Cricket

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket superstar, has hailed AB de Villiers as the "absolute number one" after the South African legend was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. De Villiers, along with Sir Alastair Cook and Neetu David, was inducted into the Class of 2024.Kohli and De Villiers have been close friends on and off the field for years, and the former penned an open letter to congratulate "Mr. 360" on his induction. "You are thoroughly deserving of your place – after all, the Hall of Fame is a representation of your impact on the game, and yours has been truly unique," Kohli wrote.Kohli praised De Villiers' exceptional talent and unwavering belief in his abilities. "You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one," he stated. "But what truly stood out to me was your belief in that ability. You had a crazy amount of belief that you could execute whatever you wanted to on a cricket field, and you normally did."Kohli recalled an unforgettable incident during an RCB match in Kolkata in 2016, where De Villiers' extraordinary six off Sunil Narine left him in awe. "You played and missed a couple and told me during a timeout that you weren’t picking him too well. I felt I was, so I remember telling you to give me the strike and I would try and hit boundaries off him," Kohli wrote. "In the first over Narine bowled after the timeout, I was ready at the non-striker’s end thinking you were definitely giving me a single. So, imagine my surprise when you back away to the leg side, Sunil follows you and you slog sweep him over square leg for a 94-metre six!"Kohli also highlighted De Villiers' unwavering commitment to his team. "Your drive to want to be the guy to win the game for your team was tremendous and something I learned a lot from," he said. "I remember taking from you that it doesn’t matter what you have done in the last four games, it is about how you approach the game today. It is about always being positive, always taking the game on and finding a way to get the job done."Kohli concluded his letter by expressing his admiration for De Villiers' impact on the game. "A lot of players can have impressive numbers but very few have an impact on the psyche of those watching. For me, that is the highest value you can have as a cricketer and that is what makes you so special," he wrote. "You are in the Hall of Fame for the impact you have left on the game and I don’t think there is anything more special for a cricketer than to have that honour."

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian cricket star, has faced scrutiny over perceived changes in his demeanor. However, his long-time teammate, fast bowler Ishant Sharma, has vehemently refuted such claims, asserting that their bond remains unyielding.Sharma, who has shared a close friendship with Kohli since their youth, believes that the responsibilities of captaincy may have subtly altered Kohli's approach. However, he emphasizes that fame and time have not fundamentally transformed the star batter."I don't know who said that he [Kohli] has changed," Sharma said in an interview with MyKhel. "But with me, the kind of relationship we share, he never changed for me. We've been playing together since U-17, so, you know, we are 36 now, I think he'll be 36 soon. So, we've been playing together for, I don't know, for even, you know, more than 10 years, 15 years. So, he hasn't changed for me."Sharma acknowledges that the demands of captaincy can necessitate a shift in focus. "I think, obviously if you're a captain, there are certain responsibilities that come. You don't have to see him as a captain, you have to see him as an individual. So, if he's a captain, he has to look after 15 players. So, he can't only focus on one player who's not playing."Despite these adjustments, Sharma maintains that Kohli's core values remain intact. "When he was captain, whenever I was not playing, I could go to his room and talk about why I'm not playing, even why I'm playing, we strategized. So, I think it's all about communication. I had a very good communication level with him because I know that he's my friend at the same time, you know, been playing for so long. So, he hasn't changed for me."Sharma's unwavering support for Kohli underscores the enduring nature of their friendship. Despite the challenges and scrutiny that come with being a high-profile athlete, their bond has remained steadfast.

