Virat Kohli returns to domestic cricket after 12 years, fans fill stadium

Virat Kohli made a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket on Thursday, playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy after more than 12 years. Thousands of excited fans packed the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to watch the 36-year-old star batter in action against the Railways team.  

Kohli’s return comes after India's cricket board asked centrally contracted players to participate in domestic matches following the team’s 3-1 Test series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His comeback is also seen as a chance to regain form in red-ball cricket, where he has struggled in recent years.  

The former Indian captain, known for his aggressive and technically strong batting, has been one of the world's best cricketers for over a decade. He has scored more than 27,000 international runs, playing a key role in India's success. However, his Test form has declined. Until 2019, he averaged 54.97 in Test cricket, but since 2020, it has dropped to 30.72. In his last 10 Tests, his average is just 22.47.  

Fans were thrilled to see Kohli back in domestic cricket. On Tuesday, a large crowd gathered outside the stadium when they heard he was training with the Delhi team. Even TV and YouTube journalists, who usually do not cover domestic matches, were present. Reports said Kohli took part in football drills, shared laughs with teammates, and practiced batting in the nets.  

On match day, long queues formed outside the stadium as fans were allowed to watch the game for free. One fan, Akash Kumar, told ANI that he had been waiting outside for almost five hours and had never seen such a crowd for a domestic match.  

Delhi captain Ayush Badoni said the team was "excited and motivated" by Kohli’s presence. Railways captain Pratham Singh called it an inspiring moment for his side and said they were "more motivated to do better" in the match.  

Delhi won the toss and chose to bowl, meaning fans will have to wait to see Kohli bat.  

The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament, runs from January 5 to March 10, featuring 32 teams.  

Kohli made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2006 at the age of 18 but scored only 10 runs in his first match. Over the next six years, he hit five centuries and five fifties for Delhi. His last domestic match before this was in 2012.