Virat Kohli is one of the most successful cricketers globally. The right-handed batter came into the spotlight after winning the ICC U-19 World Cup 2008 as Indian captain. He earned a place in the Indian white-ball teams soon but had to wait for his Test debut.
During his early days as a cricketer, Kohli played a lot of first-class cricket. Many fans would have heard how he came to play a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi after his father passed away.
But in this article today, we will talk about Virat Kohli’s debut Ranji Trophy match and where are his 10 teammates of Delhi now.
Openers – Aakash Chopra and Gautam Gambhir
Former Indian openers Aakash Chopra and Gautam Gambhir opened for Delhi in that game against Tamil Nadu played from November 23 to 26, 2006 in Delhi. Both players got out in single digits in that game. Both have retired and are commentators now. Gambhir is also a mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants IPL team and a politician.
Middle Order – Shikhar Dhawan, Mithun Manhas (c), Vijay Dahiya (wk) and Virat Kohli
Mithun Manhas captained Delhi in Kohli’s debut game. Manhas scored 16 runs, while Kohli aggregated 10. Yo Mahesh was the first bowler to dismiss Kohli in Ranji Trophy. Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Dahiya scored centuries in that match which helped Delhi take the first innings lead and draw the game.
Dhawan and Kohli play together for India in ODIs. Manhas and Dahiya have retired and focus on coaching these days.
All Rounders – Rajat Bhatia and Chetanya Nanda
Rajat Bhatia scored 169 runs off 335 balls in that match. Delhi scored 491/7 in reply to Tamil Nadu’s 347-run total. Chetanya Nanda remained not out on five and scalped two wickets with his leg-spin.
Both players have retired now. Neither Bhatia nor Nanda played international matches for India, but they represented IPL franchises in their careers.
Bowlers in Virat Kohli’s debut match – Ashish Nehra, Ishant Sharma and Rahul Sanghvi
Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra shared the fast-bowling responsibilities with current Indian pacer Ishant Sharma. Rahul Sanghvi bowled left-arm spin for Delhi. Ishant took a four-wicket haul in the first innings, while Nehra bagged one wicket.
Sanghvi and Nehra have retired now. Nehra works as a coach and cricket expert. Sharma still plays Test cricket for India.
