Sports Bulletin on January 30: Virat Kohli attracts 12000-plus fans to Kotla on Ranji return, Shardul Thakur takes hat-trick

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In today's sports bulletin (January 30), Virat Kohli's much-anticipated return to domestic cricket creates an electrifying atmosphere at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, while Shardul Thakur shines with a hat-trick in the Ranji Trophy.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja joins an elite club in Test cricket, and the UEFA Champions League knockout phase takes shape. Read on for more details.

Virat Kohli’s Domestic Comeback Draws 12,000 Fans; Pitch Invader Breaches Security

Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after 12 years saw an electrifying atmosphere at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with over 12,000 fans packing the stands for the Ranji Trophy clash between Delhi and Railways. Chants of "Kohli, Kohli" and "RCB, RCB" echoed even before the first ball was bowled.

The unprecedented crowd led the DDCA to open extra gates for entry. The excitement peaked when a fan breached security, rushed onto the field, and touched Kohli’s feet before being escorted away. However, fans may not get to watch him bat on Day 1 as Railways batted first and were bowled out for 241. At the time of writing this report, post-tea session was underway with Delhi openers on the crease. Kohli is expected to bat at No.5.

Pujara, Rahane Hit Fifties; Rahul Falls for 26 in Ranji Trophy

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane showed glimpses of their class in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Pujara remained unbeaten on 52 off 93 balls for Saurashtra against Assam, anchoring his side in a must-win clash. Meanwhile, Mumbai captain Rahane finally found form, scoring his first fifty of the season after 10 innings, helping his team build a solid lead.

KL Rahul, however, failed to capitalize on a promising start, falling for 26 to Anshul Kamboj. While Pujara and Rahane steadied their teams, Rahul’s early dismissal was a setback for Karnataka.

Shardul Thakur's Hat-Trick Wrecks Meghalaya as Mumbai Dominate in Ranji Trophy

Shardul Thakur produced a fiery spell for Mumbai, claiming a stunning hat-trick against Meghalaya in a crucial Ranji Trophy clash. The India seamer dismissed Anirudh B, Sumit Kumar, and Jaskirat in the third over before adding Nishant Chakraborty to his tally, leaving Meghalaya reeling at 2/6.

His final figures of 4-14, combined with Mohit Avasthi’s two wickets, helped bowl out Meghalaya for just 86 runs. Thakur became the fifth Mumbai bowler to register a Ranji hat-trick and the second overall this season after Rishi Dhawan. With Mumbai chasing a vital win to boost their knockout chances, Thakur’s brilliance has set the stage.

Rohit Sharma Trains at Mumbai Nets Ahead of England ODIs

India captain Rohit Sharma was spotted honing his skills at the BKC nets in preparation for the upcoming ODI series against England, starting February 6 in Nagpur. Rohit, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, has opted out of Mumbai’s ongoing Ranji Trophy fixture to focus on national duties.

He recently returned to domestic cricket against Jammu and Kashmir, following BCCI’s directive, but managed only 3 and 28 in that match. His training session signals a determined approach ahead of the high-profile England series.

No Grand Opening Ceremony for Champions Trophy 2025 Amid Logistical Challenges

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan and the UAE, will not feature a traditional opening ceremony with all teams, according to reports. The ICC and PCB have also scrapped the captains' press conference and official photoshoot, citing the late arrival of multiple teams.

Australia and England, engaged in tours elsewhere, will reach Pakistan just before the tournament begins on February 19. India, unwilling to travel to Pakistan, will play all its matches in Dubai. However, PCB is reportedly planning a brief event before Pakistan’s opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

Usman Khawaja Joins Don Bradman in Elite Club with Historic Double Century

Usman Khawaja became only the second Australian, after the legendary Don Bradman, to score a Test double-century after turning 38. The opener achieved this milestone on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, registering his maiden double hundred in Test cricket.

His 208* is now the highest individual Test score by an Australian in Sri Lanka, surpassing Justin Langer’s 166 in 2004. He is also the first Australian to hit a Test double-ton in Asia since Jason Gillespie’s famous 201* against Bangladesh in 2006. Australia dominated, reaching 482/3, with debutant Josh Inglis unbeaten on 47.

India U-19 Favourites Against England in Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-Final

India’s U-19 women’s team will look to extend their dominant run when they face England in the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup semi-final on Friday. The Niki Prasad-led side has been unstoppable, securing massive wins, including a 150-run demolition of Scotland in their last Super Six match.

Opener Gongadi Trisha has been the tournament's standout batter with 230 runs at 76.66, while Vaishnavi Sharma (12 wickets) and Aayushi Shukla (10 wickets) have been lethal with the ball. England, coming off an inconsistent Super Six phase, will need a special effort to halt India's momentum.

UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Set: Top Teams Secure Last-16 Spots

The UEFA Champions League league phase concluded, with eight teams securing direct qualification to the Round of 16, while others head to the knockout playoffs. Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa progressed automatically.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and PSG will battle it out in the playoffs after finishing outside the top eight. Bayern’s 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava wasn’t enough, while Dortmund also won but must go through the knockout phase. Leverkusen secured their last-16 spot with a 2-0 win over Sparta Praha.

Real Madrid finished 11th despite a 3-0 win over Brest and will face either Manchester City or Celtic in the playoffs.