Cricket

Virat Kohli's Form Slump Overshadowed by Unwavering Fan SupportDespite a disappointing T20 World Cup performance, Virat Kohli's popularity among Indian fans remains unyielding. The former India captain endured a string of low scores in the tournament, but his connection with his supporters was evident in a heartwarming moment during the match against USA.As Kohli stood at the boundary line, Indian fans erupted in passionate chants of "hamara neta kaisa ho, Virat Kohli jaisa ho" (our leader should be like Virat Kohli). Kohli, known for his humility and genuine connection with his fans, acknowledged the gesture with a wave, further strengthening the bond between the player and his devoted followers.The fans' enthusiasm reached new heights during the match. In another viral video, they chanted "10 rupay ki Pepsi, Kohli bhai s..y" (10-rupee Pepsi, Kohli is the best). They then added another line, saying "Diwali ho ya Holi, Anushka loves Kohli" (whether it's Diwali or Holi, Anushka loves Kohli).Kohli's face lit up with a smile as he waved to the crowd. Despite his recent struggles on the field, the unwavering support of his fans serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of India's most beloved cricketers.With three consecutive wins, India has advanced to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, which will be held entirely in the West Indies. While Kohli's form remains a concern, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the unwavering support of their fans as they aim to reclaim the title.

Former Indian cricketer Laxmipathy Balaji has drawn comparisons between current Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and the legendary Wasim Akram, hailing Bumrah as Asia's next best pacer after Akram.Balaji highlighted the striking similarities between the two bowlers, emphasizing their exceptional accuracy, mastery of yorkers, deceptive pace, and ability to change angles. "Wasim bhai, the ultimate. They both have identical traits, they have changed the dynamics of fast bowling," Balaji remarked.He attributed their success to their strong upper bodies, minimal follow-through, and dominant bowling arms. "They do everything with the bowling arm alone -- the accuracy, the yorker, the pace and changes of pace, the changes in angle -- which is why they are able to take the pitch and the conditions out of the equation," Balaji explained.Balaji believes Bumrah is poised to achieve greatness, particularly if he can lead India to victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup. "Bumrah is the next best in our continent only after him. Akram sprang into consciousness with some unplayable balls and three wickets in the 1992 World Cup final. It was after that, until 2003, that he chased and courted greatness. I feel this is the right time for Bumrah to chase greatness over the next decade," he said.Balaji also lauded Bumrah's remarkable comeback from back surgery, noting that he has returned as a more formidable bowler. "I mean, guys lose pace, they lose a bit of confidence when they return from any surgery. But this man, he has become even better than before, which is saying quite a bit," Balaji observed.He pointed out Bumrah's addition of a late away-swinger to his repertoire, making him even more dangerous. "Earlier, his stock delivery was the one that came back in. But clearly, during the rehab process, he didn’t allow the grass to grow under his feet. He thought about his bowling, he thought about what he needed to do to become even more lethal," Balaji said.In Balaji's view, Bumrah is currently the most complete fast bowler in the game, excelling in all formats. "He is just the most complete fast bowler right now. Look at him -- Test cricket, white-ball cricket, doesn’t matter. New ball, he will get the job done. Old ball, he can reverse it phenomenally. Middle-overs in limited-overs games, his variations and his repertoire make him a wicket-taker, not someone who just contains the flow of runs," Balaji concluded.Balaji's insights underscore the high expectations placed on Bumrah as a pivotal player in Indian cricket, with his exceptional skills and versatility making him a formidable force in the world of fast bowling.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has expressed his disapproval of the practice of rejecting players solely based on their fitness test scores. He believes that fitness should be a consideration, but not the sole determinant of a player's selection.Gambhir argues that fitness should be assessed by trainers, who can determine whether a player is physically capable of performing at the required level. He emphasizes that players should be selected based on their batting and bowling skills, and that it is the trainer's responsibility to improve their fitness."Fitness should be a factor, but I also do not agree that we have to pass a fitness test to be called fit. I don't agree to that. Fitness should directly be related to the trainer. If a trainer feels that you're fit enough, some people are physically strong from a point of view that they can lift a lot of weights in the gym," Gambhir said.He further adds, "But if you don't select someone just because of a yo-yo test, I don't think that's the right way. You select players on their talent, on their battling skills, on their bowling skills. And it is the trainer's job to keep working on their fitness and keep making them better physically as well. Just because someone doesn't pass a yo-yo test and doesn't get selected, I think that is a bit unfair."Gambhir's comments come amidst speculation that he is a leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian team after the T20 World Cup. Dravid has previously stated that the T20 World Cup will be his last assignment with the Indian team.Gambhir has expressed his desire to coach the Indian team, saying, "I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well."Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his leadership skills.

