Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy has resulted in a complete sell-out at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Delhi faces Railways in their final group stage match. A similar scenario unfolded during Kohli's previous appearance in the Ranji Trophy, although he was not the focal point at that time. He was then an emerging talent, still in the process of solidifying his reputation as a Test player, while notable names such as Mohammed Kaif, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir, Ishant Sharma, Pravin Kumar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also participated in that match.

Kaif, who represented Uttar Pradesh, remarked on the remarkable trajectory of Kohli's career, particularly in light of his persistent vulnerability to being dismissed while reaching for deliveries outside the off stump. This issue was evident during his disappointing tour of Australia in December and January, despite pacer Scott Boland disclosing their strategy against Kohli prior to the final Test.

“Our encounter against Delhi in 2012 marked the last time Virat Kohli participated in the Ranji Trophy. He exhibited the same off-stump weakness back then,” Kaif stated in a video shared on his social media platforms. He further noted that Bhuvneshwar dismissed Kohli twice in that match by inducing edges on deliveries outside the off stump.

"It is astonishing that this same weakness persists. The manner in which he was dismissed by Australian bowlers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy mirrored his dismissals in that Ranji Trophy match against us,” Kaif commented.

“It is truly impressive to witness his success despite this vulnerability outside the off stump. He has achieved 50 centuries in one-day internationals,” Kaif concluded.

This situation presents a mutually beneficial scenario for all involved.

‘A win-win for everyone’

Kohli's re-entry into the Ranji Trophy follows a notably challenging period during the 2024/25 Test season, where the former India captain managed only 382 runs across 19 innings, resulting in a disappointing average of 22.47. This decline in form in red-ball cricket was unexpected, especially given Kohli's impressive conclusion to his T20 career, highlighted by a match-winning performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final and record-breaking achievements in the 2023 World Cup.

Kaif expressed that Kohli's participation in the Ranji Trophy is advantageous for everyone, emphasizing his hope that Kohli can secure a few solid performances before the 2025 Champions Trophy. “His involvement in the Ranji Trophy is beneficial for all. It provides him with the opportunity to practice, accumulate runs, and ultimately benefit the Indian team. I am optimistic that he will score well and that his performance in the Champions Trophy will mirror the success he experienced during the 2023 World Cup,” stated Kaif.

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