Sports
Ranji Trophy: When Virat Kohli’s aura brought a party-like atmosphere at Arun Jaitley Stadium

New Delhi, Jan 30: The word ‘Aura’, with its Latin and Ancient Greek origins saying it as another word for wins, is described in the Oxford English Dictionary as a distinctive ambience or quality generated by a person or thing.
If one were to describe what aura meant to cricket fans in New Delhi on January 30, 2025, look no further than them thronging the Arun Jaitley Stadium in heaps to see the talismanic Virat Kohli in action on day one of the Ranji Trophy Group D game between Delhi and Railways.
Since the time Kohli’s confirmation for playing the match arrived, the atmosphere became an electric one, with narrow roads in and around the stadium buzzing with enthusiasm. It slowly brought in the realisation that the Delhi-Railways game was not just going to be another Ranji Trophy game, where empty stands have been permanent features.
Fans were to get free entry, and had to show Aadhaar card to get into the stadium. By Wednesday evening, the broadcast crew had fixed the cameras in stadium’s periphery, after the rights holders raced quickly to get the game on roster.
For two days of the practice sessions, every move of Kohli was captured and talked with awe by media, fans, age-group cricketers and DDCA officials. The anticipation was for 10,000 fans to arrive for day one’s play, but Thursday morning threw a completely different curveball.
From as early as 3am, fans – irrespective of age, gender, height and layers of winter clothing – lined up outside the stadium to get an entry into the venue. By 8am, it snowballed into a packed crowd outside gates 16 and 17, with chants of Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru ruling the roost in their quest to catch a live glimpse of their hero playing in Ranji Trophy after more than 12 years.
Some fans were also young women who had come all alone to catch Kohli’s glimpse and were overwhelmed by men jumping over barriers to join the long crowd outside the two gates, fearing a stampede could happen. There were more fans waiting to come in, but were away from entering the stadium due to the nearby road being closed due to VIP movement (as PM Narendra Modi went to Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi).
By 9:20am, the Gautam Gambhir Stand was fully packed and gate 18 was thrown open for fans to fill the lower tier of the Bishan Singh Bedi Stand, with the crowd numbers at upwards of 15,000. More security was called in to manage the crowd, and in a jiffy, 100 personnel had reached the venue, even as #ViratKohli dominated the trending charts on social media platforms.
With the anticipation of seeing Kohli’s batting, excited fans in store were in for an anti-climax move, as Delhi captain Ayush Badoni won the toss and elected to bowl first on a green pitch. With Kohli stationed at his usual second slip, before moving on to field at cover, short mid-wicket and mid-on, the chants of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ dominated the stadium’s mood in the batting stalwart’s homecoming.
When Navdeep Saini and Siddhant Sharma scythed through the Railways top order, the countdown was on over fans’ tongues over the wickets Delhi needed more to start their batting innings and see Kohli in action with his usual MRF willow.
Around the 12th over, a fan couldn’t control his excitement and jumped out of the Gautam Gambhir stand to touch Kohli’s feet. When he succeeded in briefly doing that, the crowd was in absolute raptures, even when he was taken away by the security people.
Kohli, standing at the second slip, gestured to the security people to not hit the fan and stretched out his right hand. After that, posters began to surface from the crowds, ranging from fans asking Kohli to not go after deliveries going in fifth and sixth stump lines to asking if he ate his favourite chole bhature at his go-to outlet in younger days.
In the Old Clubhouse stand, the talk amongst DDCA officials, and employee at various departments was about how they had never seen a huge crowd before for a Ranji Trophy game in their time of working at the stadium, with work swiftly going on arranging food for fans for all for days of the game.
Expressions of awe on the fans’ craze for Kohli were also visible on faces of national selector Ajay Ratra and Raj Kumar Sharma, Kohli’s childhood coach. The DDCA people also had some kind words on how Kohli was the humble stalwart, who showed no airs and carried his kit bag all the time, while adding the positivity and much-needed intensity into Delhi’s practice sessions.
The chants of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ grew louder and mobile cameras came out from a section of fans near the fence of the Bishan Singh Bedi Stand whenever he went in and came out of the dressing room housed at Virat Kohli Pavilion.
An old timer at the venue recalled the craze of fans for seeing Kohli live reminded him of the time spectators came in large numbers at the stadium for the Duleep Trophy final clash in March 1979, where Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar were in action for North and West Zones, respectively.
