Thu Jan 30 13:21:42 UTC 2025: ## Kohli’s Presence Draws Record Crowd to Delhi vs. Railways Ranji Trophy Match
**NEW DELHI** – The first day of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi witnessed an unprecedented turnout of approximately 25,000 spectators, a number far exceeding the stadium’s permitted capacity of 15,000. This massive crowd was largely attributed to the presence of star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, playing for Delhi.
The attendance shattered previous records for domestic matches, leaving commentators and former players astounded. The sheer number of fans, captured in viral social media posts, highlighted the significant difference in crowd engagement between international and domestic games.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his delight on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the positive impact of top players participating in domestic cricket. He highlighted the opportunity for young players to learn from and compete alongside established stars like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, a scenario he believes will significantly benefit Indian cricket.
Former wicketkeeper Srivats Goswami, who played for Junior India and RCB, further underscored Kohli’s contribution, noting his unwavering intensity and engagement, even during domestic matches. He described Kohli’s involvement beyond just scoring runs, praising his participation in fielding, interaction with teammates, and maintaining a high level of intensity.
The overwhelming response has sparked hopes that more Indian national team regulars will follow suit and regularly participate in domestic competitions. The exceptional turnout serves as a powerful testament to Kohli’s enduring popularity and influence on the sport.
First Piper 