Virat Kohli is preparing with the Delhi team for the upcoming Ranji match against Railways.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is set to brace itself as Kohli makes an elusive return to domestic cricket as he looks set to play for Delhi for the first time since 2012.

The DDCA has left no stone unturned for preparations. The extra security will be provided by Delhi Police while the gates are being opened for crowd's entry as 10,000 spectators are expected.

Ranji Trophy was the breeding ground for Kohli where he grew in statures. In the budding days of the Indian stalwart, he mastered the art of batting at the same stadium, traversing through the challenges. But if we are to look back almost two decades, a day in the winter of 2006 sown the seeds of greatness in Kohli, when the then youngster transcended from a boy to man.

Virat Kohli and the Ranji Tale of 2006

It was December 2006, a chilly winter morning in Delhi. The Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Karnataka was underway. A young 18-year-old Virat Kohli was playing for Delhi, showing early signs of his immense talent. But this day wasn't like any other for Kohli; it was marked by one of the most devastating personal losses of his life.

The night before, Virat's father, Prem Kohli, who had always been his pillar of strength and a constant motivator, passed away due to a sudden cardiac arrest. The news was a crushing blow for the teenager. Prem Kohli was not only Virat's father but also his mentor, who had worked tirelessly to support his son's dream of becoming a cricketer.

Virat was understandably heartbroken. Yet, in the early hours of the morning, he made a decision that left everyone around him in awe. With tears in his eyes but determination in his heart, he chose to walk out to the field and bat for his team. For Virat, cricket wasn't just a sport; it was his lifeline, his father's dream, and his ultimate passion - which he oblized.

When he walked out to bat, Delhi was in a precarious position, with Karnataka's bowlers dominating. Virat knew his team needed him. Battling grief and exhaustion from the sleepless night, he put on a display of sheer grit and focus.

He scored a crucial 90 runs, stabilizing the innings and giving Delhi a fighting chance in the match. Every run he scored was a tribute to his father, every ball faced an act of defiance against the pain.

When he was finally dismissed, he walked back to the pavilion to a standing ovation from his teammates and the sparse crowd in attendance. The young boy had shown the world what it meant to have an unbreakable spirit.

That day wasn't just about cricket; it was about resilience, dedication, and love. It was the day Virat Kohli became more than just a promising young cricketer and took a step towards his modern greatness.