The Ranji Trophy has truly never been more alive. The BCCI’s 10–point policy after India’s abysmal showing in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, which also included a mandate for centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket, has prompted an instantaneous investment by fans in India’s premier red-ball tournament. To add to the excitement, one of the greatest batters of the generation, Virat Kohli, is all set to make a return to the competition after more than a decade in Delhi’s game against Railways.
Delhi head into the game after back–to–back losses against Saurashtra and Baroda in the last two matches. While Ayush Badoni is leading the side and Kohli bolsters the batting lineup, the team will miss out on the services of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who playedin Delhi’s game against Saurashtra. Both Delhi and Railways have been below par in the ongoing Ranji season, but it’s astonishing to witness the amount of interest this game has garnered.
To facilitate the smooth functioning of the match, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), expecting a footfall of 10,000 spectators, has opened up two stands, The North Stand and the Old Clubhouse Stand,for fans. Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA President, has promised free drinking water and entry to all fans willing to watch the game, no matter the number. The association understands and is well prepared for the amount of attention the game will receive.
While we talk about the fans’ interest, Kohli’s presence in the Delhi dressing room will carry considerable significance for the youngsters in the team. According to a source, the cricketing great spent more than an hour speaking to the youngsters in the team after the first practice session that he attended. He was meeting many of them for the first time. The DDCA president also highlighted the impact that Kohli has had in the dressing room.
“It’s always a welcome day when stalwarts come back and play for the state,” said Jaitley. “It’s a process where they handhold the youngsters who are coming up. When youngsters end up sharing the dressing room with someone like a Virat Kohli, it’s a very different exposure. It’s about how much the youngsters learn and the healthy atmosphere that is built. There’s so much to learn from him on the sidelines.”
Another interesting anecdote related to Kohli’s return to domestic cricket is how it has prompted the BCCI to livestream an inconsequential match that was not on the broadcasting roster before. Following the buzz among fans, according to reports making the rounds, the BCCI are in talks with the broadcaster to livestream the game.
Kohli’s return has reignitied fan interest, with the Ranji Trophy experiencing a resurgence like never before. Other star players too have been in the mix, in the last round and this one. Whether Delhi can sign off with a victory or not, one thing is certain – India’s domestic cricket is once again in the public eye. Whether the surge in interest will be sustained is an open–ended question.