Cricket

Dinesh Karthik, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) exit from IPL 2024. As he reflects on his illustrious career, Karthik has shared some amusing anecdotes involving on-field banter with his India teammates during his IPL days.One of the most memorable exchanges occurred with Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain. "Every time I played against RCB and Virat caught my catch, 'Ben Stokes' came out of his mouth for sure," Karthik recalled in an interview with Cricbuzz. "But that was a send-off."Karthik also revealed a sledging incident with Hardik Pandya, the current Mumbai Indians skipper. "Hardik Pandya sledged me saying 'abhi legspinner aaya, iska thank you hi hai' (a legspinner will come and it is Thank You time]. Then I had to play a couple of shots and then he was like 'theek hai, thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai' (okay, looks like he has improved a little]. That was good. He's a good friend. He was also like 'Commentator banke bhi thoda kaam kar raha hai' (Even after becoming a commentator he's working on his game) That was fun."Karthik, who played 257 IPL matches and 60 T20Is, also mentioned a playful comment from Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians captain. "Rohit this year taunting me... unnecessarily giving me hopes," he said, referring to Sharma's "isko World Cup khelna hai" (he wants to play in the World Cup) remark.Besides his IPL career, Karthik represented India in 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 60 T20Is. He is also known for his insightful commentary, which has added a new dimension to his cricketing journey.

Virat Kohli, India's star batter, is the only member of the T20 World Cup squad yet to arrive in the United States. While the other 18 players, including four reserves, commenced training in New York on Wednesday, Kohli's arrival remains uncertain.Kohli's absence stems from a request for an extended break following the grueling Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He was last seen in Mumbai with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and former India cricketer Zaheer Khan.According to ESPNCricinfo, there has been no official update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding Kohli's travel status. However, Press Trust of India (PTI) reports that Kohli is expected to reach New York on Friday.Kohli's availability for India's sole warm-up match against Bangladesh on Sunday, June 1, is in doubt due to the long flight. PTI notes that it is unclear whether he will be able to participate in the match after a lengthy journey.Kohli enjoyed a stellar IPL season, winning the Orange Cap for the second time with 741 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 154.70. India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland in New York, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on June 9. They will then face hosts USA on June 12 before moving to Lauderhill, Florida, for a game against Canada on June 15.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed star all-rounder Sunil Narine as the franchise's "MVP" after their Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph. Narine was named the 'Most Valuable Player' of IPL 2024, leading KKR to victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, has witnessed Narine's transformation firsthand. He recalled Narine's shy demeanor when he first joined the team in 2012, but praised his growth both on and off the field."Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions," Gambhir said. "He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me."Gambhir emphasized Narine's unwavering commitment to KKR, despite his global success. "He was KKR's MVP even before the season got underway," Gambhir said. "The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder, and I'm sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket."Narine's impact on KKR's success cannot be overstated. In IPL 2024, he scored 488 runs and picked up 17 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a batsman and bowler. His ability to bowl economical spells and strike with the bat has made him an indispensable asset for the franchise.Gambhir's praise for Narine is a testament to the all-rounder's exceptional talent and dedication. As KKR looks to build on their IPL triumph, Narine will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their future success.

KKR's Mission: To Become the Most Successful IPL FranchiseKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has set an ambitious goal for the franchise: to become the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on Sportskeeda, Gambhir expressed his satisfaction with KKR's recent victory but emphasized that the journey towards greater success has just begun."We are still two trophies away from MI and CSK," Gambhir said. "I am content today, but we are still not the most successful IPL franchise. To do that, we need to win the tournament three more times, and that will require a lot of effort. Our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There will be no better feeling than that. But, the journey towards that has only begun."Reflecting on the emotions of winning the IPL for the third time, the former KKR skipper described the experience as indescribable. "When you head into the IPL, your first thought is to reach the playoffs. When you are close to the playoffs, you think about the top two. When you reach the top two, you want to get to the final, and then you want to win it. At every step, there has been excitement, challenges, and nervousness," he said."Today, sitting at home, I am a very happy man. IPL is such a league where you cannot take any team lightly. It’s such a high-intensity tournament that when you win it, you start feeling really good about yourself," he added.Having guided KKR to their third IPL title, Gambhir is now looking forward to spending quality time with his family, describing it as the best way to rejuvenate and relax. "For me, what’s next is the vacation with my girls and my wife. I am looking forward to it. You get rejuvenated with such breaks, as you don’t have to think about cricket at all. There is nothing better than spending time with family. After playing such a high-intensity tournament and winning it, there can be no better feeling," Gambhir concluded.

Former New Zealand fast bowler and commentator Simon Doull has revealed the backlash he has faced for criticizing Virat Kohli's strike rate. Despite praising Kohli's skills and achievements, Doull's comments on the Indian batsman's need to improve his strike rate have drawn negative reactions from passionate fans.Doull believes that Kohli, a phenomenal player, should be dominating more than he has been. He points to Kohli's strike rate as an area for improvement, suggesting that the former RCB captain is afraid to get out and is worried about what is behind him rather than focusing on his own abilities.Doull has also made similar comments about Pakistan's Babar Azam, who has since acknowledged that his coaches have expressed the same concerns. However, Doull emphasizes that his main point has always been that Kohli shouldn't have to worry about getting out, as he is too good for that.Despite his positive comments about Kohli, Doull's criticism of his strike rate has led to death threats. He expresses disappointment that his constructive criticism has been met with such hostility.Doull believes that with the introduction of the impact substitute rule in the IPL, a strike rate of 130-135 is no longer sufficient. Kohli's impressive performance in the IPL 2024, where he finished as the highest run-getter with a strike rate of 154.69, demonstrates that he has taken Doull's criticism to heart.

