India’s veteran batsman Virat Kohli is set for a grand comeback in the ongoing Ranji Trophy Elite season representing Delhi for the forthcoming clash against Railways commencing on January 30. To ensure that the former captain experiences a smooth event in his hometown that includes training and match sessions, the DDCA (Delhi and District Cricket Association) has requested the Delhi police to amplify the security measures.

Being an international superstar among other renowned cricketers, it is expected that a huge crowd could gather at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to watch him perform against the Railways.

DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma feels excited that the run machine of the Indian national cricket team returns to domestic cricket after 12 years. The right-handed batter played his last Ranji match in November 2012 under Virender Sehwag’s captaincy before he became a full-time test player right from the home test series against England in the same year.

DDCA Keen on Special Security Arrangements For Virat Kohli’s Comeback Match in Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25

One of the close sources related to The Times of India (TOI) revealed that the DDCA plans to submit the request to the Delhi Police in a written format to increase the security arrangements in Delhi. This ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for spectators as well as the participants while minimizing the challenges in the stands.

Here’s what the DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said: “Yeah! The Delhi Police is certain to receive a letter from us. We have planned to upgrade our private security and have set up the arrangements. We attempt to ensure that fans do not have any inconvenience when they arrive at the venue on January 30 to watch the match,” Ashok Sharma conveyed to the PTI.

DDCA Secretary About Virat Kohli’s Comeback in Ranji Trophy: A Valuable Chance for Youngsters

Highlighting the golden opportunity for young cricketers to share the same dressing room and on-field experience with the modern-day legendary batter, Ashok Sharma talks about Kohli’s comeback in the domestic red-ball format:

“See! Navdeep Saini has already played with Virat in the same IPL team as well as for India. In reality, none of the cricketers from our team have played with him in the Ranji Trophy. They will be able to learn a lot by watching him perform on the field,” the DDCA secretary said.

Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy game was played against Uttar Pradesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Ghaziabad in 2012. He scored 14 and 43 runs in the first and second innings each.

Ashok Sharma Provides Details About Security Arrangements for the Match

Furthermore, Ashok Sharma has thrown some clarity about the security arrangements made for the match:

“YES! We are aware that Virat Kohli’s presence increases the popularity of the match. Typically, we operate with 10 to 12 private security personnel for any Ranji match. But, we are certainly increasing the security measures so that Virat can continue with his training sessions without any interruptions. Also, we have conveyed this matter to the Delhi police.

Most importantly, Gate Numbers 7,15, and 16 are openly accessible to the public. Also, we ensure that the arrangements related to the drinking water and toilets will be fully neat and tidy. All the spectators need to do is come and enjoy the game. Of course, there will be security checks before allowing the crowd to enter inside,” Ashok Sharma said.

No Broadcasting Options for Delhi vs Railways Match Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25

While fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium have an opportunity to watch Virat Kohli’s action-packed performance, it is a disappointing fact that viewers from distant locations won’t be able to enjoy the star batter’s return to domestic cricket.

The game between Delhi and Railways wouldn’t be live-streamed. This is because the last-minute arrangements pose a threat to the broadcasters. Probably fans won’t be able to watch Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy from their convenient location.

Here’s what one of the DDCA officials had to say: “No! We aren’t sure if the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) plans to make any last-minute arrangements. As Kohli is participating, we haven’t received any information related to the broadcasting.

Usually, all the high-profile tournaments are certainly to get one live match Live (either through TV channels or live-streaming platforms). Earlier, our game against Tamil Nadu was broadcast live. Moreover, the schedule for the broadcasting is planned several months in advance,” the source revealed the unknown facts.

Conclusion:

With Virat Kohli’s inclusion, Delhi’s squad is perfectly balanced with a mix of experienced and young cricketers. His presence adds fuel to the batting line-up.

Overall, Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy is a boon for him to find his lost form and regain confidence ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.