The Man Behind Dhoni's Iconic Helicopter Shot: Santosh LalMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is renowned for his devastating "Helicopter Shot" that has left opponents in awe. However, few know the story behind this iconic shot, which was actually taught to Dhoni by his close friend, Santosh Lal.Growing up in Ranchi, Santosh and Dhoni were inseparable. Santosh possessed an exceptional cricketing talent, particularly his ability to execute a powerful flick of the wrists that sent the ball soaring over the boundary with effortless grace. This unconventional shot, later known as the helicopter shot, became Santosh's signature move.Dhoni, always eager to improve his game, observed Santosh's technique and incorporated it into his own batting. "He (Santosh) and Dhoni would play tennis ball games endlessly," recalled Nishant Dayal, an old friend of Santosh. "Santosh was fearless as a batsman. Dhoni always admired his batting style and learned the helicopter shot from him."While Dhoni's career skyrocketed, becoming one of the most successful captains in cricket history, Santosh's path took a different turn. He played cricket at the state level but never reached the national stage. Despite this, their friendship remained unbreakable.In 2013, tragedy struck when Santosh fell seriously ill with pancreatitis. Dhoni, at the height of his career, spared no effort to help his friend. He arranged for Santosh to be airlifted to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. However, despite Dhoni's efforts, Santosh passed away at the age of 32.Santosh Lal's contribution to cricket may not be as widely recognized as Dhoni's, but his legacy lives on in the helicopter shot that has thrilled millions of fans. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring impact that one person can have on another's life.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, two legendary figures in Indian cricket, have forged an unbreakable bond that has left an indelible mark on the sport. Their contrasting personalities and leadership styles have complemented each other perfectly, contributing significantly to India's cricketing success.Dhoni, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batsman, is known for his calm demeanor and astute decision-making. Kohli, on the other hand, is a fiery and passionate leader, renowned for his aggressive batting and unwavering determination. Despite their differences, they share a deep respect and admiration for each other.Their friendship extends beyond the cricket field, evident in their numerous interviews and social media interactions. Dhoni has often praised Kohli's batting prowess, while Kohli has expressed his gratitude for Dhoni's guidance and support.One memorable video that encapsulates their bond shows Dhoni answering questions from an audience. When asked about his relationship with Kohli, Dhoni responded, "We have been playing since 2008-09. There's still an age gap, so I don't know whether I would say like I am an older brother or colleagues or whatever name you give it. But at the end of the day we have been colleagues, you know, who played for India for a very long time. He (Virat Kohli) has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."Kohli has reciprocated Dhoni's admiration, acknowledging his calmness under pressure and his ability to handle the responsibilities of captaincy. He has credited Dhoni's support as crucial during his transition to the captaincy role.The transition from Dhoni to Kohli as captain was seamless, thanks to their mutual understanding and respect. Dhoni's decision to step down as captain in 2017 paved the way for Kohli to take over the reins, having already assumed the Test captaincy in 2014.Kohli has often mentioned that Dhoni continued to guide him even after stepping down as captain, especially during challenging times. He has referred to Dhoni as a mentor and someone he could always rely on for advice.On the field, Kohli and Dhoni have shared many memorable partnerships, both as captain and player and as teammates. Their understanding in the middle was often crucial in tight situations, especially in chasing targets. Dhoni's experience combined with Kohli's aggressive approach often made them a formidable pair in the limited-overs format.Kohli has mentioned in interviews that Dhoni will always have a special place in his heart because of the way he supported him throughout his career and that Dhoni will always remain his captain. Dhoni's influence on Kohli's career is undeniable. Kohli has often credited Dhoni for shaping his career and helping him develop as a leader.Their bond has been an example of how different generations of cricketers can work together for the greater good of the team. Even after Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, their friendship continues to be strong, with Kohli often speaking highly of Dhoni and the lessons he learned from him.Their friendship is a testament to the strong bond that can exist between teammates, transcending the boundaries of cricket and becoming a relationship of mutual respect, mentorship, and enduring camaraderie.

