Fri Jan 31 06:01:57 UTC 2025: **Virat Kohli’s Return Draws Record Crowd to Ranji Trophy Match**
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 Delhi vs. Railways Ranji Trophy match. Over 12,000 spectators, an unprecedented number for a Ranji Trophy game, flocked to see the star batsman in action, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Delhi won the toss and opted to bowl, with their pace attack making early inroads, reducing Railways to 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.
In reply, Delhi reached 41/1 at stumps, with Yash Dhull (17*) and Sanat Sangwan (9*) at the crease. Kohli, batting at number four, will resume his innings on Day 2. The match is being live-streamed on the JioCinema app and website, with free access for Jio SIM card users. While the match itself is inconsequential for Delhi, a win for Railways would significantly boost their knockout chances. The huge attendance highlights the enduring popularity of Kohli, even outside the international arena.
First Piper 