Virat Kohli is playing for Delhi in Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012.
Ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh has advised India great Virat Kohli to enjoy cricket as he returns to the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. Kohli was included in Delhi XI for their ongoing match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium that began on January 30, 2025.
The hometown hero returned to the Arun Jaitley Stadium to play his first Ranji Trophy match since 2012. Fans packed the stadium to see their favorite star in action. The audience erupted when a fan managed to sneak past security and onto the field to touch Virat's feet as he was stationed at the slips.
Harbhajan seems unconcerned about Virat's runs for Delhi. He just wants Virat to enjoy cricket and share his wisdom with India's upcoming prospects in the Delhi team.
"Virat Kohli is a role model. Youngsters will look up to him. If he scores runs or doesn't, it is a different matter. If I was Virat Kohli, it would be to enjoy. When we start playing cricket because we enjoy it. When you reach Virat's level, the pressure and expectations take the front seat while enjoyment takes the back seat. I want him to enjoy the game and tell youngsters how to be Virat Kohli," Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.
Virat's return to the domestic circuit comes at a time when he has struggled to find form. Last year, despite the high standards he has set for himself, the 36-year-old had a disappointing run across all formats.
Virat finished 2024 with only 655 international runs in 23 matches and 32 innings, averaging 21.83 and including one century and two fifties. His best score of the year was an unbroken century in Perth versus Australia.
When one examines his statistics, Virat's extended dry stretch in red-ball formats leaps out. Last year, in ten Tests, the seasoned star scored 417 runs at an average of 24.52, with one century and one fifty.
Harbhajan had a simple solution for Virat to cure his run-scoring woes and said that if the 36-year-old spends time on the crease, runs will naturally flow from his bat.
"When he goes out to bat, he should occupy the crease and spend three to four hours. Even if Virat scores zero, he will still be Virat Kohli. He will never be a lesser player. His achievements are very big. He should occupy the crease, and if he does that, he will score runs," he added.
(ANI inputs)