Arun Jaitley Stadium and the areas nearby experienced a heavy rush on Thursday, January 30 as Virat Kohli-mania gripped the city with the former India captain returning to Ranji Trophy fold after more than 12 years.

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.

Such was Kohli's aura that a strong crowd of over 10,000 remained at the stadium despite Railways batting first.

Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy sparked massive excitement in Delhi, with thousands of fans queuing up outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium from as early as 5 AM. The chants of ‘RCB,

Fans started to queue up outside Gate No 16 and 17 from 7 am in the morning for the Railways Delhi game, broke barricades; DDCA forced to open more gates and stands

"I have been involved in Delhi cricket for more than 30 years but I have not witnessed such scenes for a Ranji Trophy game," said DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma, on Virat Kohli's comeback match.

While Virat Kohli 's Ranji Trophy return after more than a decade thrilled fans, chaos outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium dampened the occasion. The former Indian skipper is playing a match against Suraj Ahuja's Railways team on Thursday, January 30.

Virat Kohli returned to the Ranji Trophy after a gap of more than 12 years. Kohli is playing for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game against Railways.

Ahead of his return to Ranji Trophy, Virat Kohli had an intense training session with the Delhi squad and interacted with the players during the practice session. It was reported that Kohli declined captaincy offer by Delhi selection committee and agreed to play under the leadership of Ayush Badoni.

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