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A wave of excitement swept through Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday morning as fans began to gather at the venue as early as 5 AM, eager to witness the return of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli to the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Kohli, who had confirmed his availability for Delhi’s final league match against Railways earlier ඣthis month, joined the squad on Tuesday, fuelling anticipation for his comeback after more than 12 years away from dome🌃stic cricket.
Virat Kohli’s long-awaited comeback
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy is not just a personal milestone but a significant event in Indian cricket history. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) made entry to the stadium free for fans, requiring only an Aadhar Card for access. This gesture was a clear indication of the excitement surrounding Kohli’s appearance, as thousands of fans flocked to the stadium, chanting “RCB, RCB,” in homage to Kohli’s IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans reminiscing about Kohli’s last Ranji appearance in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 and 43 runs. Since then, he has become one of cricket’s most celebrated figures, leading India across formats and breaking numerous records. His decision to return to domestic cricket comes after a challenging period in his Test career, where he struggled with form and consistency. In 39 Tests since 2020, Kohli averaged just 30.72 with only three centuries to his name.
Also READ: Virat Kohli’s R൲anji Trophy journey: Yearly performance breakdown of the modern day great
Here’s the video:
CARNAGE AT ARUN JAITLEY STADIUM TO WAT♎CH KING KOHLI. 🤯
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
RCB chants at Arun Jaitley Stadium 😍❤️🔥 |
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat)
Kohli training like a champion with Delhi squad
In preparation for this much-anticipated match, Kohli immersed himself in intense training sessions alongside his Delhi teammates. Under the watchful eye of head coach Sarandeep Singh, he worked diligently on refining his skills—particularly focusing on footwork against spin and addressing vulnerabilities outside off-stump. This methodical approach reflects Kohli’s commitment to reclaiming his red-ball prowess and reintegrating into the domestic scene.
His teammates were equally excited about playing alongside him. Many had grown up idolizing Kohli and were eager to impress him during practice sessions. Skipper Ayush Badoni noted how surreal it was to share the field with someone w🌺ho had been a source of inspiration throughout their cricketing🌜 journeys.
Nostalgic homecoming of Delhi
The significance of this match extends beyond statistics; it represents a nostalgic homecoming for Kohli and his fans. As he steps onto the familiar turf of Arun Jaitley Stadium, the memories of past glories flood back—not just for him but for countless supporters who have followed his journey from a young cricketer to a global icon. The camaraderie among teammates and the palpable excitement among fans create an atmosphere reminiscent of cricket’s golden days in India.
As match day approached, preparations at the stadium intensified. The DDCA anticipated an unprecedented turnout and took measures to ensure that every fan could witness this historic moment live. Additional seati🥂ng arrangements were ma🌄de to accommodate the expected crowd, with special security protocols in place to manage the influx of spectators eager to catch a glimpse of their hero.
