Cricket

Virat Kohli's decision not to review an LBW decision against him in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh sparked controversy and became a major talking point on social media. The incident occurred when Kohli was trapped by Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 17 runs. Umpire Richard Kettleborough raised his finger in favor of the bowler, but Kohli opted against reviewing the decision.However, replays later revealed that there was an inside edge on the ball, which even Kohli was unaware of. This costly error left Indian captain Rohit Sharma visibly baffled, as he appeared frustrated with Kohli's decision not to take the DRS review. Kettleborough, on the other hand, couldn't help but smile upon realizing that the star Indian batter had made a blunder.During the final innings of the first Test, Kohli approached Kettleborough for a brief conversation. The umpire's comment, accompanied by a pat on Kohli's back, left the Indian skipper laughing uncontrollably. Although the video capturing this interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, the absence of audio made it impossible to discern the exact words exchanged between the two.Kohli's decision not to review the LBW decision has been widely criticized by experts and fans alike. Many believe that it was a reckless and impulsive decision that cost India a crucial wicket. However, some have defended Kohli's decision, arguing that he may have felt confident that he had not hit the ball.Despite the controversy surrounding Kohli's decision, India managed to close in on victory in the first Test thanks to centuries from opener Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Bangladesh started their chase of 515 runs briskly but lost wickets to reach 158-4 when bad light stopped play on day three. The visitors still need 357 runs for a win.

Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz has etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in an exclusive club. The 22-year-old Afghan opener has become the second player to score seven ODI centuries before turning 23, matching Kohli's feat.Gurbaz's latest century came in the second ODI against South Africa, where he smashed a magnificent 103 off 100 deliveries. This was his seventh ODI ton, putting him on par with Kohli, who also had seven centuries before turning 23.South Africa's Quinton de Kock holds the record for the most ODI centuries before the age of 23, with eight tons to his name. Gurbaz, who turns 23 on November 28, still has time to match or even surpass de Kock's record.In his 42 ODI appearances, Gurbaz has amassed 1,572 runs at an impressive average of 38.34. His seven centuries and five half-centuries highlight his consistency and ability to score big runs. His highest score of 151 remains a testament to his explosive batting style.Gurbaz's century played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's emphatic 177-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI. The Afghan team registered a famous series win, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.After Gurbaz's century laid the foundation, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai unleashed a blistering 86 off just 50 balls, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total of 311.In response, South Africa's batting woes continued as they were bundled out for a paltry 134. Rashid Khan was the star performer with the ball, claiming 5/19, while newcomer Nangeyaliya Kharote chipped in with four wickets.Gurbaz will have one more opportunity to match de Kock's record in the final ODI of the series. The Afghan opener will be eager to continue his impressive form and cement his place among the elite batsmen in world cricket.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, is determined to regain his form after a disappointing performance in the first Test against Bangladesh. Despite failing to score big in his Test return, Kohli has been spotted practicing diligently in the nets during the match.Kohli, who had played only one Test prior to this in 2024, managed scores of only 6 and 17 in the two innings against Bangladesh. In the second innings, he was given out LBW, a decision he chose not to review despite replays showing that the ball had hit his bat before his pads.Undeterred by this setback, Kohli is eager to make amends. With one more Test to go in the Bangladesh series before a three-match home series against New Zealand, he appears to want to get more practice in.During an extra net session, Kohli was seen leaving deliveries with precision and hitting shots with audible power. His determination is evident, as he seeks to regain his batting prowess.Kohli's teammates have also expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back. Captain Rohit Sharma said, "Virat is a world-class player. He has been through tough times before and has always come out stronger. I have no doubt that he will do the same this time."India's second innings in the first Test against Bangladesh ended on a high note, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant registering magnificent hundreds. The declaration at 287/4 set Bangladesh a daunting target of 515.Bangladesh's openers made a promising start to the chase, but R Ashwin dismantled their middle order in the final session of Day 3. With nearly 400 runs still to get, Bangladesh face an uphill task to save the match.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli displayed his infectious enthusiasm on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Despite failing to score big in the first innings, Kohli's spirits remained high, as evidenced by his jovial interactions with the crowd. A viral video captured Kohli waving to the Chennai spectators, eliciting a thunderous response. Later, he even performed a brief dance after a wicket fell.Bangladesh's first innings ended with a paltry 149, trailing India by a significant 227 runs. India's bowlers dominated, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming three wickets.In reply, India declared their second innings at 287-4, setting Bangladesh a target of 515. Centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant propelled India towards victory.Bangladesh began their chase briskly but lost wickets to reach 158-4 when bad light halted play on Day 3. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten at the crease, needing 357 runs for a win.Ashwin continued his impressive performance, taking three wickets to add to his 113 runs in India's first innings. Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam provided a solid start for Bangladesh, but Jasprit Bumrah broke their partnership.Pant and Gill put on a dominant 167-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Pant smashing a century and Gill remaining unbeaten on 119. Pant's innings was particularly impressive, considering his recent recovery from a car crash.India is aiming to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings, while Bangladesh seeks their first-ever Test victory against India.

