Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has set the stage for his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after a gap of 12 years. The 36-year-old star batter began training with the Delhi team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, ahead of their crucial match against Railways, scheduled to begin on January 30. This marks Kohli’s re-entry into the prestigious domestic cricket tournament, where he last played in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.
Kohli arrived at the stadium in style, driving his sleek jet-black Porsche, and reached sharp at 9 a.m. He quickly joined his teammates for a team huddle and warm-up exercises. The star cricketer then participated in a spirited 15-minute football session with the team, a common warm-up ritual he has followed over the years. His presence on the ground captivated everyone, from budding young players to seasoned members of the coaching staff.
For many players in the Delhi team, this is their first experience of sharing a dressing room with the former Indian captain, and their excitement was palpable. Kohli, despite currently navigating a slump in form, appeared relaxed and approachable, mingling effortlessly with his new teammates.
During his three-hour training session, Kohli demonstrated his focus and dedication. Whether it was head coach Sarandeep Singh, batting coach Bantu Singh, or even administrative manager Mahesh Bhati—Kohli’s former U-19 coach—everyone seemed eager to engage with the legendary batter.
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy is part of a broader effort by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to emphasize the importance of domestic cricket. Following the Indian team’s disappointing Test series loss in Australia, the BCCI instructed all-star players to participate in domestic matches whenever their international schedule allowed.
Several key players, including ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill, have already featured in Ranji games recently. While Rohit and Pant struggled to make significant contributions for their respective teams, Jadeja stood out with a remarkable 12-wicket performance for Saurashtra, and Gill scored a century for Punjab, though in a losing effort.
However, with the ODI series against England starting on February 6 in Nagpur, some players, including Rohit, Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will sit out upcoming Ranji matches. KL Rahul, meanwhile, will represent Karnataka in their Ranji games.
At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kohli seemed especially at ease with Mahesh Bhati, his former U-19 coach. The camaraderie between the two was evident, and Bhati, now the administrative manager for the Delhi team, shared anecdotes about Kohli’s unchanged personality.
“Virat hasn’t changed much over the years. He still loves chole poori, and we made arrangements to serve it for him, but he politely declined,” a senior official from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) shared.
Despite declining his old favorite, Kohli sought out another dish he cherished during his early cricketing days. “After practice, he had kadhi chawal with everyone, just like in the old days,” the official added, highlighting the batter’s down-to-earth demeanor.
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket has created a buzz not just among his teammates but also among fans and officials, who are thrilled to see one of India’s greatest cricketers back in action on the Ranji stage. As Delhi gears up for their match against Railways, all eyes will be on Kohli, who will look to make a strong impact and rediscover his rhythm ahead of key international fixtures.
This comeback, after over a decade, is a testament to Kohli’s commitment to Indian cricket, both at the domestic and international levels. His return is expected to inspire young players and reinvigorate the significance of domestic tournaments in shaping India’s cricketing future.
