Photo via Sportstar

Luhnu, where Kohli once played, prepares for Ranji Trophy return after a decade

The Luhnu Cricket Ground in Himachal Pradesh will host its first Ranji Trophy match in over a decade, as Mumbai faces Himachal Pradesh in a picturesque setting against the backdrop of the Bandla hills and Gobind Sagar Lake. Originally scheduled in Dharamshala, the fixture was relocated to Bilaspur due to persistent rain and ground readiness concerns, forcing both teams to adapt to limited accommodations in a smaller town.

Mumbai’s squad includes international players Sarfaraz Khan, Suryansh Shedge, and Tushar Deshpande, though their presence hasn’t drawn the same crowds as Mumbai’s more globally recognized stars. Locals noted that a match featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal would likely have packed the stands for all four days, underscoring the ground’s potential when backed by star power.

Luhnu’s history includes a thrilling upset in 2014, when Parvez Rasool led Jammu and Kashmir to a two-wicket victory over Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Rasool’s 74 proving pivotal. The ground also holds memories for Virat Kohli, who played here for Delhi’s under-15 side in 2002, adding a layer of nostalgia to the return of first-class cricket after a decade-long absence.

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