Virat Kohli set to play at Chinnaswamy for first time since deadly stampede after RCB’s IPL win

Indian legendary batter Virat Kohli is likely to return for the Indian domestic tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, as per instructions from the BCCI. Starring for Delhi, he is likely to return to action at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time since the Stampede incident.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title in the IPL last season, and then a tragedy struck at their home ground in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. A huge crowd made it to the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the victory celebrations, and the stampede then led to steps against the authorities, as well as the stadium being taken over by the BCCI.

Virat Kohli returns to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium

Decks have been cleared for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the appointment of the KSCA elected chief, Venkatesh Prasad. He has received permission to go ahead with the matches in the stadium from the Karnataka government as well, reported ESPNCricinfo.

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Since the BCCI will now have the ground to host matches from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the great Indian Virat Kohli is set to make a comeback at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The KSCA is all set to move the Delhi matches from Alur to Chinnaswamy due to security concerns owing to Kohli's participation in the games. Alongside Kohli, Rishabh Pant has also been named in the Delhi squad.

The veterans of the game, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, are both considered likely to be available for the first three games of the Vijay Hazare Trophy season; they will not be available for the entire tournament, as they will have to return for India in the ODI series against New Zealand.

KSCA is looking to make provisions to open some stands for fans

At the sidelines of the State's assembly session, the KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasunder have been reported to have held meetings with Bangalore Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and several other government authorities.

The conversations have reportedly been fruitful, as the KSCA are looking forward to making provisions for the entry of 2000-3000 fans into the Chinnaswamy, especially for the high-profile matches featuring Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.

During the meeting, the new committee under the former Indian pacer has assured the government that they will be making as many changes as feasible from the ones suggested in the report from Justice John D'Cunha.

KSCA and Venkatesh Prasad are keen on hosting IPL matches

The hosting of the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches has been suggested only to take the first step forward in hosting IPL games later. The Venkatesh Prasad-led committee doesn't want the Chinnaswamy to lose out on their home matches of the Virat Kohli-comprising RCB side.

"We're on track for the IPL to be back," an office-bearer privy to the developments told ESPNcricinfo. "To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly," said Deputy CM as well after the meeting on Friday.

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