Kohli's First Ranji Trophy Innings in 13 Years Ends After 15 Balls

The anticipation was electric at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as Virat Kohli made his return to domestic cricket after 12 years. Fans packed the stands, eager to see their star batter in action during Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Railways. However, Kohli’s much-anticipated innings was short-lived, leaving the crowd disappointed.

Kohli’s brief stay at the crease
Delhi, having chosen to bowl first, saw Kohli in high spirits as he saluted the ocean of fans from the fielding side. It was his turn to bat on Day 2, after Yash Dhull got out to Rahul Sharma in the 24th over, with the crowd cheering wildly as the former India captain walked to the crease.

Kohli took his time to settle in, getting off the mark on his fourth delivery by guiding Kunal Yadav’s ball to the cover region. However, his discomfort against the moving ball was evident as he struggled to counter the swing and seam of the Railways bowlers.

A glimpse of his trademark strokeplay came in the 28th over when he drove a delivery straight down the ground for four. But it wasn’t the crisp execution fans are accustomed to—more of a forced shot than a commanding straight drive. His struggles outside the off-stump, reminiscent of his past troubles against Australia, resurfaced as he tentatively poked at deliveries.

An unceremonious exit
The end came swiftly. Himanshu Sangwan’s inswinging delivery breached the gap between Kohli’s bat and pad, sending the off-stump cartwheeling. The stadium, which had erupted with excitement upon his arrival, fell into stunned silence as Kohli departed for just six runs off 15 balls.

While Delhi would have another chance to bat in the match, the spectacle of Kohli’s homecoming was a fleeting one. A rare sight in domestic cricket—a crowd of over 10,000—had gathered, many of them solely to watch their hero. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, dejected fans followed suit, leaving the stadium in droves.

Though his return to the Ranji Trophy was highly anticipated, for Kohli and his supporters, it ended in frustration rather than redemption.