A wave of excitement swept through Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday morning as fans began to gather at the venue as early as 5 AM, eager to witness the return of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli to the Ranji Trophy.

Virat Kohli, one of world’s biggest sports icons, made his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years and is currently playing for Delhi in their Group D match against Railways in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 contest.

A dramatic moment unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as a fan breached security and rushed onto the field to meet Virat Kohli during his highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy. Playing for Delhi against Railways in his first Ranji appearance in 13 years,

With Virat Kohli playing a Ranji Trophy game after 12 years and crowds turning out in massive numbers, the authorities decided to deploy paramilitary forces to ensure the proceedings on day 1 in Delhi against the Railways go smoothly.

A stampede occurred outside the Gate 16 of the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Some of the fans even got injured because of it.

Thousands of fans have filled a stadium in the Indian capital, Delhi, as Virat Kohli makes his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after more than 12 years. The 36-year-old star batter has turned out for Delhi on Thursday in the Ranji Trophy match against the Railways team at the well-attended Arun Jaitley stadium.

Initially, only one gate was open for entry and people started pushing each other to get inside the stadium, a Delhi police statement said

Virat Kohli returned to the Ranji Trophy after a gap of more than 12 years. Kohli is playing for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game against Railways.

Virat Kohli enjoyed 'kadhi chawal' for lunch with his Delhi teammates on first day of practice ahead of Ranji Trophy 2025 match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.