WATCH: Fans empty stadium as Virat Kohli departs early on Day 2 of Ranji Trophy match

The Delhi vs Railways in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match had a lot of hype around it as legendary batter Virat Kohli was making his return to the tournament after more than 12 years and there was a lot of anticipation to see the run machine make a return to his home ground at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on his return to domestic cricket. 

Kohli's return to the tournament was cut short on the second day, though, as the 36-year-old had his defence broken by 29-year-old Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan. Right before the dismissal, Kohli had smashed Sangwan for a boundary straight past the bowler, but the comeback turned out to be sweet as sugar for the pacer.

As soon as the wicket fell, the jam-packed crowd at the venue started to leave the stands and returned home following the fan favourite's dismissal.

After Kohli made the long walk back, Sanat Sangwan too, had to leave the crease, which is when Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni arrived at the crease to partner alongside Sumit Mathur and kept the innings afloat. The duo formed a much-needed partnership. At Lunch, while Mathur has set his feet well in the middle, Badoni didn't leave behind any run-scoring opportunities. The captain reached his fifty in just 36 balls, which included seven fours and a towering maximum.

The Delhi score is currently at 168/4 in 42 overs at Lunch and are trailing by 73 runs. The upcoming session will be an opportunity for Badoni to convert his start into a big score. The ace batter has been in great touch of late, but has missed out on converting the fifties into hundreds. He will aim to do things to his likings on Day 2, which will be key to Delhi's chances in the ongoing game.

For the unversed, Badoni also has been the most successful batter for Delhi in the ongoing tournament, scoring 452 runs in five games at an average of an impressive 90.40. His stellar run of form also includes a Player of the Match-winning double hundred against Jharkhand. Delhi, however, have struggled to get going in the Elite Group D with a single win, a couple of losses and three drawn games.