 "RCB chants, long queues and packed stands: How Delhi welcomed Virat Kohli on his Ranji Trophy return")
Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to domestic cricket created a frenzy among fans, as thousands poured into the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital, Delhi, to catch a glimpse of the cricketing superstar. Kohli has been named in Delhi’s playing XI for their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match against Railways, which began on 30 January.
This marks Kohli’s first domestic cricket match in over a decade, having last played for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy fixture against Uttar Pradesh in 2012 .
Fans go crazy in Delhi on Kohli’s return
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy has received a warm welcome from fans, with many arriving at the stadium gates as early as 5 AM. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has allowed free entry for spectators to witness Kohli’s comeback, but they are required to bring an original Aadhaar card along with a photocopy for verification.
Scenes at 5 AM outside arun jaitley stadium 😭pic.twitter.com/a6zUhpS4x6
— Gaurav (@Melb0urne__82) January 30, 2025
“The Gautam Gambhir Stand will be open for spectators, and they can enter through Gate No. 16 and 17. Gate No. 6 will be open for DDCA members and guests. We have made arrangements for the fans just like an international or IPL match,” DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma told The Indian Express.
Dilli ki sardi vs. Kohli fever? We have a clear winnner 😍😂https://t.co/amRbWC9NKm
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) January 30, 2025
Impact Shorts
More ShortsKohli’s Ranji Trophy comeback also prompted the BCCI and broadcasters to make a last-minute change. Delhi’s match against Railways was initially not included in the live telecast schedule, but due to the star batter’s participation, the match is now being streamed live on JioCinema.
Also Read | Virat Kohli set for homecoming: A last dance in Ranji Trophy in a bid to revive his red-ball performance
Coming back to fans. Multiple videos of thousands of fans lining up outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium have gone viral on social media platforms. In one of the videos, fans can be heard chanting “RCB, RCB” as they waited outside Gate No.15 of the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
VIRAT KOHLI - THE GREATEST CROWD PULLER. 🐐
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 30, 2025
- The stands in Jam are packed now at Arun Jaitley stadium to see Virat Kohli in Ranji match. 🤯pic.twitter.com/IV3M67wcT5
Videos from inside the stadium have gone viral, showing thousands of fans in the stands. It’s quite possible that the final tally will exceed the DDC’s estimate of 10,000 fans.
While fans will have to wait a while to see Kohli bat, the 37-year-old is hoping to rediscover his form after a poor Test series in Australia.
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