Virat Kohli, the cricket icon, has etched his name in the record books for his outstanding performances at the international level. However, many fans are unaware of a remarkable feat he achieved in domestic cricket while representing Delhi. Kohli’s highest score in domestic cricket for Delhi came in 2008 during a match against Pakistan’s Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP) in the now-defunct Nissar Trophy. Let’s take a closer look at this historic achievement and the context surrounding it.
Virat Kohli’s 197: A Career-Best Domestic Knock
In 2008, Kohli was in red-hot form, coming off an incredible U-19 World Cup victory and making his debut for the Indian senior team. The Nissar Trophy, a competition between the champions of the Ranji Trophy (India) and the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy (Pakistan), saw Kohli showcase his batting prowess in a memorable clash against SNGP.
While Kohli’s fans often associate his career-best scores with the Indian team, his 197 against SNGP remains his highest individual score for Delhi. After scoring a steady 52 in the first innings, he turned up in the second innings with a scintillating 197. His knock was crucial in ensuring the match ended in a draw, though SNGP claimed the title due to their first-innings lead.
What Happened in the Delhi vs SNGP Clash?
Delhi’s performance in the Nissar Trophy match against SNGP was a rollercoaster. After opting to bat first, Delhi were bowled out for a mere 134 runs. Imran Ali of SNGP was the star with the ball, picking up 6 wickets for just 52 runs. In response, SNGP posted a total of 266 runs, with Khurram Shehzad and Umar Akmal contributing solid knocks of 66 and 58, respectively.
When Delhi came out to bat in their second innings, Kohli, alongside opening batsman Aakash Chopra (who scored 182), mounted a formidable response. Delhi finished Day 3 at a strong position of 516/4, and unfortunately, no play was possible on Day 4 due to weather conditions, resulting in a draw. Kohli’s brilliant 197 not only helped Delhi recover but also ensured a memorable contest, even though the match ended in a stalemate.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP): A Star-Studded Opposition
The SNGP side during the 2008 Nissar Trophy was no less formidable. With the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammed Hafeez, Yasir Arafat, and Umar Akmal in their ranks, SNGP posed a tough challenge for Delhi. Their batting strength, combined with a fiery bowling attack, made it an exciting contest. Despite Delhi’s stellar individual performances, it was SNGP who clinched the title by virtue of their first-innings lead.
The Nissar Trophy: A Brief Overview
The Nissar Trophy was a short-lived but exciting competition that ran for three seasons. Named after Mohammad Nissar, a legendary pre-partition Indian cricketer, it pitted the top domestic teams from India and Pakistan against each other. The inaugural season in 2006 saw Mumbai emerge as champions, while Uttar Pradesh took the title in 2007. The 2008 season saw SNGP taking the trophy, with Virat Kohli’s 197 standing out as one of the most memorable individual performances.
Legacy of Virat Kohli’s Record for Delhi
Although Kohli’s career has predominantly been associated with international cricket, his achievement of scoring 197 for Delhi in 2008 holds a special place in his domestic cricket journey. It was a sign of the immense potential he possessed even at a young age and a precursor to the legendary career he would go on to have in international cricket.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s highest score for Delhi in domestic cricket remains his remarkable 197 against SNGP in the 2008 Nissar Trophy. Despite the match ending in a draw, Kohli’s innings was a testament to his exceptional talent. This knock, along with his contributions in Indian cricket, continues to inspire countless fans and budding cricketers worldwide. As Kohli continues to evolve and make history on the international stage, his achievements in domestic cricket will always be an important part of his legacy.