Piyush Chawla Reflects on Enduring Friendship with Virat KohliVeteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has shared his insights into his long-standing friendship with Virat Kohli, revealing that their bond remains as strong as ever despite Kohli's rise to fame.Chawla, who has known Kohli since their days in the under-19 cricket circuit, described their relationship as "great camaraderie." He recalled a recent encounter with Kohli during the Asia Cup, where the former Indian captain approached him for a casual chat and food order."Virat Kohli is still the same as me as he was 10-15 years before," Chawla said. "My experience with him is always good."Chawla's comments contrast with those of another veteran Indian leg-spinner, Amit Mishra, who recently expressed that Kohli's rise to fame had impacted their interactions. Mishra claimed that Kohli had become more distant and less approachable.However, Chawla maintained that Kohli's personality has remained unchanged. "He has the same conversations with us that we used to have 10-15 years ago," he said.Despite Kohli's recent struggles in white-ball cricket, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. He believes that Kohli will return to form and continue to be a force in international cricket."He's a great player, and he's going to come back stronger," Chawla said. "He's a fighter, and he's going to prove himself again."Kohli is currently taking a brief break from cricket to spend time with his family in London. He is expected to return to action during the upcoming Bangladesh series in September.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli: A Bond Beyond CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has shed light on his enduring bond with Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated batsmen. Dhoni, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, recently spoke about his close relationship with Kohli during an event in Hyderabad.Dhoni revealed that he and Kohli make a conscious effort to connect whenever they have the opportunity. "We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time," Dhoni said. "He has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."The former skipper recalled their memorable partnerships during his playing days, particularly in the middle overs. "We used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it was always fun," Dhoni said. "It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for sometime."Dhoni's comments underscore the deep respect and camaraderie between these two cricketing icons. Kohli, who recently played a pivotal role in India's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, is currently engaged in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, Dhoni made a triumphant return to the IPL in 2024 after undergoing a successful knee surgery. Despite occasional physical challenges, he showcased his enduring brilliance, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings with an impressive average of 53.66 and a remarkable strike rate of 220.54.Dhoni's return to the IPL was a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his desire to entertain the audience. His presence on the field continues to inspire and captivate cricket fans around the world.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis and batting legend Virat Kohli have forged an unbreakable bond both on and off the field. Their friendship has blossomed since Du Plessis joined RCB and they began opening the batting together in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Du Plessis recently shared insights into their close relationship on the 'Captains Speak' segment of Star Sports. He revealed that they share a common passion for food and fashion, often discussing their outfits and exchanging pictures."We both love food. We both are really into our fashion. That's another thing we spend a lot of time talking about. The way we dress, what style of clothes. We would send each other pictures of outfits and stuff like that," said Du Plessis.Kohli's love for watches has also rubbed off on Du Plessis. "He's been a terrible influence on me when it comes to watches, but he's got a real passion for watches," said the former South African captain with a smile.Beyond their shared interests, Du Plessis and Kohli have connected on a personal level. They are both fathers and their families have bonded over their similar ages."He's got a daughter, I've got two daughters. He's got his second child now as well. Our wives and kids, having them at similar ages, (we) really connected at that front as well," said Du Plessis.Their friendship has translated into success on the field. RCB has been a formidable force in the IPL, with Du Plessis and Kohli forming a formidable opening partnership. Their strong bond has created a positive atmosphere within the team, contributing to their consistent performances.As RCB prepares for their crucial match against Punjab Kings, Du Plessis and Kohli will be looking to continue their impressive partnership. Their friendship and mutual respect have become a cornerstone of RCB's success, and they will be determined to lead the team to victory.

Delhi Capitals' Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk: A Bond Forged on Golf and AggressionTristan Stubbs and Jake Fraser-McGurk, two rising stars of the Delhi Capitals (DC), have forged a close friendship on and off the field. In a recent interview, the duo opened up about their bond, their experiences in the IPL, and their aspirations for the future.Their friendship began over a shared love of golf. "I didn't know anything about him, but he knew my life story," said Stubbs. Fraser-McGurk added, "I thought he would be a bit smaller, but he's a pretty big unit."Their competitive spirit extends beyond the golf course. "We play for caps. Whoever loses has to buy the other person a cap," said Fraser-McGurk. "He's a better golfer," admitted Stubbs. "He should beat me by five shots every time."Their friendship has also blossomed on the cricket field. Fraser-McGurk praised DC opener David Warner for his mentorship and support. "He's one of the most unselfish people I've ever met," he said. "He always has time for everyone."Both Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk have embraced the challenges and opportunities of the IPL. "The differences of actually being in it and seeing it from an outside point of view have sort of married up quite nicely," said Fraser-McGurk. "I just didn't have any expectation to play a game, but to be able to play now is great."Stubbs echoed his teammate's sentiments. "It took me a while to get used to the hype and pressure," he said. "I've really enjoyed this year. It's been nice to get an extensive run in a team playing."As they look ahead, both players have ambitious goals. Stubbs aims to become a "world-class cricketer" and represent South Africa in all formats. Fraser-McGurk aspires to "play for Australia and win a World Cup."Their friendship and shared experiences in the IPL have laid the foundation for their future success. As they continue to grow and develop, Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk are poised to make a significant impact on the world of cricket.

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, share a bond that transcends the boundaries of competition. Their friendship, forged during their Under-19 World Cup days in 2008, has endured the rigors of international cricket and the intense rivalry between their respective teams.Kohli and Williamson emerged as pivotal figures in their teams during that tournament, showcasing their exceptional talent and leadership qualities. Over the years, they have established themselves as stalwarts of the game, amassing an impressive array of accolades and inspiring countless young cricketers.Their mutual respect and admiration for each other's abilities have been evident throughout their careers. In interviews, they have consistently praised each other's achievements, acknowledging their exceptional skills and leadership qualities. This camaraderie extends beyond the field, as they have often been seen interacting warmly off the pitch.As Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans prepare to face off in the IPL 2024 encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the spotlight will once again shine on the friendship between Kohli and Williamson. The matchup brings a sense of nostalgia, as the two cricket icons prepare to battle it out on the field.Despite their competitive nature, their off-field bond remains unbreakable. In a recent video shared by Gujarat Titans, Kohli and Williamson are seen greeting each other with warmth and camaraderie. This moment serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between two of the greatest cricketers of our time.