Image: Virat Kohli's return drew massive crowds in Delhi / © Hindustan Times
The Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways on January 30, 2025, saw a massive turnout at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, thanks to Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic cricket after 13 years. Kohli’s appearance for Delhi attracted a sea of fans, highlighting his immense popularity and star power in world cricket. His last Ranji Trophy game was in 2012, and his return marked a historic moment for the tournament.
Amid this spectacle, former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami defended India’s “superstar culture” on social media. He argued that while there are calls to end it, superstars like Kohli are what draw crowds and fuel the nation’s cricketing culture. Goswami clarified that what should be discouraged is the “prima donna” attitude rather than the admiration for superstars.
Irfan Pathan also supported the trend of Indian stars like Kohli and Rohit Sharma participating in domestic cricket, calling it a great opportunity for younger players to compete alongside or against these icons. This positive trend of Indian regulars playing in domestic cricket is expected to foster growth and development in the country’s cricketing future.