Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy set the stage for extraordinary fanfare early this morning at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with thousands of supporters queued up as early as 7 AM, eager to catch a glimpse of the cricketing legend. The electric atmosphere, marked by fans in jerseys, waving banners, and chanting Kohli’s name, turned an otherwise calm morning into a celebration of cricket and Kohli’s enduring legacy.
As the game began, the energy in the stands was palpable. This match, featuring Delhi against Railways, has garnered unparalleled attention due to Kohli’s first domestic appearance in over a decade—his last outing being in 2012. Despite neither team being in playoff contention, Kohli’s presence has elevated the match to marquee status, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reshuffling its broadcast schedule to stream the game live via JioCinema.
However, the intensity reached new heights when fans breached security and invaded the field, halting the game briefly as they rushed toward Kohli. Security swiftly intervened to remove the intruders, and the match resumed shortly after. The disruption seemed to rattle Railways, as they lost a crucial wicket on the very next ball—though a no-ball ruling saved them, leaving them at 33-3 in 11.2 overs. Saif and Upendra currently hold the crease, but with Delhi’s bowlers maintaining pressure, Railways face an uphill task.
This incident has only added to the narrative of the day, as Kohli’s influence, both on and off the field, continues to captivate fans and dominate headlines.
Match Details:
- Date: January 30, 2025
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Streaming: JioCinema App and Website
