January 31, 2025: Virat Kohli's much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment as the Indian cricket superstar was dismissed for a mere 6 runs on Day 2 of Delhi's clash against Railways. Kohli, who had not played in the domestic circuit for 12 years, was expected to anchor Delhi's innings after the early departure of Yash Dhull. However, his brief stay at the crease left fans deflated, leading to a mass exit from the stadium.

The day began with loud cheers and chants of "Kohli, Kohli" as the 36-year-old took his position at number four, following a promising boundary off Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan. Unfortunately, Kohli's innings was short-lived, lasting just 15 balls. After the boundary, he was undone by an in-swinging delivery from Sangwan that crashed into his stumps, sending the crowd into stunned silence. Delhi were left reeling at 86 for 3, trailing Railways by 155 runs.

Kohli's early dismissal marks the continuation of his struggles with the bat, with concerns surrounding his recent form. His underwhelming performances against New Zealand and Australia in the Test series had already sparked questions about his consistency, and his brief return to domestic cricket was seen as an opportunity to regain form ahead of India’s crucial Test series against England.

The atmosphere leading up to the match was electric, with fans lining up outside the stadium for a glimpse of their hero. The excitement reached a fever pitch on matchday, as banners and posters dedicated to Kohli’s homecoming were seen throughout the stands. However, the hopes of many were dashed as the star batter failed to make a significant impact.

Kohli's last appearance in a Ranji Trophy match was in 2012, and his return comes in line with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) initiative to encourage Indian stars to participate in domestic cricket, reinforcing the importance of first-class cricket in national team selection. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant have also featured in the tournament recently as part of this push.

Though his early exit was a blow to Delhi's innings, Kohli will have a chance to redeem himself in the second innings. The pressure is now on, as both fans and selectors eagerly await a much-needed resurgence from the Indian batting stalwart.