Virat Kohli continued his impressive return to domestic cricket, crafting a fluent half-century before an unexpected dismissal gave Gujarat a glimmer of hope in their Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter. However, Delhi held their nerve to secure the victory in a match played at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Friday.
Kohli's Dominant Innings Cut Short
Walking out to bat with clear intent, the former India captain was in commanding form from the outset. At 37, Kohli displayed no signs of holding back, attacking the Gujarat bowlers and finding boundaries with ease. His innings of 77 runs came off just 61 deliveries, putting Delhi in a strong position as he seemed destined for a second consecutive century in the tournament.
However, against the run of play, left-arm orthodox spinner Vishal Jayswal provided the crucial breakthrough. The bowler cleverly drew Kohli out of his crease, with the ball spinning away to beat the outside edge. Gujarat's wicketkeeper was swift to complete the stumping, ending a potentially match-winning knock.
A Cherished Moment for the Young Spinner
The post-match scene highlighted the sportsmanship and respect within the game. Virat Kohli spent time with the young spinner who claimed his prized wicket, signing the match ball and posing for a photograph. An emotional Vishal Jayswal later shared the image on Instagram, describing the experience as "surreal" for someone who grew up watching Kohli on television.
Jayswal also posted a video of the dismissal, capturing his genuine reaction to the milestone. In his messages, he expressed that this was a moment he would cherish forever and thanked cricket for the incredible journey.
Delhi Secures Victory Despite Scare
Kohli's dismissal briefly swung momentum in Gujarat's favour, putting Delhi under significant pressure. The bowlers threatened to snatch the game away, but a late collapse from Gujarat's batting lineup turned the tide back. Delhi managed to escape with the win, navigating the pressure applied in the latter stages of the match.
This was Kohli's second appearance in the tournament for Delhi, following his 131-run century against Andhra Pradesh. After the match, he was seen departing from Bengaluru airport and is not expected to participate in Delhi's upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures, marking a brief but impactful domestic stint.
