to the fans.
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Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy evoked memories of his last appearance in the competition when he played alongside stalwarts like Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. In that 2012 match against Uttar Pradesh, Virat Kohli managed to score 57 runs across two innings before being dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar on both the occasions.
Having played 23 matches in the Ranji Trophy, Virat Kohli made his debut in 2006 against Tamil Nadu. Over the years, he has accumulated 1,574 runs at an impressive average of 50.77, including five centuries. His highest score in the tournament, a remarkable 173, came against Bengal.
His stellar performance during the 2009-10 season paved the way for his selection in the Indian Test squad, marking the beginning of his illustrious international career. Virat Kohli eventually made his Test debut in 2011 against West Indies, a moment that set the stage for his rise as one of the greatest batsmen.
