球迷擠滿體育場觀看 Virat Kohli 12 年來的第一場國內比賽

Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated cricketers, made a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket after a long absence of over 12 years. The event took place at the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi, where thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered to witness Kohli play for the Delhi team in the Ranji Trophy match against the Railways team. At 36 years old, Kohli's return to the domestic circuit has generated significant excitement among fans and cricket experts alike. Kohli has been a key player for India, amassing more than 27,000 runs in international cricket. However, in recent years, he has faced challenges in maintaining his consistency in Test matches. His performance has seen a decline, with his batting average dropping from 54. 97 before 2019 to just 30. 72 since 2020, and an even lower average of 22. 47 in his last ten Test matches. This decline has raised concerns about his form, making his return to domestic cricket even more crucial. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) encouraged contracted players to participate in domestic matches following India's recent 3-1 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This directive aimed to help players like Kohli regain their form and confidence. Domestic cricket, which includes competitions played within a country, is essential for players to showcase their skills and improve their game. The Ranji Trophy is one of the most prestigious domestic tournaments in India, featuring teams that represent various states and regions. Despite the busy international cricket schedule, Kohli's decision to play in the Ranji Trophy has been met with enthusiasm from fans who are eager to see him back in action. On the day of the match, excitement filled the air as fans flocked to the stadium. Many had waited in long lines to enter for free, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite player. Reports indicated that even journalists from television and YouTube were present, which is uncommon for domestic matches. Kohli joined his Delhi teammates for practice, engaging in football drills and sprinting exercises before heading to the batting nets. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering and expressing their admiration for Kohli. Akash Kumar, a fan who had been waiting outside the stadium for nearly five hours, remarked that he had never seen such a large crowd for a domestic match. The captain of the Delhi team, Ayush Badoni, expressed that Kohli's presence had motivated the entire team, while Pratham Singh, the captain of the Railways team, stated that seeing Kohli inspired them to perform better. As the Ranji Trophy season commenced, fans eagerly anticipated Kohli's batting, hoping to witness his return to form and celebrate his remarkable career.