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The Indian batting superstar, Virat Kohli’s former club Roshanara has been sealed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), after the expiry of its lease. Heralded as one of the most iconic places for the sport of cricket in the country, the Roshanara Club is where the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formed in 1928, nearly a hundred years ago.
According to the childhood mentor and first coach of Virat Kohli, named Rajkumar Sharma, this is the ground where the former Indian cricket team captain made a name for himself in the Ranji Trophy. He had scored an unbeaten 67 against Maharashtra, to help Delhi achieve victory while chasing a target of 113 on a pitch which was swinging and seaming on day 4 at the Roshanara Club.
While talking to the Indian Express about the special innings, he said, “It was at this ground where I saw Virat playing one of his finest knocks in the longer format. It was against Maharashtra, and we were set for an outright win, but for bonus (points) we needed a 10-wicket win. Virat, who was captain of the Delhi team, walked out to open with Mithun Manhas, and we chased down the total without losing any wicket.”
In the same report, the former Indian spin bowler Nikhil Chopra spoke about how the Roshanara Club was a sporting pitch where everyone had a chance to succeed. He was quoted as saying, “I have so many fond memories, right from the Under-15 days. It has always been a good sporting pitch and because of the bounce both pacers and spinners used to be in the fray. Before my debut Ranji Trophy season I gave a trial here where I scored 55 runs and took three wickets.”
Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of Team India has also called the Roshanara Club as one of the finest in the country. Notably, the club has hosted many age-group and first-class matches throughout its history.
