Cricket fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium were left disappointed on Friday as Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended with a brief stay at the crease. Playing in India’s premier domestic First-Class competition for the first time in 13 years, Kohli managed just six runs off 15 balls before losing his off-stump to Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan.
The 36-year-old batting stalwart, who last featured in the Ranji Trophy in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, was expected to make a significant impact for Delhi. However, his dismissal came as a huge letdown for the 15,000-strong crowd, who had eagerly gathered to witness their local hero in action.
Kohli’s Short Stay at the Crease
Delhi had bowled out Railways for 241 on Day 1, meaning fans had to wait until the second morning to see Kohli bat. When Yash Dhull fell in the first session of Day 2 to Rahul Sharma, the crowd erupted in excitement as Kohli walked in.
After a cautious start, he showed a glimpse of his brilliance, driving Himanshu Sangwan straight down the ground for a boundary. However, his attempt to repeat the shot proved costly, as the next delivery swung in sharply, breaching his defense and crashing into the off-stump.
The stadium, which had been buzzing moments earlier, fell silent. Many disappointed fans began leaving the venue immediately after Kohli’s early exit.
Sangwan wasn’t done yet. Shortly after dismissing Kohli, he also removed Sanat Sangwan for 30 off 81 balls, further denting Delhi’s top order.
Despite the setback, Delhi will look to recover and make the most of their home advantage. For Kohli, the brief innings may not have been the fairy-tale return fans hoped for, but his presence in domestic cricket marks a significant moment for Indian cricket, as the veteran cricketer looks to fine-tune his game ahead of future international commitments.
