NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, is all set to make his highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after a 13-year break. Kohli, who last played in the tournament in 2012, will represent Delhi in their upcoming match against Railways on January 30, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
His return to domestic cricket has generated significant excitement, particularly among his Delhi teammates. With his vast international experience, Kohli’s presence is expected to be a game-changer for the team, especially for the younger players who stand to learn a great deal from his leadership and skill.
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Kohli’s record in the Ranji Trophy is impressive. In his 23 appearances, he has accumulated 1,574 runs at an average of 50.77. His highest score in the tournament was 173, which he achieved against Bengal. Throughout his domestic career, he has scored five centuries and five half-centuries.
Kohli’s Ranji journey began in November 2006 with a match against Tamil Nadu, and his last appearance came in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh. Since then, he has solidified his place as one of the world’s best cricketers, captaining India across all formats and setting numerous records.
As Kohli prepares for his return, his former teammates have reflected on their memories of his last Ranji appearance. Pradeep Sangwan, who was part of the Delhi team at the time, recalled a match in Ghaziabad, noting that although they lost, Kohli played a vital role in rebuilding the innings after the early loss of Unmukt Chand. “Virat’s partnership with Gautam Gambhir was crucial. He is not just a player but a role model and young cricketers will learn a lot from him in this match,” said Sangwan.
Unmukt Chand also shared his thoughts on their previous encounter against Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the competitiveness of the game. “It was a big match, and we had a packed side with players like Virat, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and Ashish Nehra. The crowds were huge, but unfortunately, we lost,” said Chand.
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Known for his aggressive and passionate approach to the game, Kohli left a lasting impression on his teammates even in his last Ranji appearance. His words to the team were both motivating and full of the bold spirit that defines him. “Delhi waale ho, dum dikhao. Shuruat accha kiya phir thande padh gaye. Positive khelo jaise Delhiwaale khelte hain,” he urged his teammates, encouraging them to play with the attitude and energy typical of Delhi cricketers.
Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy brings a fresh sense of leadership and energy to the Delhi squad. His experience, combined with his competitive edge, will undoubtedly strengthen the team as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
As Kohli takes to the field for Delhi after more than a decade, fans are eager to see how his return impacts the team’s performance and whether he can translate his international success to the domestic stage. The 2025 Ranji Trophy is set to be a memorable one, with Kohli’s comeback expected to inspire the next generation of cricketers and leave a lasting mark on Indian cricket.
