Cricket

Indian cricket team's star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced intense criticism following their team's dismal performance in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. Both players failed to deliver with the bat, contributing to India's 0-3 series defeat.Rohit Sharma, who captained the side, managed only 91 runs in the series, averaging a meager 15.16. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, scored 93 runs at an average of 15.50. Their poor form has raised concerns among fans and experts alike.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has been particularly critical of the duo, comparing their struggles to those of Pakistan's Babar Azam. "After Babar, Rohit and Virat are also in the same situation, poor form," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali pointed out specific instances where Rohit's footwork was lacking, such as when he missed two deliveries and then stepped out to hit a four. "This shows that his feet are not moving, form is not good," Ali said.Ali also emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for players like Kohli and Rohit, who have been exempted from playing in the Ranji Trophy. "Virat Kohli, out of touch, not in form at all. He needs to play domestically before flying to Australia, Rohit also. Test match practice cannot be seen," Ali said.He added that the mandate of making players available for domestic cricket to be eligible for India selection should be strictly enforced. "Everyone played, all of them performed in patches - Shubman Gill, Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal...but these two (Rohit and Virat) were given a free hand and allowed to exclude themselves," Ali said.The criticism of Kohli and Rohit comes at a crucial time, as India is set to tour Australia for a four-Test series later this year. The duo's poor form has raised doubts about their ability to perform in challenging conditions.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon, celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. From his early days as a prodigious young player who led India to victory in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2008, Kohli has established himself as a beacon of consistency, dedication, and excellence in the sport.Kohli's unwavering commitment to fitness, hard work, and aggression has earned him a global fan base. His brand has become synonymous with cricket, and the ICC often utilizes it to promote the sport in new territories.On his birthday, Kohli received well wishes from around the world, including from Italian football player Agata Isabella Centasso. However, some social media users responded to her post with negativity.Centasso, who plays in Serie B, has expressed her admiration for India and often posts about the country. In her birthday message to Kohli, she wrote, "@imVkohli, happy birthday from a fan in Italy. All the best to you."Despite her genuine admiration, Centasso faced unwarranted criticism from some users. In response, she expressed her frustration, stating, "Every time I post something about Virat Kohli or cricket, there's always someone bringing negativity. I honestly don't understand why."Kohli's remarkable career has seen him lead India to numerous victories and spearhead some of the sport's most memorable run-chases. He has evolved from a talented stroke player to a statistical marvel, captivating fans with his exceptional numbers.As a symbol of modern Indian cricket, Kohli embodies aggression, resilience, and technical brilliance. His trophy-laden career has elevated the sport to new heights, reaching audiences in places previously untouched by cricket.Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has represented India in 118 Test matches, amassing 9,040 runs at an impressive average of 47.83. His tally includes 29 centuries and 31 fifties, with a highest score of 254*. He ranks fourth among India's highest run-getters and century-makers in Tests.

