Cricket

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain, has hinted at his post-retirement plans, expressing his desire for an extended break from the sport. In a recent conversation with RCB, Kohli emphasized his determination to avoid regrets after hanging up his boots.However, former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised eyebrows with a bold prediction, suggesting that Kohli may retire sooner than anticipated. Vaughan believes that Kohli's priorities have shifted since the birth of his second child, Akaay, and that he may prioritize a quieter life away from the limelight."He just absolutely adored that normal life. I think that may take Virat away from cricket, like he just wants to go and have a quiet time for a while," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.Kohli's absence from the five-match Test series against England earlier this year, due to the birth of his son, has been cited as evidence of his changing priorities. Vaughan believes that Kohli's time away from the game may have given him a taste of a different lifestyle, one that he may find more appealing than the rigors of international cricket.Despite Vaughan's speculation, Kohli remains one of the most formidable batters in the world. He ended the IPL 2024 season as the leading run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 matches. However, his rare failure with the bat in the Eliminator, which resulted in RCB's elimination from the tournament, has raised questions about his current form.Kohli will now turn his attention to the T20 World Cup, which begins on June 2 in the Americas. The tournament will provide him with an opportunity to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the conclusion of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) campaign. Kohli described Karthik as a wise and honest individual who provided him with invaluable support during a challenging phase in his IPL career.Karthik, who joined RCB from Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022, played his final IPL match on Wednesday when RCB was eliminated by Rajasthan Royals in the playoffs. In a special tribute video released by RCB, Kohli shared his admiration for Karthik's character and cricketing abilities."Off the field, I have had some really nice and interesting conversations with him. He is a wise man, and has great knowledge about a lot of things, not just cricket," Kohli said.Kohli recalled the 2022 season when he struggled for form, averaging just 22.73 with 341 runs from 16 matches. Karthik's guidance and support during that difficult period proved to be invaluable."I have thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him. Even in that phase in 2022 when I did not have a great IPL season, I was really struggling for confidence," Kohli said. "He sat me down a couple of times and just gave me a very honest explanation of how he saw things and maybe I am not able to see them myself."Karthik, a seasoned campaigner in the IPL, has represented six franchises since the league's inception in 2008. He has amassed 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 fifties.Kohli praised Karthik's technical prowess and versatility as a batter. "I always looked at Dinesh and felt like he was such a correct player technically that he could adapt to any kind of role that's been given to him," Kohli said. "I remember watching him in the 2013 season where he got 600 runs or something and he batted brilliantly at three.""I saw him play shots which were like 'wow'. I think he's done brilliantly to switch and become a renowned finisher."Kohli expressed his hope that Karthik would continue to be involved with the RCB franchise in some capacity. "I wish him all the very best for all his future endeavors moving forward," Kohli said. "...because his expertise when it comes to cricket is priceless. I think he's of great value to this franchise."

Shimron Hetmyer Fined for Code of Conduct Breach in IPL Qualifier 2Rajasthan Royals batsman Shimron Hetmyer has been fined 10% of his match fee for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during Qualifier 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The incident occurred in Chennai on Friday, where SRH emerged victorious by 36 runs.Hetmyer's offense was not explicitly stated by the organizers, but it is believed to stem from his reaction after being dismissed in the 14th over of the chase. Following his dismissal by Abhishek Sharma, Hetmyer attempted to smash the stumps in frustration.The IPL issued a statement confirming the fine: "Shimron Hetmyer of the Rajasthan Royals has been fined 10% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the Qualifier 2 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on May 24.""Hetmyer committed a Level 1 offense under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offense and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."In the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a competitive total of 175 for nine, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen's 34-ball 50 and contributions from Travis Head (34) and Rahul Tripathi (37). The Rajasthan Royals' chase was derailed by the SRH spinners, with Shahbaz Ahmed (3/23) and Abhishek Sharma (2/24) sharing five wickets. Pat Cummins (1/30) and T Natarajan (1/13) also chipped in with wickets.Hetmyer's fine serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and adhering to the IPL's Code of Conduct. As the tournament progresses, players must remain mindful of their actions and avoid any behavior that could result in disciplinary action.

