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NEW DELHI: It’s 5 AM. Wrapped in thick jackets, mufflers, and woolen caps, hands tucked into pockets, Delhiites braved the biting cold for a chance to enter the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This wasn’t an international match. It wasn’t a World Cup clash. It wasn’t even the IPL. It was all about one man — Virat Kohli. After a decade, their local hero was set to play a Ranji Trophy match. His last appearance for Delhi came in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh. For Kohli, this wasn’t just a return—it was a homecoming.
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Never in Ranji Trophy history had a domestic match witnessed a crowd of nearly 15,000. But this was Virat Kohli-mania, rewriting the script.
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Security was tight. Delhi Police and ITBP commandos were stationed outside the stadium to control the crowd. But in India, cricket is more than just a sport — it’s a religion. Fans, desperate for a glimpse of their icon, dashed from one gate to another, searching for any possible way in. Amid the pushing and heated exchanges, the moment of relief arrived — the gates finally opened, and the sea of supporters poured in.
The long wait was over.
“We’ve been standing here since 4:30 AM. We didn’t want to miss our chance to get in and secure a good seat with a clear view of Virat Kohli. This is a huge moment for all of us, and we couldn’t afford to miss it. He’s playing after so long, and I feel grateful for this opportunity to watch a legend live on the field,” an excited fan said.
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A fan with a fractured leg, his plaster cast visible, stood at the stadium gate, leaning on a walker as he waited for entry. When asked, he revealed he was a close friend of Railways batter Mohammad Saif.
“I’m a close friend of Mohd Saif and fractured my leg while playing cricket. But that doesn’t matter—my love for the game is far greater. I want to meet Saif, and if I’m lucky, Virat as well. I’m here to enjoy this special match because of him. Wishing him all the best!,” he said.
Apart from the frenzy, it was a herculean task for the security officials as well.
“Cricket fans are truly mad. This is my first time being deployed outside a cricket stadium, and I’ve never seen such a craze. I had to push some fans to keep them in line and follow the rules. I had heard about the madness surrounding Virat Kohli, but today, I witnessed it firsthand,” a commando said.
As soon as the gates opened and fans flooded inside, the streets outside fell silent. The madness had shifted into the stadium. Banners of Kohli were raised, pamphlets waved, and the chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” echoed through the stands.
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The noise levels skyrocketed when Kohli stepped onto the field, taking his position at second slip after Delhi opted to field against Railways. He acknowledged the roaring crowd with a wave.
Every time Kohli took a step, or signaled a bowler, the fans erupted — making it clear they were here for this moment, for their star Virat Kohli.
