Kohli’s much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after over a decade was momentarily overshadowed by the passionate actions of a fan.
During the 12th over of Delhi’s match against Railways, as Money Grewal prepared to bowl, the fan managed to break through the security lines and rush towards the slip cordon where Kohli was stationed.
The fan then bent down to touch Kohli's feet, an act that left the former India captain visibly surprised.
Kohli, in a calm manner, urged the fan to remain composed and not perform such actions, as seen in viral videos. Security promptly intervened, escorting the fan away from the scene.
Despite the brief halt in play, the atmosphere remained charged, as thousands of fans filled the Arun Jaitley Stadium, eager to witness Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after a 12-year gap.
This return follows a new directive by the BCCI, requiring centrally contracted players to participate in domestic matches.
Kohli’s recent struggles in Australia, where he managed only 190 runs in nine innings during a 3-1 Test series loss, have further underscored the importance of his domestic comeback ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
With Kohli’s presence, a record crowd of 15,000 fans turned up at the stadium, far surpassing the initial 10,000 expected.
Kohli's last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was in 2012, when he faced Uttar Pradesh, and now his emotional return has marked a new chapter in his career.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