Cricket

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli silenced the jeering crowd and earned widespread respect during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London on June 9, 2019.The backdrop of this moment lies in the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018, which involved Australian batsman Steve Smith and his teammate David Warner. The scandal rocked the cricketing world and resulted in a 12-month suspension for both players. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, Smith and Warner had returned to international cricket, but their reputation had been tarnished.During the India-Australia match, the crowd's hostility towards Smith was palpable. Every time he approached the boundary or appeared on the screen, sections of Indian supporters booed him relentlessly, reminding him of the ball-tampering incident. This negativity caught the attention of Kohli, who was batting at the time.Despite the intense rivalry between India and Australia, Kohli's sense of fairness and respect for the game prevailed. In a moment of pure sportsmanship, he gestured to the crowd, urging them to cease their booing and instead show Smith some respect. He waved his hands towards the fans, encouraging them to applaud Smith rather than ridicule him.Kohli later explained in a post-match interview that he felt uncomfortable seeing Smith being treated in such a manner. He emphasized that everyone makes mistakes in life and that it was important to let bygones be bygones. According to Kohli, Smith had served his punishment and deserved respect for his return to the sport.Kohli's unexpected act won him praise from fans, players, and commentators alike. Steve Smith later expressed his appreciation for Kohli's gesture, calling it a "kind and respectful" act. Kohli's intervention became one of the highlights of the tournament, showcasing that even in the heat of intense competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect can shine through.

RCB's Retention Strategy: RP Singh Advises Prioritizing Virat KohliFormer Indian pacer RP Singh has urged Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to prioritize retaining Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. With the announcement of IPL retention rules allowing franchises to retain up to six players or re-acquire players through RTMs (Right to Match), Singh believes Kohli should remain a cornerstone of the team.Singh suggests that RCB release all other players and utilize the RTM to reacquire valuable players like Mohammed Siraj and Rajat Patidar. He argues that these players can be acquired for less than their potential auction value, allowing RCB to build a strong team around Kohli."I feel they don't have any problem. They will just retain Virat Kohli, release everyone else, and use the RTM. If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction?" Singh said."I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there," he added.Singh believes that Siraj's performance may also warrant the use of the RTM, but he does not anticipate the pacer reaching a value close to 14 crores."Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don't think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM," he said.Singh emphasizes that RCB should enter the auction with a fresh approach, focusing on building the team around Kohli. He believes that Kohli's contributions and value to the franchise make him an indispensable asset."So they should go with a new mindset. They need Virat, he has contributed a lot to the franchise, and Virat is the most important player as well. So they should think about building the team around him, or with a new thought. I don't see anyone else apart from Virat Kohli having a value of 18 or 14 crores in this team," Singh opined.

Virat Kohli's rivalry with Australia is one of the most captivating in modern cricket. His performances against the Aussies have been exceptional, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Kohli's ability to chase down targets and turn the tide of matches in India's favor has earned him a reputation as a master of high-pressure situations.Kohli has scored an impressive eight ODI centuries against Australia, with five of those coming on Australian soil. His successive centuries in Canberra and Melbourne during India's tour in January 2016 stand as a testament to his brilliance.One of the most memorable moments in the Kohli-Australia rivalry occurred during the fourth ODI in Canberra. Kohli and James Faulkner engaged in a heated exchange, with Kohli famously responding to Faulkner's sledge by saying, "Go bowl, don't waste your time. You're wasting your energy. No point. I've smashed you enough in my life. No point. Go bowl."Despite Kohli's magnificent 106, India lost the match by 25 runs. However, the incident highlighted the competitive and intense nature of the encounters between Kohli and the Aussies.Kohli's performances against Australia have been consistently impressive, both in bilateral series and major tournaments. He has thrived on the aggressive and competitive nature of the Australian team, using it as fuel for his own performances.Kohli's rivalry with Australia is not limited to ODIs. He has also enjoyed success in Tests and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against the Aussies. His match-winning knocks and steady, responsible innings across formats have made him one of the most iconic players in the modern era.

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, continues to endure a prolonged lean patch in international cricket. His recent performances in the first Test against Bangladesh, where he managed scores of 6 and 17, have further fueled concerns about his form.Kohli's struggles have drawn criticism from some quarters, but former India opener Parthiv Patel has come to his defense. Patel believes that Kohli is facing immense pressure due to the high standards he has set for himself."I don't think he's feeling that kind of pressure. And as you rightly mentioned that. I don't think Smith or Joe Root or Williamson can even think of the type of pressure he must be feeling. The pressure of expectation, that is huge. He has set his standard so high that even if he scores 60 or 70, that comes across as a failure. Because every time he walks in, we expect him to score 100. We expect him to play with that kind of intensity, which he has always been playing," Patel said ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh.Kohli's poor form has been evident across all formats this year. In 15 matches and 17 innings, he has scored just 319 runs at a sub-par average of 18.76, with only one half-century to his name. In Tests, his average has dropped to an eight-year low of 48.74.Despite his recent struggles, Kohli remains one of the most prolific batsmen in the world. In 114 Tests, he has amassed 8,871 runs, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His ability to score runs consistently at the highest level is undeniable.However, Kohli's current form has raised questions about his longevity in the game. At 34 years old, he is entering the twilight of his career. It remains to be seen whether he can rediscover his old form and continue to dominate international cricket.

