Virat Kohli made a highly anticipated comeback to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, representing Delhi in their Elite Group D match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. His return to domestic cricket attracted a massive crowd of over 15,000 fans, eager to see him in action once again.
The excitement reached new heights during the morning session when a passionate fan breached security and sprinted onto the field. The individual ran straight to the slip cordon, where Kohli was fielding, and touched his feet as a mark of respect. Security personnel quickly stepped in and escorted the fan away, but Kohli, in his characteristic humble manner, gestured for them not to be harsh on the intruder.
This match marks Kohli’s first Ranji Trophy appearance since November 2012, adding to the enthusiasm among spectators. Delhi, led by captain Ayush Badoni, chose to bowl first. Railways struggled to build momentum, reaching 87/5 by lunchtime. Upendra Yadav and Karn Sharma were at the crease, while Delhi’s bowlers, including Siddhant Sharma and Money Grewal, made early breakthroughs. Shivam Sharma and Navdeep Saini also contributed with crucial wickets.
As the match moved into the second session, Railways faced an uphill battle to recover. Meanwhile, Kohli’s presence has not only strengthened Delhi’s lineup but also reignited widespread interest in the Ranji Trophy. His return to domestic cricket serves as a reminder of his deep connection with Indian cricket beyond the international stage.
