Cricket

Virat Kohli's remarkable turnaround in IPL 2024, culminating in the Orange Cap, was fueled by the criticism surrounding his strike rate. His teammate, Dinesh Karthik, witnessed firsthand Kohli's transformation into a legendary figure.Kohli's initial struggles in the tournament sparked questions from experts like Simon Doull, igniting a fire within him. Karthik believes Kohli thrives on proving people wrong, using their doubts as motivation."He is someone who wants to hold onto certain things to do well," Karthik said. "He loves proving people wrong. It fuels his passion."Despite RCB's lack of IPL titles, Kohli has remained loyal to the franchise. Karthik credits Kohli's intimidating presence and leadership for the team's success."It's not happening without that man," Karthik said. "The way he pushes fielders, the intensity he carries... I doff my hat to him."Doull, who initially questioned Kohli's strike rate, expressed surprise at the extreme reactions he received, including death threats. He emphasized that his comments were purely from a cricketing perspective."I see a phenomenal player who should be dominating more," Doull explained. "I felt at times he was afraid to get out."Karthik urged fans to distinguish between personal attacks and legitimate cricket analysis."Indian fans should find out the difference between people taking him personally and people talking about the cricketing side of him," Karthik said. "I think Virat appreciates it if you can find a difference."Kohli's hunger for success and ability to thrive under pressure have made him an iconic figure in world cricket. His determination to prove his critics wrong has once again propelled him to the pinnacle of batting excellence.

Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a rollercoaster ride. Despite being acquired for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, Starc initially struggled, facing criticism for his poor performances. However, he silenced his detractors with exceptional bowling displays in the Qualifier 1 and final, leading KKR to their third IPL title.Starc's inconsistent start drew criticism from experts, but he remained unfazed. In a recent interview on Sportskeeda, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir addressed the criticism, stating that players should prioritize the opinions of their teammates over external voices."Experts judge you on your daily performances. If you get out on zero, they will criticize you. If you score a century, these same people will praise you," Gambhir said. "What the experts say, what the social media says, what the crowd says - it does not matter. What the people say in your dressing room think about you is important."Gambhir's comments highlight the importance of internal support and self-belief in the face of external criticism. Starc's ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it mattered most is a testament to his resilience and determination.The IPL 2024 season was a reminder that even the most experienced players can face challenges. However, it also showcased the power of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team. Starc's journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes who face setbacks and criticism on their path to success.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant IPL 2024 victory. As the team's mentor, Gambhir orchestrated a remarkable transformation, guiding KKR to their third IPL title after a decade-long drought.Gambhir's unwavering determination to bring glory to KKR was evident from the moment he joined the franchise. His mission was clear: to lead the team to its third IPL triumph. And he delivered.The joy of the KKR team after their IPL 2024 triumph was palpable. Even co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, a constant presence throughout the tournament, expressed his elation. In a heartwarming gesture, Khan invited Gambhir to join him on the dance floor, an offer that the latter politely declined.In a recent interview, Gambhir addressed his dance prospects after KKR's victory. With characteristic wit, he quipped, "You're asking the wrong person. I can neither dance nor sing. But I can certainly watch others dance and enjoy it. I did just that. Shah Rukh bhai has been incredibly successful in his life and will continue to be. But there's one area where he's unsuccessful: he couldn't make me dance. I believe he'll continue to be unsuccessful in this regard because I simply can't dance or sing."Despite his reluctance to dance, Gambhir's leadership and strategic acumen have earned him widespread praise. Reports suggest that he is a frontrunner for the post of Indian cricket team coach. However, in a recent interview, he hinted at a different path.When asked about KKR's status as a "trophy-winning dressing room," Gambhir said, "Today, you say this because we've won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we're still two trophies behind MI and CSK. I'm content today, but that hunger remains. We're not the most successful team in the IPL yet. To achieve that, we need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There's no greater feeling for me. But the journey has just begun."As the official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach has passed, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will pursue this opportunity or continue his mission with KKR. Regardless of his decision, his legacy as a transformative leader in the IPL is secure.

MS Dhoni's Heartwarming Gesture: Fan Invades Pitch to Meet Idol, Receives Promise of SurgeryDuring the IPL 2024 match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a fan's dream came true when he managed to evade security and meet his idol, MS Dhoni. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral on social media, showcasing Dhoni's compassionate nature.The fan, who has been identified as a 22-year-old named Rahul, revealed that he had been planning to meet Dhoni for a long time. He had even skipped his medication for a breathing condition to attend the match.As Dhoni walked onto the field, Rahul seized the opportunity and ran towards him. Dhoni, initially surprised, responded with a warm embrace. Rahul expressed his admiration and shared his health concerns with Dhoni.To Rahul's astonishment, Dhoni promised to take care of his surgery. "Don't worry, I will make sure you get the surgery you need," Dhoni said. "I won't let anything happen to you."Rahul was overwhelmed by Dhoni's kindness. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "He is a legend, and he cared about me. I had tears in my eyes."The incident highlights Dhoni's unwavering connection with his fans. Despite his retirement from international cricket, he continues to inspire and touch the lives of countless individuals.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir's Reconciliation: A Heartwarming Moment in IPL 2024The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a heartwarming moment between former teammates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The alleged hostility between the two seemed to dissolve as they shared a warm embrace, demonstrating mutual respect and camaraderie.Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, put their past differences aside. Gambhir's return to KKR as a mentor proved to be a masterstroke, guiding Shreyas Iyer's team to their third IPL title. KKR dominated the final, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai, ending their 10-year title drought.Addressing the perceived rift with Kohli, Gambhir stated, "The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn't need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public."Gambhir also praised Kohli's six-hitting prowess, acknowledging the RCB batter's batting excellence. Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 games and winning the prestigious Orange Cap.Kohli reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event, saying, "People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you're booing. We're not kids anymore."The reconciliation between Kohli and Gambhir is a testament to the power of sportsmanship and the ability to move beyond past conflicts. It serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of cricket, respect and camaraderie can prevail.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership qualities have been a revelation for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Despite the presence of seasoned veterans like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane, Gaikwad has seamlessly taken the reins and guided the team with aplomb.Prior to the tournament, CSK announced a captaincy change, with Dhoni handing over the baton to Gaikwad. The decision raised eyebrows, given the young player's relative inexperience. However, Gaikwad has proven to be a natural leader, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates."I felt good right from the start," Gaikwad said of his captaincy challenge. "I am very approachable for all teammates whenever needed, and they always support the team in whatever way the team requires."Gaikwad's leadership style is characterized by calmness and composure, reminiscent of Dhoni's own approach. He credits Dhoni for teaching him the importance of remaining neutral in the face of adversity."Being neutral is something that I have learned from Mahi bhai," Gaikwad said. "Not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up."Gaikwad's on-field demeanor has also impressed observers. He maintains a level-headed approach, whether the team is winning or losing."While batting, irrespective of being captain or not, my approach is always the same," Gaikwad explained. "You cannot plan to become leaders, so being good team players and putting the team first will always stand a good chance to be one."Gaikwad's leadership has been instrumental in CSK's success in IPL 2024. The team has displayed a newfound unity and determination under his guidance, proving that age and experience are not the only factors that determine a successful captain.

