Ranji Trophy Tops Google India Searches as Virat Kohli Makes His Return
The Ranji Trophy became India's most-searched term on Google following Virat Kohli's return after 12 years. His participation in the Delhi match against Railways drew massive crowds, with fans queuing from 5 AM. A stampede-like situation occurred due to free entry. BCCI and broadcasters live-streamed the match, where Kohli was dismissed for six by Himanshu Sangwan.
For the first time in years, the Ranji Trophy became the most searched term on Google India, driven by Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after 12 years. The star batter played for Delhi against Railways in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, attracting massive fan attention both online and at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance was in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh.
His return led to chaotic scenes outside the stadium on January 30, as fans arrived as early as 5 AM, forming a queue over 2 km long. The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) offered free entry with an Aadhaar card for verification, but the overwhelming crowd caused a stampede-like situation, resulting in minor injuries and damage to a police bike.
Inside the stadium, Kohli received loud cheers, with fans chanting “RCB, RCB.” A fan even breached security to touch his feet. The growing interest prompted the BCCI and broadcasters to live-stream the match on JioCinema. However, Kohli’s return was short-lived, as he was dismissed for just six runs by Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan on Day 2. Despite this, his presence significantly boosted the Ranji Trophy’s visibility and popularity.
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