In that game, as the old timer said, Dev moved the ball both ways to pick 7-65 while Gavaskar batted like a champion to be 130 not out, as North Zone eventually prevailed over West Zone to win the competition. Now, 46 years later, Delhi was witness to fans thronging the stadium in large numbers, highlighting the pull Kohli has in Indian cricket.
By 2 pm, as Upendra Yadav led Railways fightback with a superb 95 and Karn Sharma aiding him with a gritty fifty, the enthusiasm in stand dipped a bit, as chances of seeing Kohli bat were rapidly diminishing.
When Delhi’s bouncer ploy got them a breakthrough in the form of Karn’s wicket, Kohli was the first person to appreciate young Yash Dhull for completing a superb relay catch, after previously egging on the crowd to cheer for the home team, who in turn shouted his name loudly.
As the day ended, the fans didn’t get to see Kohli bat but will be back in large numbers on day two to see him weave some magic with his willow. For now, they will be talking about how they were pulled into seeing a Ranji Trophy game, all thanks to the aura Kohli carries and brought a party-like atmosphere to the Arun Jaitley Stadium on a not-so-usual weekday.
Sports
WPL 2025: Bowlers hold the aces as UP Warriorz begin campaign against Gujarat Giants

Vadodara, Feb 15: The UP Warriorz have put in the hard yards in pre-season, and are all geared up to begin their campaign at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season against Gujarat Giants in Vadodara on Sunday.
The team welcomes a new captain Deepti Sharma while retaining the mission to fight hard and win every match. This season also brings a thrilling new chapter as UP Warriorz will play at their home stadium in Lucknow for the very first time during phase three of the tournament.
The team kicks off their campaign in Vadodara, facing the Gujarat Giants on February 16, and will play two games in the first phase. In Bengaluru and Lucknow, after that, the UP Warriorz are scheduled to play three matches each, respectively, to close out the league stage of their campaign.
Captained by Deepti Sharma, who hails from UP, and coached by England’s Jon Lewis, the UP Warriorz have a strong bowling set-up, especially the spin battery, which is possibly the most dangerous in the competition. Sophie Ecclestone, who is the WPL’s highest wicket-taker with 27 scalps in two seasons, has India’s best bowler in the format Deepti Sharma for company in the attack. Deepti, who has bagged 138 wickets for India, has amassed 19 dismissals across two seasons for the UP Warriorz. And backing them up are the likes of Australian Alana King, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu (three wickets in 4 games), Rajeshwari Gayakwad (13 wickets from 16 games) and Gouher Sultana.
If the spinners are a deadly combination in the UP Warriorz set-up, the pace attack too is quite prolific. While Anjali Sarvani’s (six wickets in 13 games) shown her abilities with the ball in the first two seasons, the emergence of Saima Thakor has been a shot in the arm for the UP Warriorz. While Saima has only picked three wickets in six games, her ability to control the situation and the way she has grown from strength to strength over the last year augurs well for the UP Warriorz. Along with Saima, who is likely to lead the attack, and Anjali, the Warriorz also have in the ranks, the exciting speedster Kranti Goud, who helped Madhya Pradesh win a domestic ODI title for the first time with her four-wicket haul in the final.
For the UP Warriorz, the batting line-up is also one of their strengths. Sri Lankan ace Chamari Athapaththu, along with the Australian duo of Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris are well known to score fast in the T20 format, and when in form can really put the long handle to good use.
Among the Indian batters, Deepti leads the way, and will look to continue with her attacking approach, which was one of the reasons she won the MVP in Season 2, when she scored three half-centuries and was striking at close to 150. The likes of Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat and Vrinda Dinesh, have all shown plenty of promise in the recently completed domestic season and will hope to carry that form into the WPL.
While the batting and bowling departments can do plenty of damage to the opposition team, and put the UP Warriorz in a favourable position in the game, there are two aspects which could hamper their progress.
For starters, the fielding is an aspect Jon Lewis and Co. will want to work on this season, as catches can truly win matches, and UP Warriorz did not fare well in the field in Season 2. The other aspect that the UP Warriorz will be hoping for a bit of luck in is with injuries, especially to crucial young players.
UP Warriorz squad: Deepti Sharma (c), Uma Chetry (wk), Chinelle Henry, Poonam Khamnar, Kiran Navgire, Dinesh Vrinda, Chamari Athapaththu, Grace Harris, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Shweta Sehrawat, Anjali Sarvani, Sophie Ecclestone, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Arushi Goel, Kranti Goud, Gouher Sultana.
