Cricket

Virat Kohli's recent struggles in the first Test against Bangladesh have reignited the debate about his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes that Kohli's chances of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15,921 Test runs are slim.Hogg's assessment is based on Kohli's recent form, which has seen him score only 319 runs in 17 innings across formats this year. In contrast, Joe Root has scored 986 runs in 20 Test innings this year, including four centuries and as many fifties.Hogg believes that Root is the only batsman who has a realistic chance of breaking Tendulkar's record. The 33-year-old Englishman has scored 12,402 runs in 146 Tests, and is 3519 runs behind Tendulkar. Kohli, who will turn 36 in November, has 8871 runs in 114 Tests."I just don't think Virat is going to get there," said Hogg. "I think he's lost his momentum, and the momentum that he's lost has been for a number of years now. He's got to turn around in the next 10 Test matches, or he's going to drop off."Kohli's Test form has been on a downward trend since 2020. In 52 Test innings across 30 Tests between 2020 and 2024, he has scored only 1669 runs at an average of 32.72, including 2 hundreds and 8 half-centuries.Hogg believes that Kohli's struggles are due to a combination of factors, including age, injuries, and a change in technique. He also believes that Kohli is putting too much pressure on himself to perform."He's trying to do too much," said Hogg. "He's trying to be the best batsman in the world, and he's trying to do it all himself. He needs to relax and let the game come to him."Kohli has a crucial 10-Test run in the next four months, starting with the ongoing series against Bangladesh. If he can regain his form and score some big runs, he may still have a chance of surpassing Tendulkar's record. However, if he continues to struggle, it is unlikely that he will ever reach the same heights as the legendary Indian batsman.

India's emphatic 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai has sparked discussions about Virat Kohli's recent form. Despite India's dominance, Kohli's scores of 6 and 17 in the two innings have raised concerns.However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Kohli will regain his form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. "Kohli will start performing against Australia," Ali said. "He likes the pacy wickets there. Big players often lose focus against weaker teams but excel against tougher opponents."Ali also expressed confidence in India's ability to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "India won't let Australia win this year either," he said.Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has hailed the importance of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian team. "Ashwin is equally important as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma," Iqbal said. "We only talk about them when they perform well, but their contribution is immense."Ashwin's batting prowess was on display in the first Test, where he scored a crucial 58 in the second innings. His all-round performance has earned him praise from experts and fans alike.As India prepares for the New Zealand series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli's form and Ashwin's continued brilliance will be key factors in their success.

Steve Smith's 'Brain Fade' Moment: A Controversial Incident in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar TrophyThe 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia was a highly anticipated event, marked by intense rivalry and thrilling matches. However, one incident during the second Test in Bengaluru overshadowed the sporting spectacle and sparked a major controversy.Steve Smith, the Australian captain at the time, found himself at the center of a storm after he was caught seeking guidance from the dressing room while considering a review of his dismissal. During Australia's second innings, Smith was given out leg before wicket off a delivery from Umesh Yadav. After a brief discussion with his batting partner, Peter Handscomb, Smith was seen glancing towards the dressing room for advice on whether to review the decision using the DRS (Decision Review System).This act of seeking external guidance is strictly prohibited under the rules of cricket, as players on the field are not allowed to consult with anyone outside the playing area for reviews. Indian captain Virat Kohli immediately protested, and the on-field umpires intervened, denying Smith the opportunity to review the decision.The incident sparked a heated exchange between Kohli and Smith, with Kohli accusing the Australian of abusing the DRS. Smith later admitted that his actions were a "brain fade," a momentary lapse in judgment. However, the incident cast a shadow over the match and added to the already tense atmosphere between the two teams.The controversy surrounding Smith's actions extended beyond the match itself. Kohli hinted that it might have been a recurring tactic by the Australians, although no further proof was provided. The incident raised questions about the ethics of using technology in cricket and the importance of upholding the spirit of the game.Despite the controversy, Smith remained a key figure in the series, finishing as the highest run-getter on either side with 499 runs, including three centuries. However, the 'brain fade' moment remains a defining moment in his career and a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules and respecting the integrity of the sport.

