The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is set to deliver a treat for cricket fans as several high-profile Indian players gear up for the next round of the tournament.
Among them is two-time World Champion Virat Kohli, who will make his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket.
Kohli has confirmed his availability for Delhi’s clash against Railways, scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 30, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Speculation about Kohli joining the Delhi squad ahead of the game was confirmed when he arrived at the team’s home ground at 9 AM. The Indian stalwart was seen bonding with his younger teammates during the session.
For the unversed, this marks Kohli’s return to India’s domestic circuit after a 13-year hiatus—his last Ranji appearance was in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, a game led by Virender Sehwag.
As part of the warm-up drills, Kohli opted to play football after a light training session under the watchful eye of head coach Sarandeep Singh. A clip of the training session quickly went viral, further amplifying the excitement.
The Delhi squad, captained by Ayush Badoni, will also feature pacer Navdeep Saini. With Kohli in the lineup, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to be a buzzing venue as fans flock to catch a glimpse of the cricketing legend.
To accommodate the anticipated surge in attendance, the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has made special arrangements. DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma shared details of the preparations:
“DDCA will open three gates at the Ambedkar Stadium end, and entry will be completely free. Gate numbers 7, 15, and 16 will be accessible to the public. Facilities like drinking water and restrooms will be provided, with a focus on cleanliness and hygiene,” Sharma shared.
He added, “More gates will be opened if required. We already have nearly 15,000 seats ready. If more crowds show up, we are prepared. This game’s profile is much higher than a regular Ranji match. Normally, we have 10 to 12 private security personnel for such games, but that number will be increased for this one.”
With Kohli’s return and the added excitement, the Arun Jaitley Stadium promises to deliver an unforgettable atmosphere for the Ranji Trophy clash.
Fans, young and old, are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness one of cricket’s greatest players in action on home soil.