Cricket

Virat Kohli's recent struggles in the first Test against Bangladesh have reignited the debate about his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes that Kohli's chances of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15,921 Test runs are slim.Hogg's assessment is based on Kohli's recent form, which has seen him score only 319 runs in 17 innings across formats this year. In contrast, Joe Root has scored 986 runs in 20 Test innings this year, including four centuries and as many fifties.Hogg believes that Root is the only batsman who has a realistic chance of breaking Tendulkar's record. The 33-year-old Englishman has scored 12,402 runs in 146 Tests, and is 3519 runs behind Tendulkar. Kohli, who will turn 36 in November, has 8871 runs in 114 Tests."I just don't think Virat is going to get there," said Hogg. "I think he's lost his momentum, and the momentum that he's lost has been for a number of years now. He's got to turn around in the next 10 Test matches, or he's going to drop off."Kohli's Test form has been on a downward trend since 2020. In 52 Test innings across 30 Tests between 2020 and 2024, he has scored only 1669 runs at an average of 32.72, including 2 hundreds and 8 half-centuries.Hogg believes that Kohli's struggles are due to a combination of factors, including age, injuries, and a change in technique. He also believes that Kohli is putting too much pressure on himself to perform."He's trying to do too much," said Hogg. "He's trying to be the best batsman in the world, and he's trying to do it all himself. He needs to relax and let the game come to him."Kohli has a crucial 10-Test run in the next four months, starting with the ongoing series against Bangladesh. If he can regain his form and score some big runs, he may still have a chance of surpassing Tendulkar's record. However, if he continues to struggle, it is unlikely that he will ever reach the same heights as the legendary Indian batsman.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's prodigious batting sensation, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer in the world after the first 10 Test matches. With an impressive tally of 1,094 runs, Jaiswal has joined an elite group that includes the legendary Don Bradman.Jaiswal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. His journey from the humble streets of Mumbai to the pinnacle of Test cricket is an inspiring tale of hard work and dedication. Known for his exceptional performances in age-group cricket, Jaiswal shot to prominence as the highest run-scorer in the 2020 U-19 World Cup.Upon making his Test debut for India in 2023, Jaiswal displayed the maturity and composure of a seasoned veteran. His debut century in the Caribbean against the West Indies was followed by a string of impressive knocks, establishing him as one of India's most dependable top-order batters.Jaiswal's inclusion in the list of the highest run-scorers after 10 Tests is a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He stands alongside some of the greatest names in the sport, including Don Bradman, Everton Weekes, George Headley, and Mark Taylor.Bradman's 1,446 runs after 10 Tests remain an untouchable record, a testament to his unparalleled greatness. However, Jaiswal's achievement of surpassing legendary West Indian greats Weekes and Headley, as well as Australian icon Taylor, speaks volumes about his potential.Before Jaiswal's meteoric rise, the record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in their first 10 Tests belonged to the great Sunil Gavaskar, who had amassed 978 runs. Jaiswal's 1,094 runs have surpassed Gavaskar's mark, further solidifying his status as one of India's most promising young cricketers.Jaiswal's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for Indian cricket. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Sir Donald Bradman, the legendary Australian cricketer, was born in Cootamundra, New South Wales, on August 27, 1908. However, his family relocated to Bowral, a town 265 miles away, where he spent his formative years. This earned him the nickname "The Boy from Bowral."Bradman's cricketing prowess was evident from an early age. He made his Test debut in 1928 and went on to play 52 Tests, scoring a staggering 6,996 runs at an astonishing average of 99.94. Of these Tests, 37 were against England, five against India, and the remaining 10 against South Africa and the West Indies.Bradman's batting was characterized by its elegance, precision, and an uncanny ability to score runs at a rapid pace. He holds the record for the most double centuries or more, with 12 to his name, including two triple centuries.Two Test wickets stand out in Bradman's illustrious career. Ivan Barrow of the West Indies and Wally Hammond of England were the only two batsmen to dismiss him in Test matches.Bradman's career average of 99.94 is considered the holy grail of cricket. It is said that if he had scored four runs in his final Test innings, his average would have been a perfect 100. However, he was dismissed for a duck by England spinner Eric Hollies, denying him this elusive milestone.Another notable incident in Bradman's career occurred when Indian bowler Lala Amarnath dismissed him "hit-wicket." Bradman was so impressed by Amarnath's bowling that he later remarked that his "batting reminded me of my own batting" and dubbed him "Little Bonzer."Bradman's legacy extends beyond his cricketing achievements. He was a true gentleman of the game, known for his humility and sportsmanship. He was also a successful businessman and philanthropist.Bradman passed away on February 25, 2001, at the age of 92. He remains an icon of Australian cricket and one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

