Kohli returns home to tackle confident DC as battle for playoff spots gains momentum

The last time Virat Kohli walked out at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in January, it turned out to be one of the most talked about Ranji Trophy matches in recent memory as he fell cheaply playing for Delhi.

- Samreen Razzaqui

NEW DELHI:

On Sunday, when the RCB talisman turns up against Delhi Capitals (DC), the crowd's loyalty is expected to be firmly with him.

However, challenging Kohli's star power will be KL Rahul, who has been in imperious form himself — he has scored 323 runs in seven matches at an average of 64.40. He had produced a terrific 93* to beat RCB at his own M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the reverse fixture.

Though Kohli didn't attend practice on Saturday, fans would hope he delivers a statement at home like Rahul did earlier.

Speaking ahead of the clash, RCB's player identification manager and spin coach Malolan Rangarajan said of Rahul's celebration in Bengaluru: "He's entitled to that. He played a good knock. Good on him. We've had no discussions at all."