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 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.

A massive crowd gathered outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday as the Delhi cricket team played Railways in their Ranji Trophy encounter. The frenzy, however, was not just for the domestic clash but largely for one man – Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli is featuring in Ranji Trophy for the first time since November 2012 and the fans are excited to watch him. DDCA announced that entry was free for 10000 fans and they thronged the stadium early in the morning forcing them to open more gates.

A huge crowd turned up at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday as Virat Kohli made his much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years. Fans gathered from the early hours of the morning, eager to witness the cricketing icon in action as Delhi faced Railways in the domestic tournament.

While Virat Kohli 's Ranji Trophy return after more than a decade thrilled fans, chaos outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium dampened the occasion. The former Indian skipper is playing a match against Suraj Ahuja's Railways team on Thursday, January 30.

Preparations were being made to telecast the game, more stands than usual were being readied for fans, and players on both sides were excited to be part of his first Ranji Trophy game since 2012

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.