In a significant development, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has sealed the historic Roshanara Club, once home to cricket legend Virat Kohli. The club, which played a pivotal role in Indian cricket history, saw its lease expire, leading to this action by the DDA.
The Roshanara Club, a hallowed ground in the world of cricket, holds a unique place in India’s sporting heritage. It was on this very turf that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was established in 1928, nearly a century ago, underlining its historical significance.
Renowned cricket coach Rajkumar Sharma, who mentored and coached Virat Kohli during his formative years, fondly recalled how this ground witnessed Kohli’s rise to prominence in the Ranji Trophy. Sharma reminisced about the time when Kohli, as captain of the Delhi team, scored an unbeaten 67 against Maharashtra, leading Delhi to a decisive victory while chasing a challenging target of 113 on a pitch that offered substantial swing and seam movement.
Speaking about that memorable innings, Sharma remarked, “It was at this very ground where I witnessed Virat playing one of his finest innings in the longer format. It was against Maharashtra, and we needed a 10-wicket win for bonus points. Virat, leading from the front, opened the innings with Mithun Manhas, and together, they chased down the total without losing a wicket.”
Former Indian spin bowler Nikhil Chopra also shared his sentiments about the Roshanara Club, highlighting it as a pitch where both pacers and spinners had an equal chance to shine. Recalling his own experiences, Chopra said, “I have countless cherished memories, starting from my Under-15 days. This ground always provided a fair contest, thanks to its bounce. Before my debut Ranji Trophy season, I had a trial here, scoring 55 runs and taking three crucial wickets.”
Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of Team India, lauded the Roshanara Club as one of the nation’s finest cricketing venues. Over the years, the club has hosted numerous age-group and first-class matches, cementing its reputation as a hub for nurturing cricketing talent.
The sealing of the Roshanara Club marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, as this iconic venue, closely associated with the sport’s history and legends, succumbs to the changing times and administrative decisions. Cricket enthusiasts and players alike will undoubtedly cherish the memories made on this historic ground, which played an indispensable role in shaping the cricketing landscape of the nation.
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Source: Sports Tiger
