NEW DELHI: There’s a buzz in the air at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. The city is gripped by Virat Kohli mania as the Indian batting maestro makes his much-awaited return to domestic cricket after over 12 years. Kohli last featured in the Ranji Trophy in November 2012. For the fans, it’s a celebration of Kohli’s comeback, but for Kohli himself, it feels like a homecoming.
TimesofIndia.com caught up with some of Kohli’s former Delhi teammates who were part of the squad during his last Ranji Trophy appearance in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, reliving cherished memories of that game. Here’s what they remember from that game:
Pradeep Sangwan:
“The match was in Ghaziabad and we lost that match. I remember we lost Unmukt early but Kohli resurrected the innings and had a decent partnership with Gambhir. He’s not just a player but a role model in the game. Youngsters will learn so much from him in this match. Back then, he was a young cricketer learning from seniors, and now he returns as a senior himself, ready to guide the juniors.
“I remember playing alongside Virat, Ishant Sharma, Yogesh Nagar, and Manan Sharma, under the mentorship of legends like Ashish Nehra, Virender Sehwag, and Gautam Gambhir. We learned a lot from them. This Delhi team has a significant advantage with Virat in the squad. They should make the most of his experience and knowledge.”
Unmukt Chand:
“It was a big match. Delhi were playing UP. We were playing with the packed side. Virat (Kohli) was there, Viru bhai (Virender Sehwag) was there. Shikhar (Dhawan) wasn’t there. Ashish Nehra was there. Gautam Gambir was also there. We had a bright side. The big crowds were there. But, we lost that game.
“Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) got me out (for a duck) in the second innings. But with all international players playing, there was a very different feel to it. Obviously that time also, he (Kohli) was the one you looked up to. We were very close. Big names were there. You look up to these guys, and I’ve closely followed his journey even before that.”
“He was still a hero to all of us. He was very aggressive on the field. A Delhi boy like, you know, things you associate with Delhi cricket. He was very chilled inside the dressing room. I also remember once we finished that match, I, Virat and Suresh Raina had go to Mumbai. We had that Pepsi shoot. So, all of us finished the game and the next day, we had to fly to Mumbai for that.”
Vikas Mishra:
“Virat’s energy back then was top-class, and it’s the same now. He hasn’t changed. He still carries that aura and passion for the game. I remember how frustrated and angry he would get whenever he got out—he hated losing his wicket. Virat has always been about scoring big for the team, never chasing personal milestones. For him, it has always been team first.
“Even back then, he was a two-time World Cup winner—the 2008 U19 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup—but he was still yaaron ka yaar, someone who was always there for his friends. This Delhi team is fortunate to have him. They can learn a lot from a player of his stature.”
Mahesh Bhati (Has tracked Kohli since age-group days):
“Virat has always been a quick learner. His last Ranji game was in 2012, so returning after more than a decade is remarkable. There isn’t a single player in the current squad from his time, making everyone in the team junior to him. He’s unfamiliar with most players except a few like Navdeep Saini and Ayush Badoni, whom he knows from the IPL.
“When he realised he didn’t know the players well, he decided not to lead the side. Instead, he handed over the captaincy to Ayush Badoni. That shows his humility. Virat sat with the team, spoke to the players, and motivated them, saying, ‘Abey, Delhi ke cricketers ho, tagda hoke khelo, jeet ke khatam karo.’ His presence has energised the squad. The players’ body language is entirely different with him around,” Bhati said.
All eyes will be on the fixture in New Delhi which starts on January 30. While Delhi are out of the qualification race, a lot of former stalwarts from the state will be glued to action because their very own “Cheeku” will be donning the DDCA jersey after a long time.