It was a moment Delhi cricket fans had long awaited. The man who rose from the bustling streets of Delhi to become the ‘King’ of world cricket, Virat Kohli, returned to his roots. Stepping onto the Arun Jaitley Stadium grounds for a Ranji Trophy practice session, Kohli’s homecoming was more than just a training stint—it was a nostalgic journey back to where it all began.
At exactly 9 AM, a jet-black Porsche zipped through the iconic Virender Sehwag Gate. For the first time in over 12 years, Kohli was back training with his first-class team, reminding everyone why he’s more than just a cricketing superstar. He’s Delhi’s very own Cheeku.
A Legendary Presence
For the current Delhi Ranji squad, which includes rising stars like Sanat Sangwan and Ayush Badoni, seeing Kohli in action was nothing short of mesmerizing. Most of them had grown up idolizing the man they now shared a dressing room with. Watching Kohli warm up, play football, and dominate the nets felt surreal.
“He’s still the same Virat Bhaiya who loves his Kadhi Chawal,”
shared a senior DDCA official. “We arranged chhole-poori for him, but he politely declined. Instead, he joined the team lunch with his old favorite.”
Business as Usual for Kohli
Kohli’s return wasn’t about reliving past glories—it was about sharpening his skills for the challenges ahead. As he walked into the nets, his aura commanded attention. Skipper Ayush Badoni, visibly nervous, was reassured by Kohli’s encouraging words: “Ayush, tu batting karle, phir dono switch karke karenge” (Ayush, you continue batting; we’ll take turns later).
Over the next hour, Kohli worked meticulously on his back-foot play and shots square of the wicket, a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection. Facing pacers like Navdeep Saini and Siddhant Sharma, as well as spinners, Kohli showed no signs of discomfort.
A Mentor and a Friend
For young cricketers like Kabir, a fourth grader who came with a sketch of ‘Uncle Virat,’ this was an unforgettable day. When Kabir asked how he could play for India, Kohli’s advice was heartfelt:
“You have to practice hard. Don’t wait for your Papa to tell you to practice; you should tell him you want to go.”
The Final Word
Delhi’s favorite son didn’t just bring memories back to the Kotla; he inspired a new generation of cricketers. Whether it’s perfecting his game for international tournaments or sharing wisdom with young fans, Virat Kohli continues to reign as the King of Indian cricket—and the heart of Delhi.
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