Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, GT skipper Shubman Gill paid a surprise visit to the RCB dressing room, where he was greeted by former RCB captain Virat Kohli.In a lighthearted moment captured on video, Kohli playfully teased Gill, saying, "Badi jaldi aaya practice pe (you came very soon for practice)." The duo exchanged a few more words before Gill departed.Both GT and RCB have endured disappointing seasons thus far. RCB languishes at the bottom of the 10-team table with just three wins in 10 matches, while Gujarat has fared slightly better at No. 8 with four wins in 10 matches.Gujarat, who won the IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and finished runners-up in 2023 under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, have struggled to replicate their success this season. RCB, on the other hand, has never won the IPL despite boasting a star-studded lineup.Kohli, who stepped down as RCB captain after the 2021 season, has been in impressive form this season. He is currently No. 2 in the list of run-getters with 500 runs in 10 matches, behind Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has scored 509 runs in 10 matches.The match between RCB and GT promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams desperate for a victory to revive their playoff hopes. Kohli's form and Gill's leadership will be key factors to watch in this crucial encounter.

The scorching heat in Karnataka has brought immense relief to Bengaluru with Friday afternoon's rain. However, the conditions have raised concerns for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they languish at the bottom of the IPL points table with only three wins from 10 matches.RCB's hopes of making the playoffs are hanging by a thread, and a rain-affected match against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy stadium could extinguish their chances. Despite back-to-back wins, RCB has struggled to find consistency this season.Gujarat Titans, with two points more than RCB, are also in a precarious position in the race to the playoffs. After losing to RCB on their home turf last week, Shubman Gill and his team will be looking to capitalize on RCB's poor home form, having won only one of their five outings.Virat Kohli, the second-highest run-getter of the season, will be crucial for RCB. However, the spotlight will be on English all-rounder Will Jacks, who made a stunning IPL debut with an unbeaten 41-ball 100 against Mumbai Indians.RCB's batting lineup has been inconsistent, and they will need to improve their performance. Gujarat, too, will hope for their batters to deliver, especially in the Powerplay, which has been a weakness for them.In bowling, Gujarat has a significant advantage with spin ace Rashid Khan, while RCB lacks a tweaker of similar pedigree. Pacers on both sides have been unimpressive, and they will face a stern test at the big-hitting M Chinnaswamy stadium.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) rising star Will Jacks experienced an unforgettable moment when batting legend Virat Kohli celebrated his match-winning century against the Gujarat Titans. Jacks' blistering knock of 100 off just 41 deliveries propelled RCB to the fastest successful chase of a 200-plus target in IPL history.Jacks' innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, with six sixes and two fours coming off the last ten deliveries he faced. His unbeaten 166-run partnership with Kohli solidified RCB's position in the playoffs race."It was quite surreal for me," Jacks said. "Having seen him do as many things as he has and to him have been celebrating for me. It was quite an amazing feeling."Kohli, who scored 70 off 44, was equally impressed with Jacks' performance. "You got your next 50 in 10 balls, 31 (ball) 50, 41 (ball) 100. Second half was your day at the golf course," Kohli said.Jacks revealed that Kohli provided valuable guidance during the initial phase of his innings. "Virat kind of helped me through my first 15 balls where I was struggling and he showed good intent which is what we had spoken about," Jacks said.Jacks' century was a testament to his exceptional talent and the growing confidence he has gained in the IPL. His partnership with Kohli showcased the depth and firepower of RCB's batting lineup, making them a formidable contender for the title.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are still mathematically alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs race, but they face a daunting task in their upcoming clash on May 4. Both teams need a victory to keep their hopes flickering, but they must also overcome their own internal struggles.RCB, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with six points from 10 matches, have shown signs of improvement in their last two outings. Will Jacks' century against GT and Cameron Green's all-round performance against Hyderabad have boosted their confidence. However, the team's bowling remains a concern, with Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Karn Sharma, and Swapnil Singh struggling for consistency.GT, on the other hand, are placed eighth with eight points from 10 matches. Despite the presence of star players like Shubman Gill and Bhardwaj Sai Sudharsan, the team has underperformed, losing their last two matches against Delhi Capitals and RCB. Their bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan, has been particularly disappointing, with the Afghan spinner taking just eight wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.00.The match between RCB and GT is crucial for both teams. A win for RCB would keep their playoff hopes alive, while a victory for GT would boost their chances of finishing in the top four. However, both teams will need to address their weaknesses and play to their strengths to emerge victorious.

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has come to the defense of Indian batter Virat Kohli, criticizing "data-driven pundits" who have been criticizing Kohli's strike rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).De Villiers, who played alongside Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), praised Kohli as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. He said that Kohli's role in the RCB team is to play a certain way, and that he has been "incredible" in that role."Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It's been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I'm frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He's incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I've pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticizing this man. When you don't really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?," De Villiers said on his official YouTube channel.Kohli has been in good form in the IPL this season, scoring 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49 in 10 matches. He has hit 46 fours and 20 sixes.In RCB's previous match against Gujarat Titans, Kohli scored a quick-fire 70* to help his team to victory. He also achieved a landmark feat during the match, becoming the second player to score 24 half-centuries while chasing a target in the IPL.De Villiers' comments come after Kohli has been criticized by some for his relatively low strike rate in the IPL. However, De Villiers believes that Kohli's strike rate is not a fair measure of his contribution to the team."I think it's important to look at the context of the game. What is the team's strategy? What is the player's role in the team? And what is the player's strengths and weaknesses?," De Villiers said."In Virat's case, he is a player who is very good at playing the anchor role. He can come in and stabilize the innings, and he can also accelerate when needed. He is also a very good fielder and a great leader. So, I think it's important to look at all of these factors when evaluating a player's performance," De Villiers added.

