Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy was marked by high expectations and fervent excitement among fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. On January 31, 2025, Kohli walked onto the field to thunderous applause, heralding the much-awaited moment of his debut for Delhi after a staggering break of over 12 years. This buzz reflected not only Kohli's stature as one of the leading cricketers of his generation but also the resonance of his influence on domestic cricket.
Unfortunately for the star batter and his eager supporters, his comeback innings was painfully short-lived. Kohli faced just 15 deliveries, managing to score only 6 runs before being clean bowled by Railways’ Himanshu Sangwan. The moment Kohli's off-stump was sent cartwheeling, the atmosphere shifted from one of jubilation to one of stunned silence, with many fans visibly dejected as they left the stands.
Kohli entered the match amid sky-high anticipation, as spectators had queued for hours prior to the gates opening at 6:30 AM. Tickets were snapped up quickly, allowing the stadium to reach a remarkable attendance figure of nearly 15,000, which is seldom seen at domestic cricket matches. Such was the Kohli effect, prompting organizers to make adjustments to accommodate the influx of fans eager to witness his return.
Starting his innings at No. 4, Kohli did strike one boundary—a beautiful straight drive—before he misjudged the next delivery. Sangwan's inswinging ball was met with Kohli attempting to play across the line, only for it to sneak past his bat, resulting in his stumps being knocked back. This wicket triggered chaos within the Delhi lineup, causing them to slump to 103 for four wickets at one point, trailing Railways' first innings total of 241.
Before Kohli's arrival at the crease, Delhi had begun positively. After opting to bowl first, Delhi's bowlers restricted Railways to 241 runs. A solid performance by pacers like Navdeep Saini, who took three early wickets, played a pivotal role. But when Kohli was dismissed, the momentum shifted, and fans who had come to see their hero were left disappointed.
This was Kohli's first appearance for Delhi since November 2012. His history with Ranji Trophy dates back to 2006, when he debuted against Tamil Nadu. Over the years, Kohli had built a reputation, scoring five centuries and averaging 50.77 with his highest score of 173 against Bengal on his home ground. His return was viewed as significant not just for Delhi, but for Ranji Trophy cricket as a whole.
Despite the anticlimactic end to his innings, Kohli’s presence on the field had already garnered immense attention. His return was intended to help him regain form, particularly following his underwhelming performances during recent international tours, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Fans had expressed hope the Ranji Trophy appearance would mark the resurgence of his prowess with the bat.
Delhi's subsequent batting performance, which deteriorated following Kohli’s exit, also elicited disappointment among their supporters. Many left the stadium soon after the wicket fell, retreating quietly to the exits, reflecting the mixed emotions surrounding Kohli's capricious comeback. His exit not only lifted the spirits of Railways but also dimmed the initial high spirits of the crowd.
With his short stay at the crease finishing with mere numbers, Kohli left his fans to ponder what could have been, and many began to voice their dismay on social media. His departure was marked not just by his dismissal but also echoed by concerns about his form as Delhi struggled to stabilize their innings.
After his dismissal, Delhi continued to falter, as they found themselves rapidly losing wickets. The situation could potentially jeopardize their chances of making it to the next stages of the Ranji Trophy. Fans began to question whether this outing was indicative of Kohli's current state or simply bad luck on his part.
For many supporters, Kohli's brief innings served as a reminder of the sport's unpredictable nature and the high stakes involved whenever he steps onto the field. Though his return was overshadowed by his rapid exit, the sheer presence of Kohli drew new attention to the Ranji Trophy, promising to revitalize interest and engagement, which has been somewhat lacking at this level of cricket.
With the match still underway, cricket enthusiasts eagerly hoped for the Delhi team to reclaim momentum, aware of the challenges laid out before them. The ground had transformed from teeming with excitement to echoing with silence, but the hopes of many still lingered for Kohli's future performances as his next opportunities on the pitch will continue to hold significant meaning.