Virat Kohli trains with Delhi squad. [Source: @katyxkohli17/X]
It would be an understatement to say that former India captain Virat Kohli has hit the ground running ahead of his first Ranji Trophy match in the last 12 years. If photos and videos coming from the Arun Jaitley Stadium are to be believed, it seems as if Kohli was always a part of this Delhi squad.
In his quest to rediscover lost form, Kohli will face Railways for the first time in his first-class career. After declining captaincy as per reports, Kohli will take the field under Lucknow Super Giants batter Ayush Badoni.
Virat Kohli Hogs Limelight At The Arun Jaitley Stadium
Kohli, who had reached the venue in his swanky jet-black Porsche on Tuesday morning, participated in warm-up routine alongside comparatively younger teammates. After playing football for some time, it was Kohli’s turn to bat where he faced both throwdowns and specialist bowlers.
Greeted by everyone present at the ground, as expected, Kohli also met old friends which included having an inspiring chat with Kabir, son of former Delhi batter Shawez Khan.
Virat Kohli Training Schedule On Day 2
As far as Kohli’s second day of training before the match is concerned, he is reported to be the first one to hit the gym as per Revsportz. An intense hour-long gym session was followed by hitting the nets, where the 36-year-old player faced pacers and spinners for 25 and 15 minutes respectively.
Kohli, who focused on backfoot play while both training alongside former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar in Mumbai (before reaching Delhi) and even yesterday, laid special emphasis on practicing his front foot play today. For the unversed, Kohli’s knack of edging to the slips while fishing with deliveries outside the off-stump involves his commitment to front foot play on most occasions.
While Kohli remained solid while facing all kinds of bowlers, left-arm pacers are said to have troubled him a bit. With special arrangements being made for Kohli’s comeback to domestic cricket, expect a festival-like atmosphere among fans Thursday onward. However, it is worth noting that Kohli was troubled by pacer Siddhant & spinners Harsh Tyagi.