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth believes that Rishabh Pant would be delighted to see Virat Kohli return to his preferred number three batting position, especially given Kohli's struggles as an opener in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite his exceptional IPL season, Kohli has managed a mere five runs in three games while opening alongside captain Rohit Sharma.With Kohli opening, Pant has assumed the responsibility of batting at number three at the World Cup. The wicket-keeper batter has flourished in this role, amassing 96 runs in three games with his diverse shot selection. Sreesanth believes that if Kohli returns to his number three spot, Pant will continue to excel."Pant is a player who can adapt to any situation. We have seen him bat at different positions. He is a brilliant player, and I think Pant will be happy if Virat goes at number three. Pant doesn't look at the situation, wicket, or the bowler. He just looks at the ball. I think that is a quality that youngsters should focus on. I think he loves Virat, and he would love to see Virat score more runs. If Virat comes just before him, imagine the freedom that Pant gets, he might just hit the reverse sweep on the first ball. So that is Pant," Sreesanth said while speaking exclusively to ANI.Pant made his return to cricket in the IPL 2024 season as the skipper of the Delhi Capitals after sustaining injuries in a car accident in December 2022. He scored 446 runs in 13 matches, with an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40.India remains unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, having defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA. Sreesanth sees no reason why the Indian team shouldn't aim for the title, citing their strength and talent."We have such great bench strength. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be winning it. Whenever we talk about the World Cup, they show wins of 2009, 2011, and 1983. It is high time this team genuinely deserves to win the World Cup. Next time, pictures of the current edition will be shown."In last year's ODI World Cup, India reached the final undefeated but fell short against Australia. Sreesanth is hopeful that this time, India can seek revenge if both teams reach the final, drawing comparisons to past tournament triumphs."It feels good, and the way the team is performing it makes you remember the 2007 T20 World Cup. This time, Pakistan is going out, and India is moving forward. The way Bumrah and others are performing, especially in terms of character, India is way ahead. If anybody is going to challenge India, I think it is going towards, India vs Australia final. The result that didn't take place in the 50-over World Cup, I hope India takes revenge this time and we bring the cup back to India," he stated.After securing a spot in the Super 8, India will play their final group stage game against Canada in Florida on Saturday.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon, has once again captured the hearts of fans with his heartwarming interactions during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Known for his passionate performances on the field, Kohli has also demonstrated his love for the game and his fans off it.In a recent match against the United States, Kohli's presence at the boundary line sparked a frenzy among the crowd. Fans erupted in enthusiastic cheers, chanting "10 rupay ki Pepsi, Kohli bhai s..y." The chants, a playful reference to a popular Indian snack, echoed through the stadium, creating a lively atmosphere.Not content with just one line of praise, the fans added another, declaring "Diwali ho ya Holi, Anushka loves Kohli." This affectionate tribute to Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, brought a smile to the star batsman's face. He waved to the crowd, acknowledging their love and support.Kohli's interactions with fans extend beyond the boundary ropes. He has often been seen dancing to tunes near the field, intervening to stop fans from booing other players, and encouraging them to cheer for Team India. These gestures have endeared him to fans worldwide, who appreciate his passion and dedication to the sport.On the field, Kohli's performance has been equally impressive. In the match against the United States, he played a crucial role in India's victory. Riding on Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten half-century and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's career-best 4 for 9, Team India defeated the United States by seven wickets.With this win, Rohit Sharma's men secured their place in the Super Eights. Chasing a target of 111 in the Group A clash, India stumbled to 15-2 and then 44-3. However, Suryakumar (50) and Shivam Dube (31) formed an undefeated fourth-wicket partnership of 67 runs, securing a third consecutive victory for their team with 10 balls to spare.Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, have made him a true icon of the sport. His passion, dedication, and love for the game inspire fans and fellow players alike. As Team India continues its journey in the T20 World Cup, Kohli's presence will undoubtedly be a source of strength and motivation for the team.

Yuvraj Singh, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently found himself in an unusual situation when a New York-based vlogger failed to recognize him. The incident occurred on the streets of New York City, where Yuvraj was swarmed by fans seeking selfies.In a viral video posted by the vlogger, Yi Wang, he asked his audience to identify the person in the crowd. The video quickly went viral, with Indian Instagram users flooding the comments section with compliments and accolades for Yuvraj."Michael Jordan of cricket," exclaimed one user, comparing Yuvraj to the iconic American basketball player. "The guy who made Stuart Broad, Stuart Little," joked another, referring to Yuvraj's unforgettable six sixes off Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup.Numerous comments highlighted Yuvraj's remarkable recovery from cancer, a testament to his resilience and determination. Some users playfully provided incorrect names, such as "MS Dhoni" and "Narendra Modi," adding a touch of humor to the situation.The outpouring of love and admiration for Yuvraj was overwhelming, with the video garnering over 10,000 comments and 2 million likes. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2019, Yuvraj remains a beloved figure in India, having played a pivotal role in the country's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup victories.Yuvraj's presence in New York City is in anticipation of India's highly anticipated clash against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup on Sunday, June 9. India enters the match with momentum after a convincing win against Ireland, while Pakistan will be looking to bounce back from a surprising defeat to hosts USA.

