The Ranji Trophy happened on today, january 30, 2025 in New Delhi, witnessed a historic moment today as Virat Kohli returned to the domestic cricket arena after more than a decade, playing for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Delhi, having won the toss, decided to bowl first in what was a strategic move to leverage the early morning conditions. The crowd was electric, with an estimated 15,000 fans turning up to witness Kohli back in action. Delhi's bowlers, led by Navdeep Saini, made an immediate impact, reducing Railways to a precarious 66/5. However, Railways fought back with a determined stand from Upendra Yadav and Karn Sharma.
In another marquee clash, Haryana elected to field against Karnataka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The presence of KL Rahul for Karnataka added an extra layer of excitement, with both teams battling for crucial points in their quest for the playoffs.
Security measures were significantly heightened around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, anticipating the large turnout for Kohli's first Ranji match in 13 years. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) managed the crowd well, ensuring a smooth entry for fans eager to see the cricketing legend.
Elsewhere, Bengal took on Punjab, with eyes on Shubman Gill, who had previously made headlines with a century in the tournament. Jammu & Kashmir also had their moment in the spotlight, with their match being one of the few chosen for live broadcast, indicating the competitive nature of this season's Ranji Trophy.
Kohli's performance, both with his fielding and his engagement with the team, was a topic of much discussion among fans and analysts alike. His return not only elevates the profile of the Ranji Trophy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of domestic cricket in the development and selection of players for the national team.