New Delhi — The Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed a rare buzz on Tuesday morning as cricket icon Virat Kohli joined the Delhi Ranji Trophy team after a 12-year hiatus. Media crews gathered outside the Virender Sehwag Gate, awaiting Kohli’s arrival for Delhi’s final group match against Railways, scheduled to begin on January 30.
Kohli’s presence at the training session not only energized the young Delhi squad but also attracted cricket fans and journalists, eager to catch a glimpse of the star batter.
A Warm Welcome and Nostalgia
Kohli arrived at the stadium to a warm welcome from Delhi team manager Mahesh Bhati, who has known the cricketer since his U-16 days. The duo shared laughter and jokes, reminiscing about old times. For the current Delhi squad, many of whom idolize Kohli, it was a surreal moment to train alongside their hero.
As Kohli stepped out of the Virat Kohli Pavilion, named in his honor, the players paused their football warm-up to greet him. Apart from Navdeep Saini and Himmat Singh, who have played with Kohli before, the rest of the team were first-timers sharing the field with the 36-year-old legend.
Kohli’s Training: Setting an Example
Kohli quickly integrated into the team’s routine, playing football with the squad before heading into an intense practice session. Dividing his time between spinners and pacers, Kohli showcased his trademark focus and skill.
During the net session, Kohli began with a unique, stickerless bat that resembled a hammer — thick willow with no edges — to practice precision. Against the spinners, including Harsh Tyagi and Shivam Sharma, Kohli focused on footwork, dominating the bowlers while batting deep in his crease.
Facing Delhi’s pacers, Kohli’s technique stood out as he worked on square cuts and drives, shots he has rarely used in recent years. The session offered a glimpse of Kohli’s meticulous preparation, with every detail fine-tuned for maximum impact.
An Unforgettable Moment for Fans
Among the spectators was eight-year-old Kabir Khan, holding a sketch of Kohli and eagerly asking his father, Shawej Khan, if the star batter was truly his friend. Shawej, a former Delhi cricketer and Kohli’s teammate from U-16 and U-19 days, assured his son that they would meet him.
True to his word, Kohli greeted Shawej after wrapping up his batting practice, sharing a warm hug and a few laughs. Kabir, awestruck, got a photo and autograph from his idol, making him an instant sensation among the gathered media.
A Marathon Training Session
After batting, Kohli spent additional time practising slip catching and participating in sprints. Trainer Sanjeev Chaudhary remarked that the session was the longest the Delhi Ranji team had trained before a game. “He has inspired everyone and is setting an example for others,” Chaudhary said.
A Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) insider confirmed that Kohli’s presence had significantly raised the intensity and spirit of the session. Despite the grueling schedule, Kohli was among the fittest on the ground, ending his practice with a final lap around the stadium.
A Special Comeback
Kohli’s return to domestic cricket has brought immense excitement to the Delhi camp, with his leadership and professionalism leaving a lasting impression on the young players. As Delhi prepares for their match against Railways, Kohli’s influence could prove to be a game-changer for the team.
The star batter’s commitment and dedication continue to set a benchmark, both for his teammates and the cricketing fraternity, as he balances his stature as a global icon with his roots in domestic cricket.