Delhi Police brace for Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return

The Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) is getting ready for Virat Kohli. The former Indian skipper has returned to his home several times, but he hasn’t represented Delhi since November 2012. This will change on January 30, when he makes his Ranji Trophy return against Railways.

Kohli has been added to Delhi’s squad for the match by the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA). He’s already left Alibaug and has reached his home state. In the coming hours, he’ll join Ayush Badoni’s team for training. Delhi’s head coach, Sarandeep Singh, confirmed that Kohli will be coming to practice on January 28, and hours after that, DDCA named their team as well.

DDCA bolster security for Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy

Knowing that fans in huge numbers would flock to see Kohli live, DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma has revealed that they have written to Delhi Police to increase the security for the match. They want neither the players, especially Kohli, nor the fans to face any inconvenience.

“The Delhi Police will receive a letter from us. We have enhanced our private security, so we have initiated all these arrangements, and we will attempt to ensure there is no inconvenience for the fans when they come on January 30 to see the match,” Ashok Sharma told PTI.

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10000 fans expected on Day 1 at Arun Jaitley Stadium

The DDCA is expecting around 10,000 people to attend the first day’s action at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. As has been the case for Delhi’s matches in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, it’ll be free to view. That is why DDCA is looking to bolster its security measures.

“Gate numbers 7, 16, and 15 will be open. Whoever will come to watch will get to see Virat bat; they will see the ball move, and we are fully ready to keep these three gates open. Virat Kohli will be playing Ranji cricket after 12 years; there is a lot of excitement among the spectators. All the new players were excited when it was confirmed that he would play. We expect a capacity of 8,000-10,000 fans in Delhi will turn up to see Virat Kohli because he has a lot of followers,” he added.