Virat Kohli To Lead Delhi Ranji Trophy Team Vs Railways; Free Match Entry For 10,000 Fans

Virat Kohli is set to make a comeback in the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year hiatus. He will play for Delhi against Railways this Thursday. Kohli last played for Delhi in a domestic white-ball event in 2012. Recently, he was seen practicing with his Delhi teammates at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.

Kohli's presence at the practice session on Tuesday morning was widely shared on social media through videos and pictures. He had informed the Delhi and District State Association about his intention to train with the team. "Kohli informed head coach Sarandeep Singh about his willingness to train with the team. It will be a great experience for the Delhi players if they get to spend so much time with him," a DDCA official told the Times of India on Monday.

Delhi Team Leadership

Despite being offered the captaincy for the match against Railways, Kohli declined. With Rishabh Pant also absent from this fixture, Ayush Badoni will continue as captain. An official mentioned that Pant has been playing first-class cricket since September's Duleep Trophy and has participated in 12 matches over three-and-a-half months. He has been advised to rest ahead of the Champions Trophy.

The last time Kohli played in a domestic red-ball competition for Delhi was against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad's Mohan Nagar in 2012. His return is seen as an invaluable opportunity for junior players to learn from him. "Obviously, it is a great experience for our junior players as they will get to share the dressing room with Virat," said DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma.

Free Stadium Entry

Fans who wish to see Virat Kohli playing live can watch Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match at stadium as Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced free entry for 10,000 specators. According to the reports, the entry would allowed on the first come, first enter basis in 2 stands only as repair work is going on in others stands.