Throwback to the time 18-year-old Virat Kohli batted on the day his father passed during Ranji Trophy match vs Karnataka

According to reports, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli could play in the Ranji Trophy after 12 years. The 35-year-old has been named in the Delhi’s probable list for the coming 2024/25 along with Rishabh Pant. 

Just like any other youngster, Kohli made his mark in the game via Ranji Trophy. There is one story though that still gives goosebumps to any cricket fan. The story happened in 2006 when a 18-year-old Virat Kohli came out to bat on the day his father passed away. Prem Nath Kohli left for his heavenly abode on the 18th of December 2006. 

This was the 2nd day of the game between Delhi and Karnataka that was played in Delhi. During an interview, Kohli revealed how his father passed away in the early hours as the game was in progress. The youngster though decided to go out and bat as his team were in trouble. 

Virat Kohli puts team ahead despite personal grief

Long time friend and teammate Ishant Sharma was part of the game when Kohli scored 90 vs Karnataka. The pacer had picked 4/99 in the 1st innings, which included the scalps of Stuart Binny, Sunil Joshi, and Vinay Kumar. 

During his appearance on the Ranveer Allahbadia show, Ishant Sharma revealed, “I have never seen him cry, but I know that he was saddest when his father expired. We were playing a Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka. He was batting overnight, and he used always pick me for the match. We used to go from Patel Nagar to Ferozshah Kotla. He was very serious that day and there was a video analyst with him.”

The veteran pacer also went to recall how Virat Kohli quiet despite being asked why he was so serious. Ishant Sharma had said on the TRS Show, “I asked him why he was so serious, but he did not reply. I gave him a tapli on the head. Then the other person told me that his father has expired. I did not know how to react. We were 17. He still batted and scored 80 runs as well. If something like that had happened to me, I don't think I could even have gone to the ground.” 

Karnataka had batted first and scored 446 runs in their 1st innings with Robin Uthappa scoring 161 off 221 balls. Wicketkeeper Tilak Naidu was the next best batter with 122 off 123 balls with 21 fours and a six. 

In reply, Delhi were 59/5 at one stage having lost Aakash Chopra, Shikar Dhawan, Mayank Tehlan, Mithun Manhas, and Rajat Bhatia. It was Virat Kohli who scored 90 off 211 balls with 16 fours having batted for 281 minutes. Wicketkeeper Punit Bisht was the batter for the home team with 156 off 283 balls. The game ultimately ended in a draw but Virat Kohli’s resilience earned him massive respect and is till spoken about to this day with awe.