The return of Virat Kohli to his imperious best has done more than just bolster India's batting lineup; it has triggered a nationwide cricket mania powerful enough to sell out an entire international stadium within minutes. His back-to-back centuries in Ranchi and Raipur have transformed the third and final One Day International against South Africa in Visakhapatnam from a potentially low-interest affair into the most sought-after sporting event in the country this week.
From Digital Slump to Instant Sell-Out
Officials from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) have revealed that Kohli's extraordinary run-scoring spree single-handedly rescued what was looking like a disappointing turnout. When online ticket sales commenced on November 28, the response was notably sluggish. The lack of initial buzz was so pronounced that the ACA, despite committing to a fully digital system, considered the rare step of setting up offline ticket counters to boost sales.
However, the scenario flipped dramatically the moment Kohli unleashed a spectacular century in Ranchi on November 30. The ripple effect was instantaneous and overwhelming. Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the ticket sales vanished in a matter of minutes, leaving no inventory unsold.
"The first phase response wasn't good," confirmed Y. Venkatesh from the ACA's Media and Operations department. "After Kohli's hundred at Ranchi, the second and third phases vanished in minutes. Nothing was left unsold."
The Phenomenon Driving the Frenzy
Fans were not merely purchasing tickets to watch a potential Indian victory; they were investing in the chance to witness a cricketing phenomenon live. Kohli's formidable record at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam further fuelled the excitement. He boasts a staggering average of 97.83 in seven ODIs at the venue, a tally that includes three centuries and a score of 99. This historical dominance made the prospect of seeing him in action irresistible, rendering ticket prices ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 18,000 a secondary concern for thousands.
The frenzy transcended digital queues and spilled onto the streets of Vizag. Hours before the Indian team's arrival, hundreds of ardent fans gathered at the airport, enduring repeated flight delays from Raipur. Security personnel were persistently asked the same question in various languages: "When are they landing?" The urgency of the query was tied to one simple fact: Virat Kohli was on that flight.
A Nation's Praise and a Legend's Verdict
Following his masterful 53rd ODI century in Raipur, accolades poured in from across the cricketing world. The most resonant tribute, perhaps, came from former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who captured the sentiment of a nation in eight powerful words: "Without Kohli cricket is nothing… pure vintage!"
This episode underscores a fundamental truth in modern Indian sport: the magnetic pull of a superstar at the peak of his powers. Virat Kohli's return to form has not just provided runs on the board; it has re-energized a fanbase, filled stadiums, and reaffirmed his status as the biggest box-office attraction in Indian cricket.
