Cricket

Virat Kohli's Gesture of Respect Inspires Young Sarfaraz KhanFor a 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan, being greeted by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli with a bow and folded hands was a surreal experience. The gesture, which came after Khan's impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left an unforgettable mark on the young batter.On April 29, 2015, Khan had just scored a blistering 21-ball 45 for RCB, helping his team reach a formidable total of 200 for 7 against Rajasthan Royals. As Khan returned to the pavilion, Kohli, the RCB captain, approached him with a warm smile and a respectful bow.Recalling the moment, Khan expressed his admiration for Kohli's humility and leadership. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him; it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity," Khan told Jio Cinema.Khan also praised Kohli's unwavering passion and dedication to the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Khan said.The mutual respect between Kohli and Khan is set to continue as they prepare to team up for India in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Kohli has been training in Chennai, Khan is expected to join the squad soon after completing his Duleep Trophy commitments.Khan's journey from a young prodigy to a potential Indian star has been marked by hard work and determination. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering belief in his abilities have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. With Kohli as his mentor and guide, Khan is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

Virat Kohli: The Un-Auctioned Star of the IPLVirat Kohli, the batting maestro and former captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), holds a unique distinction in the Indian Premier League (IPL): he has never been sold in an IPL auction. This intriguing fact stems from his early association with RCB, which dates back to the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008.As a young emerging player, Kohli was not eligible to participate in the inaugural IPL auction. Instead, he was selected by RCB through a pre-season draft, recognizing his exceptional talent showcased in the U-19 World Cup. RCB's decision to retain Kohli over the years has kept him from entering the IPL auction.Kohli's loyalty to RCB and their unwavering trust in his abilities have fostered a strong relationship. The IPL allows teams to retain a certain number of players ahead of each auction, and Kohli has been a constant fixture in RCB's retained list. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have made him indispensable for the franchise.As captain, Kohli guided RCB to four playoff appearances, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team. While the elusive championship remained out of reach, Kohli's individual accomplishments in the IPL are remarkable. He is the tournament's all-time leading run-scorer with 8004 runs in 252 matches, boasting an impressive average of 38.67.Kohli's 2016 campaign was particularly memorable, as he amassed a staggering 973 runs, setting the record for the most runs scored in a single IPL season. His exceptional batting prowess is further highlighted by his unparalleled feat of scoring 8 centuries in the tournament, more than any other player.The combination of Kohli's consistent performances, leadership role, and marketability made him indispensable for RCB. The franchise has always prioritized his retention, preventing him from entering the IPL auction. Kohli's dedication to RCB and his deep connection with the fans have ensured that he remains one of the few players in IPL history never to have been auctioned, making his journey unique and significant in the league's history.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans have not forgotten Avesh Khan's helmet-throwing celebration during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 clash between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants. Avesh's celebration, which involved smashing his helmet on the ground, became a viral sensation on social media.As Avesh took to the field in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru, RCB fans greeted him with chants of "RCB-RCB." However, instead of being offended, Avesh took the chants in good humor and interacted with the fans, even encouraging them to be louder.Avesh's reaction was met with praise on social media, with fans appreciating his sportsmanship. The incident highlights the passion and camaraderie that exists within the cricket community, even among rival teams.Beyond the banter, Avesh is also looking to earn his place back in the Indian Test team. He has not been a regular in red-ball cricket but has often been in the scheme of things. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested from the Bangladesh Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to pick a few fresh faces in the squad.Avesh is likely to be in consideration, especially with the lack of clarity on Mohammed Shami's return. However, the first round matches of the Duleep Trophy have also given the selectors a few other pacers to contemplate on. Akash Deep and Khaleel Ahmed have also performed well and could fancy their chances for the Bangladesh assignment.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has etched his name among the greatest cricketers of all time. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has propelled Indian cricket to unprecedented heights with his exceptional batting prowess and record-breaking achievements.Despite stepping down as T20I captain, Kohli remains on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's legendary feat of scoring 100 centuries in international cricket. Beyond his contributions to Team India, Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008.Despite RCB's consistent performances, they have yet to claim an IPL trophy. However, the franchise boasts a massive fan base, making it one of the most popular in the league. Recently, Kohli expressed his preference for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as his favorite rivals in the IPL, over five-time champions Mumbai Indians.On Sunday, Kohli celebrated 16 years of international cricket. His debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, shortly after leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup.BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to congratulate Kohli on his milestone, stating, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"In his debut match, Kohli opened the batting with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. He concluded his maiden international series with 159 runs in five matches, averaging 31.80.Since then, Kohli has evolved into a formidable batting force for India. In 295 ODIs, he has amassed 13,906 runs, including a record 50 centuries, 27 of which have come in run-chases. In 113 Test matches, he has accumulated 8,848 runs, while in 125 T20Is, he has scored 4,188 runs.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has hinted at his preferred destination if not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mega IPL auction. In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku revealed that if KKR decide not to retain him, his next choice would be none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)."I don't know anything yet. I haven't been told whether I will be retained or go into the auction. Let's see what happens," Rinku said when asked about his future with KKR. However, when pressed on which team he would prefer if not retained, he responded with a smile, "RCB."Rinku, who has been with KKR for several seasons, was part of the franchise's IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Despite a quieter season due to the 'Impact Player' rule limiting his opportunities, Rinku's potential as a dynamic finisher remains highly valued.In addition to discussing his potential move, Rinku also shared a good relationship with cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is synonymous with RCB."Virat bhaiya gave me a bat, which broke. I asked him for another one, and he didn't refuse. He gave me another bat. It's a big thing for me that he gave me a second bat," Rinku recounted, underscoring the respect and admiration he holds for Kohli.Rinku also touched upon his experience with Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team and his mentor during the IPL. He revealed that Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, also knows how to unwind after the game."He is very serious about the game...but after the match is over, he enjoys himself. It's not like he's always serious," Rinku shared.As the IPL auction draws nearer, Rinku's comments have sparked speculation about a possible move to RCB, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and star-studded lineup.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Yash Dayal has publicly expressed his admiration and respect for former Indian captain Virat Kohli, following controversial allegations made by ex-leg spinner Amit Mishra.Mishra had claimed that Kohli's aggressive nature has alienated him from others, including Afghanistan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq, during an IPL match between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, Dayal's social media post suggests a different perspective.In an Instagram post, Dayal shared a photo with Kohli, captioning it, "It's an honor to stand beside you, bhaiya @virat.kohli." He also shared the post on his Instagram story, using audio from Kohli's final game as RCB captain, where Kohli expressed his unwavering commitment to the franchise.Mishra's allegations have sparked debate about Kohli's leadership style and personal conduct. However, Dayal's message of support indicates that Kohli still commands respect within the RCB team.Meanwhile, Kohli has been enjoying a break after India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He was recently spotted attending a kirtan in London with his wife, Anushka Sharma.Kohli's future with the Indian team remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is secure. His leadership and passion have inspired countless young players, including Yash Dayal.

