Virat Kohli’s failed Ranji Trophy return prompts fans to empty packed Arun Jaitley stadium

by · Inside Sport India

Virat Kohli's dismissal in Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy game prompted fans to empty the stadium soon after he was sent packing

A packed Arun Jaitley stadium in New Delhi saw fans deserting the stands after Virat Kohli flopped in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy game against Railways. Making his return to the domestic red-ball tournament after 12 years, the former Indian skipper was dismissed for just 6 runs in the 1st innings. As a result, fans resorted to leaving the stadium immediately.

Frustrated fans leave stadium after Kohli’s dismissal

Kohli’s return to the domestic tournament saw fans throng the Aru Jaitley stadium. Such was the plight that the game between Delhi and Railways saw a record-breaking turnout of sorts, with fans permitted free entry. However, Kohli’s return was short-lived as he lasted for just 15 deliveries before being sent back to the pavilion.

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Thousands of fans gathered at the Arun Jaitley stadium to watch Kohli play on both days. Such was the craze that people started to que up outside the stadium since 3 AM for a game that was scheduled to start at 9.30 AM. The huge tournout forced the DDCA to not only permit free entry but also open up more gates and stands to accomodate and manage the fans. However, they were let down following Kohli’s disastoruous return to domestic cricket.

His last Ranji Trophy game came in 2012 in Delhi’s game against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. One of the primary reasons for the King to return to domestic red-ball cricket was to improve his problems with outside off-stump which cost him his wicket on all eight occasions in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Besides, his form over the last four years in Tests has been miserable, seeing his average dip below 50 for the first time in his career. After missing the first match owing to a neck sprain, Kohli made himsel available for the second game. However, it did not pan out as he would have expected.