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.

Virat Kohli's Resurgence: Fueled by Criticism, RCB's Orange Cap WinnerThe Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) endured a dismal start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, losing seven of their first eight matches. Amidst the team's struggles, Virat Kohli emerged as a beacon of consistency, scoring runs at a steady pace. However, his strike rate and intent came under scrutiny from critics.Undeterred by the criticism, Kohli transformed his game in the second half of the season. He not only improved his strike rate but also played with a renewed sense of purpose. Dinesh Karthik, RCB's wicketkeeper-batter, attributed Kohli's resurgence to the criticism he faced."Experts" spurred Kohli on by targeting him, Karthik said. "And you don't want to see that side of Virat Kohli. He thrives on that. He's someone who inadvertently wants to hold on to certain things to do well."Kohli's determination to prove his detractors wrong was evident throughout the season. He finished as the Orange Cap winner with 741 runs in 15 innings, averaging 61.75 and striking at 154.69.Thanks to Kohli's resurgence, RCB recorded six consecutive wins to qualify for the playoffs. However, their campaign ended in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals.Karthik believes Kohli's ability to channel criticism into motivation is a testament to his competitive spirit. "He loves proving people wrong," Karthik said. "He's fiery and you don't want to be anywhere close to it because you're going to get burnt for sure."Kohli's performance in IPL 2024 is a reminder of his unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity. Fueled by criticism, he emerged as a force to be reckoned with, leading RCB to a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's star batter Virat Kohli expressed immense pride and satisfaction after securing the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite RCB's elimination in the playoffs, Kohli's exceptional performance in the latter half of the tournament played a crucial role in their qualification for the playoffs.Kohli amassed an impressive 741 runs in 15 matches, averaging 61.75 with a century and five half-centuries. His highest score of 113* and a strike rate of 154.69 marked his best performance in a single IPL season."I'm extremely honored to win the Orange Cap this season," Kohli said after the match. "It was a rollercoaster of a ride, but I'm really pleased with the way I performed for the team, especially in the latter half, where we needed to win every game to qualify."Kohli's teammate and Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel also made history by winning his second Purple Cap for the most wickets in the tournament. Patel finished with 24 wickets in 14 matches, becoming only the third pacer after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo to achieve this feat."Deeply honored to be presented with the Purple Cap," Patel said. "It's been a rewarding journey. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and my family. I look forward to the 2025 season."Kolkata Knight Riders' mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy had the opportunity to surpass Patel in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but he could only manage one wicket. The Riders ultimately emerged victorious, claiming their third IPL title.

Virat Kohli, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper, silenced critics and proved his T20 prowess in the 2024 Indian Premier League season, securing the Orange Cap and leading RCB to the playoffs.Despite facing criticism for his strike rate, Kohli emerged as the tournament's top run-scorer, amassing 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. His tally included one century and five fifties, marking the second time he has claimed the Orange Cap after his record-breaking 973 runs in 2016.Kohli's performances were a timely reminder of his T20 dominance. He faced scrutiny over his strike rate throughout the league phase, but he addressed the criticism head-on after a stellar knock against Gujarat Titans. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull advised Kohli to disregard the "rubbish" criticism, while batting legend Sunil Gavaskar criticized broadcasters for repeatedly airing Kohli's on-air rant against pundits.RCB icon Dinesh Karthik credited Doull for motivating Kohli. "He started okay but thanks to people like Simon (Doull) and a few others, they just really spurred him on," Karthik said. "He is someone who inadvertently wants to hold on to certain things to do well."Kohli's fierce determination and ability to prove his detractors wrong have been central to his success. "He loves proving people wrong, and even though he might not come out and say it, it really fuels his passion," Karthik added.Kohli's remarkable form and ability to perform under pressure make him a key player for India as they aim for World Cup glory. His performances in the IPL have silenced critics and underlined his status as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) talismanic batter Virat Kohli has expressed his pride in securing the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. Despite RCB's elimination in the Eliminator, Kohli's exceptional performance in the latter half of the tournament has earned him the prestigious award.RCB faced an uphill battle to qualify for the playoffs, needing to win all their remaining six group-stage matches and rely on favorable results from other teams. Led by Kohli's batting brilliance, the Challengers achieved this remarkable feat, eliminating Chennai Super Kings from title contention and securing their place in the playoffs.Kohli's outstanding performance earned him the Orange Cap, having amassed 741 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 61.75. His tally included a century and five half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 113. Kohli also maintained a strike rate of 154.69, the highest in his IPL career."Extremely honored to win the orange cap this season. It was a rollercoaster of a ride. I was really pleased with the way I performed for the team, especially in the latter half, where we needed to win every game to qualify. Thank you everyone for your support," Kohli remarked during the post-match presentation.While Kohli claimed the Orange Cap, his former teammate and Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel secured his second Purple Cap for the highest wicket-taker. Patel finished the tournament with 24 wickets in 14 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.73 and an average of 19.87.This achievement marked Patel's second Purple Cap, following his impressive 32-wicket haul in the 2021 season while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore. Patel became only the third pacer, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo, to win the Purple Cap twice in IPL history."Deeply honored to be presented with the purple cap. It's been a rewarding journey. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and my family. I look forward to the 2025 season," Patel stated.In the final match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk, Kolkata Knight Riders' mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy had the chance to overtake Patel in the leading wicket-takers list, requiring a five-wicket haul. However, he managed to dismiss only Shahbaz Ahmed as the Riders went on to clinch their third IPL title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded with a thrilling finale, crowning the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as champions for the third time. The tournament witnessed intense competition, with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) emerging as runners-up.KKR's victory earned them a substantial prize money of INR 20 crore, while SRH received INR 12.5 crore. The total prize pool of INR 46.5 crore was distributed among the top performers and teams.Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finished third and fourth, respectively, securing prize money of INR 7 crore and INR 6.5 crore. RCB's Virat Kohli claimed the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (741), while Punjab Kings' Harshal Patel won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets (24). Both players received INR 10 lakh each for their achievements.Kohli's exceptional performance included a century and five fifties, with a strike rate of 154.69. Patel's impressive bowling saw him take 24 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy rate of 9.73.SRH's Nitish Kumar Reddy was named the Emerging Player of the Season for his all-round contributions, while KKR's Sunil Narine was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Year.

