NEW DELHI: With Virat Kohli again included in a massive 84-man Delhi Ranji Trophy probables list, it is appropriate time to look back at the premier batsman’s association with Delhi cricket.
Virat’s association with the Ranji Trophy dates back to the early stages of his career. He made his debut in the Ranji Trophy for Delhi during the 2006-07 season.
His performances in the domestic circuit, including the Ranji Trophy, were key in his rise to prominence before making his debut for the Indian national team.
But there was a time when Kohli was dropped from Delhi team at 1 AM.
In a video doing the rounds on the internet, Kohli, talking to Dinesh Karthik, spilled the beans about the murky developments in Delhi cricket.
Kohli says, “There was a time in my life where there was an opportunity, I was selected for Under-14 Delhi team and then I was dropped at 1 AM because of some complications and you know how and what happens at state levels. Someone was preferred over me because of some compensations that were done and stuff like that. Same was offered to my father as well, that if you can, maybe he can get into the team after two games. My father straightaway said ‘I’m not going to pay a single penny to make him play. If he can play on his talent, so be it, if not, it’s not meant to be for him.’ So that stuck with me.”
But as history would have it Kohli went on to play for Delhi and one his most memorable moments in the Ranji Trophy came in December 2006, when he scored 90 runs against Karnataka on the day after his father’s death.
This innings earned him significant respect and showed his mental strength and dedication to the game.
Although Kohli has since moved on to a successful international career, his contributions to the Ranji Trophy in his early days laid the foundation for his growth as a player.
Kohli last participated in a Ranji Trophy match for the Delhi team in 2012 in Ghaziabad against Uttar Pradesh.
Kohli’s Ranji Trophy performances were instrumental in him breaking into the Indian team. His consistency at the domestic level demonstrated his readiness for the international stage.
While his appearances in the Ranji Trophy have been limited in recent years due to his international commitments, Kohli’s early success for the Delhi team was vital in his development as the star cricketer that he is today.
