Team India’s ace batter Virat Kohli is part of Delhi’s playing XI for the side’s ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The star cricketer’s appearance in domestic cricket sparked a frenzy as fans flocked to the venue in large numbers on Day 1 (Thursday, January 30) of the red-ball game.
Commenting on the massive crowd at the stadium, Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma stated that he has never seen such craze for a Ranji Trophy game. Speaking about Kohli’s tremendous popularity among the masses, Sharma told PTI (via News 18):
It is worth mentioning that this is Virat Kohli‘s first Ranji Trophy encounter in more than 12 years. He last featured in the domestic tournament in December 2012.
Kohli didn’t get a chance to bat on Day 1 of his comeback match. Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni won the toss and chose to field first. Railways were bowled out for 241 before the home team finished on 41/1 at Stumps.
A similar crowd, if not bigger, is expected at the stadium on the second day to watch the 36-year-old bat.
Team India’s senior players like Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant played in the recently concluded round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Virat Kohli’s return was delayed due to a neck sprain, and he finally made a comeback in the ongoing final round of the group stage.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his delight at Kohli and Sharma’s domestic cricket involvement. Hoping to see Team India stars play domestic cricket regularly, the cricketer-turned-commentator wrote on X:
Following the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match, Kohli will shift his attention to white-ball cricket. India will face England in a three-match home ODI series from Thursday, February 6.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news
Quick Links
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
