Cricket

Virat Kohli's struggles against spinners in Asian conditions continued in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. Chasing a daunting target of 359, India lost two quick wickets before Kohli and Washington Sundar steadied the innings with a 20-run partnership.However, Mitchell Santner dismissed Kohli leg-before wicket for 17, leaving India in a precarious position. Kohli's dismissal marked the first time a left-arm spinner had dismissed him in both innings of a Test match.Santner's brilliance continued as he bowled Sarfaraz Khan for 9, completing his second five-wicket haul of the match. He became the first New Zealand spinner to claim two five-wicket hauls in a single Test on Indian soil since Steve O'Keefe in 2017.Santner's performance put New Zealand in a commanding position as India struggled to chase down the target. His guile and accuracy proved too much for the Indian batters, who were unable to cope with his variations.Kohli's dismissal highlighted his ongoing difficulties against spinners in Asian conditions. Despite his impressive record against pace bowlers, he has struggled to adapt to the slower, turning pitches of the subcontinent.Santner's success against Kohli and the Indian batters demonstrated the importance of spin bowling in Asian conditions. Spinners can exploit the dry, dusty pitches to create turn and variation, making it difficult for batters to score runs.As the series progresses, India will need to find a way to counter the threat posed by Santner and other spinners. If they are unable to do so, they may struggle to win the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India's hopes of a comeback in the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune appear bleak, according to former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali. The visitors have taken a commanding lead of 301 runs at the end of day two, thanks to a brilliant performance by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.Santner's 7-53 dismantled India's batting lineup, bowling them out for just 156 in response to New Zealand's 259. India's batting woes continued from their 46 all-out debacle in Bengaluru, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with 38."If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score runs, there might be a possibility (of a comeback)," said Basit Ali on his YouTube channel. "But the chances are very low right now. New Zealand are in a very strong position to win the match."New Zealand extended their lead to 198-5 in their second innings, with Tom Latham scoring a solid 86. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell (30 not out) and Glenn Phillips (9 not out) remained unbeaten, steering New Zealand closer to a historic Test series win in India.India's bowlers, led by Washington Sundar, showed some resistance. Sundar picked up four wickets, bringing his match tally to 11, while Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a key breakthrough. However, New Zealand's batters extended their lead, leaving India in a tough spot."Before the Australia tour, this is not a good sign for India," added Basit Ali. "Let's see what happens."India's batting collapse has exposed their vulnerabilities, particularly against spin. Santner's dismissals of Virat Kohli for just one and Sarfaraz Khan for 11 were crucial.With New Zealand already 1-0 up in the three-match series, India face an uphill task to level the series. Their struggles with the bat are particularly concerning ahead of their upcoming Australia tour.

Virat Kohli's ongoing struggles against spin bowling continued to haunt him in the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune. On Friday, the Indian batting maestro was dismissed for a mere 1 by New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.Kohli's dismissal came when he misjudged a low full toss, failing to connect as the ball slipped under his bat and crashed into the stumps. The dismissal left Kohli visibly frustrated and marked the 21st time since 2021 that he has fallen to spin in Asia.Kohli's struggles against spin have become a recurring theme, particularly in Asian conditions. Earlier in the series, during the first Test in Bengaluru, Kohli was dismissed in similar fashion by New Zealand spinner Glenn Phillips. India went on to lose that match by 8 wickets, trailing the three-match series 0-1.Kohli's troubles against spin, especially left-arm orthodox spinners like Santner, have become a glaring concern. Since 2021, out of his 21 dismissals to spinners, 10 have been at the hands of left-arm orthodox bowlers, against whom he averages a meager 27.10.In total, Kohli has managed just 606 runs against spinners during this period in Asian conditions, with an average of 28.85 - far below the high standards he set in his career.As India battled to recover from New Zealand's first-innings score of 259, Kohli's early exit put the team in a difficult position. By lunch on the second day, India had slumped to 107/7, with the visitors' spinners tightening their grip on the match. Kohli's dismissal, in particular, exacerbated India's struggles, as they sought to gain momentum in the series following their loss in the first Test.Kohli's struggles against spin have raised questions about his technique and adaptability to changing conditions. The Indian team management will be hoping that he can find a way to overcome this challenge and regain his dominance against spin bowling.

