Stampede-Like Rush At Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium As Fans Throng Ranji Trophy Venue Ahead Of Kohli's Match

A stampede-like situation unfolded at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match, of which Virat Kohli is part of.

A serious stampede-like situation at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) ahead of Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy comeback match.

Source : PTI (left) and X/ @RCBTweets (Right)

Virat Kohli made his highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years as he took to the field during the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 match. However, his craze led to a serious stampede-like situation at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) on January 30 (Thursday). According to Delhi Police, there was a rush at the time of entry. DDCA had anticipated a huge turnout for the Delhi vs Railways Ranji game, owing to the former Indian team captain's presence in the playing 11, but the overcrowded gates created havoc.

"There was a call from Arun Jaitley stadium regarding a stampede-like situation... There was a rush at the time of entry as only one gate was being used by the DDCA. Soon other gates were opened... No report of any injuries has come out and the situation is normal," a police statement said.

Several videos going viral on social media show a huge number of people gathered outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium causing a frenzy. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) official X handle uploaded a video showcasing large number of people trying to make their way the gates through to the stands in the venue.

Watch the video of huge crowd gathering for Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy comeback match here:

Aura ♾️! 👑🙇🏼‍♂️

Huge crowd outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium for the Delhi Railways Ranji Clash! 😱#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #ViratKohli
pic.twitter.com/gd99OLpzN9

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 30, 2025

What would have otherwise been an ordinary Ranji Trophy clash, Virat Kohli's participation made the Delhi vs Railways Ranji affair a spectacle. A video uploaded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on X showcased massive number of people cheering 'Kohli, Kohli' while the Indian superstar soaked in all the love from fans in the Arun Jaitely Stadium stands.

Watch the video below:

The fans have come out in huge numbers for the Delhi vs Railways match 👌👌

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is buzzing 🔥#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/IhwXam3F5T pic.twitter.com/ATCyjCAX1Y

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 30, 2025