Sports
Champions Trophy: Final squads of all eight participating teams

Dubai, Feb 14: The ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence in Pakistan on February 19. The marquee tournament, returning after an eight-year hiatus, will see the top eight men’s ODI teams battling for glory.
As the deadline for squad submissions ended on February 12, all participating nations have officially announced their 15-member squads, with several last-minute changes shaking up team compositions.
Led by Rohit Sharma, India enters the tournament boasting a formidable lineup, including eight players from their victorious T20 World Cup 2024 squad. However, the team suffered a major blow with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury. Young pacer Harshit Rana has been called in as his replacement. Additionally, Varun Chakaravarthy steps in for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Defending champions Pakistan, under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, will aim to retain their 2017 title. The squad features key players from their last Champions Trophy-winning team, including Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Faheem Ashraf. However, they will miss the services of opening batter Saim Ayub due to injury.
The ODI world champions Australia will head into the tournament significantly weakened, with multiple senior players missing. Captain Pat Cummins, along with premier pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, have withdrawn from the original squad. In their absence, Steve Smith has been handed the captaincy. The Aussies will also be without all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, with new faces Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha stepping up.
New Zealand’s squad, initially set, had to undergo a change as pacer Ben Sears was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jacob Duffy has been named as his replacement. Mitchell Santner, leading the Kiwis in his first ICC tournament as captain, will guide a squad with a mix of youth and experience. The absence of veteran pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee puts pressure on Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and young quick Nathan Smith to deliver.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, aims to surpass their semi-final finish from 2017. Senior players Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim provide stability, while exciting youngsters Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain add firepower.
Afghanistan has been forced to make a last-minute tweak, with young spinner Nangyal Kharoti stepping in for the injured Allah Ghazanfar. The squad retains seasoned stars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran add strength at the top order.
England’s lineup sees the return of Joe Root, while Tom Banton has replaced the injured Jacob Bethell. Under the leadership of Jos Buttler, their bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, backed by Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton.
South Africa faced a setback with Anrich Nortje ruled out due to injury, leading to Corbin Bosch’s inclusion. Kagiso Rabada leads the Proteas’ pace attack, while Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen form the batting core.
The eight teams are split into two groups, with the top two from each group progressing to the semifinals. Group A consists of hosts Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, promising thrilling subcontinental rivalries. Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
India begin their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 before taking on rivals Pakistan on February 23. India will play their final Group A match against New Zealand on March 2.
This tournament marks the first time Pakistan will host an ICC event since 1996. The 2025 edition features eight teams split into two groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
The top eight-team competition will see 15 matches to be played over 19 days in Pakistan and the UAE. India will play all their matches in Dubai, including the semi-final and the final (subject to qualification)
All final squads:
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami
Bangladesh squad: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.
Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Sports
KKR announce first-of-its-kind Trophy Tour ahead of IPL 2025

Kolkata, Feb 12: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced a first-of-its-kind Trophy Tour ahead of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, they won their third IPL title, adding to the ones they claimed in 2012 and 2014.
As part of their championship celebrations, the franchise will travel along with the coveted trophy across multiple cities in India to connect with the heart of their fanbase. This marks the first time in history that an IPL franchise is organising a Trophy Tour beyond their home city.
“The initiative aims to give the nationwide KKR fans a chance to interact with the trophy and witness their favourite team’s achievement in all its glory. Ahead of the new season, the extensive tour will see the prestigious IPL trophy journey across nine cities, starting from February 14 in Guwahati and finally making a return to the City of Joy in Kolkata by March 16,” the franchise said in a release.
The tour will cover multiple regions in their catchment area including Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Gangtok, Siliguri, Patna, Durgapur, and Kolkata.
Through this initiative, KKR aims to create memorable experiences for the fans who have constantly shown their support for the team throughout the years.
The engagement will give the fans a first-hand experience of the trophy while also allowing them an opportunity to create their own memories with the ultimate prize.
The fans can participate in exciting cricket-themed games including Cricket Rock Paper Scissors and Cricket Pong. Each visitor will have a chance to win fantastic prizes and take home special KKR giveaways, making their trophy-viewing experience even more memorable.
“We are very excited to bring the Trophy Tour to our fans in Eastern India. Due to some unavoidable reasons, we couldn’t do a victory march in Kolkata after the title win last season. For us, our fans are like family. They have showered KKR with immense love, in good times and bad.
“This tour is our attempt at bringing back to the fans the trophy our players had won through their constant love and support last season,” Binda Dey, Group CMO, Knight Riders Sports.
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