Cricket

Virat Kohli's scintillating half-century propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.Kohli, continuing his impressive form in the tournament, crafted a masterful innings amidst a flurry of wickets at the other end. His exquisite flick off KKR's star acquisition Mitchell Starc in the third over, resulting in a towering six, left commentators Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Kishan in awe."What a shot. Look at that bottom hand," exclaimed Gavaskar.RCB skipper Faf du Plessis opted to bat first after winning the toss, recognizing the fresh wicket's potential. However, KKR's bowlers made early inroads, dismissing Cameron Green and Rajat Patidar cheaply.Undeterred, Kohli anchored the innings with his trademark composure, finding boundaries and rotating the strike with ease. He received support from Glenn Maxwell, who contributed a valuable 32, and Anuj Rawat, who chipped in with 24.KKR's bowling attack, led by Starc and Varun Chakaravarthy, kept RCB in check, but Kohli's resilience proved too much to handle. He reached his half-century off 38 deliveries, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.With RCB needing 15 runs off the final over, Dinesh Karthik stepped up to the plate. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter smashed two boundaries off Harshit Rana to seal the victory with two balls to spare.KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, who won the toss and elected to bowl first, admitted that the wicket offered assistance to spinners. He praised his team's bowling performance but acknowledged the need to capitalize on starts."It is important to stay in the present. We have to see to it that we capitalize on the start," said Iyer.RCB's victory marked their second consecutive win of the season, while KKR suffered their first defeat. Both teams will be eager to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders Opt to Field First Against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024 ClashIn a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field first against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 29.Iyer explained his decision, stating that the team had been preparing well and wanted to carry forward their momentum. He also revealed that Ankul Roy would be the only change in their lineup.RCB captain Faf du Plessis expressed his disappointment at not being able to bat first, but acknowledged the support of the home crowd. He confirmed that their team would remain unchanged.The teams took to the field with the following lineups:Royal Challengers Bangalore:* Faf du Plessis (capt)* Virat Kohli* Rajat Patidar* Glenn Maxwell* Cameron Green* Dinesh Karthik* Anuj Rawat (wk)* Alzarri Joseph* MJ Dagar* Mohammed Siraj* Yash DayalKolkata Knight Riders:* Phil Salt (wk)* Venkatesh Iyer* Shreyas Iyer (capt)* Rinku Singh* Sunil Narine* Andre Russell* Ramandeep Singh* Mitchell Starc* AS Roy* Harshit Rana* CV VarunThe match commenced with RCB openers Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli facing the KKR bowlers. The duo provided a solid start, putting on a 50-run partnership before du Plessis was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.Kohli continued to anchor the innings, scoring a half-century, while Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell made valuable contributions. However, the KKR bowlers managed to restrict RCB to a total of 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs.In response, KKR's openers Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer got off to a flying start, putting on a 60-run partnership. However, RCB's bowlers fought back, with Mohammed Siraj and Alzarri Joseph picking up key wickets.Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell attempted to revive the chase, but they were unable to sustain the momentum. KKR eventually fell short of the target, losing by 23 runs.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to witness a potential clash of titans as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday. The match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, where the last encounter between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli resulted in an intense on-field battle.Former KKR and RCB star Varun Aaron anticipates that Gambhir's presence in the Knight Riders dugout will ignite Kohli's competitive spirit. "I'm eagerly looking forward to the match-up outside the boundary line," Aaron said. "Gautam Gambhir is going to be right beside the Bengaluru dug-out, and I don't know what's going to happen there. We know Virat likes to have fire in his belly, and if he just looks at the Kolkata dug-out, he's going to get fired up."The rivalry between Gambhir and Kohli reached a boiling point during an RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants match in IPL 2023. Kohli initially clashed with LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq, prompting Gambhir to intervene and engage in a verbal altercation with the former.Gambhir later defended his actions, stating, "It is not about Naveen-ul-Haq. I would have defended any player, that is my job, that is how I am. Why should I not defend my players just because someone has a broadcaster working for him, left right and centre, someone who has more social media presence doesn't have any right to walk over someone."While Kohli and Naveen have since reconciled, the equation between Gambhir and the RCB star remains uncertain. The Friday night match will provide an opportunity to gauge the current dynamics between the two players.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face off in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on March 29 in Bengaluru, seeking to address their respective batting woes and bolster their campaigns.RCB secured a narrow four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, while KKR edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad by four runs. However, both teams have concerns about their top and middle-order batting.RCB's star batter Virat Kohli scored a classy fifty against Punjab, but the team's other top-order batters have yet to fire. Skipper Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Rajat Patidar need to step up their game.KKR's batting unit also struggled against SRH, with captain Shreyas Iyer dismissed for a two-ball duck. Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, and Nitish Rana failed to make significant contributions.In bowling, RCB's pacers Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal impressed against Punjab, but Alzarri Joseph has been expensive. KKR's bowling unit, led by Narine, has been more consistent, but pacer Mitchell Starc and spinner Varun Chakravarthy have not been at their best.Both teams may consider making changes to their lineups. RCB could bring in left-arm quick Reece Topley for Joseph, while KKR might give leg-spinner Suyash Sharma a chance.The match promises to be a close contest between two teams eager to improve their standings in the IPL. RCB will look to their batting lineup to provide a solid foundation, while KKR will rely on their bowling unit to restrict the opposition.

Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, hailed the batter's match-winning performance against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday. Kohli's batting masterclass, combined with finishing touches from Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror, sealed a four-wicket win for RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.Kohli's 77-run innings was a testament to his class and experience. He registered a unique record during the match, becoming the first Indian and overall only third player to score 100 T20 fifty-plus scores. The 35-year-old was back at his vintage best, scoring 77 runs in 49 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes. He scored his runs at a strike rate of over 157.In 378 appearances, Kohli has scored 12,092 runs at an average of 41.26, with eight centuries and 92 fifties. His best score is 122*. Virat is India's leading T20 run getter and overall sixth.In terms of most fifty-plus scores, above Kohli are West Indies batting great Chris Gayle (110 fifty-plus scores including 22 centuries) and Australian great David Warner (109 fifty-plus scores including eight centuries).Coming to the match, Punjab Kings (PBKS) saw their batters getting starts but none of them could convert it into something big. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan (45 in 37 balls with five fours and a six), Jitesh Sharma (27 in 20 balls with a four and two sixes), and Sam Curran (23 in 17 balls) played decent knocks, but on a batting-friendly Chinnaswammy track, PBKS could muster only 176/6 in 20 overs.Mohammed Siraj (2/26) and Glenn Maxwell (2/29) took two scalps each. Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph took a wicket each.In the chase of 177, RCB continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, but Kohli (77 in 49 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) held the ship steady at the other end. After his dismissal, things got tricky for RCB, but finishing from Dinesh Karthik (28* in 10 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Mahipal Lomror (17* in eight balls, with two fours and a six) guided the team to a four-wicket win with four balls left.Harpreet Brar (2/13) and Kagiso Rabada (2/23) were the pick of the bowlers for PBKS.Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his marvelous innings.

Cricket Fans Resort to Unconventional Methods to Witness IPL ClashThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate fans. However, the high ticket prices often make it difficult for many enthusiasts to attend matches. This was evident during the IPL 2024 season opener between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk Stadium.A viral video circulating on social media captured the ingenuity of cricket fans who resorted to unconventional methods to catch the action. The video shows a large crowd of fans queuing up in front of vents at Chepauk railway station. By positioning themselves near these vents, they were able to catch glimpses of the match without having to purchase expensive tickets.This incident highlights the unwavering passion of IPL fans, who are willing to go to great lengths to witness their favorite teams in action. Despite the financial constraints, they found a creative way to enjoy the spectacle.CSK, led by legendary captain MS Dhoni, has made a strong start to the 17th edition of the IPL. With two wins in their first two matches, they currently sit atop the points table. The team's success has further fueled the enthusiasm of their fans, who are eager to see them lift the trophy once again.The IPL has become a global phenomenon, attracting fans from all walks of life. The tournament's unique format and high-octane matches have made it one of the most popular sporting events in the world. While ticket prices can be a barrier for some, the passion and dedication of fans like those at Chepauk railway station serve as a reminder of the true spirit of the game.

Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan expressed his disappointment after his team's four-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore, attributing it to a slow start and a crucial dropped catch.Batting first, PBKS struggled to gain momentum, scoring only 40 runs in the powerplay. Dhawan admitted to playing slowly in the initial overs, costing his team valuable runs. The dismissal of Jonny Bairstow further hindered their progress.In the second innings, Virat Kohli's dropped catch proved costly as the RCB batter went on to score a match-winning 77. Dhawan lamented the missed opportunity, believing it could have shifted the momentum in PBKS's favor.Despite the loss, Dhawan praised Harpreet Brar's performance, who emerged as a game-changer with his economical bowling and crucial wickets.

Virat Kohli's resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a sight to behold. The former India captain has shed his conservative approach and embraced an aggressive style of play, leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a thrilling victory over Punjab Kings.In a match-winning 49-ball 77 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli showcased his dominance from the outset. He smashed five fours in the first eight balls he faced, a departure from his usual cautious start. His willingness to take advantage of the field restrictions was evident as he charged down the track to pacers, including Kagiso Rabada, and dispatched them over extra cover.Kohli's intent was unwavering even after the Powerplay. He scored 42 runs off 28 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while wickets fell around him. His ability to maintain a high strike rate against Punjab's economical left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar was particularly impressive.Kohli's recent knock suggests that he is willing to adapt to the attacking brand of cricket that has become synonymous with young India in the T20 circuit. However, the challenge lies in consistently scoring at a higher strike rate.RCB skipper Faf du Plessis praised Kohli's innings, saying, "Virat was important in the way he tempered his innings. It was not a normal Chinnaswamy pitch, where you could just hit through the line. Good to see him, he's always smiling and enjoying himself. Still very passionate about playing cricket."With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the IPL provides Kohli with an opportunity to showcase his ability to play in fifth gear throughout. His recent performance is a testament to his determination to remain a force in the shortest format of the game.

Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan's Heartfelt Reunion After RCB's IPL VictoryFormer Delhi teammates and Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan shared a poignant moment after Royal Challengers Bangalore's triumph over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 season opener.Following RCB's victory at home, Kohli was seen consoling Dhawan, who is currently captaining the Punjab Kings side. The two shared warm embraces and laughter, capturing the depth of their bond both on and off the field.Dhawan's recent struggles to meet his son Zoravar have been well-documented. In December 2023, he revealed that he had been blocked from contacting his nine-year-old son for the past five to six months.In an emotional Instagram post on his son's birthday, Dhawan shed light on the challenges he faced following his unsuccessful marriage with Aesha Mukerji. In October 2023, a Delhi court granted divorce to Dhawan, citing "cruelty" inflicted by his estranged wife.Despite his personal challenges, Dhawan has remained a formidable force on the cricket field. He has played a key role in Punjab Kings' early success in the IPL 2024 season, leading the team to one victory and one defeat in their first two matches.Kohli's gesture of support towards Dhawan highlights the camaraderie and empathy that exists within the Indian cricket fraternity. The two players have shared countless memorable moments on the field, and their friendship continues to endure off the field as well.