The inaugural Test match, played in Melbourne on March 15, 1877, marked a pivotal moment in cricket history. Australian opener Charles Bannerman etched his name into the annals of the sport by scoring the first-ever run in the game's longest format. His innings of 165, before retiring hurt, laid the foundation for Australia's eventual 45-run victory over England.Since those early days, cricket has evolved and expanded, with the introduction of limited-overs formats such as ODIs and Twenty20Is. While results remain paramount, individual statistics have become a source of fascination for fans and statisticians alike.In the era of Test cricket, Sunil Gavaskar's "Mount 10,000" achievement in 1987 seemed insurmountable. However, the likes of Allan Border, Sachin Tendulkar, and Ricky Ponting have since surpassed his tally. Tendulkar's record of 15,921 runs and 51 centuries stands as a testament to his unparalleled dominance.Yet, the pursuit of greatness continues. Joe Root, the current England captain, has emerged as a potential challenger to Tendulkar's legacy. With 12,027 runs from 143 Tests, Root is within striking distance of the Indian legend's record. His ability to accumulate runs consistently, even under pressure, has set him apart from his contemporaries.The sporting 30s, once considered a twilight zone for athletes, has been redefined by modern fitness standards and medical advancements. Players like Graeme Smith and Virat Kohli have extended their careers well into their 30s, continuing to perform at the highest level.The dynamics of longevity in cricket are complex. While some players struggle to maintain their form after their initial burst, others, like Root, seem to thrive with age. The absence of captaincy responsibilities, as in Root's case, can also prolong a player's career.As the years go by, there will be new challengers to Tendulkar's throne. The likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Babar Azam are all capable of rewriting the record books. However, for now, the Indian maestro remains the undisputed king of Test cricket.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has hailed Joe Root as a potential successor to Sachin Tendulkar's record for the highest number of runs scored in men's Test cricket. Tendulkar's tally of 15,921 runs stands as one of the most formidable achievements in the sport, but Vaughan believes Root has the skills and determination to surpass it.Root's exceptional batting skills have been on full display in recent years. He has amassed 11,940 runs in Tests, including 32 centuries, and is on the verge of breaking several English records. Vaughan praised Root's consistency, ability to score under pressure, and strategic use of shots, such as the reverse scoop."Joe Root will become England's leading run-scorer in the next few months and is so special that he really could overtake Sachin Tendulkar eventually," Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "As the rock, Root is obviously key to that, and I love that he kept the reverse-scoop in the locker until he was past 100 and England's lead was massive."Root's recent century against the West Indies at Trent Bridge further reinforced Vaughan's belief. The England captain scored 122 runs, showcasing his ability to adapt to different conditions and bowling attacks.While surpassing Tendulkar's record would be a monumental achievement, Root's career trajectory suggests he has the potential to do so. He is only 31 years old and has already established himself as one of the best batsmen in the world. With continued excellence and longevity, Root could challenge Tendulkar's legacy as the greatest Test batsman of all time.

Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian cricketer, etched his name in the annals of cricket history with his remarkable batting feats. His record-breaking innings, both in Test matches and county cricket, continue to inspire awe and admiration among cricket enthusiasts.Lara's first record-breaking performance came in 1994 when he surpassed Gary Sobers' long-standing record of 365 runs in a single Test innings. At St. John's, Antigua, Lara amassed an astonishing 375 runs against England, becoming the first batter to breach the 370-run mark.However, his record was short-lived as Matthew Hayden of Australia smashed 385 runs against Zimbabwe in 2004. Undeterred, Lara reclaimed his record in 2004, scoring an unbeaten 400 against England at the same venue where he had broken Sobers' record a decade earlier.Lara's 400-run innings remains the highest individual score in Test cricket history, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. It has been 20 years since Lara's record-breaking feat, and no batter has come close to surpassing it. The closest anyone has come is Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 374 against South Africa in 2006.Despite the passage of time, Lara believes that the current generation of cricketers has the potential to break his record. He has identified Zak Crawley and Harry Brook of England, as well as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill of India, as players who possess the talent and aggression to achieve this milestone.Lara's motivation for breaking the record twice stemmed from his desire to dominate the opposition and reduce their options. He relished the challenge of facing down a depleted bowling attack and taking full advantage of the situation. This mindset, similar to that of West Indies' legendary bowlers, allowed him to achieve unprecedented heights in batting.

The upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, promises to be a spectacle of batting brilliance and record-breaking performances. The tournament's expanded format, with 20 teams competing, provides ample opportunities for batsmen to showcase their prowess.Most Fours in a T20 World CupSri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene currently holds the record for most fours in the T20 World Cup, with 111. However, India's Virat Kohli is poised to surpass this mark, needing just nine more boundaries. Rohit Sharma and David Warner are also in contention for the top spot, with 91 and 86 fours respectively.Most Runs in a Single EditionWith teams playing up to nine matches in this edition, the record for most runs scored in a single T20 World Cup is under threat. Virat Kohli currently holds the record with 319 runs in the 2014 edition. The expanded format provides batsmen with more opportunities to accumulate runs and challenge this milestone.Australia's Historic SweepUnder the leadership of Pat Cummins, Australia are the reigning Test and ODI champions. If they can capture the T20 World Cup as well, they will become the first team to hold ICC trophies across all formats simultaneously. Australia also holds the U-19 Men's World Cup and the Women's T20 and ODI World Cup titles.Most Catches by a FielderAB de Villiers' record of 23 catches in T20 World Cups could be eclipsed in this edition. Martin Guptill, David Warner, Rohit Sharma, and Glenn Maxwell are all within striking distance of the top spot.ConclusionThe T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling tournament, with the potential for numerous records to be broken. The expanded format, talented batsmen, and competitive teams will create an environment conducive to exceptional performances.