At the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, what was supposed to be a regular Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways turned into a spectacle as 15,000 fans gathered to watch Virat Kohli in action. Making his first appearance in first-class cricket since 2012, Kohli’s presence electrified the atmosphere, drawing an overwhelming crowd and leading to chaotic yet passionate scenes in the stands.

Fans Flock to Witness Kohli’s Return

On an otherwise ordinary Thursday morning, cricket enthusiasts flooded the stadium to witness Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to first-class cricket. The excitement began even before reaching the venue, with chants of "RCB, RCB" echoing in packed Delhi Metro coaches along the Violet Line as fans made their way to Kotla.

Tejas, a third-year law student, humorously claimed, “We are here to watch Indian Railways play,” while sporting a Royal Challengers Bangalore jersey. His friend Nirvan, visiting from Sonepat, quickly corrected him: “We’re here for just one man—Virat Kohli.” Class attendance can wait, but watching Kohli for free is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Outside the stadium, vendors capitalized on the frenzy by selling Kohli jerseys. A group of boys from Burari proudly sported shirts with Kohli’s name. One of them, Ganesh, leader of a fan group called the "Northern Boys," summed it up succinctly: “Ranji kaun dekhta hai? (Who watches Ranji?) We’re here for Kohli.”

A Stadium Overflowing with Excitement

By 7 a.m., long queues had already formed outside Gates 16 and 17 as fans vied for prime seats. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) kept the match free for spectators, initially allowing entry through two gates. However, as the crowd swelled, additional gates, including Gate No. 18 and the Bishan Singh Bedi area, were opened to accommodate the influx of spectators.

By 9 a.m., the stadium was packed. When Delhi won the toss and opted to field, the decision was met with a mix of cheers and disapproval from the crowd. The disappointment was short-lived, though, as excitement surged when Railways opener Anchit Yadav was dismissed early in the innings.

The biggest moment came when Kohli took to the field for warm-ups. Chants of "Kohli, Kohli" reverberated throughout the stadium, fueling the already electrified atmosphere. The excitement reached fever pitch in the eleventh over when a fan breached security and ran onto the pitch. Despite the intrusion, Kohli remained composed and gestured for security to handle the situation gently. In response to the growing frenzy, a team of police commandos was deployed to manage the enthusiastic crowd.

Uncontrollable Passion Leads to Chaos

The sheer enthusiasm of the fans led to some unruly moments. At Gate 16, pushing and shoving resulted in minor injuries. A couple with a young child fell amidst the commotion, while a police constable sustained a leg injury requiring medical attention. Despite these incidents, the unwavering energy of the crowd remained unshaken, as more fans surged forward, eager to see their idol in action.

Kohli’s Fan Frenzy Compared to Sachin Tendulkar’s Era

Virat Kohli’s fan following in domestic cricket was likened to that of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Former India opener WV Raman, who was commentating on the match, remarked, “It’s at par, isn’t it? I can’t recall the last time I saw such a massive turnout for a Ranji Trophy game.”

Kohli’s presence not only turned a domestic match into a grand spectacle but also reignited interest in first-class cricket. The sheer energy at the stadium underscored his unparalleled star power, proving that wherever he plays, he has the ability to transform even a routine Ranji Trophy fixture into an unforgettable event.