New Delhi: In a display of exceptional dominance and control, Delhi achieved a resounding victory over Railways, winning by an innings and 19 runs in their concluding Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Finishing fifth in the group with a total of 14 points, Delhi also secured their second bonus point of the season.

The buildup to the match was more prolonged than the contest itself, which concluded in a mere two-and-a-half days.

Fans who attended in hopes of witnessing Virat Kohli bat a second time were met with disappointment; however, they took the opportunity to appreciate his presence in his first Ranji appearance in over 12 years while he was on the field.

Kohli faced only 15 balls during a 23-minute appearance on Friday, scoring six runs before being dismissed by pacer Himanshu Sangwan. As a result of Delhi's innings victory, he was not called to bat again, leaving lingering questions regarding his form and technique.

Despite his limited batting contribution, Kohli's impact on the team was recognized as a significant factor in the win. Team members and coaching staff acknowledged his guidance to the bowlers and captain Ayush Badoni, attributing improved discipline and intensity to his presence.

A member of the coaching staff remarked to HT, “Had we demonstrated the same level of intensity against Saurashtra, we might have advanced further,” referring to the previous defeat that dashed their knockout aspirations before the match against Railways.

On the third day, fans chanted for Kohli to bowl an over. A security incident occurred when three fans breached the fence, ran onto the field, and touched Kohli’s feet, necessitating the intervention of approximately 20 security personnel to escort them away.

Off-spinner Shivam Sharma recounted that the pitch invaders pleaded with Kohli to ask the police not to harm them, a moment that elicited laughter from the players.

“That is the craze for Virat Kohli,” Sharma told reporters. “It is not right, of course, but the team laughed about it. They said ‘bhaiya, inhe bol dena humein maara na (pl tell them not to beat us).”

The match was laced with moments where Kohli mania would spring up, but the day belonged to Sharma, who delivered a match-winning performance with 5/33 – his first five-wicket haul in six years, and third overall – that saw Railways dismissed for 114 in the second innings.

“In the last two years, I played several local tournaments and travelled to places like Assam, Dehradun, Kolkata and Maharashtra for limited overs’ leagues to gain experience and become familiar with pitches. I specifically improved my off-spin and my stock ball,” he added.

Sharma dismissed opener Vivek Singh (12) in the eighth over before removing Mohammed Saif (31) who was attempting to stabilize Railways’ innings. Money Grewal (1/20) ensured that the top performer of the first innings, Upendra Yadav (19), had little impact. Sharma continued his charge, dismissing Karn Sharma (16), Himanshu Sangwan (1) and Rahul Sharma (3).

Badoni (1/5) claimed the final wicket, sealing Delhi’s dominant victory, as Anchit Yadav did not bat due to injury. Delhi’s Sumit Mathur, left-handed bat and left-arm orthodox bowler, was named Player-of-the-Match for his 3/20 in the Railways first innings followed by 86 at No.6.

Read Also: Ranji Trophy Controversy: Jammu and Kashmir Accuses Baroda of Pitch Tampering

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