‘Thinking what if they stamped on his foot….’- Coach revisits Virat Kohli’s influence on Delhi players during Ranji Trophy comeback

Former BCCI selector Sarandeep Singh shared a memory from a Ranji Trophy training session earlier this year when Virat Kohli rejoined the Delhi squad. After a tough outing with the bat during the Australia tour, Kohli chose to feature in domestic cricket, following the BCCI’s directive.

It was a rare return for Kohli, who had not played in the Ranji Trophy for 12 years. Virat returned in a game against Railways but failed to convert his innings into runs. Still, his presence brought a lot of attention and excitement around the domestic fixture.

Young cricketers in the Delhi camp were particularly inspired as they got the chance to train and share the field with the former India captain. His professionalism, intensity, and approach during practice sessions added a different atmosphere to the team environment ahead of the crucial Ranji clash.

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Sarandeep Singh Revisits a Memory from a Ranji Trophy Training Session:

Delhi head coach Sarandeep recalled a light moment from a football drill during training, where players kept passing the ball to Virat Kohli but avoided getting too close. The teammates were cautious, ensuring they didn’t risk causing any injury to the star batter. This incident reflected the respect and care the squad showed towards Kohli during his return to domestic cricket.

He recalled, “ They were playing football during training and everyone was passing the ball only to Virat. I went and stopped the game in between. I told Yash Dhull is screaming since a long time give the ball to him also.”

He further said, “ They said no no Virat is standing there. No one was even going near him, thinking what if they stamped on his foot by mistake or something. He then spoke to everyone, sat with the players, and comforted them.”

Sarandeep Singh on Virat Kohli’s Retirement From Test:

Sarandeep, who closely observed Kohli during his Ranji comeback, reflected on the batter’s unexpected retirement from red-ball cricket before the England series. He felt Kohli still had the potential to continue for another three years but acknowledged the challenges behind such a massive call. According to him, Virat likely went through a tough emotional phase while arriving at that decision.

He said, “ I thought from the outside that he could play three more years. But it also matters what you are thinking as an individual. But he may feel that things are different now. I am also married, have a family, kids, and responsibilities are more.”

He added, “ Your mind starts functioning differently. You are not just a cricketer but also a family man. So you start thinking differently then. He is a guy who does not play for records. If he did, he would not have become Virat Kohli.”