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Day 1 saw unheralded crowd at Kotla for a Ranji Trophy match as fans gathered in huge numbers to watch Virat Kohli play. Day 2 was no different.
Virat Kohli’s (left) Ranji comeback drew huge crowd at Kotla. (PTI/News18)
The moment you step out of the Delhi Gate metro station, the buzz right outside is palpable. There’s an unusual gathering of cricket fans for a Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways. On a weekday – Friday (January 31), early in the morning, for a domestic cricket match, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is all geared up to welcome thousands of fans who have either bunked college, given their preparations for competitive exams a pause despite their parent’s protests or travelled nearly 100 kms just to get a glimpse of India batting superstar Virat Kohli.
Jersey’s bearing Kohli’s name and number are selling like hot cakes. These are ordinary scenes for an international or even an IPL fixture but not for a domestic match which, after all, could end up being inconsequential since Delhi’s chances of qualifying for the next round depend on them winning big and hoping other results in their Elite Group D go their way.
“I am from Kolkata, I travel to different venues to sell jerseys. I was in Rajkot too, the response there wasn’t that good. So came to Delhi. People are only buying Kohli’s jersey,” says Swapan Saha who was busy selling team jerseys outside the Delhi Gate metro station.
That’s Kohli effect for you.
Ask any of them what brings them to Kotla today and pat comes the reply: ‘We’re here for Virat Kohli.’
But what about Ranji Trophy? “Never watched one game but have seen IPL,” says one fan rather sheepishly who is frantically calling his friends about their whereabouts while being scared he might miss Kohli’s arrival to the crease as the clock ticks towards 9:30 am – the start of play on Day 2 of the contest.
“I am preparing for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). My mother was against me coming here today as the exams are close by, but I said this chance (to watch Kohli) may not come again. I am expecting him to bat well. At least bat for 1-2 hours. Hope he sees off the early phase and then he can even hit a century,” says Pawan.
Kabir, who is pursuing BBA from IP University, had an advice for Kohli: “Please avoid fifth-sixth stump line.”
“I have come just for Kohli and to watch him score a century,” he says before vowing to leave the venue as soon as the batting maestro departs but promising to be back for the remaining two days of the fixture.
Collegemates Arpit, Karan and Bhupen haven’t watched a Ranji match before in their lives but have skipped college to watch Delhi-Railways game and they have a common wish to see Kohli “score some runs”.
At around 10:32 AM IST, Kohli walked into bat at No. 4 after Yash Dhull was adjudged LBW out on 32. The crowd erupted.
Every step he took closer to the pitch was greeted with loud cheer and applause. Several among the crowd that had filled the venue on a balmy Friday morning realised their collective dream to watch Kohli bat in flesh.
The crowd went delirious when the 36-year-old unfurled a sumptuous straight drive off Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan resulting in a boundary. Another box ticked.
“Hum Kohli ki century lagwane aaye hain aaj! (Our presence will inspire Kohli to score century)” beamed a young fan.
Kohli’s presence in the middle lasted a few minutes. Right after he had scored a boundary off Sangwan, it was time for the right-arm quick to perhaps realise a dream of his own: get Kohli, a modern-day batting great, dismissed.
And he did that in spectacular fashion – by sending Kohli’s off-stump for a long walk.
The former India captain never appeared comfortable in the middle with the Railways bowlers exploiting his open weakness against outside off-stump deliveries – something for which Kohli was preparing for during the nets in the build to his Ranji comeback.
Having been frustrated, Kohli vented his anger by a straight drive for four off the 14th delivery he faced during his short stay. Perhaps, encouraged by the positive outcome, Kohli attacked Sangwan again and this time, while staying outside the crease, went for a drive. There was a huge gap between his bat and pad which allowed the ball enough space to sneak through and uproot the off-stump. The comeback lasted 15 deliveries and six runs.
Sangwan’s celebration was one to watch out for. Not every day you get to show your wares to someone like Kohli’s stature and end up getting the better of him.
As if on cue, the stands began emptying as soon as Kohli started on his way back to the pavilion. Expect them to be back though for there’s a chance the batting maestro could bat again. There are nearly three days remaining in the contest and a potential that Delhi could bat again. Given the remaining two days fall on a weekend, don’t be surprised if a bigger crowd shows up to watch their King Kohli entertain.