Virat Kohli's Uncharacteristic Dismissal Stuns India in Pune TestIn a shocking turn of events, India's batting maestro Virat Kohli suffered an unexpected dismissal during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The incident occurred as Kohli attempted to negotiate a full toss from Mitchell Santner.Kohli, who had entered the crease following Shubman Gill's dismissal, misjudged the delivery and failed to connect with the ball. The ball slipped under his bat and crashed into the stumps, leaving Kohli visibly stunned and in disbelief.The dismissal marked a rare lapse in judgment for Kohli, who is renowned for his impeccable technique and shot selection. As he made his way back to the pavilion, his frustration was evident, clearly disappointed with the way his innings had ended.Kohli's dismissal came at a crucial juncture in the match, with India looking to build a solid foundation after losing the opening Test in Bengaluru. His departure left the team in a precarious position, with the middle order under pressure to deliver.The incident has raised questions about Kohli's form and focus, as he has struggled to find his rhythm in recent matches. In the opening Test, he managed scores of 0 and 70, failing to make a significant impact on the outcome.Kohli's dismissal has also highlighted the strength of New Zealand's bowling attack, which has consistently troubled the Indian batsmen throughout the series. Santner, in particular, has been a thorn in India's side, claiming the wickets of both Gill and Kohli in the second Test.As the series progresses, Kohli will be under immense pressure to regain his form and lead India to victory. His experience and leadership will be crucial if India is to level the series and avoid a humiliating defeat.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team's talismanic batter, is not only known for his aggressive batting but also for his lively on-field personality. His infectious energy and playful antics often steal the spotlight, adding an extra spark to the game.One such light-hearted moment occurred during the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. As Kohli walked onto the field, fully padded up, he was caught on camera doing a humorous mimicry, much to the delight of the crowd. A fan humorously commented that Kohli appeared to be imitating Shubman Gill's walk, sending the audience into fits of laughter.Kohli's playful antics are not limited to the field. He is also known for his witty remarks and playful banter with opponents. During the same match, Kohli was involved in a light-hearted exchange with New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson. After Williamson was dismissed, Kohli was seen playfully teasing him, saying, "You're not going to get a hundred today."Despite his playful nature, Kohli is a fierce competitor on the field. He is known for his aggressive batting and his determination to win. In the first Test against New Zealand, Kohli showcased his brilliance with the bat, scoring a solid 70. However, India eventually lost the match by eight wickets.Kohli's presence will be crucial for India as they head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22. India will be aiming for a historic hat-trick of series wins in the highly anticipated clash. With his form looking strong, Kohli will be one of the key players to watch in the upcoming series.

India vs New Zealand Test: India Faces Early Setback in AhmedabadIn the ongoing India vs New Zealand Test match in Ahmedabad, India is facing an uphill battle after New Zealand posted a competitive score of 243 in their first innings. The Indian team suffered an early setback when skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck by Tim Southee.Resuming their innings on Day 2, India will look to regain momentum and establish a solid foundation. The onus will be on the middle order, led by Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, to anchor the innings and build a substantial partnership.New Zealand's bowlers, led by Southee and Trent Boult, will be eager to maintain their dominance and exploit the Indian batting lineup's vulnerability. The pitch in Ahmedabad has shown signs of assistance for the seamers, making it crucial for India's batsmen to adapt quickly and negotiate the challenging conditions.India's bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, will need to step up and restrict New Zealand's scoring rate. The spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, will also play a vital role in containing the opposition and creating wicket-taking opportunities.The match is evenly poised at this stage, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. India will need to show resilience and determination to overcome the early setback and put themselves in a commanding position. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be aiming to capitalize on their advantage and put pressure on the Indian batsmen.The outcome of this Test match will have a significant impact on the series standings. India will be keen to level the series after losing the first Test in Kanpur, while New Zealand will be looking to consolidate their lead and secure a series victory.

