Virat Kohli stepped onto the field for first-class cricket on Thursday for the first time in 12 years, and the sheer excitement in Delhi was nothing short of spectacular. The ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways at Arun Jaitley Stadium turned into an unplanned festival, drawing thousands of eager fans who couldn’t miss the chance to witness the return of the cricketing icon.
Fans Line Up Before Dawn, Stadium Packed Beyond Expectation
The buzz around Kohli’s return was massive. So massive, in fact, that fans started queuing outside the stadium as early as 4 a.m. With free entry to the match, the turnout quickly spiraled into an unmanageable flood of spectators. The Gautam Gambhir Stand, expected to house most of the crowd, was completely packed before play even began. As the number of people kept rising, authorities had to open up the Bishan Singh Bedi Stand to make room.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The moment Kohli took the field, loud cheers erupted, and chants of his name echoed throughout the stadium. For many, this was a rare chance to see the former India captain play outside the high-pressure glare of international cricket.
Chaos at the Gates: Injuries and Security Concerns
While the excitement was at its peak, the crowd’s energy also led to a few troubling moments. Gate 16 became the center of chaos as eager fans pushed forward, causing a stampede-like situation.
- Two fans sustained injuries near the entrance.
- A security guard attempting to control the crowd was hurt in the scuffle.
- A police motorcycle was damaged in the commotion.
- Several spectators lost their shoes in the mad rush to enter.
Despite these incidents, authorities responded quickly, ensuring medical assistance for those injured. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) and local police worked together to contain the situation, even opening additional entry points to ease congestion.
Underestimating Kohli Mania: Delhi Cricket Officials Scramble
Delhi’s cricket administration seemed caught off guard by the sheer scale of the turnout. While they anticipated a good crowd, the numbers far exceeded expectations. The assumption was that Ranji Trophy games, typically drawing modest crowds, wouldn’t require large-scale security or crowd management measures.
This proved to be a major miscalculation. The mix of free entry and Kohli’s presence turned what should have been a routine domestic fixture into a near-stadium-filling spectacle. Officials acknowledged the oversight and promised better preparations for similar situations in the future.
A Rare Sight: First-Class Cricket Gets a Superstar Boost
Domestic cricket in India rarely sees this kind of attention. While the IPL and international matches usually pack stadiums, Ranji Trophy games often struggle to attract even a fraction of this crowd. Kohli’s participation was a game-changer, reminding fans of the days when top cricketers regularly played domestic tournaments.
For the young players sharing the field with him, it was an invaluable experience. Facing or playing alongside a modern-day legend in a first-class setting is something few get to experience. And for the fans, it was a reminder of why Kohli remains one of the most beloved cricketers in the country.
Delhi’s love for Kohli was on full display, proving that even after 12 years away from the Ranji Trophy, his star power hasn’t faded one bit.