Virat Kohli's Birthday: Anushka Sharma's Heartfelt Post Melts HeartsOn the occasion of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli's 36th birthday, his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, shared a heartwarming post that sent social media into a frenzy. Despite Kohli's recent struggles on the field, Anushka's post brought joy to his countless fans.The post featured a captivating photograph of Kohli with his daughter, Vamika, and son, Akaay. The image exuded love and happiness, leaving fans gushing over the family's bond. Anushka's caption was simple yet profound, expressing her admiration for her husband's unwavering spirit.Kohli's illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades and record-breaking performances. As the leading run-scorer in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, he has amassed an astonishing 8,004 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His consistent brilliance has earned him the Orange Cap for most runs in an IPL season twice, in 2016 and 2024.Beyond the IPL, Kohli has etched his name in the annals of international cricket. His stellar record includes over 25,000 runs across all formats, with 70 centuries and 128 half-centuries. He has led India to numerous victories, including the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.Kohli's journey to the pinnacle of cricket has been a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. From his early days as a prodigious young talent to his current status as a global icon, he has consistently raised the bar for himself and his team.Anushka Sharma's birthday post not only celebrated Kohli's achievements but also highlighted the strong bond between the couple. Their love and support for each other have been a constant source of inspiration for fans and a reminder that even the most successful individuals need a strong support system.As Kohli embarks on the next chapter of his career, he can count on the unwavering love and support of his family and fans. His legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is secure, and his journey continues to inspire countless aspiring athletes.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain and batting maestro, has been facing a prolonged slump in form, raising concerns about his aura and impact on the opposition. Former India batsman Akaash Chopra believes that Kohli no longer possesses the intimidating presence that once characterized the likes of Vivian Richards and Sachin Tendulkar.Kohli's struggles have been evident in recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, where he managed only 99 runs in four innings and 93 runs in six innings, respectively. His overall record in the last 10 Test innings stands at a meager one fifty.Chopra attributes Kohli's decline to a combination of factors, including technical flaws and a lack of confidence. He points out that Kohli's body language and the reactions of opposing teams suggest that he is no longer the feared batsman he once was."Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, or Sir Vivian Richards, these players have an aura that once they come to bat, they would dictate," Chopra said. "That sort of aura used to be there when Kohli used to come in. When Kohli comes in now, it seems like he can be dismissed without any issues."Chopra also highlights Kohli's repeated errors in judgment, such as missing full tosses and taking unnecessary risks. He believes that these mistakes indicate a lack of focus and concentration.Despite his struggles, Kohli remains a key player for India, and his half-century in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa earlier this year was a reminder of his class. However, Chopra warns that Kohli's overall performance in 2023 has been disappointing, and he needs to rediscover his form to regain his status as one of the world's best batsmen.

India's Test woes continued as they suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. The Rohit Sharma-led side's batting woes were exposed once again, with their struggles against spin bowling becoming a major concern.Former cricketers and fans alike have called for the return of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to the national side. Both players have enjoyed success in Australia, and their experience and solidity could provide much-needed stability to the Indian batting line-up.Pujara has scored 602 runs in his last 20 innings before being dropped, averaging 33.4 with four fifties and a hundred. Rahane, on the other hand, has amassed 808 runs in his last 20 innings, averaging 42.5 with nine fifties and a hundred.In contrast, Rohit Sharma has scored 550 runs in his last 20 innings, averaging 28.9 with two fifties and two hundreds. Virat Kohli has scored 823 runs in his last 20 innings, but his average drops below 29 if his 186-run knock is removed.Former India captain Sachin Tendulkar has called for introspection and urged the team management to stop "needless experimentation" in the Test format. He also emphasized the need for better pitches.Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh echoed Tendulkar's sentiments, calling for a review of the team's performance and a focus on playing on more challenging surfaces.India's defeat marks the first time they have been whitewashed 0-3 at home. The loss has raised serious questions about the team's preparation, shot selection, and match practice.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, are approaching the twilight of their careers. As they enter their mid-30s, questions are being raised about their continued presence in the national team.Following India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for introspection regarding the team management's approach to the senior duo. Gavaskar believes that if Kohli and Sharma fail to perform in the upcoming series against Australia, the pressure for a team overhaul will intensify."It's ticking for everybody," Gavaskar said. "But because they are in their 30s, mid-30s, it will be tougher for them than the guys in the early 20s or early 30s."Gavaskar acknowledged that Kohli and Sharma have been through a rare period of poor form, but emphasized that their performance in Australia will be crucial. "What we are going to see in Australia is really going to be interesting," he said. "What we are going to see in Australia will determine the future of the Test team."Gavaskar also believes that the early announcement of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad was not a mistake. He argued that the selection committee had already considered potential replacements and included them in the team."I don't think that there would have been too many changes," Gavaskar said. "I don't think, you know, announcing the team earlier was was an issue at all."The upcoming series against Australia will be a defining moment for Kohli and Sharma. If they fail to perform, the calls for a new-look Indian team will only grow louder. The future of the Test team hangs in the balance, and the performances of its two most experienced players will play a pivotal role in shaping its destiny.

