Virat Kohli's much-anticipated Ranji Trophy return turned 'fans meet' when around 12000 fans thronged the Arun Jaitley stadium to witness a glimpse of their batting superstar. Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy ignited a wave of excitement among cricket enthusiasts. Thousands of fans flocked to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, January 30, eager to witness the Indian batting icon in action against Railways.
Fans go gaga over Virat Kohli Ranji return
Kohli's presence in Delhi's Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group D match against Railways has transformed the stadium into a hub of activity. The stands are filled to capacity, marking Kohli's first appearance in domestic cricket in 13 years. His last Ranji Trophy game for Delhi was against Uttar Pradesh back in 2012.
The former Indian captain's star power was undeniable. He once again proved his immense popularity and status as a global cricket superstar during the opening day of the Ranji Trophy clash between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The overwhelming turnout of Kohli fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium for the Ranji Trophy match prompted a reaction from former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami. Taking to social media, Goswami commented on the massive crowd and took a playful jab at those advocating for the end of 'superstar culture' in Indian cricket. He turned everyone's attention towards the fact that Kohli's presence alone drew such a large audience.
Goswami further stressed that India has a deep-rooted tradition of idolizing its cricketing heroes. He said that this cultural phenomenon is not something that can be easily dismissed or wished away.
Shreevats Goswami on superstar culture in India
Goswami clarified his position, suggesting that the real issue to address is not superstar culture itself, but rather the 'prima donna' attitude that can sometimes accompany it..
“How can you end the superstar culture in India and why? Superstar brings crowd. You have to admit. What you can end or put a check on is prima donna culture. As a nation we are a culture that looks up to superstars. #RanjiTrophy,” Goswami wrote in his X handle.
The craze around Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy was palpable. Fans began gathering outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi as early as 3 AM, eager to secure their entry. The crowd's excitement was evident, with sections chanting "RCB RCB" as they waited outside the stadium gates. The queue stretched for an incredible 2 kilometers, a testament to Kohli's immense popularity and the draw he commands. Faced with the overwhelming crowd, stadium management was compelled to open gate number 18 to accommodate the influx of fans.
Talking about the match, Delhi bowled out Railways for 241, despite a resilient 95-run innings from Upendra Yadav. At the close of play on Day 1, Delhi had reached a solid 41/1 in their reply.