Arshdeep Singh, India's lethal pacer, is not content with his bowling prowess alone. He aspires to become a reliable lower-order batter, a goal he is diligently pursuing with the guidance of batting coach Vikram Rathour.In India's emphatic seven-wicket victory over the spirited USA team in the T20 World Cup group stage, Arshdeep wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming four wickets for a mere nine runs. This performance propelled India into the Super Eight stage with their third consecutive victory."We are constantly learning and striving to improve in all aspects of the game, including bowling, batting, and fielding," said Arshdeep, who was named Player of the Match. "You never know when the team needs those runs, even if it's just two or four. So, you have to give your all. I'm working hard with Vikram Bhai to enhance my batting skills as well."In the high-voltage clash against Pakistan on June 9, Arshdeep batted at No. 9, scoring nine runs off 13 balls before being run out. The left-arm pacer revealed that he insisted on batting ahead of Jasprit Bumrah in that match."Jassi Bhai (Bumrah) was supposed to go before me, but I asked Rohit (Sharma) and went in. They were surprised, but I told them I would go up regardless," he said. "I'm confident about my batting. Whether it's fielding or bowling, I'm always trying to improve."Regarding the tournament, Arshdeep emphasized the importance of adapting to the varying conditions across different venues. India played their first three games in one location and will now travel to Lauderhill, Florida for their final Group A match against Canada on Saturday. The tournament will then shift to the Caribbean."Adapting to the conditions and situations is crucial," he said. "If the wicket offers assistance, we try to take early wickets and restrict the opposition to a low total. If we bat first, we aim to score as many runs as possible to give our bowlers a good chance to defend."The 25-year-old expressed satisfaction with his bowling performance against USA, which helped India restrict them to 110/8. When asked about the team's mood after three consecutive wins, Arshdeep said they are trying to maintain a steady mindset regardless of results."The emotions stay the same... We try to be stable, whether we win or lose, and whether we have a good or bad day," he said.

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has dismissed concerns over Virat Kohli's recent string of low scores in the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the need for patience and faith in the veteran batter.Kohli, who entered the tournament with an impressive Orange Cap-winning season in the IPL, has struggled to find his rhythm, registering scores of 1, 4, and a golden duck in the group stage. However, Gavaskar believes that these setbacks are not indicative of a decline in Kohli's form."There's nothing to worry about," Gavaskar said. "He has done so well for India over the years and won so many games. He recognizes that. We are in the early phases of the tournament. There's Super 8s, semi-finals, and hopefully the final. All he needs to do is show patience and faith in himself."Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli's dismissals have been due to good deliveries rather than poor form. "Any other day, the ball would've gone wide or over the slip for a boundary, today it didn't," he said. "So, there's nothing to worry about."With India safely into the next round of the tournament, Gavaskar believes that Kohli will have ample opportunities to regain his touch. "We have to show faith in him," he said. "Much believe that he is going to come good, sooner rather than later."Kohli's poor start to the tournament has extended to three matches, but Gavaskar remains confident that the Indian superstar will bounce back. "When you get three low scores, it doesn't mean he is not batting well," he said. "He is going to come good."

India's T20 World Cup triumphs have been built on the foundation of exceptional bowling performances. Throughout the tournament's history, Indian bowlers have stepped up to deliver match-winning spells, showcasing their talent on the global stage.Arshdeep Singh's recent career-best spell of 4/9 against USA in New York stands as the best bowling figures for India in the tournament's history. His two wickets in the first over dismantled the co-host's batting lineup, restricting them to a below-par total.Before Arshdeep's heroics, R Ashwin's memorable performance against Australia in Mirpur in 2014 held the record. Ashwin's 4 wickets for 11 runs were crucial in India's victory, as he spun a web around the Australian batsmen, leaving them struggling to find runs.Harbhajan Singh also showcased his skills in 2012 against England in Colombo, taking 4 wickets for 12 runs. His experience and guile were too much for the English batsmen, securing a vital win for India.Other notable bowling performances for India in T20 World Cups include:* RP Singh's 4 wickets for 13 runs against South Africa in Durban in 2007* Zaheer Khan's 4 wickets for 19 runs against Ireland in Nottingham in 2009* Pragyan Ojha's 4 wickets for 21 runs against Bangladesh in Nottingham in 2009These remarkable bowling performances underline India's strength in the bowling department across different T20 World Cups. Each bowler brought their unique style and skill, contributing significantly to India's successes in the tournament.