New Delhi: Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is set to make return to the domestic cricket fold this week. On Monday, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) named the middle order batter in their squad for the final Group D match against Railways.
The match will be played at the home venue of the Delhi men’s cricket team (Arun Jaitley Stadium) from January 30 to February 2. Kohli will join the squad on Tuesday for its first training session at the venue. This will be his first domestic game for Delhi since he last played against Uttar Pradesh at Ghaziabad’s Mohan Nagar against Uttar Pradesh.
Enhanced Security and Increased Spectator Capacity for the Match
The DDCA is aware about Kohli’s return to Ranji after 12 years and the state association is putting certain measures to ensure the match goes with ease. The security force will be strengthened and the number of stands will be increased.
“Obviously, it is a great experience for our junior players as they will get to share the dressing room with Virat. If you look at our team, only Navdeep Saini has played alongside Virat in the IPL and for India. In fact, none of the players in the team have played with Virat in the Ranji Trophy. They can learn a lot by watching him,” DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma told news agency PTI.
“We know Virat’s presence raises the profile of the match. Normally, we have 10 to 12 private security personnel for a regular Ranji match, but we will definitely increase security so that Virat can train without any disturbance. We have also informed the Delhi Police about the match,” he added.
There is only one stand open for spectators to watch the game but considering the demand to watch Virat in action, the state association have planned to open three stands instead at the Ambedkar Stadium End, as per the PTI report. The matches are free of cost to watch for the spectators as is the norm for Ranji.
“Gate Nos. 7, 15, and 16 will be open to the public. We will arrange for drinking water, and the toilets will be clean and hygienic. Come and enjoy the match. Of course, there will be security checks before allowing the public to enter,” Sharma said.
Delhi have recently slipped to sixth spot in the Group D with just one win from six matches. The Ayush Badoni-led side suffered a heavy defeat by 10 wickets against Saurashtra in Rajkot to deter their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is set to return to domestic cricket this week, playing for Delhi against Railways in the Ranji Trophy. His inclusion has prompted increased security and the opening of additional stands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to accommodate the anticipated large crowd. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
