Cricket

Virat Kohli Congratulates Chris Gayle on Record-Breaking Sixes in IPL 2024Former West Indies opener Chris Gayle, known for his monstrous sixes during his playing days, received a warm welcome from his former teammate Virat Kohli after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs.Upon Gayle's arrival in the RCB dressing room, Kohli immediately informed him that he had become the player with the most sixes in the ongoing IPL season. "Maximum sixes this season, yeah!," Kohli exclaimed in a video shared by RCB on social media.Gayle, who played for RCB from 2011 to 2017, was visibly surprised and asked, "How much?" Kohli proudly replied, "37!"Kohli's four sixes in his 29-ball 47 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took his tally of sixes in the season to 37. He now has 708 runs to his credit in 14 innings and holds the Orange Cap as the edition's top run-getter.RCB's victory over CSK in a do-or-die match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru secured their place in the IPL playoffs. They will now face third-placed Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.Kohli's playful banter with Gayle continued as he teased him about becoming RCB's 'Impact Player' in the next IPL season. "Kaka, come back next year. Impact Player rule is on now. You don't have to field anymore. It's designed for you," Kohli joked, referring to Gayle's reluctance to run on the field during his playing career.Kohli autographed his RCB jersey and gifted it to Gayle with the message: "To Chris (kaka). With love and best wishes."

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Chris Gayle made a triumphant return to the franchise's dressing room at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, witnessing his old team secure a thrilling victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs.Gayle, who once formed a formidable opening partnership with Virat Kohli for RCB, was overjoyed to see his former side's heroic performance. Upon entering the dressing room, he recreated his iconic celebration with Kohli, embracing the RCB stalwart with a warm hug.Gayle's presence at the stadium was a testament to his enduring love for RCB. He witnessed the team make history by becoming the first to qualify for the playoffs despite having just one win in their first seven games of the season.During the game, Gayle expressed his admiration for the franchise and joked about being available as an impact substitute if needed. "As you can see, the jersey still fits, so if they need an extra man, I can be the impact player," he said.Gayle's return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium evoked fond memories of his record-breaking exploits. In 2013, he smashed an unbeaten 175 off just 66 deliveries against Pune Warriors, a knock that remains the highest score in T20 cricket."It is always good to be back where you have fun memories," Gayle said. "The atmosphere is brilliant, and the fans played a big part during my career with RCB."In the match against CSK, RCB posted a formidable 218/5 on the board. Their bowlers then restricted CSK to 201, securing a 27-run victory and improving their net run rate. This triumph sealed their spot in the final four of the IPL playoffs.Gayle's presence and the team's victory created an unforgettable atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Universe Boss and the passion of RCB fans.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) talismanic opener Virat Kohli etched his name alongside RCB legend Chris Gayle on Saturday by equaling the record for most 700-plus runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Kohli's blistering 29-ball 47 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium marked the second time he has surpassed the 700-run mark in an IPL season, having amassed 973 runs in 2016.Gayle previously held the record for most 700-plus run seasons with two, scoring 733 runs in 2012 and 708 in 2013. Kohli's latest feat also marks the 10th instance of a batter aggregating 700-plus runs in a single IPL season.Kohli's 47-run knock was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He struck three boundaries and four towering sixes, bringing his tally of sixes in IPL 2024 to 37. This places him second only to his own record of 38 maximums in the 2016 edition.Kohli's innings came to an end in the 10th over when Mitchell Santner dismissed him, with Daryl Mitchell taking a sharp catch at long-on. Despite his departure, Kohli's contribution played a crucial role in RCB's victory, which kept their playoff hopes alive.Kohli's consistency and longevity in the IPL are remarkable. He has now scored over 6,000 runs in the tournament, making him one of the most prolific batters in its history. His ability to adapt to different conditions and situations makes him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.As RCB gears up for the playoffs, Kohli's experience and leadership will be invaluable. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and anchor the innings will be crucial to the team's success. With Kohli in their ranks, RCB will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament and challenging for the title.

Faf Du Plessis's Powerplay Masterclass Propels RCB to VictoryIn a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Faf Du Plessis unleashed a blistering performance against the Gujarat Titans, leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crucial victory.After the RCB bowlers restricted the Titans to a modest total of 147, Du Plessis took center stage, launching a devastating assault on the opposition bowlers. The South African opener smashed a remarkable 64 runs off just 23 deliveries, setting a new record for the most runs scored by an RCB batter in the Powerplay.Du Plessis's innings was a whirlwind of boundaries, with the right-hander dispatching the ball to all corners of the ground. He reached his half-century in a mere 18 balls, surpassing the previous record held by Chris Gayle.Gayle had achieved the feat of scoring 50 runs in the Powerplay on three separate occasions while playing for RCB. However, Du Plessis's blistering knock eclipsed Gayle's mark, showcasing his exceptional power-hitting abilities.Du Plessis's onslaught laid the foundation for RCB's victory. He forged a formidable opening partnership with Virat Kohli, who contributed a valuable 42 runs off 27 deliveries. The duo put on a 92-run stand before Du Plessis was dismissed by Joshua Little.Despite the loss of Du Plessis, RCB maintained their momentum and chased down the target with four wickets to spare. The victory propelled them to seventh position in the points table, keeping their playoff hopes alive.Du Plessis's performance was a testament to his class and experience. The 38-year-old has been a consistent performer throughout his career, and his latest innings proved that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

IPL Legends Dance Off: Kohli, Gayle, Pollard, Muralitharan Groove TogetherThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about intense cricket matches but also about camaraderie and entertainment. A delightful video has resurfaced, capturing the vibrant spirit of the IPL, showcasing cricketing stalwarts Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Muttiah Muralitharan sharing a light-hearted moment as they dance together.The clip, undoubtedly a treat for fans, epitomizes the camaraderie and jovial atmosphere that often permeates the IPL. In the video, while the likes of Kohli, Gayle, Pollard, and Muralitharan can be seen taking part in flamboyant dancing, former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers appears to be enjoying the dance performances while sipping a glass of drink.Kohli, Gayle, and Pollard, who are known for their on-field prowess and competitive spirit, demonstrate a different side as they let loose and groove together. Such moments not only highlight the off-field camaraderie among players but also add to the entertainment quotient of the IPL, which has become much more than just a cricketing tournament.The video has garnered immense attention on social media, with fans expressing their delight at seeing their favorite cricketers in a different light. It serves as a reminder that even the most intense competitors can share a laugh and enjoy each other's company off the field.The IPL has become a global phenomenon, attracting fans from all over the world. It is not just about the cricket but also about the entertainment and camaraderie that surrounds it. Moments like these, where players from different teams come together to share a light-hearted moment, add to the charm of the IPL and make it a truly special event.