India's foremost domestic red-ball competition, the Ranji Trophy, has faced challenges in garnering widespread attention. Despite a strong focus on individual performances within this first-class tournament, the Ranji Trophy does not enjoy the same viewership as domestic limited-overs events such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

This dynamic shifted dramatically when Virat Kohli announced his participation in Delhi's lineup for their match against Railways, marking his first involvement in the tournament in 12 years. His inclusion has rekindled interest in the Ranji Trophy and elicited an exceptional reaction from fans, officials, and broadcasters alike.

Aadhaar Card entry

Kohli's upcoming appearance in white for Delhi has prompted the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to implement special measures to accommodate the anticipated influx of spectators at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DDCA Secretary Ashok Kumar Sharma expects a minimum attendance of 10,000 on the first day of the match.

To effectively manage the expected turnout, the association has opted to grant free entry to fans, provided they present an original Aadhaar card along with a photocopy for verification purposes.

“The Gautam Gambhir Stand will be accessible to spectators, who can enter through Gates No. 16 and 17. Gate No. 6 will be designated for DDCA members and their guests. We have organized the arrangements for fans similarly to those for an international or IPL match,” Sharma informed The Indian Express.

This initiative marks a notable shift from the traditional Ranji Trophy practices, where domestic matches frequently face challenges in attracting large audiences.

JioCinema steps in at the last minute

Kohli's influence is further exemplified by JioCinema's last-minute decision to air the match live. Initially, this fixture was not included in the broadcaster's lineup; however, due to the significant excitement surrounding Kohli's involvement, they promptly arranged for live coverage.

“Astonishing interest was generated for the Mumbai vs. J&K match, featuring Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. With Virat Kohli competing in Delhi, we anticipate a similar level of engagement for this match. This decision was entirely ours to make. We acted as soon as Virat confirmed his availability for the game,” remarked a JioCinema representative.

This action underscores the commercial appeal that Kohli possesses, even within the realm of domestic cricket.

Heightened security

Acknowledging the possible security issues associated with the presence of a prominent athlete, the DDCA has sought supplementary police support from the Delhi Police to guarantee safety in and around the stadium.

"This is not an ordinary Ranji Trophy match. Our Cheeku is playing," Sharma stated. "We have asked the Delhi Police to deploy additional personnel for the next four days. Additionally, we will implement our private security measures."

Considering Kohli's prominence, a significant turnout of fans is anticipated.

Social media frenzy

Kohli's return has ignited a flurry of activity on social media, as fans and cricket aficionados engage in discussions regarding the importance of his re-entry into domestic cricket. The hashtags #ViratKohli and #RanjiTrophy have gained significant traction, with numerous users expressing their enthusiasm for his choice to participate in a tournament that is frequently overshadowed by the prominence of T20 leagues.

For many, this return evokes memories of a time when Indian cricketers consistently participated in domestic competitions to hone their skills in the longer format of the game. His decision to compete in the Ranji Trophy is particularly noteworthy, given the current challenges faced by Test cricket in the wake of the rising popularity of franchise leagues.

Welcome boost for domestic cricket

Kohli's re-entry into the Ranji Trophy has not only captured significant attention but has also underscored the vital role of first-class cricket in developing India's upcoming talents. In an era where T20 leagues dominate the cricketing landscape, Kohli's choice to return to domestic cricket stands as a strong affirmation of the enduring significance of the red-ball format.

At this moment, the focus shifts to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where fans, broadcasters, and the cricket community will experience an exceptional event – the appearance of Virat Kohli, a contemporary legend, donning the traditional whites of Delhi.

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