New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) The atmosphere around the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi has taken on a unique vibe since Virat Kohli confirmed his participation for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Railways, commencing on Thursday.

The iconic Kohli last graced the Ranji Trophy against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad back in November 2012. His much-anticipated return to this esteemed red-ball domestic tournament has generated a palpable sense of excitement and expectation.

“Our aim is to conclude this next match on a high note. We aren’t fixated on the points table since anything can transpire. We’re pursuing a decisive outcome. The arrival of Virat has left everyone feeling highly motivated and thrilled,” stated Delhi captain Ayush Badoni to reporters on the eve of the match.

Badoni also shared that Kohli will bat in his customary number four position, likely pushing him to fifth in the batting order. He mentioned that the final playing eleven for Delhi is still under discussion, indicating that the green wicket might lead to the inclusion of more pace bowlers.

All-rounder Badoni expressed gratitude for having both Rishabh Pant and now Kohli in the Delhi Ranji squad. “It feels incredible to have two major players in the team. Their presence alone is motivating. I’ve faced the pressure of playing against him (Kohli), so it will be exciting to share the field with him,” he remarked.

Training sessions in Delhi have become notably more intense and lengthy in the lead-up to Thursday’s game, a shift Badoni attributes to Kohli's influence on the team’s spirit.

“His positivity is infectious. He’s just as lively off the field as he is on it. The energy during practice has heightened as we aim to finish strong. With Virat's presence, the atmosphere has transformed into one of enjoyment,” Badoni said.

Delhi enters Thursday’s match following a significant ten-wicket defeat to Saurashtra in Rajkot, currently sitting in sixth place on the points table. Badoni, who has accumulated 400 runs and taken 12 wickets with his off-spin, emphasized that the team’s mindset remains unchanged as they seek an outright victory against Railways, putting the Rajkot defeat behind them.

“Our approach remains consistent. We’re following the same methods as before, and I’ve completely moved on from the Rajkot loss. If everything goes smoothly, we can secure a win and qualify for the knockouts. However, I’m not looking too far ahead. When bowling, I focus on claiming maximum wickets, and when batting, I aim to score as much as I can,” he concluded.