Fri Jan 31 03:59:01 UTC 2025: **Kohli’s Return Draws Record Crowd to Ranji Trophy Clash**

NEW DELHI — Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after a 12-year hiatus drew a record-breaking crowd to the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways. More than 12,000 spectators, an unprecedented number for a Ranji Trophy game, turned out to witness the star batsman’s comeback.

Delhi won the toss and elected to bowl, capitalizing on early morning conditions to reduce Railways to a precarious 66/5. However, Upendra Yadav’s resolute 95 and a crucial 104-run partnership with Karn Sharma (50) steered Railways to a respectable 241 all out. Delhi’s pace trio of Navdeep Saini, Siddhant Sharma, and Money Grewal were initially effective, but Yadav’s innings proved pivotal.

Delhi ended the day at 41/1, with Yash Dhull (17*) and Sanat Sangwan (9*) at the crease. Kohli, who will bat tomorrow, was visibly engaged throughout the day, offering fielding advice and displaying his captaincy prowess. His presence noticeably energized the atmosphere, turning the usually low-key Ranji Trophy match into a major spectacle.

The match is being live-streamed on the JioCinema app and website, a testament to the widespread interest generated by Kohli’s return. While many anticipated the Karnataka vs Haryana clash to be the main televised fixture, the BCCI and broadcasters ultimately decided to also livestream the Delhi vs Railways match, highlighting the impact of Kohli’s presence. Television broadcast details remain unconfirmed.

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