Zafar Iqbal
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has made a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket after 12 years. Playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, Kohli’s comeback has drawn thousands of fans to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, creating an electrifying atmosphere. His return follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) directive for centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket after India’s 3-1 Test series loss to Australia.
A Historic Return to Ranji Trophy
The 36-year-old cricket legend’s last domestic appearance was in 2012. Since then, he has been a key figure in India’s international cricket success. With over 27,000 international runs across all formats, Kohli has been an integral part of India’s middle order. However, his recent dip in Test form has raised questions about his consistency, making his Ranji Trophy comeback crucial.
Kohli’s Struggles in Test Cricket
Kohli’s performance in red-ball cricket has seen a decline in recent years.
- 2019 Test average: 54.97
- 2020-present Test average: 30.72
- Last 10 Tests average: 22.47
- 2024 average (so far): 23.2 (ninth lowest among players with at least 10 innings)
His participation in domestic cricket is seen as an opportunity to regain his dominant form before crucial international fixtures.
Fans Flock to Watch Kohli in Action
Kohli’s presence has brought unprecedented excitement to domestic cricket. Reports indicate that fans waited outside the stadium for hours to catch a glimpse of the cricketing icon. Many were let in for free, leading to long queues and an atmosphere usually reserved for international matches.
A cricket fan, Akash Kumar, expressed his excitement, stating, “I have never seen such a crowd for a domestic match. We have been waiting for hours just to see Kohli bat.”
TV and YouTube journalists, who typically do not cover domestic matches, were present in large numbers, further emphasizing the significance of Kohli’s return.
Delhi and Railways Teams Excited for the Match
Kohli’s return has not only thrilled fans but also energized both teams. Delhi’s captain, Ayush Badoni, mentioned that the entire squad was motivated by Kohli’s presence. Similarly, Railways captain Pratham Singh said that playing against a player of Kohli’s caliber was inspiring and pushed them to perform better.
Delhi Opts to Bowl First
Winning the toss, Delhi elected to bowl first, delaying Kohli’s much-anticipated innings. Cricket enthusiasts will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action with the bat.
Kohli’s Domestic Career at a Glance
Kohli made his domestic debut in 2006 as an 18-year-old, scoring just 10 runs in his first match. However, over the next six years, he established himself as a key player for Delhi, scoring five centuries and as many fifties before making his mark in international cricket.
Kohli’s Domestic Career Highlights:
| Year | Team | Matches | Centuries | Fifties |
| 2006 | Delhi | Debut Match | – | – |
| 2007-2012 | Delhi | Multiple | 5 | 5 |
| 2024 | Delhi | Ongoing | – | – |
Significance of Domestic Cricket for Senior Players
The BCCI’s directive for senior players to participate in domestic cricket aims to strengthen the domestic circuit and provide a platform for players to regain form. Kohli’s return is a testament to this initiative, encouraging younger cricketers and increasing the visibility of the Ranji Trophy.
What’s Next for Kohli?
While his immediate focus is on domestic cricket, Kohli’s ultimate goal remains international success. With upcoming Test series and ICC tournaments, his performance in the Ranji Trophy could determine his future in India’s Test squad.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket has reignited excitement among fans and experts. His presence in the Ranji Trophy is not just a boost for Delhi but for Indian cricket as a whole. Whether this move helps him regain his lost form remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his comeback has made domestic cricket a spectacle once again.