India's recent loss to New Zealand in the World Test Championship (WTC) has raised concerns about the team's batting performance. Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria believes that India captain Rohit Sharma should consider changing his batting position to address the team's struggles.Kaneria, in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, expressed his concern over the form of India's top order, particularly Rohit and Virat Kohli. He suggested that Rohit should move down to the middle order, possibly at number three, to improve his performance."Rohit has been struggling with the track in India. In the recent series, Southee got him out twice, and the ball will move more over there in Australia, so you have to see how you go with that," said Kaneria.Kaneria believes that the Indian top order should consist of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as openers, followed by Rohit at number three and Kohli at number four. He emphasized that the success of the team depends on the performance of the top order."Indian batters need to click; that's the only concern. If the bowlers take wickets, then the batters need to click. A Test is won by bowlers, so Indian batting needs to click as their top order, where Rohit and Kohli are struggling with runs," explained Kaneria.Kaneria also pointed out that the rise of T20 cricket has negatively impacted Indian batters' ability to face spin bowling. He believes that the team needs to address this issue to improve their performance in Test cricket.India's loss to New Zealand has dropped them to second place in the WTC standings. To secure a spot in the next WTC final, India will need to win at least four matches in their upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.

Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator, has once again emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for India's top batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In the wake of India's 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series, Manjrekar has reiterated his belief that Kohli and Sharma would have benefited from playing in the Indian domestic competitions.During the series, both Kohli and Sharma struggled against the New Zealand seamers and spinners. The seam-friendly surface in Bengaluru gave way to rank turners in Pune and Mumbai, exposing the Indian batsmen's vulnerabilities. Rohit, who has played 64 Tests in his career, scored just 91 runs across the three Tests, with a highest of 52 runs in Bengaluru. Kohli, with 118 Tests under his belt, fared no better, scoring just 93 runs across the six innings.Manjrekar believes that the selectors should not rest well-rested players like Kohli and Sharma simply because of their stature. He argues that both players would have only benefited from playing in the Duleep Trophy at the start of the season. Across the home season, which included two Tests against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand, Rohit scored 133 runs and Kohli mustered 192 runs.Manjrekar has consistently urged the selectors and the two stalwarts of Indian cricket to play in the Duleep Trophy competition to prepare for the home season and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In August, he wrote on X, "India has played 249 international matches in the last 5 years. Rohit has played only 59% of those. Virat 61 % & Bumrah 34%. I see them as well rested India players. Could have been selected for the Duleep trophy."During the Bangladesh series, Manjrekar had commented, "... considering the amount of international matches Rohit and Virat played in the last five years, they could have been picked for the Duleep Trophy and I’m sure the time out there would have just held them at least in the first innings where they suddenly came out cold and having had to bat first," he had said on ESPNCricinfo.Kohli and Rohit will be under immense pressure going into the five-match Test series against Australia, which begins in Perth on November 22. Manjrekar's comments serve as a timely reminder of the importance of domestic cricket in preparing for international challenges.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, is enduring a prolonged lean patch that has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In the recent three-Test series against New Zealand, Kohli managed a paltry 93 runs, averaging a mere 15.50. His struggles extended to six Tests, where he has accumulated only 250 runs at an average of 22.72.Despite Kohli's recent struggles, former World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes it is premature to write him off. Srikkanth highlighted Kohli's exceptional record against Australia, where he has amassed 2042 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries.On Australian soil, Kohli's numbers are even more impressive, with 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. Under Kohli's leadership, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia during the 2018-19 tour.The upcoming India-Australia series, commencing on November 22, will provide Kohli with an opportunity to rediscover his form. The series will feature five Tests, starting with the first Test in Perth, followed by a day-night encounter in Adelaide, a Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, and the final Test in Sydney.Kohli's return to form is crucial for India's chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team aims to overcome the challenges of playing in Australian conditions.