The city of Ranchi is gripped by cricket fever, with anticipation reaching a fever pitch for what could be the final appearance of modern legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium this Sunday. The venue has been a prolific hunting ground for both batsmen, and fans are desperate to witness what might be their last swansong there.
A City Buzzing with Cricket Mania
The excitement is palpable on the streets of Ranchi. Thousands of supporters have been forming long queues outside the stadium, hoping to secure a precious ticket and catch a glimpse of their heroes during practice sessions. Rohit Mehra, a fan waiting near the complex, echoed the sentiment of many, stating, "We booked our tickets on the first day itself and now it has become almost impossible to secure tickets."
The area around the stadium has transformed into a sea of blue. Fans adorned in team jerseys and waving cut-outs of Virat and Rohit have become a common sight. Merchandise stalls are doing a roaring business, with vendors reporting that jerseys bearing the names of the two superstars are in exceptionally high demand.
Why Ranchi is Special for the Duo
The emotional connection fans feel is deeply rooted in the incredible performances both players have delivered at this ground.
For the 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma, Ranchi holds cherished memories. In the two Test matches he has played here, he has amassed a formidable 269 runs. His highest and most remarkable score at this venue is an outstanding 212, complemented by a half-century.
Virat Kohli's record in Ranchi is equally, if not more, impressive. In five ODIs, the former captain has smashed 384 runs, which includes two centuries and one half-century. His highest score is a magnificent 139 not out. This match marks Kohli's return to the city for the first time since the October 2019 Test, having missed subsequent matches in 2022, 2021, 2023, and 2024 for various reasons, including the birth of his son. With 424 total international runs across formats, he is the highest run-scorer in the city.
Frenzy, Commerce, and Unforgettable Moments
The commercial buzz around the match is unmistakable. Shops within a one-kilometer radius have stocked up on fan gear, knowing the demand will be high. Bunty Singh, a restaurant owner near the stadium, predicted, "On the match day, the prices of these jerseys will double. The last-minute buyers are always willing to pay premium rates."
While some fans expressed relief at having secured their passes early, others were seen making desperate, last-ditch efforts to find at least one ticket. Sweta Shukla, a die-hard cricket fan, captured the mood, saying, "We are desperate to watch Virat and Rohit in action. After what they did in Australia in the last ODI, we are in for a treat."
The excitement spilled onto the roads when the Indian team bus was spotted leaving the practice nets, slowing traffic and triggering cheers from the eager crowd. To manage the expected footfall, authorities have shifted parking arrangements to a location one kilometer away from the venue, with food stalls set up near the designated lot.
As Ranchi holds its breath, Sunday promises to be more than just a game; it's a potential farewell to an era defined by two of cricket's greatest icons on a ground they have graced with brilliance.
