Virat Kohli’s return to Ranji Trophy exceeds expectations, forces DDCA to open new stand

Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy ends up breaking expectations

India star batter Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy drove thousands of fans to the Arun Jaitley stadium. An incredible number of fans queued up to see the 36-year-old in action in his first match in the domestic tournament since November, 2012.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) had estimated that a crowd of around 10,000 people would attend the match between Delhi and Railways, however the number ended up exceeding their expectations.

With a huge number of people flocking to the stadium, the DDCA sensed that the situation could get out of hand and thus, were forced to open the ‘Bishan Bedi stand’ which accommodates up to 14,000 people.

“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 the Kohli’s popularity is unmatched,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told PTI.

“What made it more challenging was that fans entering the stadium coincided with the VIP movement of PM Modi on the outside roads and as part of his strict security protocol and to maintain order, we were instructed by the police to open another stand for the public,” Sharma added.

The deafening roars of “Kohli, Kohli” could be heard from a distance as the former India captain took the field. During the match, a fan even managed to break past security and enter the field. He touched Kohli’s feet, but was soon driven away by the guards.