Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) talismanic opener Virat Kohli etched his name alongside RCB legend Chris Gayle on Saturday by equaling the record for most 700-plus runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Kohli's blistering 29-ball 47 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium marked the second time he has surpassed the 700-run mark in an IPL season, having amassed 973 runs in 2016.Gayle previously held the record for most 700-plus run seasons with two, scoring 733 runs in 2012 and 708 in 2013. Kohli's latest feat also marks the 10th instance of a batter aggregating 700-plus runs in a single IPL season.Kohli's 47-run knock was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He struck three boundaries and four towering sixes, bringing his tally of sixes in IPL 2024 to 37. This places him second only to his own record of 38 maximums in the 2016 edition.Kohli's innings came to an end in the 10th over when Mitchell Santner dismissed him, with Daryl Mitchell taking a sharp catch at long-on. Despite his departure, Kohli's contribution played a crucial role in RCB's victory, which kept their playoff hopes alive.Kohli's consistency and longevity in the IPL are remarkable. He has now scored over 6,000 runs in the tournament, making him one of the most prolific batters in its history. His ability to adapt to different conditions and situations makes him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.As RCB gears up for the playoffs, Kohli's experience and leadership will be invaluable. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and anchor the innings will be crucial to the team's success. With Kohli in their ranks, RCB will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament and challenging for the title.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding MS Dhoni's retirement, stating that it has been a topic of discussion for several years. Ahead of RCB's crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, du Plessis emphasized the importance of focusing on their own team's performance.In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Dhoni has played 13 matches and scored 136 runs at a strike rate of 226.67. Despite his age, the 42-year-old has displayed his trademark power-hitting, smashing 11 fours and 12 sixes.Du Plessis acknowledged the excitement surrounding the Southern derby, which will be played in front of a passionate home crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He expressed his anticipation for the match, despite the presence of numerous CSK supporters."It'd be a great occasion, honestly, at home, in front of our fans, there will also be a lot of yellow fans but it's gonna be a great occasion. But yeah, we are just nice and calm and relaxed and looking forward to the game," du Plessis said.Currently, RCB stands in seventh place in the IPL 2024 standings with 12 points and a net run rate of +0.387. To qualify for the playoffs, they need to defeat CSK by at least 18 runs if they score a minimum of 200 runs batting first or win in 18.1 overs if they are chasing 200.Meanwhile, CSK holds fourth place with 14 points and a net run rate of +0.528. They have won 7 of their 13 matches and will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four.The match between RCB and CSK promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a crucial victory. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective playoff hopes.

Virat Kohli's Majestic Six Roars Through Chinnaswamy Stadium RoofIn a thrilling do-or-die clash against Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's talismanic skipper Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional batting prowess with a thunderous six that reverberated through the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.Facing CSK pacer Tushar Deshpande, Kohli unleashed a devastating pull shot on the first ball of the third over. The ball soared high over long-leg, connecting with the tin roof of the stadium with a resounding thud before falling back into the stands.Kohli's partner, Faf du Plessis, was visibly awestruck by the sheer power and precision of the shot. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, recognizing the brilliance of the moment.The six was a testament to Kohli's remarkable hand-eye coordination and impeccable timing. It also served as a reminder of his ability to produce match-winning performances under immense pressure.RCB's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs rested heavily on this crucial encounter. With a better net run-rate and more points, defending champions CSK were the favorites. However, RCB needed to win by a significant margin to secure their place in the knockout stage.The six by Kohli ignited a spark of hope among the RCB faithful. It demonstrated the team's determination to overcome the odds and emerge victorious. The match remains poised on a knife's edge, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for a place in the playoffs.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to amass an astounding 3000 runs at a single venue. This extraordinary achievement underscores Kohli's unparalleled consistency and dominance in the tournament.Kohli achieved this remarkable feat during the IPL 2024 match against Chennai Super Kings at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. He reached the landmark with a towering six over long leg off the bowling of Tushar Deshpande. The next highest run-scorer at a single venue is former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, who has accumulated 2295 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Kohli's accomplishment is a testament to his exceptional batting skills, unwavering focus, and ability to perform consistently under pressure. His record at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is a source of pride for the RCB, which has benefited immensely from his prolific run-scoring.It is worth noting that Kohli's long-time teammate and South African legend, AB de Villiers, is third on the list of most runs scored at a single venue in the IPL. De Villiers has scored 1960 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, further highlighting the formidable partnership that he and Kohli have forged over the years.Kohli's achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the RCB's dominance at their home ground. The Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a fortress for the team, and Kohli's contribution has been instrumental in their success.As Kohli continues to rewrite the record books, his legacy as one of the greatest batters in IPL history is further cemented. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the game.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, recently shared personal anecdotes and provided an update on his newborn son, Akaay, during an interview with Mr. Nags, played by Danish Sait.Kohli revealed that his daughter, Vamika, has developed a keen interest in cricket. "My daughter has picked up the cricket bat and she's enjoying swinging the bat. I'm not sure, their choice is final," he said.When asked about his baby boy, Kohli expressed his joy and gratitude. "Baby is good, healthy. Everything is fine, thank you!" he exclaimed.Kohli is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been instrumental in the team's pursuit of a playoff spot.In the IPL season, Kohli leads the race for the orange cap with 661 runs in 13 innings. His impressive tally includes five fifties and a century.RCB currently stands sixth in the IPL table with 12 points from 13 matches. They face a crucial match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday.To secure a playoff berth, RCB must win and improve their net run rate (NRR) to surpass CSK's NRR.After the IPL, Kohli will represent India in the T20 World Cup, which begins in June in the USA and the West Indies. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and the USA.

