Virat Kohli falters on Ranji Trophy return, dismissed for 6
What's the story
Former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli had a dismal return to the Ranji Trophy on Friday. He was out for just six runs in 15 balls in the match between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The right-handed batter was bowled out by right-arm pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who managed to dislodge his off-stump with a well-delivered ball.
Long-awaited comeback
Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy after 13 years
Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy will be his first appearance in the tournament in nearly 13 years. His last match was against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad way back in November 2012. In that game, he scored 14 runs off 19 balls in the first innings and added another 43 runs in the second. Despite a century from then-captain Virender Sehwag, Delhi lost by six wickets.
Significance
Kohli's Ranji return crucial ahead of ICC Champions Trophy
Kohli's participation in the Ranji Trophy is considered to be vital preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has made special arrangements for the star batter in this tournament. His performance in these domestic matches is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping India's campaign at the international level.
Crowd magnet
Kohli's return draws record crowd to Ranji Trophy match
Meanwhile, Kohli's presence in the match added an extra spark, energizing both teams and drawing a record Ranji Trophy crowd of over 15,000 spectators. His intensity was at its peak all day long, be it standing at second slip for the pacers or moving to cover. He often interacted with the crowd, keeping the energy levels up and received thunderous applause every time he returned to the field after brief breaks.
DYK
Overview of his First-Class career
As per ESPNcricinfo, Kohli is playing his 156th First-Class match. He has raced to 11,485 runs across 259 innings at an average of 48-plus. His tally includes 37 tons and 39 fifties. Notably, 9,230 of his runs have come for India at 46.85. Notably, Kohli's form has been under the scanner as he scored just 190 runs in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at 23.75.