RCB's Individualistic Culture Hinders Team Success, Reveals Parthiv PatelFormer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has shed light on the franchise's team culture, which he believes has prioritized individual brilliance over collective success.Patel, who played for RCB in two separate stints, observed that the team's focus revolved around three key players: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. During his initial stint in 2014, when the trio was at their peak, Patel witnessed firsthand the special treatment accorded to these star players.Upon his return to RCB in 2018, Patel noticed that the team culture had not changed. Despite the absence of Gayle, Kohli and de Villiers continued to receive preferential treatment, creating a divide within the squad."The team is always about individuals, it's not about the team," Patel said on the Cyrus Says Podcast. "So they were given the kind of special preference always so there the team culture was not there."Patel believes that this individualistic approach has been a major factor in RCB's failure to win an IPL title. "You can see clearly when they are playing, and that is the reason why they haven't won the trophies. That's the fact," he added.Patel's comments highlight the importance of fostering a cohesive team environment in sports. When individual egos take precedence over the collective goal, it can hinder the team's ability to perform at its best.

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who recently announced his retirement from all formats of the game, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the batting coach and mentor of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Karthik will be responsible for guiding the team's batsmen and sharing his vast experience and knowledge.Karthik's appointment comes after he announced his retirement on his birthday, bringing an end to a successful playing career. He was an integral part of RCB in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a crucial role as a finisher. In the previous IPL season, he witnessed RCB's remarkable turnaround, as the team reached the playoffs despite losing seven of their first eight matches. However, their journey ended in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals.Throughout his IPL career, Karthik has represented six different teams, including Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB. He also captained KKR for a period.Karthik's most significant contribution came in IPL 2022 for RCB, which earned him a recall to the Indian team. He was part of India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 but was later dropped.Karthik made his international debut in 2004 and has scored one century in Tests. He was also a member of India's victorious T20 World Cup team in 2007.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans have always been vocal in their support for their team, even in unrelated sports events. This was evident once again at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 16, where a section of supporters erupted into chants of "RCB, RCB" during India women's emphatic 143-run ODI victory over South Africa.The chants were not entirely out of place, as two key contributors to RCB's recent Women's Premier League (WPL) triumph were on display. Smriti Mandhana, who captained RCB to the title, scored a magnificent 117-run knock, while leg-spinner Asha Sobhana claimed a four-wicket haul on debut.Mandhana's century was a testament to her determination and resilience. She had crossed the half-century mark 31 times in ODIs but had only reached three figures on five occasions. However, on a challenging pitch, she showed her class by overcoming mid-innings cramps and guiding her team out of trouble."I started off pretty well, and whenever you get two cover drives in the first over you always feel good," said the 27-year-old. "But whenever I thought of taking the game on, there was a wicket. Maybe that helped me stay at the crease."Asha, 33, also had a memorable outing. After playing a starring role in RCB's IPL triumph, she earned a maiden National team call ahead of the five-match T20I tour to Bangladesh in May. She played two matches there and the ODI debut has followed soon after."Back in 2017 or 2018, I remember looking at her in the Challengers, and thinking ‘Oh she can really turn the ball’,” said Mandhana about Asha. “Her last eight months have shown what hard work can do to a player.""The way she bowled [versus South Africa], turning the ball square, I am happy that she is in my team. Whenever I face her in the nets, it’s really hard to go over the top. I love (batting against) leg-spinners, but I can’t really do it against Asha. That shows her strength.”The victory was a resounding statement from the Indian women's team, who are preparing for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa. Smriti Mandhana and Asha Sobhana's performances will give the team a much-needed boost of confidence as they aim to make a strong impact on the global stage.