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant's Lighthearted Sunglasses Swap Steals the Show in India vs. Bangladesh TestIn a moment of camaraderie and lightheartedness, Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant engaged in a memorable sunglasses exchange during the third day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai.As the second innings of Bangladesh's batting unfolded, Kohli removed his sunglasses and handed them directly to Pant. Without hesitation, Pant removed his own pair and donned Kohli's. In a reciprocal gesture, Pant then offered his sunglasses to Kohli, who accepted and put them on.The exchange, captured by cameras, highlighted the strong bond between the two teammates. It also provided a brief moment of levity amidst the intense competition on the field.Meanwhile, the match itself saw Bangladesh facing an uphill battle at stumps on the third day. Chasing an imposing target of 515, they had lost four wickets for 158 runs. India had earlier declared their second innings at 287/4, thanks to centuries from Pant (109) and Shubman Gill (119).Bangladesh's hopes of a comeback were further dented by the impressive bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed three wickets for 63 runs. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 51 at the close of play, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

Rohit Sharma's leadership style as India's Test captain has been a topic of discussion, with many noting its distinct differences from that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. While Kohli was known for his intense and aggressive approach, Sharma has adopted a more hands-on and supportive style.Sharma's approach emphasizes communication and guidance, with a focus on keeping his teammates motivated and engaged. His famous "garden mein ghoomne wala" comment, which he used to encourage his fielders to show more intensity, has become a viral sensation.However, Sharma's calm demeanor does not mean he lacks intensity. During the first Test against Bangladesh, he was seen expressing his frustration with a fielder, exclaiming, "Oye, soye hue hai sab log (Everybody is sleeping)."Despite his leadership style, Sharma has struggled to find his form against Bangladesh in Test cricket. In the first Test at Chennai, he scored only six and five in two innings, continuing his poor run against the Tigers. In four Tests and five innings against Bangladesh, he has managed just 44 runs at an average of 8.80.In contrast, Sharma's all-format numbers against Bangladesh are impressive, with 1,307 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.84. He has also scored three centuries and eight fifties against them.In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship, Sharma has scored 711 runs at an average of 41.82, including three centuries and three fifties.Despite his recent struggles against Bangladesh, Sharma remains a key figure in India's Test team. His leadership style and ability to motivate his teammates will be crucial as India looks to improve its performance in the longest format of the game.

Virat Kohli's struggles with form continued in the first Test against Bangladesh, as the Indian batter failed to make a significant impact in either innings. In the first innings, Kohli chased an outside off stump delivery by Hasan Mahmud and was dismissed for 6. In the second innings, he fell victim to a wrong leg-before-wicket decision, which he chose not to review. Ultraedge later revealed that the bat had made contact with the ball, meaning Kohli would have been not out had he opted for a review.Kohli's poor form has been a concern for India 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. His best score of 76 came during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.In Tests, Kohli's average has dropped to an eight-year low. In 114 Tests, he has scored 8,871 runs in 193 innings at an average of 48.74, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average was lower than this was during November 2016, when he averaged 48.28.The period of 2020s has not been kind to Kohli in white colours. In 30 Tests played since the start of 2020, he has scored just 1,669 runs at an average of just 32.72, with just two centuries and eight fifties in 52 innings. His best score is 186.In five Tests and eight innings during the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli has scored 392 runs at an average of 49.00, with a century and two fifties. His best score is 121. India will need Kohli to fire in coming matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia if they are to secure their maiden WTC title.

Virat Kohli and Mushfiqur Rahim's on-field rivalry has been a topic of discussion for years, and it resurfaced during the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal hinted at Kohli's history of sledging Rahim, prompting a cheeky response from ex-India coach Ravi Shastri.Rahim has previously stated that Kohli often engages in verbal exchanges with him on the field. "He always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat," Rahim said. "He's a really competitive guy and doesn't want to lose any cricket match."Kohli's competitive nature was evident in India's dominant performance on Day 2 of the Test. After dismissing Bangladesh for 149, India extended their lead to 308. However, Kohli's innings was cut short when he was trapped lbw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 17.Despite Kohli's dismissal, India remained in control of the match. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were unbeaten on 33 and 12, respectively, at stumps.Bangladesh's top scorer was Shakib Al Hasan with 32, while Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of India's bowlers with 4/55.The hosts opted not to enforce the follow-on, giving Bangladesh a chance to bat again. However, India's bowlers will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly and securing a series victory.

Virat Kohli's Hilarious Remark Lightens Mood During India-Bangladesh TestIndian batting maestro Virat Kohli injected a dose of humor into the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai with a hilarious remark aimed at Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.Kohli found himself at the crease early in India's second innings, just like the first, after the hosts lost two quick wickets. However, his stay was brief, as he was dismissed for 17 runs by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.The incident occurred during India's second innings when Kohli was at the non-striker's end. The stump mic captured Kohli humorously referring to Shakib as 'Malinga,' a nod to the former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, who was famous for his exceptional yorkers."Tu Malinga bana hua hai, Yorker pe Yorker de raha hai!" Kohli joked, as Shakib consistently delivered a series of effective yorkers.Kohli's remark not only showcased his wit but also highlighted Shakib's impressive bowling performance, reminiscent of the legendary Malinga known for his deadly yorkers.Shakib, who has been a standout player for Bangladesh, took the comment in good humor, reflecting the sportsmanship that characterises cricket.Kohli's early dismissal was a setback for India, but his hilarious remark provided a light-hearted moment in an otherwise tense match. The incident also highlighted the camaraderie between the two players, who have faced each other on numerous occasions in international cricket.