New Delhi: In an unprecedented display of star power, Virat Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy cricket after 12 years transformed a routine domestic match into a spectacular event, forcing Delhi cricket authorities to make emergency arrangements for thousands of unexpected fans.
The Delhi vs Railways match at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday witnessed scenes typically reserved for international fixtures, as devoted fans queued outside the stadium overnight to catch a glimpse of their cricketing idol. Every movement from the former India captain drew thunderous cheers from the packed stands.
The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) found itself overwhelmed by the response. Initially expecting around 10,000 spectators – already an extraordinary number for a Ranji Trophy game – they were forced to open additional stands to accommodate the surging crowd.
In a human interest twist to the story, local journalist Rohit Juglan's interview with DDCA canteen chef Sanjay Jha revealed that Kohli would be enjoying chilli paneer from the local canteen during lunch break – a detail that quickly went viral on social media.
"I have never seen something like this in Ranji Trophy ever. Even in my playing days, there was hardly anyone who made the effort to watch domestic cricket. It is just because of one man," remarked a former India player present at the ground.
The situation became more complex when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade passed by the stadium, adding to the security challenges. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma revealed, "What made it more challenging was that fans entering the stadium coincided with the VIP movement of PM Modi on the outside roads."
The authorities first opened the 6,000-capacity Gautam Gambhir Stand, but as crowds continued to swell, they were compelled to unlock the Bishan Singh Bedi Stand, which accommodates an additional 11,000 spectators. The unprecedented turnout for a domestic cricket match highlighted Kohli's unmatched popularity in Indian cricket.
"I have been involved in Delhi cricket for more than 30 years but I have not witnessed such scenes for a Ranji Trophy game. It just shows that Kohli's popularity is unmatched," noted an overwhelmed Sharma.
This extraordinary response to a domestic cricket match not only underscores Kohli's massive fan following but also potentially signals a revival of interest in domestic cricket, traditionally played in near-empty stadiums. The superstar's return to his domestic roots has inadvertently created a festival-like atmosphere around what would typically have been a low-key Ranji Trophy fixture.
