Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return: Delhi Police resort to lathi charge to control crowd at stadium – Report

The Delhi Police resorted to lathi charge as a large crowd turned up at the Arun Jaitley stadium on Thursday morning to witness Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to Ranji Trophy after 2012. As per a report in the Indian Express, more than 15,000 fans reached the stadium while the initial estimate was for 10,000 fans.

Gate No. 16 and 17 were opened for the crowd to enter the stadium but the organisers Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) were forced to open Gate No.18 to manage the crowd while Delhi Police were forced to use lathi charge to control the crowd.

“There was a rush at the time of entry as only one gate was being used by DDCA,” Delhi police was quoted as saying by Indian Express. “No report of any injuries. The situation is normal,” the statement further added.

Fans get injured trying to watch Kohli’s match

The report also added that security guards, police personnel and fans were involved in a physical altercation while a couple with their five-year-old child got injured after falling. Even a police constable needed medical attention.

The Delhi Police has since beefed up the security at the stadium after seeing a great response from fans to witness Kohli’s return to domestic cricket.

The match which is currently being live-streamed on JioCinema was also not a part of the programme list originally but was included at the last minute due to Kohli’s inclusion .

Kohli, who has rarely played domestic cricket since becoming an international cricketer, is making a comeback to the Ranji Trophy amid questions over his future with Team India. The 36-year-old only scored 190 runs from nine innings in Australia as India suffered a 3-1 loss in the five-match Test series.

As a result of India’s loss, the BCCI has made it mandatory for Team India players to take part in domestic cricket.