A wave of excitement swept through Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday morning as fans began to gather at the venue as early as 5 AM, eager to witness the return of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli to the Ranji Trophy.

Virat Kohli is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly 13 years. Kohli is using Delhi’s clash against Railways as preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The last time Kohli played in the prestigious domestic tournament was back in 2012 under the captaincy of Virender Sehwag.

Virat Kohli made his Ranji Trophy debut in November 2006 against Tamil Nadu. In 23 appearances, he has accumulated 1,547 runs, including five centuries.

This is an edited version of the story that was first published on ESPNcricinfo Hindi.On Wednesday, Delhi's practice session was scheduled for 9am, but Virat Kohli's car arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium an hour before that.

Virat Kohli was welcomed with chants of 'RCB, RCB' as he got seat to represent Delhi in their clash against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Team India's batting star Virat Kohli was mobbed by fans for autograph and photos outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi as he tried to get into his car. In a video surfaced on social media, the 36-year-old was surrounded by plenty of fans as the star cricketer prepares for his first Ranji Trophy game in 12 years.

Virat Kohli is playing in India's premier domestic first class competition for the first time since 2012 and the former India captain will be keen to shake off the poor form he has been suffering from min red ball cricket.

Virat Kohli began training with his Delhi teammates ahead of Ranji Trophy 2025 against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Delhi captain Ayush Badoni has disclosed Virat Kohli's batting order in the upcoming Ranji Trophy game against Railways on January 30