Cricket

Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to amass 4000 runs in IPL victories. This remarkable feat was achieved during RCB's thrilling four-wicket triumph over Gujarat Titans on Saturday.Kohli's exceptional performance has been a cornerstone of RCB's success over the years. His ability to anchor the innings, play match-winning knocks, and lead from the front has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the league. With 4039 runs to his name in IPL wins, Kohli stands tall as the undisputed king of the tournament.Adding to his illustrious record, Kohli also became the first Indian batter to reach the milestone of 12,500 runs in T20 cricket. He reached this landmark with a thunderous hit off Mohit Sharma in the second over of RCB's chase. This achievement further cements Kohli's status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Kohli's dominance in the IPL is reflected in the fact that he is the only player to have scored over 4000 runs in wins. Shikhar Dhawan, with 3945 runs, is the closest to Kohli's tally. Rohit Sharma (3918 runs), David Warner (3710 runs), and Suresh Raina (3559 runs) complete the top five run-scorers in IPL wins.Kohli's achievements are a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional skill, and unwavering commitment to the sport. He continues to inspire millions of fans around the world with his breathtaking performances and unwavering passion for cricket.

Urvashi Rautela's Awkward Responses to Questions About Rishabh Pant and Naseem ShahOn Friday, a video of Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela facing uncomfortable questions about Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant and Pakistani bowler Naseem Shah went viral on social media. The queries, which ranged from marriage to crushes, left Rautela visibly awkward and eliciting brief replies.Last year, when Pant suffered a severe accident, Rautela had expressed her support by calling him "India's pride" and wishing him a speedy recovery. However, in the viral video, the conversation took a different turn.When asked about a comment suggesting that Pant respects her and that a marriage between them would make fans happy, Rautela responded with a curt "No comments."Regarding Naseem Shah, the anchor inquired about a suitable hashtag for the bowler. Rautela simply replied, "#Bowler."The anchor then mentioned Shah's popularity in both India and Pakistan due to his good looks. Rautela responded, "As long as you are doing the job, it's fine."When asked if Shah had become a "crush" among girls, Rautela smiled and replied, "Yes."Pant's T20 World Cup Selection and Samson's InclusionMeanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup as the primary wicketkeeper. Sanju Samson has been named as the second wicketkeeper, replacing KL Rahul.BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Rahul's omission was due to the team's need for middle-order batters. He stated that Samson's ability to bat lower down the order made him a better fit for the squad.India's T20 World Cup SquadThe Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is as follows:* Rohit Sharma (c)* Hardik Pandya (vc)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Virat Kohli* Suryakumar Yadav* Rishabh Pant (wk)* Sanju Samson (wk)* Shivam Dube* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Yuzvendra Chahal* Arshdeep Singh* Jasprit Bumrah* Mohd. SirajReserves:* Shubman Gill* Rinku Singh* Khaleel Ahmed* Avesh Khan

Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, has emerged as a potential candidate for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad following his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, despite being touted as a possible all-round option in the middle-order, Parag was not included in the 15-member squad or the four reserves announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Parag, who has been one of the most consistent performers in this IPL, expressed his surprise at being considered for the T20 World Cup squad. "Not really. Until last year, I was not even in contention to play in IPL right?" he said when asked about his disappointment at not making the India squad.The Assam all-rounder revealed that he has quit social media but had still heard rumors about his potential selection. "So I have heard a few rumors. I am not on social media anymore. I heard few noises here and there but I am just glad they are taking my name for the right reasons now. I was not really thinking about anything. I am really happy for the boys in our team, Sanju bhaiya specially, getting the call-up. It is going to be great for our country and hopefully we bring the World Cup home," he added.Parag's impressive performances in the IPL have caught the attention of many pundits. He currently sits fourth in the list of top-scoring batters, with 409 runs in 10 matches at an average of 58.43 and a strike-rate of 159.14. His all-round abilities, including his effective medium-pace bowling, make him a valuable asset to any team.Despite not making the T20 World Cup squad, Parag remains focused on his performances for Rajasthan Royals. He believes that his consistent performances in the IPL will eventually earn him a place in the national team. "I am just trying to do my best for my team. I am not really thinking about anything else. I am just trying to win matches for Rajasthan Royals and hopefully, if I keep performing well, I will get my chance," he said.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth and ex-Australian all-rounder Tom Moody have expressed their support for Hardik Pandya's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, highlighting his potential to turn the tide of matches with his dynamic contributions.Sreesanth, known for his expertise in outswing bowling, backed Pandya's selection, citing his past performances for the national team. "We have seen what he can do on the field... The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the country, he even led the country in one series and we won," Sreesanth remarked during a discussion on Star Sports.Pandya's selection came under scrutiny due to a dip in form preceding the IPL 2024, but his timely recovery from an ankle injury and subsequent appointment as Mumbai Indians' captain garnered attention. Despite concerns, Sreesanth remained confident in Pandya's ability to deliver on the big stage."So, it's one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats, especially when he's chasing and Virat Kohli is on the other side, I think the combination they create is great," Sreesanth said.Addressing Pandya's bowling prowess, Sreesanth suggested his utility with both the new ball and in pressure situations, particularly against formidable opponents like Pakistan. "Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball, especially against Pakistan, but it's not only against Pakistan, we are going to play a lot of different teams," Sreesanth added.Tom Moody echoed Sreesanth's sentiments, stressing Pandya's unique skill set and indispensable role in the Indian squad. "Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That's the bottom line," Moody emphasized, underlining the scarcity of genuine all-rounders of Pandya's caliber in Indian cricket.Moody lauded the selectors' decision to persist with Pandya, recognizing his significance in maintaining team balance. "I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular role. I think (chief selector) Ajit Agarkar has recognized that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery, with regards to his form, and everything else, because he is a very precious commodity in this country," Moody affirmed, advocating for patience regarding Pandya's recovery and form.Furthermore, Moody commended the selection of Shivam Dube, emphasizing the importance of Dube's bowling preparations to ensure readiness for potential match scenarios. "Even though he might not have to bowl in a match situation, he's got the bowling, so it's not like he hasn't bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournament. So, he'll be up and ready physically for the opportunity. So, to me Shivam Dube is a smart pick," Moody said.With the T20 World Cup looming in the USA and the West Indies, the backing of experienced campaigners like Sreesanth and Moody bolsters confidence in the selectors' decisions and affirms the squad's potential to excel on the global stage.

Rinku Singh's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad has sparked controversy, with many questioning the selectors' decision. The left-handed batsman has been in impressive form for India, scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.23 and an average of 89.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Singh's omission was a "toughest decision," but explained that the team needed more bowling options. "We're not sure of the conditions we'll get (in the USA) and we wanted to have enough (bowling) options," Agarkar said.Despite calls for fresh blood in the T20 team, the selectors opted for experience, with the top six in the batting order remaining largely unchanged from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Agarkar defended this decision, stating that the experienced players have been "good enough to be around.""We've tried to get in players who are going to bat a certain way in the middle of the innings, where a lot of teams will use spin sometimes," Agarkar said. "We have tried to address that. We have tried to get in some left-handers as well through the middle of that innings."Agarkar also addressed concerns over Virat Kohli's strike rate, which has been a topic of debate. "We have not been discussing it," Agarkar said. "He has been in great form, no concerns there at all."The selectors also defended the inclusion of Hardik Pandya as Rohit Sharma's deputy. "Nothing was discussed with regard to vice-captaincy," Agarkar said. "About form, he has come after a longish year off. The good part that we have looked at is he has got through all the games so far for MI."

Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's T20 World Cup 2024 captain has sparked discussions about the BCCI's decision-making process. While some have questioned the timing of the announcement, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes Rohit is the ideal leader for the team.Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized the importance of leadership in cricket and praised Rohit's abilities in this regard. He compared Rohit to legendary captains like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, highlighting his impact on the team's performance."As far as captaincy is concerned, he is the best leader you have," Pathan said. "We always talk about the players, but leadership is a totally different thing. We saw what happened in this IPL with quite a few captains; it's not easy."Pathan acknowledged the potential of other players like Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant as future captains. However, he believes Rohit remains the best choice for the time being."In the future, they will be keeping an eye on Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah as far as captaincy is concerned," Pathan said. "Now we have Hardik Pandya as the Vice Captain, Rishabh Pant is also there in your leadership role group if he gets going because he was there in the leadership role before he got injured. So there are three or four guys who are ready, but Rohit is the number one."Pathan's comments highlight the importance of leadership in cricket and the challenges associated with the role. He believes Rohit's experience and proven track record make him the best choice to lead India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya's appointment as vice-captain of the Indian T20 World Cup squad has sparked both praise and criticism. Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has defended the decision, asserting that Hardik is the best fast-bowling all-rounder in the country.Despite recent struggles with form in the IPL, Prasad believes Hardik's leadership qualities and all-round abilities make him an ideal choice for the vice-captaincy. He pointed out that Hardik has previously captained the Indian team in Rohit Sharma's absence.Prasad acknowledged Hardik's recent form slump but attributed it to the change in leadership at Mumbai Indians. He expressed confidence that Hardik will regain his form before the World Cup."Once he puts on the Indian jersey, he can leave his IPL form behind," Prasad said. "Hardik Pandya is the best fast bowling all-rounder in the country now, no matter what the pundits say."Hardik's return from injury has been underwhelming, with poor performances in the IPL. However, Prasad believes that Hardik will bounce back and play a key role in India's World Cup campaign."I think Hardik will come out of it," Prasad said. "In the Indian team, his role will change. He will not have to worry about role clarity."Prasad's comments come amid growing speculation about Hardik's place in the Indian team. Some critics have questioned his form and leadership abilities, while others have defended his selection.Ultimately, the decision of whether Hardik will justify his vice-captaincy will depend on his performances in the lead-up to and during the World Cup. If he can regain his form and provide the leadership that the team needs, he will prove to be a valuable asset to India's chances of success.

Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked controversy, with former all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioning the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. Despite poor form in the IPL 2024, Pandya was not only selected for the 15-man squad but also named vice-captain.Pathan criticized the BCCI for making exceptions for Pandya, who has been absent from domestic cricket. He pointed out that players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were forced to prove themselves in domestic cricket before being recalled to the Indian team."Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year," Pathan said. "But there's this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements."Pathan also questioned Pandya's performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket. He suggested that Jasprit Bumrah would have been a better choice for the vice-captaincy role."To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it's imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally," Pathan said. "I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn't have been a bad choice either."Pathan's comments highlight the ongoing debate over Pandya's place in the Indian team. While some believe he is a valuable all-rounder, others question his form and commitment. The BCCI's decision to select him for the T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.

Sanju Samson's consistent performances in the ongoing IPL have reignited hopes of his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has led his team to the top of the points table, showcasing his leadership skills and batting prowess.Samson's batting has undergone a transformation this season. He has adopted a more consistent approach, anchoring the Royals' batting lineup at number three. His match-winning 71 against Lucknow Super Giants was a testament to his improved mental fortitude and technical adjustments.Personal coach Bijumon N attributes Samson's success to eight months of rigorous training focused on the T20 World Cup. They have worked on his mental preparation, batting technique, and ability to handle spinners. Samson has become more adept at using his feet and has added new strokes to his repertoire against slow bowlers.Despite his impressive form, Samson faces stiff competition for a spot in the Indian team. Rishabh Pant is likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, leaving Samson with a limited chance to play. However, his consistent performances in the IPL have put him in contention for a backup role.Samson's inclusion in the Indian team would be a significant moment for Kerala cricket. The state has a rich cricketing history, and Samson's success could inspire future generations of players. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Samson's form and experience could prove invaluable to Team India.