Virat Kohli’s much-awaited return to domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy was filled with anticipation but ended in disappointment for both the player and his fans. Kohli, playing for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, was dismissed for just six runs in the first innings. The crowd, which had queued up for hours to witness the batting legend’s return, was left stunned as Kohli was clean-bowled by pacer Himanshu Sangwan.
Kohli’s Brief Stint in the Spotlight
The atmosphere at the stadium had been electric, with chants of Kohli’s name echoing throughout the ground as he walked out to bat. His brief moment of brilliance came when he struck a glorious straight drive off Sangwan. However, his joy was short-lived, as he was bowled out on the very next delivery, sending his off-stump flying. The dismissal not only deflated the crowd but also caused many fans to leave the stadium before Kohli even reached the pavilion.
The Misdirected Backlash
The aftermath of Kohli’s dismissal saw a surge in online trolling and hateful messages directed at Himanshu Sangwan on social media. Fans, frustrated by the outcome of the game, vented their anger on Instagram, attacking the pacer for his role in dismissing Kohli. However, the backlash was misdirected.
Sangwan had kept his Instagram account private before the match, which led to fans confusing him with an unrelated individual with the same name. This person, who had no connection to cricket, was inundated with offensive messages and trolling. In a bid to clear the confusion, the non-cricketing Sangwan had to post a clarification on his Instagram story, stating that he was not the bowler responsible for Kohli’s dismissal.
Pradeep Sangwan Also Targeted
Compounding the issue, Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan, who also shares the same surname as Himanshu, found himself targeted by trolls as well. Pradeep, who represents Delhi in domestic cricket, has not played a first-class match since 2022. Despite his lack of involvement in the game, fans mistakenly associated him with the incident and directed abuse his way.
The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s Impact on Domestic Cricket
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Kohli’s return to domestic cricket has sparked renewed interest in the Ranji Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had hoped that senior players like Kohli would inspire the next generation by participating in domestic cricket after India’s disappointing 3-1 Test series loss to Australia. Kohli’s brief appearance, though marred by his early dismissal, has already had a positive impact on the domestic circuit, generating buzz among fans and drawing attention to the country’s premier cricket competition.
Looking Ahead: Kohli’s Next Chance
Although his first innings did not go as planned, Kohli has another opportunity to redeem himself in the second innings. Fans are hopeful that Kohli will return to form and make a strong statement in his next appearance, solidifying his position in domestic cricket.
Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy not only promises to keep cricket enthusiasts engaged but also highlights the importance of domestic cricket in shaping the future of the sport in India. As Kohli aims to make a mark, his performance in the second innings will be keenly watched by his fans, who are eager for his success.
