New Delhi : The ‘King’ of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, is all set to make a sensational return to the Ranji Trophy after a staggering 13-year hiatus. The former Indian captain last played in the prestigious domestic tournament back in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. His return is expected to be a grand affair, drawing massive attention from fans and media alike.
Kohli’s Long-Awaited Comeback to Domestic Cricket
Cricket lovers and experts alike have been vocal about the necessity of top Indian players participating in domestic cricket, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to have taken a firm stance on this. With Kohli struggling for form in recent Test outings, the move to play Ranji Trophy is seen as a vital step towards regaining his lost touch. The 35-year-old batting maestro is expected to take the field in Delhi’s crucial group stage encounter against Railways on January 30 at 9:30 AM at the Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Unprecedented Fan Frenzy at Kotla
Unlike typical Ranji Trophy games, which often see sparse crowds, Kohli’s presence has transformed the scene at Kotla into a carnival-like atmosphere. Fans have been swarming the stadium for glimpses of their hero, eager for autographs and selfies. Even during practice sessions, the excitement was palpable, with media representatives doubling in number.
The frenzy reached such heights that Delhi Police had to step in and increase security measures around the Virender Sehwag Gate. Reports suggest that a sub-inspector at the scene urgently requested reinforcements after being overwhelmed by the unexpected surge of fans and journalists.
The Form Struggle: A Make-or-Break Moment?
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket comes at a time when his performances in Tests have raised concerns. His recent outings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy were underwhelming, and his form slump has extended over the past few years. Against New Zealand at home, his returns were minimal, scoring a mere 92 runs in six innings at an average of just 16. The struggles continued in Australia, where he failed to deliver consistent big scores.
With mounting criticism and calls for transition in the Indian team, the Ranji Trophy presents a golden opportunity for Kohli to prove his mettle once again. Notably, this move echoes the BCCI’s strong stance that players not on international assignments should return to domestic cricket to maintain their rhythm and competitiveness.
Who Will Lead Delhi Against Railways?
Despite being the biggest name in the Delhi squad, Kohli has declined the captaincy, choosing instead to let Ayush Badoni lead the side. Despite being offered the captaincy, Virat Kohli firmly declined, expressing his preference for Ayush Badoni to continue leading Delhi,” said a DDCA official.How to Watch the Match Live?
For fans eager to witness Kohli’s return, JioCinema will stream the match live. The BCCI has ensured that key domestic fixtures featuring prominent players are accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, the Karnataka vs Haryana match featuring KL Rahul has also been selected for live broadcast.
Final Thoughts
With the eyes of the cricketing world on him, Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy is more than just a comeback—it’s a statement. Whether he can rediscover his golden touch remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kotla will be buzzing like never before when the ‘King’ walks out to bat.
Stay tuned for all the action and updates as one of India’s greatest cricketers embarks on his redemption journey in domestic cricket!
