Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly 13 years was met with a wave of excitement, as fans eagerly gathered to witness the cricketing icon in action for Delhi. Playing in Delhi’s final Ranji Trophy 2024-25 league match against Railways, Kohli’s presence at the Arun Jaitley Stadium turned a typically low-profile domestic game into a major spectacle.
The anticipation surrounding Kohli’s return was so intense that the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) arranged for an additional 10,000 seats to accommodate the surge of spectators. On January 30, thousands of fans arrived as early as 5 AM, forming long queues outside the stadium—a rare sight for a Ranji Trophy match. The excitement inside the venue was palpable, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the former Indian captain back in domestic cricket.
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During the match, an enthusiastic fan breached security and ran onto the field, attempting to touch Kohli’s feet while he was stationed at second slip. Security personnel swiftly intervened, but Kohli, ever the gentleman, gestured for them to handle the situation with restraint. The incident reflected his immense popularity and fans’ deep admiration for him.
A fan steps onto the field to meet his IDOL, Virat Kohli 🥵❤️#ViratKohli #Cricket #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/XKMAqx0tk7
— 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗔𝗥🐉 (@NtrneelMode) January 30, 2025
Virat Kohli’s sweet gesture to the security guard not to lay a hand on the fan ❤️pic.twitter.com/nlwuh0TLtk https://t.co/WdBJFt4RRH
— Aꪀisꫝ (@anishhuyaar) January 30, 2025
A Fan entered the ground to meet Virat Kohli and he touched Kohli’s feet. https://t.co/IdDEXKddkW
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 30, 2025
Following his Ranji appearance, Kohli will shift focus to India’s upcoming ODI series against England, a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His recent form, however, has been a point of discussion, with just 190 runs in his last nine Test innings, including struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India lost 3-1.
Kohli’s participation in domestic cricket aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new policy mandating players to gain adequate domestic exposure before major international assignments. This regulation, introduced as part of a broader set of guidelines, has sparked debate among players.
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Other new policies include restrictions on players travelling with their spouses and partners during tours and limitations on brand endorsements during ongoing series. Even with these off-field changes, Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy highlights his commitment to Indian cricket, showcasing his dedication to the sport while managing both domestic and international duties.