The Indian cricket team's recent victory over Bangladesh in the World Test Championship (WTC) has sparked a heated debate among fans over Jasprit Bumrah's comments regarding the "fittest cricketer in the team."In a recent interview, Bumrah controversially chose himself over Virat Kohli as the answer to this question, stating that he wanted to promote fast bowlers. This sparked a fierce online war between the fans of both star cricketers.Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate, urging fans to not make a big deal out of it. He praised Bumrah as the "crown jewel of Indian cricket" and emphasized the importance of handling fast bowlers with care."Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler who bowls at 145 kmph in this heat. He is the crown jewel of Indian cricket like the Kohinoor diamond. Let him say whatever he wants. Just accept it," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Ashwin drew an analogy between fast bowlers and tipper lorries, highlighting the need for careful handling due to their high-stress nature. He acknowledged that Bumrah's injuries were a concern but praised his resilience in returning to bowl at such high speeds.Meanwhile, India's victory over Bangladesh has solidified their position at the top of the WTC table, while Sri Lanka's win over New Zealand has boosted their chances of reaching the final at Lord's next year.India's 280-run victory in Chennai has increased their percentage to 71.67%, extending their lead over Australia in second place. Bangladesh has dropped to sixth place, while Sri Lanka has moved into third spot.

Kapil Dev's Insight: Prime Years for Cricketers and the Longevity of Rohit Sharma and Virat KohliFormer Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, renowned for leading India to its historic World Cup triumph in 1983, has shared his perspective on the prime years for cricketers and the longevity of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.According to Kapil Dev, the period between ages 26 and 34 represents the prime years for cricketers. During this time, players typically possess a combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and mental acuity. However, he emphasizes that fitness plays a crucial role in determining how long a player can maintain their peak performance.This insight is particularly relevant for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both surpassed the age range Kapil Dev identifies as the prime years. Kohli, who will turn 36 in November, and Rohit, who turned 37 in April, have recently retired from T20Is but continue to play in other formats.Kapil Dev believes that retirement is a personal decision. He suggests that as long as players maintain their fitness and derive joy from the game, they should continue playing. He cites examples of players like Ravi Shastri, who retired at a relatively young age, and Sachin Tendulkar, who had a prolonged career.Kapil Dev's perspective offers a framework for understanding the career trajectories of modern players. While he provides a general guideline, he acknowledges that personal decisions and circumstances play a significant role. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli navigate their post-prime years, Kapil Dev's philosophy provides them and their fans with a lens through which to view their future career decisions.

Akash Deep, the rising star of Indian cricket, recently received a heartwarming gesture from none other than Virat Kohli. During the opening Test against Bangladesh, Kohli surprised Deep with a brand-new bat, leaving the young pacer overwhelmed with gratitude.Deep, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has impressed with his performances so far. In his second Test, he picked up two wickets against Bangladesh, showcasing his potential as a reliable fast bowler.In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Deep shared his experience of receiving the bat from Kohli. "I was in my hotel room when I heard a knock on the door. To my surprise, it was Virat Kohli standing outside," Deep recalled. "He walked in, carrying a brand-new bat and asked, 'Do you need a bat?'"Overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture, Deep eagerly nodded. "I immediately took out a pen, requested an autograph on the bat, and gave Virat a hug," he said. "I will never play with that bat. It's a huge gift from Virat bhaiya, and I will keep it as a souvenir."Deep also spoke about his rapport with captain Rohit Sharma, who he described as a "different kind of captain." "He is the best captain I have played under," Deep said. "He is just a cool and calm person. He keeps things so simple and easy for every player."Deep's impressive performances have earned him a place in the squad as a replacement for the experienced Mohammed Shami. "Responsibility—that's what I feel in the absence of a veteran bowler," Deep said. "Fulfilling that role and performing is a big challenge, and I feel that responsibility."The young pacer has also had the opportunity to share nets with Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world's leading fast bowlers. "I regularly talk to him and observe his bowling," Deep said. "I take a lot of tips from him and have learned a lot."Deep's focus on reading batsmen and adapting to different conditions has been key to his success. "Every batsman plays in a different zone," he said. "As bowlers, we need to keep track of that, analyze it, and bowl accordingly."With his impressive performances and the support of senior players like Kohli and Sharma, Akash Deep is poised to become a vital part of India's bowling attack in the years to come.

