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Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is set to make a much-awaited return to domestic red-ball cricket as he joins the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad for their final group match against Railways. The encounter will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium starting January 30, marking Kohli’s first appearance in the Ranji Trophy since 2012. The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed Kohli’s inclusion in the squad, led by Ayush Badoni, and is leaving no stone u🎶nturned to ensure a seamless experience for the cricketing icon🐎 and fans.
Virat Kohli’s return: A learning opportunity for young players
Kohli, who last played a Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad over a decade ago, is expected to begin training with the Delhi squad from Tuesday. His presence has already sparked excitement among teammates and fans, with DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma emphasizing the invaluable opportunity for young players to share the dressing room with the legendary batter. “It is a great experience for our junior players to interact and learn from Virat. Apart from Navdeep Saini, none of the current squad members have played alongside him in the Ranji Trophy or at the international level. This is a rare chance for them to observe his work ethic and dedication up close,” Sharma told PTI.
Enhanced security and fan arrangements for the high-profile match
The DDCA has also ramped up preparations to accommodate the heightened interest surrounding the match. Security measures have been significantly enhanced, with additional personnel deployed to ensure Kohli can train and play without disruptions. “We usually have 10 to 12 private security personnel for Ranji matches, but given Virat’s presence, we have increased security and coordinated with the Delhi Police,” Sharma added.
In a departure from standard practice, the DDCA will open three stands – Gate Nos. 7, 15, and 16- at the Ambedkar Stadium End to accommodate the expected surge in spectators. While Ranji Trophy matches are typically free for the public, the association has assured adequate arrangements for drinking water, clean restrooms and thorough security checks to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for attendees.
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Kohli’s return to domestic cricket comes amid criticism directed at top Indian batters for their limited participation in the Ranji Trophy, especially following inconsistent performances in international cricket. The 35-year-old was unable to feature in Delhi’s previous match due to a neck sprain, making his upcoming appearance even more significant.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who played in Delhi’s last game in Rajkot, will be unavailable for this fixture.
Delhi’s squad for the match includes a mix of seasoned players and promising youngsters, with Kohli’s inclusion adding star power to the lineup. The team will be led by Ayush Badoni, with other notable names such as Navdeep Saini, Yash Dhull and Himmat Singh rounding out the roster.
Delhi squad for Ranji Trophy match vs Railways:
Ayush Badoni (c), Virat Kohli, Pranav Rajvanshi (wk), Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Mayank Gusain, Shivam Sharma, Sumit Mathur, Vansh Bedi (wk), Money Grewal, Harsh Tyag🐼i, Siddhant Sharma, Navdeep Sainꦬi, Yash Dhull, Gagan Vats, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rahul Gehlot, Jitesh Singh.
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