Riyan Parag, the 22-year-old rising star of Indian cricket, has expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to represent the national team in the future. Coming off a stellar season with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, where he amassed 573 runs at an impressive average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21, Parag believes his time to don the Indian jersey is approaching."At some point, you'll have to take me, right? So that is my belief, I'm going to play for India," Parag asserted. "I don't really care when. [Even] when I was not scoring runs - I said this in an [earlier] interview as well that I am going to play for India."Parag's unwavering belief in his abilities stems from his childhood aspirations and the unwavering support of his father, Parag Das, a former Railways and Assam player. "That is me believing in myself. That is not me being arrogant. That is what my plan was with my dad, when I started playing cricket when I was like 10-years old. We were going to play for India regardless of anything."With India set to tour Zimbabwe for five T20Is after their T20 World Cup campaign, Parag could be among the players to earn a call-up. However, his focus remains on performing consistently and earning his place on merit. "Whether it's the next tour, whether it's a tour in six months, whether it's a tour in one year... I don't really put my thought behind when I should play," Parag said. "That is the selector's job, that is other people's job."Parag's breakthrough season in the IPL came after a string of disappointing campaigns. However, a promotion to the No.4 batting position, where he excels for his state team Assam, provided the familiarity and confidence he needed to flourish. "What you saw this year in the IPL is how I play domestic cricket," Parag explained. "I take the onus up to myself, I take the expectations, I take the burden upon myself to deliver and that is why I play the best."Despite Rajasthan Royals' disappointing finish in the IPL, Parag remains optimistic about the future. "I'm still dealing with it. I got back home and I was super sad," he admitted. "But then the day after the match and before the final, it was tough. It's tough, but then that's how cricket goes. There are world-class sides that are playing the tournament, world-class players that are playing the tournament [and you can't always win]."

Nitish Rana's heartfelt tribute to Gautam Gambhir on Instagram following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) historic IPL 2024 triumph has shed light on the profound impact Gambhir has had on the franchise's resurgence.Gambhir, who captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, returned to the dugout as a mentor ahead of the 2024 season. His influence has been undeniable, with Rana crediting him for the team's success."In this era of Mamba Mentality, we're soon all going to embrace the GG Mentality too," Rana wrote on Instagram, referring to Gambhir's initials.Rana shared a screenshot of a conversation with Gambhir from November 2023, where Gambhir expressed his desire to "create something special" in the upcoming season.KKR's dominance in IPL 2024 was evident in their impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.428, the highest in IPL history. They capped off their campaign with a resounding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, bowling them out for a mere 113 and chasing down the target with ease.Gambhir's influence extended beyond Rana. Sunil Narine acknowledged his role in convincing him to open the batting again, a move that proved pivotal for KKR's success.Even owner Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to Gambhir during KKR's post-final celebrations. "My special thanks to GG," Khan said. "I just have one request... we have to make GG dance tonight."Gambhir's return to KKR has sparked speculation about his potential as India's next men's head coach. While the BCCI has yet to announce its shortlist of candidates, Gambhir's success with KKR has undoubtedly strengthened his credentials.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged victorious in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), claiming their third title after a decade-long wait. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata-based franchise showcased exceptional performances throughout the season, culminating in a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash.KKR's triumph was a testament to their consistent brilliance, with the team delivering extraordinary batting and bowling displays. The franchise's success was further amplified by a hilarious moment involving batter Rinku Singh, who attempted to vlog amidst the celebrations.In a video that went viral on social media, Singh welcomed viewers to his channel and urged them to subscribe and enable notifications. However, his fumbled delivery left his teammates Nitish Rana, Rana's wife, and Anukul Roy in fits of laughter."Hello guys, welcome to new vlog. Subscribe kar lo. Ghanta button daba do. We have won the final trophy. My dream has come true. This my didi (Rana's wife), bhaiya (Rana), and Anukul," Singh said.Despite his humorous antics, Singh expressed his elation at KKR's victory. "Outstanding feeling right now. Dream has come true - I have been here for 7 years and we are so happy. Credit to GG sir. I will finally lift the IPL trophy. It was God's plan," he said.While Singh's batting contributions were not as significant in this edition of the IPL, his inclusion as a traveling reserve for Team India's T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his potential. The first batch of the Indian team has already arrived in New York, where they will face Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5.