Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy comeback after 12 years draws huge crowd in Delhi vs Railways clash - Watch
Virat Kohli announced that he was fit and available to play, getting added to the Delhi squad for their Elite Group D match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. His inclusion sent ripples of excitement through the cricketing world, and the match become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
In form or not, no one can deny the immense impact Virat Kohli has on Indian cricket as his mere presence on the field is enough to draw massive crowds. After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it mandatory for players to participate in domestic cricket, many were disheartened when it was announced that Virat Kohli had sustained a neck sprain, which would keep him out of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
However, surprising all, Kohli announced that he was fit and available to play, and was soon added to the Delhi squad for their Elite Group D match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. His inclusion sent ripples of excitement as the match become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The game even got special privilege as it is being televised live on Sports 18 and streamed on Jio Cinema.
Virat Kohli draws huge crowd
With Kohli in the playing XI, it came as no surprise that a massive crowd gathered outside the stadium, hoping to catch a glimpse of the cricketing legend in action. Fans flooded X (formerly known as Twitter) to share photos of the long queues that formed outside the stadium, showcasing just how much the Delhi crowd valued the chance to witness Kohli's batting. The 36-year-old batter last playing in a Ranji Trophy match back in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh in Mohan Nagar.
One user said, "MADNESS AT ARUN JAITLEY STADIUM TO WITNESS VIRAT KOHLI- King owns Cricket Streets in India...!!!!"
MADNESS AT ARUN JAITLEY STADIUM TO WITNESS VIRAT KOHLI ?
¡ª Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 30, 2025
- King owns Cricket Streets in India...!!!! pic.twitter.com/oIRVbwiceT
Another wrote, "The 2KM long queue outside Arun Jaitley Stadium for Virat Kohli- Virat Kohli, The Biggest Crowd Puller"
The 2KM long queue outside Arun Jaitley Stadium for Virat Kohli ?
¡ª Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 30, 2025
- Virat Kohli, The Biggest Crowd Puller ? pic.twitter.com/GJVKfsLK76
One even said, "Delhi cricket association closed more than 2 gates because more than 70K people tried to enter the stadium. Virat Kohli owns the streets like no other cricketer".
Delhi cricket association closed more than 2 gates because more than 70K people tried to enter the stadium
¡ª Kevin (@imkevin149) January 30, 2025
Virat Kohli owns the streets like no other cricketer. pic.twitter.com/lKPMAZfecr
One even stated, "Believe me this is not even 30% of the crowd, almost 70% of the crowd is still outside the stadium rushing in to get in the stadium anyhow. Virat Kohli you are crazy man, Your stardom can never be compared with anyone in Asia".
Believe me this is not even 30% of the crowd, almost 70% of the crowd is still outside the stadium rushing in to get in the stadium anyhow.
¡ª Utkarsh (@toxify_x18) January 30, 2025
Virat Kohli you are crazy man, Your stardom can never be compared with anyone in Asia. pic.twitter.com/1Ish9J2eW7
About Delhi vs Railways
This Elite Group D match is of utmost importance for both Delhi and Railways as they battle to secure a spot in the playoffs. Delhi comes into the match after a disappointing 10-wicket loss to Saurashtra in Rajkot, where the match ended in just two days.
On the other hand, Railways drew their last match against Assam in Guwahati at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Railways (with 17 points from six games) still have a solid chance of advancing to the knock-out stages. If they manage to defeat Delhi with bonus points, their total would rise to 24 points, significantly improving their chances of qualifying.
Teams:
Railways (Playing XI): Anchit Yadav, Vivek Singh, Suraj Ahuja(c), Upendra Yadav(w), Mohammad Saif, Bhargav Merai, Karn Sharma, Rahul Sharma, Himanshu Sangwan, Ayan Chaudhari, Kunal Yadav
Delhi (Playing XI): Arpit Rana, Sanat Sangwan, Virat Kohli, Yash Dhull, Ayush Badoni(c), Pranav Rajuvanshi(w), Sumit Mathur, Shivam Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Siddhant Sharma
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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