Cricket

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.

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.

Mumbai Indians' star pacer Jasprit Bumrah made a young fan's dream come true at the Ekana Stadium during the IPL clash against Lucknow Super Giants. The official MI Twitter handle shared a heartwarming video of Bumrah handing over his prestigious Purple Cap, awarded to the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, to the ecstatic young fan.The fan's joy was evident as he ran around the stands, cherishing the moment. Bumrah's gesture not only gave the fan a tangible memory but also created a lasting impression on his young mind.Bumrah, who has been in scintillating form this season, currently leads the wicket-taking charts with 14 scalps in 10 games. His impressive bowling average of 18.28 and economy rate of 6.40 have been instrumental in MI's performances.Despite Bumrah's bowling prowess, MI has struggled to find consistency this season, languishing at the ninth spot in the points table with three wins and seven losses.In the match against LSG, MI's batting faltered, losing four wickets within the powerplay. Nehal Wadhera, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David tried to salvage the innings, but MI could only muster 144/7 in their 20 overs.LSG's bowlers, led by Mohsin Khan's 2/36, kept MI in check. In the run-chase, LSG also faced challenges, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Marcus Stoinis's knock of 62 proved crucial, guiding LSG to a four-wicket victory with four balls to spare.Stoinis's performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, while LSG moved up to the third spot in the standings with six wins and four losses.Bumrah's gesture towards the young fan serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire and create unforgettable memories. It also highlights the importance of role models in shaping the lives of young people.