India, Jan. 31 -- And just like that, it was all over. Virat Kohli's much-awaited return to Ranji Trophy lasted just 15 balls. The Indian cricket icon walked out to bat to a thunderous roar from the tens of thousands that had gathered at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, but their cheers soon turned into pin-drop silence when Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan sent Kohli's off-stump swinging for just 6. A wait of 12 years ended in barely 23 minutes.

Kohli had drilled the previous ball past Sangwan down the ground for a bludgeoning boundary. The decibel levels reached an all-time high. Coach Sarandeep Singh applauded the stroke, as did the rest of Kohli's teammates. This is what the public had come to see. and some more. The start was ...