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian cricket captain, has transformed his body into a canvas of meaningful tattoos, each one a testament to his beliefs, experiences, and personality. These intricate designs are not mere body art but profound symbols that reflect his spiritual journey, strength, and the values he holds dear.Kohli's left shoulder bears the watchful gaze of the God's Eye, a symbol of divine guidance and protection. The Japanese Samurai on his left arm embodies discipline, honor, and the Bushido code, qualities that resonate with Kohli's unwavering determination and sportsmanship. The monastery tattoo on his left shoulder serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and inner peace amidst the chaos of life.His faith in the divine is evident in the Lord Shiva tattoo on his left forearm, depicting the deity meditating on Mount Kailash. The Om symbol below it represents the ultimate reality and consciousness, emphasizing Kohli's belief in the interconnectedness of all things. His parents' names, Prem and Saroj, are inked on his left hand, a tribute to their unwavering support and the values they instilled in him.Kohli's pride in representing India is reflected in the numbers 175 and 269, his ODI and Test debut caps, respectively. His zodiac sign, Scorpio, adorns his right bicep, symbolizing his intense, passionate, and determined nature. The tribal art tattoo on his right forearm represents strength, aggression, and creativity, qualities that are often evident in his aggressive style of play.Each tattoo tells a unique story, a chapter in Kohli's personal journey. They are not just decorations but an integral part of his identity, a reflection of his beliefs, values, and the experiences that have shaped him into the man and cricketer he is today.

Virat Kohli's recent performance in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has been a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts. Despite not scoring significant runs, Kohli's presence on the field has been a source of inspiration for the Indian team.In the first innings, Kohli managed a score of 6, while in the second innings, he was dismissed for 17. However, his contributions extend beyond his batting performance. Kohli's experience and leadership qualities have been invaluable to the team, especially in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma.During Bangladesh's second innings on Day 3, Kohli was captured making a humorous gesture that has since gone viral on social media. The gesture, which involved Kohli pretending to play a shot with an imaginary bat, has been interpreted as a light-hearted moment amidst the intense competition.Despite his recent batting struggles, Kohli remains a key figure in the Indian team. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates is a testament to his leadership qualities. Moreover, his presence on the field provides a sense of stability and confidence to the younger players.While India is in a strong position to win the first Test, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, Kohli's contributions cannot be overlooked. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the series progresses.

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has drawn an intriguing parallel between batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Manjrekar observed that Kohli, like Tendulkar, appears to perform better away from home.Kohli's recent return to Test cricket against Bangladesh was underwhelming, with scores of 6 and 17. Manjrekar attributed this to Kohli's discomfort batting in India. "He's not enjoying batting in India as much. Like (Sachin) Tendulkar, I think he feels more at home away from home," Manjrekar said on the ESPNCricinfo YouTube channel.Manjrekar pointed to Kohli's impressive performance in South Africa, where he was India's standout batter. "We saw in South Africa how well he played. He was by far India's best batter," Manjrekar added.In the second innings of the Bangladesh Test, Kohli was controversially given out LBW despite replays showing the ball had hit his bat. However, Kohli declined to review the decision, a move that Manjrekar found puzzling. "Felt bad for Virat today. He obviously didn't think he had hit it. Just wanted to know from Gill if the ball was hitting stumps. Despite Gill encouraging him to go for the review anyway, he walked away dejected wanting to keep the 3 reviews for his team," Manjrekar tweeted.Kohli's absence from Test cricket since January 2024 may have contributed to his struggles. He missed the home series against England due to the birth of his second child. Despite his low scores, Kohli reached a significant milestone, becoming the second Indian to score 12,000 runs on home soil, behind only Tendulkar.Manjrekar's comparison between Kohli and Tendulkar highlights the unique challenges faced by elite batters. While Tendulkar was known for his exceptional performances overseas, Kohli has also shown a remarkable ability to adapt to different conditions. However, Manjrekar's observation that Kohli may be more comfortable batting away from home raises questions about his mindset and the pressure he faces when playing in India.