Cricket fans in New Delhi witnessed history as Virat Kohli made his highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year gap. The Indian batting maestro stepped onto the field at Arun Jaitley Stadium on January 30, 2024, to represent Delhi in a crucial domestic encounter.
The stadium was packed with thousands of eager supporters who gathered early to catch a glimpse of Kohli in action. The atmosphere was electric as chants of “RCB, RCB” echoed throughout the venue, reflecting his strong connection with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans from the IPL.
Despite this being a Ranji Trophy match, Kohli’s IPL fandom merged with the domestic cricket scene, turning the stadium into a spectacle of admiration and excitement.
Key Highlights:
Massive Crowd and Chaos: Fans Injured in the Rush
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The overwhelming enthusiasm led to uncontrollable crowd surges, with fans pushing and shoving to enter the stadium gates. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, and a few individuals sustained injuries during the commotion.
What Happened Outside Arun Jaitley Stadium?
- Massive Fan Turnout: Thousands of supporters gathered early to see Kohli back in Delhi colors.
- Security Concerns: The excitement led to uncontrollable shoving, resulting in minor injuries to at least three fans.
- Police Bike Damaged: Amid the chaos, a police vehicle was damaged in the rush.
- Medical Assistance Provided: Injured fans received first aid from DDCA security and local police near the stadium entrance.
One fan had to get their leg bandaged, while even a security guard sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident. Authorities struggled to manage the surging crowd as Kohli’s return created an unanticipated frenzy.
Virat Kohli’s Last Ranji Trophy Appearance – A Look Back
Kohli’s previous outing in the Ranji Trophy was back in 2012, when he played for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.
Kohli’s Performance in 2012 Ranji Trophy Match:
- First Innings: 14 runs
- Second Innings: 43 runs
- Match Result: Delhi lost to Uttar Pradesh by six wickets
At the time, Kohli was already India’s premier batter across all formats. However, his focus shifted entirely to international cricket, leading to his 12-year absence from domestic red-ball competitions.
Now, in 2024, he returns as one of India’s greatest-ever cricketers, rekindling fan enthusiasm for domestic cricket.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
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While fans would love to see Kohli continue in the Ranji Trophy, this match is expected to be his only domestic appearance before returning to international duty.
His primary focus will now shift to the upcoming ODI series against England, which serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Upcoming Schedule for Kohli:
- Ranji Trophy Match (January 30, 2024) – Single appearance for Delhi
- ODI Series vs England (February 2024) – Important preparation for Champions Trophy
- IPL 2024 (March-May 2024) – Key season with Royal Challengers Bangalore
With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, Kohli’s brief Ranji Trophy return has delighted domestic cricket fans, though his immediate focus remains on India’s international assignments.
A Spectacular Yet Chaotic Return for Kohli:
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Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years was nothing short of spectacular, igniting immense fan excitement at Arun Jaitley Stadium. From deafening “RCB-RCB” chants to unfortunate crowd injuries, his presence turned a domestic game into a national talking point.
As he now shifts his focus to international cricket, this special moment will be remembered as a testament to Kohli’s undying legacy and the passion he invokes among cricket fans worldwide.
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