Virat Kohli’s Return to Ranji Trophy Draws Massive Crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A wave of excitement swept through Delhi as cricketing legend Virat Kohli made his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years. The Arun Jaitley Stadium played host to a record-breaking crowd on Thursday as Kohli, donning the Delhi jersey, faced off against Railways in the domestic tournament. Fans flocked to the venue from early morning, eager to witness the icon in action, with some arriving as early as 5:30 am to secure the best possible view.

The surge in attendance was so overwhelming that the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) had to open additional gates to manage the crowd. Initially, only one gate was being used, but the heavy rush prompted quick action to ensure the safety and comfort of the spectators. Delhi Police confirmed that despite the rush, no injuries were reported. The turnout was a testament to Kohli's immense popularity, even in the domestic cricket circuit. His participation in the Ranji Trophy not only captured unprecedented attention but also solidified his status as one of the most cherished cricketers in the country. "I’ve come all the way from UP just to watch the match. I’m here for Virat Kohli… This crowd is here for Virat Kohli," said a fan, Mohd Gul Nawaz, echoing the sentiments of many in the stands. Another supporter, Shantanu Mishra, noted, "There’s a huge crowd here. I don’t think there’s ever been such a turnout for a Ranji match. This kind of crowd is only possible for Virat Kohli. Otherwise, there’s no reason for such a large gathering at a Ranji Trophy game. Maybe in Mumbai, crowds like this are common, but not in Delhi. This crowd is here for Virat Kohli."

The buzz was palpable, as fans gathered from all corners to catch a glimpse of their idol. Akash Kumar, a dedicated Kohli fan, had been waiting since dawn. “I’ve been a huge fan of Virat Kohli since childhood. I came from Sindhora Kalan and have been here since 5:30 am just to see him play. This is the first time I’ve seen such a crowd at a Ranji Trophy match. Everyone here is more excited to see Kohli than anything else,” he shared. Kohli’s presence in the Ranji Trophy has rejuvenated interest in the domestic competition, bringing new energy to the tournament. With the Delhi-Railways clash quickly becoming a must-watch event, all eyes were on Kohli as he returned to the field, hoping to regain the consistency that had once made him one of the world’s best.

In the lead-up to the match, Kohli spent two days practicing with his Delhi teammates, under the leadership of Ayush Badoni. He seemed to enjoy the bonding sessions with his new teammates, many of whom grew up idolizing him. During the practice, Kohli worked on fine-tuning his Test game, focusing on areas such as tackling spin bowling, deliveries outside his off-stump, and improving his backfoot shots. The intense sessions were guided by head coach Sarandeep Singh, as Kohli aimed to address the technical issues that had impacted his recent form.

Kohli's recent dip in Test cricket performance began in early 2020. Over his last 39 Test matches, he has scored 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, including just three centuries and nine fifties. His best score in this period is 186. In the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, he managed 751 runs in 14 matches, averaging 32.65, with two centuries and three fifties. Last year, he only managed 417 runs in 10 Tests, at an average of 24.52, marking a disappointing year. With hopes of finding the form that once made him a dominant force in international cricket, Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy represents a significant moment in Indian cricket. Few superstars have made such a bold move to reconnect with the basics that contributed to their rise to stardom. Kohli’s last Ranji appearance was in November 2012, where he was dismissed for 14 and 42 by pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in a match against Uttar Pradesh. Since his debut season in 2006/07, where he scored 257 runs at an average of 36.71, Kohli’s Ranji career has seen significant growth. In the 2007/08 season, he improved to 373 runs at an average of 53.28, but inconsistency remained a challenge. The 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons were breakthrough years for him, scoring 374 and 339 runs, respectively with outstanding averages of 93.50 and 56.50, and best scores of 145 and 173. Kohli’s last notable Ranji season came in 2012/13, where he played only one match, scoring 56 runs. To date, he has accumulated 1,573 runs in 23 Ranji matches at an average of 50.77, with five centuries and six fifties. His return to domestic cricket is not only a chance for him to find his form but also serves as a reminder of the grit and determination required to stay at the top. With his undying passion for the game, Kohli’s Ranji return is poised to inspire the next generation of cricketers and revive the spirit of Indian domestic cricket.