Cricket

Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after India's triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup has been hailed as a wise move by his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma.Sharma believes that Kohli's decision will allow him to focus more on Test cricket, a format he excels in. "He likes Test cricket and he desires to perform more in the Test format," Sharma said. "He has a very good mindset for Test cricket. I believe that he will be able to concentrate more on it and will do well for the country."Kohli's retirement from T20Is comes after a successful career in the shortest format. He has amassed 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including one century and 38 half-tons. In T20 World Cups, he has scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, including 15 half-centuries.Sharma believes that Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is is a sign of his maturity and understanding of his own game. "The decision Virat Kohli has taken is a big decision, and he has taken it on a very big occasion when India won the World Cup, and Virat Kohli won the Man of the Match award in the final," Sharma said. "That is the highest point for any player when he says goodbye to a format from such a big stage. So it is a very big decision. I appreciate his decision as he said that he wants to give a chance to the youngsters."Kohli's retirement from T20Is will open up opportunities for younger players to break into the Indian team. It will also allow Kohli to focus on his other commitments, including his role as captain of the Indian Test team.

With the Indian men's cricket team's head coach position up for grabs, speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has hinted at the possibility of an Indian coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a frontrunner. However, Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has thrown a curveball by suggesting MS Dhoni as a potential candidate.Sharma believes Dhoni's experience and respect within the team make him an ideal choice. "He has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments," Sharma said. "He will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time."Dhoni's potential impact as a coach was evident during his stint as mentor for the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup. His ability to guide and motivate players was highly praised.While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, Sharma believes he could be a valuable asset to the Indian team as head coach. "Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team," Sharma said. "Dhoni handled the team brilliantly when he was captain, despite having big players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag."Gambhir, on the other hand, is seen as a strong candidate due to his success with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. His experience as a former India player and his ability to develop young talent make him a compelling choice.As Dravid's contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated. The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach in the coming weeks.

Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has come to the defense of the star batter amidst ongoing scrutiny surrounding his performance and strike rate in T20 cricket. Sharma praised Kohli's resilience and match-winning prowess, highlighting his contributions to Indian cricket.Despite criticism from former cricketers and pundits questioning Kohli's suitability for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the batter has responded with stellar performances in the IPL 2024 season. With 634 runs in 12 games, including one century and five fifties, Kohli has silenced his critics with an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51.In a post-match interaction after his match-winning 92 against Punjab Kings, Kohli emphasized the importance of quality over quantity. He explained that his understanding of the game allows him to practice less and focus on replicating his past successes.Kohli also showcased his commitment to expanding his skillset, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different situations. He highlighted his use of the slog sweep against spinners, a shot he hadn't practiced but had executed successfully in the past.Sharma's unwavering support for Kohli underscores the batter's enduring legacy in Indian cricket. Despite facing criticism, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances, proving his value to the team. His ability to adapt and evolve his game is a testament to his dedication and commitment to excellence.