THE RETURN OF THE KING

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi [January-February, 2025].

On 30th January, 2025 the mood in the Arun Jaitley Stadium was nothing short of a festival. There were injuries attempting to enter (a Ranji group match), yet admission was free! and 4 am became a consensus in conjecture regarding the start time of the line. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the excitement was palpable as Virat Kohli made his 12-year comeback to domestic cricket. When Delhi played Railways in the Ranji Trophy, fans flocked to the stands to watch the star batter in action.  

After Delhi decided to bowl first, Kohli was in a good mood and acknowledged the sea of fans as he fielded. On Day 2, it was his turn to bat. As the former India skipper made his approach to the middle, roaring applause erupted when Yash Dhull was dismissed by Rahul Sharma in the 24th over. However, Virat Kohli, India's great batsman, only managed to score 6 runs off of 15 balls in the first innings of the Delhi vs. Railways match. Thus his Ranji Trophy comeback didn't go as expected. Himanshu Sangwan of the Railways undid Kohli with a beauty of a delivery that sent the batter's off-stump soaring. With the dismissal, Kohli's terrible form took yet another unimpressive hit.

In the 28th over, he drove a delivery right down the ground for four, displaying his trademark stroke play. It was more of a forced shot than a powerful straight drive, though, and was a far cry from the precise execution that fans are accustomed to from Kohli. As he cautiously prodded at deliveries, his troubles outside the off-stump, which were reminiscent of his previous issues against Australia, reappeared.

Even though Kohli did not perform well, but his team did as they blew away the Railways by an innings and 19 runs. Furthermore at the end of second day's play Kohli was awarded by the Delhi Cricket Association for his contribution in Test Cricket. Though it would have been wonderful had Kohli scored a ton, but even his presence on the ground brought cheer in the face of his people. Everyone was glued to a Ranji Group Match till the time Kohli was on the ground.