India, Jan. 31 -- Virat Kohli's highly-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy saw immense fanfare as nearly 15,000 supporters packed the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, eager to witness their cricketing hero in action. The former India captain, playing for Delhi against Railways in the Elite Group D clash, marked his first domestic red-ball appearance in over 12 years, drawing a turnout rarely seen in the competition's history.

The craze surrounding Kohli's presence was palpable even before the first ball was bowled. Fans began assembling as early as 3 AM, forming a queue that stretched over two kilometers outside the stadium.

Sections of the crowd chanted "RCB RCB", showing their allegiance to Kohli's long-standing associati...