'Pressure and expectations take front seat' - Harbhajan advises Kohli to "enjoy cricket" on Ranji Trophy return

Currently, former Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, is playing for Delhi in their seventh-round Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. January 30 marked a return for the ace batter to the framework of India's premier domestic competition after a period of more than 12 years.

Former Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, wanted Kohli to ease the burden of expectations off his back and "enjoy the game" in the next few days to the fullest.

"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. 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," shared Harbhajan in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

Also Check: Watch: Virat Kohli's hugs RCB teammate Navdeep Saini as Delhi topple Railways in Ranji Trophy

Even if Virat scores zero, he will still be Virat Kohli: Harbhajan

Harbhajan opined Kohli to focus on spending as much as time in the middle, when presented with the opportunity with the bat. 

"Occupy the crease. 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.

As far as the match is concerned, Delhi won the toss and opted to field first. Railways' wicketkeeper-batter, Upendra Yadav, top-scored with a sublime 95-run knock. Karn Sharma chipped in with a vital 50 too. Navdeep Saini and Sumit Mathur picked up three wickets, respectively. At Stumps, the hosts ended on 41/1, and Kohli is expected to bat tomorrow at No. 4 if a wicket falls, giving rise to hopes for fans.