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has come to the defense of Indian batsman Virat Kohli, calling him one of the greatest players in history and criticizing "data-driven pundits" for their criticism of Kohli's strike rate.In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, de Villiers expressed his frustration with the ongoing criticism of Kohli's strike rate, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He argued that Kohli's role in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team is to play a stabilizing role and that his strike rate should not be the sole measure of his performance."Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It's been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I'm frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He's incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I've pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticizing this man. When you don't really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?," de Villiers said.Kohli's recent performances in the IPL have silenced some of his critics. In the last game between RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT), Kohli made an impression with his blistering 70*. He was a major factor in Bengaluru's victory and dismissed the recent discussion regarding his strike rate.During the game, Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB's clash against GT. He now stands second in the list of players with the most half-centuries while chasing a target, with 24 scores of fifty or above. He is only behind David Warner, who has 35 half-centuries while chasing.The 35-year-old also tied Warner's record for the most IPL seasons with 500 or more runs. In an IPL season, Warner and Kohli have both scored 500 runs or more seven times.Kohli's performances in the IPL have been a reminder of his class and ability. Despite the criticism he has faced, he remains one of the most respected and feared batsmen in the world.

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro and icon of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), recently showcased his remarkable cricketing knowledge in a fun video shared by the team on social media. The challenge was to name cricketers starting from the letter A to Z in one go.Kohli, known for his prolific run-scoring, passed the test with ease, demonstrating his deep understanding of the game. The video, captioned "Could Virat Kohli guess the names of cricketers starting from A all the way to Z in one go?", has garnered immense attention on social media.Despite losing his top spot and the Orange Cap to Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) edition, Kohli remains a formidable force. With 500 runs to his name so far, he still has a chance to reclaim the Orange Cap in the remaining four matches.However, RCB's playoff hopes are virtually over, as they languish at the bottom of the 10-team table with only three wins in 10 matches. Despite their disappointing performance, Kohli's individual brilliance continues to shine through.The video highlights Kohli's exceptional cricketing acumen and his ability to recall names and details with remarkable accuracy. It also serves as a reminder of his unwavering passion for the sport and his dedication to the game.

Legendary South African cricketer AB De Villiers, a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise from 2011 to 2021, remains deeply connected to the team. Despite being on vacation in Mauritius, De Villiers recently showcased his unwavering support for RCB.In a heartwarming family vlog posted on social media, De Villiers captured the breathtaking scenery of Mauritius while on a high-speed boat ride. Amidst the excitement, he couldn't resist belting out RCB's iconic chant, "Ee sala cup namde," which translates to "This year, the cup will be ours."De Villiers' unwavering loyalty to RCB extends beyond his on-field contributions. He has consistently defended his former teammate Virat Kohli, who has faced criticism for his approach and strike rate. In a recent YouTube video, De Villiers expressed his frustration with the constant scrutiny, reminding everyone that Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024."I am fed up and frustrated with the criticism about Virat's strike rate," De Villiers said. "He's one of the best to ever play the game, and he's been incredible in the IPL. He plays a specific role for RCB, and I've had enough of these data-driven pundits who criticize him without understanding the game."De Villiers emphasized that Kohli's strike rate this season has been even better than his record-breaking 2016 campaign. He urged Kohli to continue playing his natural game, stating, "Virat, keep playing like you are."De Villiers' unwavering support for RCB and his defense of Kohli highlight the enduring bonds he has forged during his time with the franchise. His passion for the team and his belief in his former teammates continue to inspire fans and demonstrate the enduring legacy he has left on the IPL.

Virat Kohli's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad has sparked debate, with former Australian opener Matthew Hayden questioning whether the veteran batter is the right choice. Despite Kohli's impressive form in the ongoing IPL season, Hayden believes that the BCCI should prioritize performance over reputation.Kohli has been in scintillating form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), amassing 500 runs in just 10 matches, including four half-centuries and a century. His crucial knock of 70 off 44 balls against Gujarat Titans on Sunday further cemented his status as a key player for RCB.However, Hayden argues that Kohli's slow strike rate and lack of impact in the middle overs could be a liability for India in the T20 World Cup. He suggests that the BCCI should consider younger players who are more suited to the demands of modern T20 cricket."From an Australian cricket point of view, our philosophy is pretty simple. We pick not the names or the icons but select those who are going to win you the World Cup," Hayden said. "We've got our own debates on our front. David Warner... should he go? We've had our challenges and I think we have been very good over the last 20 or even 30 years to actually think what is the side that is going to win."Hayden acknowledges Kohli's impressive statistics but questions whether he is the best option for India in the T20 World Cup. "This Virat Kohli discussion is probably the primary discussion here. Is he the individual who is going to win you the World Cup? I mean, his last ODI World Cup was a fantastic campaign. He has got nothing wrong with his statistics, historically no matter what tournament he plays.""So the challenge from mine is his experience vs the young impetus that is required to play great World Cup cricket."Despite the concerns raised by Hayden, the BCCI has shown faith in Kohli by including him in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. It remains to be seen whether Kohli can justify his selection and lead India to victory in the tournament.