Thousands of fans have filled a stadium in the Indian capital, Delhi, as Virat Kohli makes his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after more than 12 years. The 36-year-old star batter has turned out for Delhi on Thursday in the Ranji Trophy match against the Railways team at the well-attended Arun Jaitley stadium.

Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to domestic cricket was filled with excitement, but on Day 1, he didn’t get the chance to bat. As Delhi wrapped up Railways’ innings for 241, Kohli had to watch from the sidelines.

Such was Kohli's aura that a strong crowd of over 10,000 remained at the stadium despite Railways batting first.

The best way to reach the stadium is via metro. The nearest metro station to the Arun Jaitley Stadium is Delhi Gate (Violet line). Gate No 5 is not even literally 100 metres away from Gate No 16 and 17, which will be open for the spectators.

Cricket icon Virat Kohli is set to play his first domestic red-ball match since 2012 with the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad. The match against Railways will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DDCA has made extensive preparations for Kohli's homecoming,

Preparations were being made to telecast the game, more stands than usual were being readied for fans, and players on both sides were excited to be part of his first Ranji Trophy game since 2012

On his return to domestic cricket after 12 years, Virat Kohli requested for chilli paneer for lunch, a vegan twist on his old favourite, chilli chicken.

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy has left the Arun Jaitley Stadium massively crowded in a rare view from a domestic match in the country.