Virat Kohli's Practice Session Electrifies Pune Crowd After Day 1 of India-New Zealand TestAfter a thrilling first day of the second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune, a significant portion of the crowd remained at the stadium to witness Virat Kohli's extended practice session. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as fans eagerly observed Kohli's meticulous technique and fine-tuning of his skills in the nets.Kohli's dedication and focus captivated the spectators, who cheered him on enthusiastically. The routine practice transformed into a memorable experience for those present, especially after Kohli's recent struggles with the bat. In the two-match Test series against Bangladesh and the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, he had failed to make a significant impact. However, in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, he bounced back with a solid 70, hinting at a return to form.Earlier in the day, Washington Sundar delivered a career-best performance, claiming seven wickets to dismantle New Zealand's batting lineup. Spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with three wickets, bowling out the visitors for 259. India ended the day at 16 for 1, losing captain Rohit Sharma early to a Tim Southee delivery. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 10, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was not out on six at stumps.Sundar's inclusion in the side proved to be a masterstroke, as he justified his selection by ripping through New Zealand's middle and lower order. His impressive figures of 7 for 59 played a crucial role in India's strong position at the end of Day 1.

India's Triumphant Victory Over Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup: A Memorable EncounterOn October 23, 2022, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an unforgettable clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The match, played in front of a roaring crowd of 90,000, etched itself into the annals of cricket history.India, chasing Pakistan's formidable total of 160, found themselves in a precarious position at 31/4. However, the indomitable Virat Kohli rose to the occasion, delivering a match-winning performance that will forever be remembered.Kohli, with his trademark grit and determination, anchored India's innings, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls. His two towering sixes in the penultimate over, bowled by Haris Rauf, proved to be the turning point of the match.Kohli's heroics ignited the hopes of millions of Indian fans, who had witnessed their team's struggles in the early stages of the chase. With each shot he played, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their spirits soaring.Hardik Pandya, who played a crucial role in India's victory, shared his thoughts on Instagram, posting a picture with the caption: "A game like no other, and one that will stay with me forever. Nothing makes me happier than playing for my country."Kohli's performance in the match was not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to the Indian team. His ability to perform under pressure and inspire his teammates is a hallmark of his greatness.The victory over Pakistan was a significant moment for India, not only in terms of the result but also in terms of its impact on the team's morale. It gave them the confidence and momentum they needed to progress through the tournament and ultimately reach the semi-finals.

Mohammad Haris Channels Virat Kohli with Spectacular Swat Flick in Emerging Asia CupIn a thrilling encounter during the Emerging Asia Cup 2024 match between Pakistan A and the UAE, Mohammad Haris showcased his exceptional batting prowess with a remarkable stroke that drew comparisons to the legendary Virat Kohli.The Pakistan A captain, who had struggled in the tournament's opening matches, made a stunning comeback with a blistering 71 off 49 deliveries. His innings was highlighted by a spectacular swat flick for six, a shot that has become synonymous with Kohli's batting style.Facing Sanchit Sharma in the 17th over, Haris remained deep in his crease and unleashed a powerful whip over deep square leg. The ball soared over the boundary, leaving both the opposition and spectators in awe. The audacious stroke was a testament to Haris's talent and the depth of Pakistan's emerging squad.Haris's innings included six fours and three sixes, helping his side post an impressive total of 179 against the UAE. His half-century was brought up with the trademark swat flick, a shot that has become a staple in Kohli's arsenal.In addition to Haris's batting heroics, Pakistan A's bowlers delivered an outstanding performance. Led by Shahnawaz Dahani's remarkable figures of 5 wickets for just 12 runs, the bowlers restricted the UAE to a mere 65 runs, securing a commanding 114-run victory.Haris's swat flick and Pakistan A's overall performance in the match showcased the immense talent and potential within the team. As the Emerging Asia Cup continues, all eyes will be on Haris and his teammates as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.