Watch: Virat Kohli's enthusiastic hug with RCB teammate Navdeep Saini as Delhi dominate Railways in Ranji Trophy clash

Virat Kohli was seen hugging Navdeep Saini in joy after the pacer rattled Vivek Singh’s stumps during the ongoing Group D Ranji Trophy clash between Delhi and Railways. Kohli, known for his exceptional energy on the field, immediately charged towards Saini, celebrating the dismissal with an enthusiastic hug.

Kohli's return to red-ball domestic cricket after 13 years has been one of the most anticipated events of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. The former India skipper, struggling with his Test form, opted to play for Delhi in the final round of the tournament in a bid to regain his form.

Meanwhile, the moment of celebration took place in the seventh over of Railways’ innings when Saini delivered a good-length delivery that moved sharply into the left-hander. Singh misjudged the line completely, with the ball eventually crashing into the off-stump, as he walked back with a 14-ball duck. 

Meanwhile, Delhi’s bowlers have so far dominated the game as the Railways are struggling at 84/5 by the 26th over. Alongside Saini, Siddhant Sharma and Money Grewal also contributed with crucial wickets. 

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Saini, who has played alongside Kohli for three years at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2019-2021) in the IPL and played under his leadership for the national side, shares a close bond with the batting great. 

Speaking about Kohli’s influence in the Delhi dressing room, Saini expressed his admiration for the 36-year-old. He mentioned how Kohli’s intensity has been helpful for the rest of the squad.

"A lot has changed. Because he is such a legend. So sharing the dressing room with him is a very proud moment for all the boys. So seeing him, everyone is like, how high is this intensity? Accordingly, our intensity is also high. This is a plus point for us." he said as quoted by India Today.