MS Dhoni Emphasizes Importance of Fear and Right Player Recruitment for SuccessChennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has highlighted the significance of fear and the right player recruitment strategy for team success. Dhoni, who has led CSK to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, believes that fear is essential for improvement and that teams should prioritize recruiting players who fit their environment rather than chasing big names.In a video released by CSK, Dhoni explained that fear drives him to make the right decisions under pressure. "Fear is very important. You need to have that fear because unless, if I don't have fear, I can never be brave. I can never be courageous, you know. So I always felt that fear is important, that the pressure is important because that helps me take the right decision, keeping everything in mind," he said.Dhoni also emphasized the importance of getting the most out of each individual player rather than focusing on acquiring the biggest names. "We get a very good player on our team, but he's drastically different from our environment. So what do we look for? We want him to take that one step towards the team's goal and we are happy to take three steps towards him. But let's say that's not the case. The second best thing is you keep doing what you are doing but don't disrupt us. That's the second-best option. The third is you have to let him go," he explained.Dhoni believes that if a big player struggles to fit into the team environment, it is acceptable to let them go, as the team's interests should always come first. "But he also needs to be willing to take that step. If he doesn't take that first step, I can take the second option but at some point of time (I will have to take a call). I don't want the whole team to adapt to the individual because that is wrong. So, you have to let him go. He may be the greatest player but you have to let him go. Somebody else will come and take his place. He may not be as good as him but he will help the team perform better," he added.Dhoni's insights underscore the importance of creating a cohesive team environment where players are willing to contribute to the collective goal. By embracing fear, recruiting the right players, and prioritizing team success over individual brilliance, CSK has consistently achieved remarkable results under Dhoni's leadership.

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a potential frontrunner for the vacant head coach position of the Indian cricket team. BCCI secretary Jay Shah's recent statement that the board is seeking individuals with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure has fueled speculation about Gambhir's candidacy.Gambhir's lack of formal coaching experience is not seen as a deterrent, as his reputation for plain speaking and his ability to empower players are considered valuable assets. As captain of KKR, he revived the team's fortunes, leading them to two IPL titles in four years.Sources close to the development indicate that Gambhir has not yet received a formal proposal from the BCCI, but he is reportedly open to considering the role. His success with KKR this season, where the team topped the table and is favored to win the final, has further enhanced his credentials.Gambhir's philosophy as a leader emphasizes rewarding small contributions and fostering a sense of empowerment among players. He has consistently recognized the contributions of lesser-known players, such as Venkatesh Iyer and Harshit Rana, alongside the team's star performers.One of Gambhir's notable strengths as a captain was his willingness to take bold decisions. In the 2012 IPL final, he dropped Brendon McCullum to include Manvinder Bisla, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Similarly, as KKR mentor, he invested heavily in Mitchell Starc, who played a crucial role in the team's Qualifier 1 victory.Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach would bring a fresh perspective to the Indian team. His emphasis on empowering players, recognizing small contributions, and making bold decisions could help the team overcome its recent challenges and achieve greater success.

Chennai's 'Thala-Land' Silenced as CSK's Absence Dampens IPL Qualifier 2On an ordinary IPL match day, Wallajah Road, the bustling thoroughfare leading to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, would be a vibrant tapestry of activity. But on Friday, as Qualifier 2 between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad unfolded, an eerie quietness hung in the air.The road, usually teeming with sports merchandise vendors, was deserted. Unsold yellow jerseys, a poignant reminder of the impact of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) absence, lay in piles outside shuttered shops. Street vendors struggled to sell counterfeit jerseys, their usual brisk trade replaced by a disheartening silence.The absence of CSK, the city's beloved team, cast a pall over the atmosphere. The buzz that typically permeated the area from 4 pm onwards on match days was conspicuously absent. A few scattered Orange and pink jerseys made their way towards the Chepauk gates, but the electric atmosphere that characterized CSK games was nowhere to be found."I'm a regular at CSK matches," lamented Arun Pradeep, a devoted fan. "I had three tickets, but couldn't find anyone to take them. We decided to support good cricket instead."The biggest losers were the counterfeit jersey sellers, who typically made a killing on CSK match days. On this day, they struggled to sell a handful of Pat Cummins and Sanju Samson shirts.Despite the absence of CSK, the stadium filled to a capacity of 29,255. But the soul of the event was missing. The day served as a stark reminder of the immense value that MS Dhoni and CSK bring to the IPL landscape.

Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian opener, has acknowledged that he is approaching a transitional phase in his career, signaling a potential end to his illustrious journey on the international stage.Dhawan, who made a memorable Test debut with a century and celebrated his 100th ODI with a ton, has enjoyed a remarkable career. However, the 38-year-old has been absent from international cricket since December 2022 and has faced speculation about his future after Punjab Kings' exit from the ongoing IPL season.In a recent interview, Dhawan candidly admitted that his cricketing career is undergoing a "transition." He remains composed and accepts the inevitable reality that his playing days are numbered."I am also going through a transition 'Jahan Meri Cricket Vishram Pe Aayegi' and a new chapter in my life will start. You only have a certain age till you can play. It could be one year more, two years more, or xyz for me...," Dhawan said.Despite his absence from international cricket, Dhawan has maintained a strong presence in the IPL. As the second-highest run-getter in the league's history, he has showcased his enduring talent. However, a shoulder injury sustained during the IPL season has limited his participation to just five games.Reflecting on his injury, Dhawan said, "Unfortunately I got injured this IPL season and could not play for Punjab except for 4-5 matches. It takes time to recover. I am still healing. I have not recovered 100 per cent yet."While sidelined from on-field action, Dhawan has ventured into a new realm with his chat show 'Dhawan Karenge.' The show, which premiered on JioCinema, has provided him with a unique learning experience."I will be honest...I was quite nervous initially as it was something new for me. 'Dil Dhak-Dhak Kar Raha Tha'..(heart was beating fast), especially when I was shooting with Akshay Paaji (Akshay Kumar). I was smiling in front of him but I was nervous for sure. I feel it's natural to get nervous when you start something new...but 'Ek Baari Flow Mein Aa Gaye Toh Phir Chakke-Chauke Pad Hi Jaate Hain' (once you get the hang of it, then it is just like smashing boundaries on the cricket field)," Dhawan said.As Dhawan navigates this transitional phase, he remains open to new opportunities and embraces the challenges that lie ahead. His legacy as one of India's most successful openers will undoubtedly endure, and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations.

Yuzvendra Chahal Concedes Most Sixes in IPL History, Underscoring T20 Cricket's Relentless PressureYuzvendra Chahal, the Indian Premier League's (IPL) leading wicket-taker, has etched his name in an unwanted record book. During Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chahal conceded three sixes, bringing his career tally to a staggering 224. This makes him the bowler with the most sixes hit off his bowling in IPL history.Chahal's record highlights the relentless pressure faced by bowlers in the high-stakes environment of T20 cricket. Despite his impressive wicket-taking ability, Chahal has often found himself on the receiving end of some ferocious hitting. However, his resilience and endurance in the face of such adversity are a testament to his skill and determination.Close behind Chahal is Piyush Chawla, another seasoned IPL campaigner, with 222 sixes conceded. Chawla's wily leg-spin and ability to turn the ball sharply have made him a consistent performer over the years. Ravindra Jadeja, with 206 sixes conceded, brings a unique dimension to this list. Known for his all-round capabilities, Jadeja's left-arm spin and pinpoint accuracy have made him a mainstay in various IPL franchises.Ravichandran Ashwin, another prominent figure in Indian cricket, has conceded 202 sixes in the IPL. Ashwin's off-spin and his propensity to experiment with different bowling variations have made him a formidable opponent.Despite being on the receiving end of some ferocious hitting, these bowlers have displayed remarkable perseverance and skill. Their records highlight not just the challenges of T20 cricket, but also the incredible talent and determination required to succeed at the highest level.

Dinesh Karthik: RCB Fans Surpass Virat Kohli in SignificanceDinesh Karthik, the recently retired cricketer, has expressed his profound gratitude for the unwavering support of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, declaring them to be even greater than the iconic Virat Kohli.Karthik's IPL journey concluded on Wednesday with RCB's elimination from the title race after a loss to Rajasthan Royals. During his four-year stint with RCB (2015 and 2022-24), Karthik witnessed firsthand the immense passion and loyalty of the franchise's fanbase."RCB is extraordinary, and it's all about the fans," Karthik emphasized. "Virat Kohli is a huge part of RCB, but the fans are even bigger. The love I've received from them is overwhelming. I believe that the support of RCB fans played a significant role in my selection for the 2022 T20 World Cup."Karthik also acknowledged the invaluable lessons he learned from his teammate, Virat Kohli. "I've always admired Virat and learned a lot from him. He's one of the greatest ever," Karthik said.In IPL 2024, Karthik made a significant contribution to RCB's campaign, scoring 326 runs in 15 matches at an impressive strike rate of 187.35.Karthik's retirement from all forms of cricket has not diminished his passion for the game. He has been named to the commentary panel for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas, which begins on June 2.