Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated cricketers, made headlines on Thursday, January 30, as he met Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi. He was accompanied by Indian Cricket Board’s Vice President Rajeev Shukla during the visit. Kohli is currently in the national capital, playing for Delhi in the final round of the Ranji Trophy group-stage against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. His return to domestic red-ball cricket after more than a decade has generated significant excitement among fans and cricket enthusiasts.
The anticipation surrounding Kohli’s participation was evident from the massive turnout at the stadium. The atmosphere was electric as fans flocked to witness the batting maestro in action. The crowd remained engaged throughout the day's play, chanting Kohli’s name and celebrating every moment he acknowledged them. Such is the impact of the star cricketer that his mere presence elevated the significance of a domestic fixture, drawing attention to the Ranji Trophy in a way rarely seen in recent years.
On the opening day of the match, Delhi’s bowlers put up an impressive performance on a pitch that offered assistance to the pacers. They managed to dismiss Railways for 241, giving their side a solid start. Kohli, however, was not required to bat on Day 1 as Delhi finished at 41/1 in 10 overs. The fans eagerly awaited his turn to bat, hoping to witness a masterclass from one of India’s finest cricketers.
The craze for Kohli was further highlighted when a fan breached security and ran onto the field to touch his feet, an emotional moment reflecting the deep admiration he commands. Security personnel swiftly intervened and removed the intruder, causing a brief stoppage in play. Kohli remained composed, acknowledging the overwhelming love from the spectators.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Kohli, who is expected to bat at his usual No. 4 position. His return to domestic cricket marks a special occasion, as his last appearance in a red-ball domestic match dates back to 2012, when he played for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh. That match featured legendary Indian cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Ishant Sharma. Uttar Pradesh won the contest by six wickets, but Kohli’s presence in the tournament back then was as significant as it is today.
Kohli’s decision to participate in the Ranji Trophy after such a long hiatus is a testament to his commitment to the game and his appreciation for domestic cricket. It also provides young domestic cricketers a golden opportunity to share the field with a modern-day legend, learning invaluable lessons from his experience. His presence has brought renewed attention to the Ranji Trophy, reaffirming its status as the backbone of Indian cricket.
With Kohli set to bat in the coming days, the excitement will only continue to build, and fans will be hoping for a memorable innings from their beloved cricketing icon.
