Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket during the Ranji Trophy has not only captured the attention of Indian fans but also left former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali in complete awe. The former Pakistan star was taken aback by the unprecedented craze Kohli stirred among fans, especially during the Ranji match between Delhi and Railways. Kohli’s decision to play in the Ranji Trophy after struggling with his form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy reignited the enthusiasm around domestic cricket, bringing fans in large numbers to the stands.
Basit Ali Surprised by Kohli’s Popularity in Delhi
Basit Ali, a former Pakistani cricketer, was especially surprised to see the massive fan following Kohli enjoys in his hometown of Delhi. The scene at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the Ranji match between Delhi and Railways took place, was filled with fans chanting Kohli’s name for hours. The Pakistan cricketer was so amazed by the fervor surrounding Kohli that he even questioned why the Indian cricketer doesn’t represent Delhi in the IPL, as opposed to playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
“Why doesn’t Kohli play for Delhi in the IPL? Why does he play for RCB?” Basit Ali remarked in a video on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali. His curiosity about Kohli’s connection with Delhi fans reflects the intensity of admiration the cricketer commands, not just in India, but globally.
Fans Breach Security to Meet Kohli
Kohli’s massive appeal was evident as three fans breached heavy security on the final day of the Ranji match. The fans managed to evade a group of more than 20 security guards to make their way into the middle of the field to meet the cricket star. This wasn’t the first time fans tried to get close to Kohli during the match. On Day 1, a fan even managed to touch Kohli’s feet, with Kohli asking security personnel to go easy on the intruder.
Kohli’s Impact Across Borders: Respect from Pakistan
Basit Ali not only spoke about Kohli’s immense popularity in India but also highlighted how Kohli’s influence extends beyond borders. He mentioned that Kohli was trending in Pakistan, with fans across the country acknowledging his stature. “Even in Pakistan, people were writing, ‘See, this is what respect looks like,'” Basit said. His comments underscore how Kohli’s sportsmanship and popularity have earned him respect from cricket fans everywhere, even from rival nations.
Virat Kohli’s Struggles on the Field
Despite the overwhelming fan support, Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy wasn’t the perfect comeback he might have hoped for. The cricket legend had a disappointing outing with the bat, getting out for a mere 6 runs. Himanshu Sangwan, a pacer for Railways, claimed the prized wicket of Kohli, removing his off-stump. Nonetheless, Kohli’s connection with his fans and old friends remained evident throughout the match.
Enjoying the Moment with Friends and Fans
Basit Ali also commented on Kohli’s demeanor during the game, mentioning how the Indian cricketer appeared to enjoy himself while reconnecting with his old friends and the fans. “He was having fun with his old friends and engaging with the public. The fans were chanting ‘Kohli, Kohli’ for seven hours straight, eagerly waiting for him to respond,” Basit added. Kohli’s interaction with the crowd and his ability to bring so many people together highlight the power of his presence, both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket for the Ranji Trophy proved that his influence transcends borders. With an unmatched fan following, not just in India but also in Pakistan, Kohli continues to leave a lasting impact on the cricketing world. Despite his struggles with the bat, his connection with the fans remains as strong as ever. As Basit Ali aptly put it, Kohli’s influence is a true testament to the respect and admiration he commands from cricket fans across the globe.