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) endured another heartbreaking playoff exit in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday night, falling to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Despite Kohli's remarkable individual performance, amassing 741 runs and the Orange Cap, the team's title drought continues.Kohli's season began slowly, but he rediscovered his mojo, averaging 61.75 with a strike rate of 154.69. His century and five half-centuries showcased his class and determination. However, his brilliance could not compensate for the team's overall struggles.Despite the disappointment, Kohli remained positive, highlighting the team's turnaround and qualification for the playoffs. "We began expressing ourselves, started to play for our self-respect, and then the confidence came back," he said. "The way we turned things around was truly special."RCB head coach Andy Flower praised Kohli's leadership and skill. "The way he thinks about the game - he backs that up with an amazing level of skill, aggression, and hunger," Flower said. "I look forward to watching him in the World Cup."Kohli's performance bodes well for India ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite speculation about his decline, he has proven that he still has plenty to offer. His hunger for runs and ability to accelerate the scoring rate remain unmatched.While Kohli's individual brilliance has been a constant for RCB, the team has struggled to find consistency and support around him. The agonizing wait for a maiden IPL trophy continues, but Kohli's determination and leadership will undoubtedly inspire the team to strive for success in the future.

Virat Kohli's IPL 2024 journey was a tale of individual brilliance and collective heartbreak. The charismatic leader and prolific batsman emerged as the Orange Cap holder, amassing an impressive 741 runs throughout the season. His remarkable consistency was reflected in an average of 61.75, showcasing his reliability and hunger for runs.Kohli's strike rate of 154.69 underscored his aggressive intent and ability to accelerate the scoring, keeping bowlers on their toes. His stellar season included five half-centuries and one magnificent century, proving his dominance at the crease. He lit up the tournament with 62 boundaries and 38 towering sixes, enthralling fans and driving his team forward.Throughout the season, Kohli, who became the first player to score 8000 runs in IPL, demonstrated his class and commitment, often being the backbone of his team's batting lineup. His century was a masterclass in pacing an innings, combining textbook shots with innovative stroke play. The half-centuries were crucial in building or consolidating the innings, often coming under pressure situations.Despite his extraordinary individual success, the season ended in heartbreak for Kohli and his team. The culmination of a long and grueling season saw them fall short of the ultimate prize. The disappointment was palpable, especially given Kohli's immense contributions. His eyes told the story of a warrior who had given his all, yet the elusive IPL trophy remained just out of reach.Kohli's 2024 IPL campaign will be remembered for his sheer brilliance with the bat. His performances were a testament to his skill, fitness, and mental toughness. The numbers he accumulated stand as a monument to one of the greatest batsmen in the game's history. Yet, the heartbreak of not securing the championship will undoubtedly spur him on for future campaigns.As fans reflect on the season, they will cherish Kohli's batting masterclasses while sharing in the disappointment of a title that narrowly escaped their grasp.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has made a bold prediction that Virat Kohli could surpass his legendary 2016 IPL season, where he amassed 973 runs and led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to the final. Hayden believes that Kohli's current form and determination could lead him to even greater heights.Kohli has already scored 708 runs in 14 games this season, putting him on track to eclipse his previous record. Hayden praised Kohli's intensity and passion for the game, noting his ability to rally the crowd and silence opposition supporters.RCB's remarkable turnaround from a disappointing first half of the season, where they won only one of eight games, to winning six consecutive matches to reach the playoffs, has been a testament to the team's resilience. RCB finished the league stage in fourth place with seven wins, seven losses, and a higher net-run-rate than CSK, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.RCB will face Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator clash at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on May 22. The winner of this match will advance to Qualifier 2, set to take place in Chennai on May 24, for a chance to reach the final on May 26.With Kohli in scintillating form and the team showing remarkable grit, RCB fans are hopeful that this could be the year their team finally clinches the elusive IPL title.