The start of the day may not have been on the expected lines but the ending was an encouraging one for Virat Kohli on Day 2 of the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy Group D match at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi. The former India captain, who was dismissed for 6 off 15 balls on his return to Ranji Trophy after more than 12 years, was facilitated by the Delhi and District Cricket Association after the close of play on Friday for being only the third player from the team after Virender Sehwag and Ishant Sharma to represent India in more than 100 Tests.

Among the dignitaries present were Rajkumar Sharma, Kohli's childhood coach. Like a true disciple, Kohli touched his feet and shared a hug before the felicitation began.

Kohli, who was only 10 Tests old the last time he played a Ranji Trophy match, has now represented India in 123 Tests and is known as one of the best batters in the world. To celebrate his achievements, DDCA president Arun Jaitley felicitated the former India captain with a shawl and a special trophy. The DDCA officials and Delhi cricketers gave an ovation even as Kohli gave a long and hard look at the memento.

Sangwan crashes Kohli's party

A crowd of approximately 5,000 gathered to witness Kohli's performance (6 runs off 15 balls), enjoying the moment until his off-stump was dislodged by Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan during the 28th over of Delhi's first innings. Following this dismissal, a significant portion of the audience promptly departed from the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The enthusiastic chants of 'RCB, RCB' and 'Kohli, Kohli' faded as the celebrated player made his way back to the dressing room, granting Sangwan the most coveted wicket of his career. In preparation for his first domestic red-ball match since November 2012, Kohli had worked with former India coach Sanjay Bangar to address the batting issues that emerged during the recent tour of Australia.

Specifically, it was the deliveries outside the off-stump that troubled the former Indian captain throughout the two-month tour Down Under. Kohli entered the field to a warm reception after Yash Dhull's leg before wicket dismissal at approximately 10:30 am local time, marking an hour into the day's play.

Left-arm pacer Rahul Sharma was the first to bowl to the cricketing icon, delivering a yorker down the leg-side, only to realize he had overstepped. Aiming to impress, Rahul overexerted himself on the next delivery, resulting in another no ball.

In the subsequent over bowled by medium pacer Kunal Yadav, Kohli attempted to establish his presence at the crease, playing and missing twice at balls pitched in his vulnerable area—wide outside the off-stump.

After securing two singles, Kohli aimed to take control against Sangwan in that over. Positioning himself well outside the crease, he confidently sent Sangwan's delivery towards the straight boundary. Despite it being the first session and the ball still moving, Kohli's ambition led him to attempt an expansive drive off a good length delivery on the very next ball, which he missed entirely, resulting in his off-stump being shattered as the ball seamed back in, contributing to his dismissal.

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