Ravi Shastri, the former India coach and renowned commentator, recently shared a heartwarming post on social media, highlighting the unsung hero of the Indian cricket team: Raghuvendra Dwivedi, affectionately known as 'Raghu.'Dwivedi, a throwdown specialist, has been an indispensable member of Team India's backroom staff since 2011. His exceptional skills and dedication have earned him the admiration of players, coaches, and fans alike.Shastri, in his post, described Raghu as the "heartbeat of the Indian Cricket team," a testament to his unwavering support and contributions. Dwivedi's role extends beyond his technical expertise; he is a constant source of motivation and encouragement for the team.Virat Kohli, the former India captain, has also acknowledged Raghu's invaluable contributions. In a 2020 live session, Kohli praised Raghu's understanding of footwork and bat movement, crediting him for the team's improvement in playing fast bowling.Dwivedi's ability to hurl balls at speeds of up to 155 kmph from a sidearm position has made him an indispensable asset in training sessions. His unwavering commitment to the team's success has earned him the respect and admiration of all who work with him.As India prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Raghu will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team's preparations. His expertise and dedication will be instrumental in helping India secure a 2-0 sweep and further strengthen their position at the top of the World Test Championship standings.

Team India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, was left in stitches after witnessing Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja's hilarious imitation of Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action. The incident occurred during the pre-match warm-up routine before the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.As the players gathered for their warm-ups, Kohli and Jadeja couldn't resist poking fun at their teammate's unique bowling style. They mimicked Bumrah's exaggerated run-up and unorthodox release, much to the amusement of Ten Doeschate. The former Netherlands batter was seen covering his face with a baseball glove as he struggled to contain his laughter.The light-hearted moment provided a brief respite from the serious business of the Test match. However, the day's play was cut short due to bad light and heavy rain. India, who had opted to bowl first, had reduced Bangladesh to 107-3 before the weather intervened.Mominul Haque (40*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (6*) were at the crease when the umpires called off play. The match could potentially be the last Test appearance for Bangladesh's legendary all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, who recently announced his impending international retirement.Despite the rain delay, India remain in a strong position in the series. They lead 1-0 after winning the first Test in Chattogram by 188 runs. Akash Deep impressed with the ball, taking two early wickets to justify captain Rohit Sharma's decision to field first.The second Test is scheduled to resume on Saturday, weather permitting. India will be looking to seal the series victory, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the scores.

15-Year-Old Boy Cycles 58 Kilometers to Witness Virat Kohli's BattingIn a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of young sports enthusiasts, 15-year-old Kartikey from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, embarked on an extraordinary journey to witness his cricketing idol, Virat Kohli, in action. Undeterred by the distance, Kartikey cycled 58 kilometers from his hometown to Kanpur, where the Indian cricket team was facing Bangladesh in a Test match.Kartikey's arduous journey began at 4 am, as he pedaled through the early morning darkness. Seven hours later, he arrived at the Green Park Stadium, his determination unwavering despite the physical exertion. His unwavering spirit and love for the game captured the hearts of many, as a video of his journey went viral on social media.The first day's play of the Test match was unfortunately cut short due to bad light and heavy rain. However, Kartikey's efforts were not in vain, as he witnessed India's fast bowler Akash Deep claim two early wickets. Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to field first proved fruitful, as Deep dismissed opener Zakir Hasan for a duck and trapped Shadman Islam lbw for 24.After lunch, India's hero from the first match, Ravichandran Ashwin, broke the partnership between Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque. Ashwin's sharp-turning delivery from around the wicket sent Shanto back to the pavilion, leaving Bangladesh at 107-3 before the match was called off early.Kartikey's journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes and sports enthusiasts everywhere. His unwavering determination and passion for the game are a testament to the power of dreams and the lengths people will go to pursue them.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, holds an unparalleled status in the hearts of his countrymen. His influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the sport, making him a global icon. Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, one of India's oldest cricket venues, has witnessed some of Kohli's most memorable performances.Despite the limited number of international matches played in Kanpur due to the rotation of venues, Kohli has left an indelible mark on the city. As the second Test between India and Bangladesh commenced, the Green Park ground staff worked tirelessly to prepare the field for play.Amidst the hustle and bustle, a video emerged that captured the essence of Kohli's stardom. As the ground staff covered the field, Kohli emerged with a bat in hand, ready to practice. The sight of the Indian superstar sent the ground staff into a frenzy.One of the staff members, overcome with awe, approached Kohli and attempted to touch his feet. Kohli, taken aback but composed, politely declined the gesture. This incident highlights the immense respect and admiration that Kohli commands.Kohli's fame and popularity symbolize the evolution of Indian cricket. He embodies a blend of traditional cricket values with a modern, global approach to the sport. His fitness regimen, branding, and social media presence have made him an icon not only in India but worldwide.Kohli's impact on Indian cricket is undeniable. He has inspired a generation of young players and has played a pivotal role in the team's success. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring cricketers for years to come.

Virat Kohli's journey with Delhi cricket has been a remarkable one, marked by both triumphs and challenges. His association with the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket tournament, began in the 2006-07 season.Kohli's performances in the Ranji Trophy were instrumental in his rise to prominence. His consistent batting and leadership skills caught the attention of selectors, leading to his debut for the Indian national team in 2008.However, Kohli's path to success was not without its obstacles. In a recent interview, he revealed that he was once dropped from the Delhi Under-14 team at 1 AM due to "compensations" being offered to others. Despite this setback, Kohli's determination remained unwavering.One of Kohli's most memorable moments in the Ranji Trophy came in December 2006, when he scored 90 runs against Karnataka just a day after his father's death. This innings showcased his mental strength and dedication to the game.Kohli's last Ranji Trophy appearance for Delhi was in 2012. Since then, his international commitments have limited his participation in the domestic tournament. Nevertheless, his early success in the Ranji Trophy played a crucial role in his development as a world-class cricketer.Kohli's contributions to Delhi cricket extend beyond his on-field performances. He has been a mentor to young players and has played a significant role in promoting the sport in the region. His legacy as a Delhi cricketer will continue to inspire generations to come.