KKN Gurugram Desk | Virat Kohli’s much-awaited return to domestic cricket during the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match was a moment of excitement for fans, but it was a brief one. The former India captain’s innings was cut short after Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan dismissed him for just six runs in the first innings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Despite Kohli’s early departure, Sangwan’s memorable achievement became the talk of the match, with the young pacer taking the coveted wicket of one of cricket’s biggest stars.

Virat Kohli’s Brief Cameo in Delhi vs Railways Ranji Match

Virat Kohli, who made his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years, had a disappointing outing with the bat. The star cricketer faced just 15 balls, scoring a modest 6 runs before being bowled out by Himanshu Sangwan. Kohli’s dismissal was a significant moment in the match, as it was not only his return to the domestic circuit but also Sangwan’s opportunity to claim the wicket of one of cricket’s modern legends.

However, Kohli did not get the chance to bat in the second innings as Delhi secured a dominant victory by an innings. Despite his early departure from the crease, Kohli’s presence at the match and the attention surrounding his return to the domestic circuit kept the fans excited.

Himanshu Sangwan’s Memorable Moment: Dismissing Virat Kohli

After Kohli’s dismissal, Himanshu Sangwan’s performance became a key talking point. The Railways pacer, who had played for Delhi at the Under-19 level, clean bowled the cricketing giant, marking a career highlight. Following the match, Sangwan made headlines when he approached Kohli to request his autograph on the very ball that he had used to dismiss him.

In an interview with Dainik Jagaran, Himanshu shared the memorable moment. “What a ball it was; it was a beautiful delivery. I really enjoyed that!” Kohli reportedly said before signing the match ball. Kohli’s recognition and compliment toward Sangwan’s delivery highlighted the camaraderie between the two players, despite their roles as opponents on the field.

Virat Kohli, aware of Sangwan’s past association with Delhi cricket, further encouraged the young pacer, saying, “I’ve heard about you. You’re a good bowler. Best wishes for the future.” This gesture not only reflected Kohli’s sportsmanship but also demonstrated his respect for rising talent in Indian cricket.

Delhi’s Dominant Win Over Railways

While Kohli’s performance may have been brief, Delhi’s overall performance in the match was commanding. Delhi, led by their off-spinner Shivam Sharma, seized control of the game and secured a comfortable win. Sharma was the standout bowler, taking five crucial wickets and helping Delhi secure a bonus point victory.

Delhi resumed the day at 334/7 and quickly wrapped up their first innings at 374, establishing a significant 133-run lead over Railways. In response, Railways could not handle the pressure and lost wickets quickly. Their batting lineup collapsed, and they were all out for a mere 114 runs in just 30.4 overs, giving Delhi an innings victory.

This rapid collapse from the Railways side ensured that the game ended prematurely, denying the fans the chance to watch Kohli in action again during the second innings. The match’s outcome, however, reflected Delhi’s dominance and left Railways with no room to recover.

Kohli’s Emotional Return to Domestic Cricket

Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after 13 long years had attracted national attention. The cricketing world was eager to witness the former India captain’s performance in the Ranji Trophy, especially since it had been over a decade since he last played in this format. While Kohli’s individual performance did not meet expectations, his presence in the Delhi dressing room and interactions with teammates and opponents alike made the return memorable for everyone involved.

Kohli spent considerable time in the dressing room, interacting with his teammates, shaking hands, and posing for pictures with the fans and players. This return to the roots of Indian cricket gave a sense of nostalgia to many, as it showcased the camaraderie and sportsmanship Kohli has always been known for.

Delhi’s Season Finale and Their Knockout Hopes

Though Delhi emerged victorious in the match, it wasn’t enough to secure them a spot in the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy. This victory marked their second of the season, but it wasn’t enough to move them into the top positions in the Elite Group D. With a total of 21 points, Delhi finished just short of qualification, while Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu secured their places with 25 points each.

The match, however, had little bearing on Delhi’s chances of advancing, as they had already been eliminated from the knockout race. The result underscored the team’s inconsistent performances throughout the season, despite the individual brilliance of players like Sumit Mathur, who scored a crucial 86 runs.

A Missed Opportunity for Kohli’s Fans

For the fans in attendance, the match was a bittersweet experience. They had gathered at the stadium with hopes of watching Virat Kohli bat again in the second innings. However, thanks to the Railways’ self-destructive batting collapse, they were deprived of that opportunity. Kohli’s brief appearance at the crease was the highlight for many, and they were left disappointed when his dismissal ended his involvement in the match.

Despite not having a major impact with the bat, Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy, his interaction with young cricketers like Himanshu Sangwan, and his contributions to the game off the field added value to the match.

Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket in the 2025 Ranji Trophy might not have gone as planned with his early dismissal, but it was still an eventful chapter in his illustrious career. While Kohli’s performance on the field was brief, his interactions with his peers, including signing the match ball for Sangwan, highlighted his humility and respect for the game. The match also served as a reminder of Kohli’s love for the sport and his continuous connection with grassroots cricket.

Although Delhi’s victory over Railways secured a dominant result, it wasn’t enough to qualify them for the knockouts. As the Ranji Trophy season draws to a close, fans will continue to reminisce about Kohli’s rare return to domestic cricket. The match will forever be remembered for Kohli’s short but meaningful involvement, Sangwan’s stunning delivery, and the sportsmanship shown by both teams.