By Rohit - January 30, 2025 06:08 PMIndian cricket icon Virat Kohli made a highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year hiatus, and the occasion was nothing short of special. As the 36-year-old batting maestro stepped onto the field at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, fans erupted in chants of ‘RCB, RCB,’ a testament to his enduring legacy with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The atmosphere was electric as Kohli geared up to represent Delhi in their clash against Railways on Thursday, January 30.
The excitement among fans was palpable as they flocked to the stadium early in the morning, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketer. Kohli, who has been a symbol of consistency and excellence in international cricket, last played in the Ranji Trophy in November 2012. His return to the domestic circuit after over a decade was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with fans chanting not just for Delhi but also for his IPL franchise, RCB.
Kohli’s association with RCB began in 2008, shortly after he led India to victory in the U19 World Cup in Malaysia. Since then, he has become synonymous with the franchise, earning a massive fan following for his passion, dedication, and match-winning performances. The chants of ‘RCB, RCB’ at the Arun Jaitley Stadium were a reflection of the deep connection Kohli shares with his IPL team and its supporters.
Kohli’s previous Ranji Trophy appearance was against Uttar Pradesh (UP) in Ghaziabad in 2012. In that match, Delhi found themselves in a tricky situation at 77/2 when Kohli walked out to bat. However, his stay at the crease was short-lived as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, now a senior teammate in the Indian team, dismissed him for just 14 runs off 19 balls. Delhi posted 235 in their first innings, but UP took a commanding lead, scoring 403 runs thanks to Mukul Dagar’s 116 and Mohammad Kaif’s 91.
In the second innings, Kohli showed glimpses of his class, scoring 43 runs before falling to Bhuvneshwar once again. Despite his efforts, Delhi could only manage a lead of 154 runs, and UP eventually won the match by six wickets. Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years presents an opportunity for him to make amends and leave a lasting impact on the domestic circuit.
As Kohli returned to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the venue where his legendary career began, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) rolled out the red carpet for the star batter. Special arrangements were made to ensure a smooth experience for Kohli, who has been a pillar of Indian cricket for over a decade. The stadium holds sentimental value for Kohli, as it was here that he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see Kohli dominate the Ranji Trophy once again. Known for his insatiable hunger for runs and his ability to perform under pressure, Kohli will be aiming to make his return memorable with a big score. His presence in the domestic circuit is not just a boost for Delhi but also for Indian cricket, as it highlights the importance of first-class cricket in nurturing talent.
The ‘RCB, RCB’ chants at the Arun Jaitley Stadium were a reminder of Kohli’s immense popularity and the impact he has had on the game. Whether it’s donning the Indian jersey, representing RCB in the IPL, or playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, Kohli continues to inspire millions with his passion and commitment to the sport.
As the Ranji Trophy match unfolds, all eyes will be on Kohli as he looks to make a statement in his return to first-class cricket. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to witness one of the greatest batters of all time in action on the domestic stage. For Kohli, it’s a chance to reconnect with his roots and contribute to Delhi’s success in the tournament.
In the end, Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy is not just about runs and records; it’s a celebration of his journey, his legacy, and his unwavering love for the game. And as the ‘RCB, RCB’ chants echoed through the stadium, it was clear that Kohli’s influence transcends formats, teams, and generations.
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