NEW DELHI: Upendra Yadav played a defiant knock of 95 to steer Railways to 241 on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy clash against Delhi, a game marked by Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to domestic red-ball cricket after 13 years.
Delhi’s pace trio — Navdeep Saini, Siddhant Sharma, and Money Grewal — made early inroads, reducing Railways to 66 for five in the first session by exploiting the morning conditions. However, Upendra, along with veteran spinner Karn Sharma (50 off 105), stitched a crucial 104-run stand for the sixth wicket, stabilising the innings.
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Kohli’s presence added an extra spark to the contest, energising both teams and drawing an unprecedented Ranji Trophy crowd of over 15,000 spectators.
Upendra was on course for his third century of the season but fell late in the day, mistiming an aerial stroke off left-arm spinner Sumit Mathur to be caught at long-off. Before his dismissal, he had confidently pulled a couple of deliveries into the 90s, accumulating 10 fours and a six in his innings.
Karn Sharma and Upendra’s partnership frustrated Delhi as the pitch eased out post-lunch. Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni, primarily a batter, remained his team’s leading wicket-taker for the season with his off-spin, highlighting the side’s bowling struggles.
While Grewal impressed in the morning, Saini showcased his persistence in the afternoon session, breaking the crucial sixth-wicket stand in the 53rd over.
He dismissed Karn Sharma, caught at fine leg after a rash slog, and trapped Ayan Chaudhari lbw on the very next delivery, swinging momentum back in Delhi’s favor before tea, leaving Railways at 182 for seven. Saini had earlier bowled opener Vivek Singh with a sharp, seaming delivery.
Left-arm spinner Mathur cleaned up the tail, drawing cheers from the crowd, which was eagerly waiting for Kohli’s turn to bat.
Saini and Grewal bowled 18 and 17 overs, respectively, while Siddhant Sharma was used sparingly with just nine overs.
Kohli’s intensity remained high throughout, whether stationed at second slip for the pacers or moving to cover. He frequently engaged with the crowd, keeping the energy levels up. Briefly leaving the field twice, he returned to thunderous applause each time.
With the anticipation building, the biggest moment will come on Friday when Kohli walks out to bat. At stumps, Delhi stood at 41 for one in 10 overs.