Gautam Gambhir's Midas Touch Extends to Kolkata Knight Riders, Reigniting Head Coach SpeculationGautam Gambhir's remarkable success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to soar, with the former Indian opener now guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title. After leading Lucknow Super Giants to two consecutive playoffs, Gambhir's mentorship has transformed KKR into a formidable force, showcasing their confidence and class throughout the tournament.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has flourished, leading the team with poise and determination. The team's success has reignited speculation that Gambhir could be in line to take over as head coach of the Indian cricket team after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends with the 2024 T20 World Cup.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has been vocal in his praise for Gambhir's influence on the team. In a heartfelt post, Khan revealed how Gambhir's philosophy has instilled a sense of unity and respect within the squad."GG said if u can't support a single vision as a team....u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old," Khan wrote. "The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team....but a proof of each player being the best for the team."Gambhir's success with KKR has further cemented his reputation as a shrewd tactician and motivator. His ability to inspire players and create a winning environment has made him a highly sought-after coach.While the Indian cricket board has yet to make an official announcement, Gambhir's name remains at the forefront of discussions for the head coach role. His proven track record and his ability to connect with players make him a strong contender to lead the Indian team to future glory.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that Rohit Sharma has played his last match for the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra believes that either Rohit himself will not want to be retained or the franchise will decide to let him go.Rohit was removed as MI captain at the start of IPL 2024, with Hardik Pandya taking over the leadership. Chopra also predicts that MI will let Ishan Kishan go, despite using the 'Right to Match' card, as his price tag of 15.5 crores is too high.Chopra acknowledges that he might be wrong in his prediction, but he foresees a scenario where Rohit doesn't want to be retained or the franchise decides to let him go. He believes that Rohit's patchy performance in IPL 2024, where he finished with 417 runs including a century, may have influenced the decision.Rohit, nicknamed "Hitman" for his attacking play and big-scoring, signed off in his last league match of the year with a 28-ball fifty. However, his previous seven innings had produced just 88 runs.If Chopra's prediction is correct, it will mark the end of an era for MI. Rohit has been a key player for the franchise since its inception in 2008, leading them to five IPL titles. He is also the all-time leading run-scorer for MI in the IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Triumph Illuminates Burj Khalifa in Purple GloryIn a spectacular display of celebration, the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, was adorned in the vibrant purple hues of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to commemorate their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title victory.KKR's triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL final on May 26 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium sparked jubilation among their fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. In Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa became a beacon of celebration, its facade illuminated with purple lights and videos of the moment going viral on social media.The franchise shared a captivating video on social media, capturing the breathtaking spectacle. "View from the top. It's all PURPLE," they captioned the post. The building's towering structure showcased images of the KKR squad and their co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside the message: "Congratulations KKR. Congratulations SRK."KKR's previous IPL triumphs came in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Coincidentally, Gambhir now serves as the team's mentor and is a frontrunner to become the new coach of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup in June.The Burj Khalifa's tribute to KKR's victory not only celebrated their achievement but also highlighted the global reach and popularity of the IPL. The tournament has become a major sporting event, attracting fans from around the world and showcasing the talent and skill of Indian cricketers.

Gautam Gambhir's astute leadership and unwavering support have transformed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) into a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the mentor of the franchise, Gambhir has played a pivotal role in KKR's resurgence, guiding them to the top of the league stage and ultimately to victory in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Gambhir's unwavering support for his players has been a key factor in their success. He believes in giving players a fair chance to prove themselves, regardless of their experience or reputation. This approach has allowed uncapped players like Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to flourish and make significant contributions to the team.Another key aspect of Gambhir's leadership is his ability to create a winning atmosphere. He understands the importance of instilling confidence in his players and empowering them to perform at their best. This was evident in his decision to open the innings with Sunil Narine, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Narine responded with a series of match-winning performances, earning him the MVP award for the season.Gambhir's focus on team goals over individual achievements has also been instrumental in KKR's success. He believes that the team's collective effort is more important than any individual accolades. This approach has fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad, with players willing to sacrifice their personal ambitions for the greater good of the team.One of Gambhir's most notable traits is his ability to give players clear roles and responsibilities. This has allowed players like Phil Salt, Ramandeep Singh, and Harshit Rana to thrive in their respective roles. Gambhir's faith in these players has paid off handsomely, as they have consistently delivered for the team.Even when faced with criticism for his decision to back Mitchell Starc, Gambhir remained steadfast in his belief in the Australian pacer. Starc's performances in the latter stages of the tournament justified Gambhir's faith, proving that he is a true leader who is not afraid to make bold decisions.