Basit Ali, Former Pakistan cricketer, marveled at the enormous support Virat Kohli was getting during his Ranji Trophy game between Delhi and Railways. One of the most well-known cricket icons in the world, Kohli brought attention to the prestigious domestic competition by playing for Delhi to mark his return following a trying year at the bat, including a challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Ranji Trophy was once more in the spotlight, and the public response to Kohli’s presence was nothing less than amazing, with Kohli’s involvement.
Basit Ali Reacts to Kohli’s Popularity in Delhi
Taken aback by the huge crowd, Basit Ali observed the once-in-a-generation fan turnout in Delhi. Basit Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, said he was surprised and questioned Kohli’s absence in IPL from team Delhi since he has always been linked with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
He asked, “Yeh banda Delhi se kyu nahi khelta IPL mein, RCB se kyu khelta hai? (Why Kohli doesn’t play for Delhi in the IPL, why does he play for RCB)?”
Pakistani Fans of Kohli
Basit Ali even noted that even Pakistan was enthused about the Indian cricket superstar, therefore adding to Kohli’s vast fan base. “I have seen very few players in my life, maybe just 2-3, who had such fan-following. Aaj to Pakistan mein bhi trend bana hua tha. Sab likh rahe, ‘Dekho izzat isko bolte hain’ (Even people in Pakistan were writing, ‘see, this is called respect),”, he said.
Fans’ esteem never weakened despite Kohli’s small 6 runs in the game. Himanshu Sangwan removed the off-stump of the previous India captain and bowled him down. His dismissal came from a fast ball.
Kohli’s relationship with friends and fans
During the game, Basit also talked about Kohli’s ties to his old buddies and society. “He was enjoying himself with his old friends and the public. The fans were just waiting for him to respond and chanting ‘Kohli, Kohli’ for his seven hours straight,” he further added.
Three spectators broke security on the last day of the Ranji match to see Kohli, therefore emphasizing his popularity around there. The fans’ ability to rush onto the ground, despite tight security measures, shows Kohli’s great appeal. With Kohli asking the security to relax on the intruder, a fan even touched his feet on the first day.