RCB vs CSK: Watson Predicts CSK Victory, Kohli's Form a ThreatRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to clash in a high-stakes encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, with the winner securing the fourth and final playoff spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL).After a dismal start to their campaign, RCB have staged a remarkable turnaround, winning five consecutive matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. Virat Kohli has been in scintillating form, leading the team's resurgence with his aggressive batting.CSK, the defending champions, have also shown signs of improvement in recent matches. However, they will be without their talismanic captain MS Dhoni, who has announced his retirement from the IPL.Former CSK opener Shane Watson has predicted a CSK victory in the crucial match. "My heart is saying CSK," Watson said in a video posted on his social media account. "I've just got a feeling that everyone is going to rally around at CSK because it could be MS Dhoni's last game for CSK."Watson believes that CSK's experience and ability to perform under pressure will give them an edge over RCB. However, he acknowledges that Kohli's form poses a significant threat to CSK's chances."Virat Kohli, he's going to have something to say about that," Watson said. "He's been on fire. RCB have won five in a row, so it's going to be an incredible game of cricket."The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams desperate to secure a playoff berth. RCB will be looking to continue their winning streak and ride on Kohli's momentum, while CSK will be determined to honor Dhoni's legacy with a victory.

As the highly anticipated match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) drew near, the demand for tickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru skyrocketed. However, fans were met with exorbitant prices, with tickets being sold in black at inflated rates.According to an RCB fan, a ticket priced at ₹4,800 was being sold for ₹15,000, while a ₹2,990 ticket was offered for ₹13,000. The prices escalated further on May 18, the day of the match. In the afternoon, tickets priced around ₹4,000 were allegedly being offered for ₹20,000 in black.The tickets were reportedly being sold on Cubbon Road, Queens Road, Tonic Signal, near Cubbon Park metro station, and other locations. On Queens Road, complimentary tickets given to members of the Karnataka State Cricket Association were being offered for ₹14,000.Tickets were also allegedly sold over the phone. Sellers, who had procured the tickets in bulk through middlemen, were offering them at prices ranging from ₹11,000 to ₹16,000. Buyers were instructed to make payment before a man would hand over the ticket in person.Cyber criminals also took advantage of the surge in demand. After showing physical tickets, they allegedly asked fans to make a payment using a QR code. Some fans claimed that while some asked for an OTP, in many cases, suspected cyber criminals sent fake messages claiming that money was not transferred. As a result, buyers ended up making multiple transactions only to realize they had been victims of a scam.The authorities have urged fans to be cautious and purchase tickets only from authorized sources. They have also warned against falling prey to cyber scams and have advised fans to report any suspicious activity.

IPL Live Score: CSK and RCB Battle for Playoff Spot in Rain-Threatened ClashThe Indian Premier League (IPL) reaches its climax as defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face off in a do-or-die clash to determine the fourth and final team for the playoffs.CSK, with 13 points and a superior net run-rate of 0.528, hold a slight advantage over RCB, who have 12 points and a net run-rate of 0.387. However, the match has taken on an added layer of intrigue due to the threat of rain.A washout would automatically send CSK through to the playoffs, while RCB would need to win by at least 18 runs or chase the target with approximately 11 balls to spare.CSK has a strong record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, having lost only once in eight matches against RCB. The team boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, and MS Dhoni.RCB, on the other hand, has been in resurgent form this season, led by the brilliance of captain Faf du Plessis and the explosive batting of Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. CSK will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure a playoff berth, while RCB will be desperate to overcome the odds and keep their title hopes alive.The weather forecast remains a major factor, with rain expected to play a role in the outcome of the match. If the rain does intervene, it could have a significant impact on the playoff race.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has categorically ruled out the possibility of bowling in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During a recent chat on JioCinema, Kohli recalled an incident where spectators at an RCB match demanded he bowl, prompting him to decline with a humorous gesture."I won't bowl in the IPL," Kohli declared with a laugh, leaving his former teammate Suresh Raina in stitches. "They asked me to bowl two or three times. I said, 'Please forgive me. Are you guys crazy? I'll lose my batting confidence too,'" Kohli added, chuckling.Kohli's reluctance to bowl stems from the explosive batting performances witnessed in this IPL season. The league has set new records for 200-plus totals, sixes, and successful chases. Kohli himself has been in exceptional form, leading the batting charts with 661 runs in 13 innings, including a century and five half-centuries.RCB's fate in the tournament hangs in the balance as they face a must-win match against Chennai Super Kings on Monday. Not only must they defeat MS Dhoni's team, but they must also ensure their net run rate surpasses that of Chennai.Kohli's decision not to bowl highlights the evolving nature of the IPL, where batsmen have taken center stage. The league has become a showcase for aggressive batting, with teams regularly posting massive totals. Kohli's focus on his batting prowess reflects this shift in the game's dynamics.