Cricket

Rohit Sharma's Forgetfulness: A Quirky Trait Humored by TeammatesIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has become renowned for his amusing tendency to forget things, a trait that has been the subject of lighthearted banter among his teammates. Virat Kohli, in particular, has often poked fun at Rohit's forgetfulness, highlighting his habit of misplacing items.In a recent video chat shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Virat and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a humorous exchange ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh. Gambhir asked Virat, "So Virat, the next guest is Rohit. What do you want me to ask? What should be the first question?"Virat, with a mischievous grin, suggested, "I think it is a very simple question to Rohit. Ke subah bheege badam khate ho ki nahi (Do you eat soaked almonds in the morning?)."This prompted laughter from Gambhir, who added, "That will help Rohit remember to come in at 11 am, not at night." He continued, "Ke subah 11 bhaje ke jagah, raat ko 11 bhaje na aa jaye (So that he comes in at 11 am and not 11 pm).""So, Rohit, that's the first question for you," Virat quipped.Rohit's forgetfulness has become a running joke within the Indian cricket team, with teammates often teasing him about it. However, it is clear that this quirk is not taken seriously and is instead a source of amusement for the team.

India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on Thursday, presents a crucial opportunity for the hosts to address their recent batting vulnerabilities against spin bowling. Despite boasting an impressive home record of 40-4 over the past decade, India's performance against spin has raised concerns.With a packed Test season ahead, including 10 matches and a potential berth in the World Test Championship final, India must prioritize improving their spin-bowling prowess. Bangladesh, fresh from a 2-0 series triumph over Pakistan, will pose a formidable challenge.Key Indian batters have struggled against spin in recent years. Virat Kohli's average against spin has plummeted to 30 in 15 Tests since 2021, while Rohit Sharma's has dropped to 44 over the last three years. KL Rahul has also faced difficulties, averaging a mere 23.40 against spin in his last five home Tests.Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has emphasized the need to refocus on this area, particularly after India's struggles against Sri Lanka's spinners in a recent ODI series.Bangladesh's spin attack, led by Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will test India's batting lineup. However, Rishabh Pant has a strong average of 70 against spin in his last five matches, while Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have shown promise, albeit against a less experienced England spin attack.India's bowling lineup, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, appears formidable. The team management will consider whether to include a third seamer like Akash Deep or Yash Dayal or to opt for a third spinner, with Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel as options. Patel's inclusion could also strengthen the lower-order batting.New head coach Gautam Gambhir will be eager to start his tenure on a positive note. After a mixed result in the white-ball format in Sri Lanka, Gambhir will be keen for a strong start in Test cricket.This series will serve as a litmus test for India's batting lineup and set the tone for their long Test season ahead.

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli: A Candid ConversationAhead of the Test series against Bangladesh, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting icon Virat Kohli engaged in a lighthearted interview, revealing their camaraderie and mutual respect.Despite their past competitive rivalry on the field, Gambhir and Kohli have set aside their differences for the betterment of the Indian team. In the interview, they discussed the impact of on-field banter on their performance.Kohli, known for his fiery nature, admitted to having more altercations than Gambhir. He wondered if such confrontations could distract him or motivate him.Gambhir, with a chuckle, suggested that Kohli was better equipped to answer the question. Kohli, in turn, expressed his desire for someone to agree with his perspective."I am only looking for someone who agrees with what I have to say. Not saying that it is wrong. At least someone should say, yes this is what happens," Kohli said.The interview highlighted the evolution of their relationship, from fierce competitors to supportive colleagues. Both players were part of Team India's ODI World Cup victory in 2011, and their shared experiences have forged a bond between them.Gambhir praised Kohli's leadership qualities, saying, "Virat has been a fantastic leader. He has taken Indian cricket to new heights."Kohli, in turn, acknowledged Gambhir's contributions as a coach, saying, "Gautam has brought a lot of discipline and structure to the team. He has created a positive environment."The interview concluded with a humorous exchange, with Gambhir joking about the "spice" of their conversation.

India's batting legend Rahil Dravid, in his final address as head coach, urged modern-day great Virat Kohli to complete his trophy cabinet by winning the World Test Championship (WTC). India has won all ICC trophies except the WTC, and Kohli, like the team, has yet to conquer this elusive title.The WTC is a relatively new ICC tournament, and India has been one of its most successful teams, reaching the finals twice before this cycle. However, they lost to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023.India is once again a favorite to reach the finals, and this time they aim to complete their trophy collection. After breaking their ICC trophy drought with their second T20 World Cup title this year, India now sets their sights on the WTC title.Their final stretch of the 'Road to Lord's' begins with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. India has never lost a Test match against Bangladesh, but the gap in the WTC standings is not as significant as the Test rankings.Bangladesh is coming off a historic series win over Pakistan, which has boosted their confidence. However, India has not lost a Test series at home for over a decade.India's form in the current WTC cycle has been impressive, with six wins, two defeats, and one draw in nine matches. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has three wins, three defeats, and 45.83 percentage points in six matches.While Bangladesh is in good red-ball form, India has not played Test cricket for over six months. However, most of the Indian team members participated in the domestic Duleep Trophy game to prepare for the five-day grind.The series promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. India will rely on their experience and home advantage, while Bangladesh will look to capitalize on their recent momentum.

Virat Kohli's return to Test cricket is a highly anticipated event for Indian cricket fans. After a nine-month hiatus, the star batsman is set to rejoin the team for a grueling schedule of 10 Test matches, starting with a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai.Kohli's return is crucial for India's aspirations in the World Test Championship (WTC). The team currently leads the WTC table with a commanding 68.52% win percentage, but the scars of two consecutive WTC final defeats, against New Zealand and Australia, remain. This season presents an opportunity for India to exorcise those demons and claim the coveted Test mace.Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed immense confidence in Kohli's ability to excel in this crucial period. Raina predicts a run-fest from the star batsman. "Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the T20 World Cup Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli's return to Red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and gives a lot of respect to them. Leading to the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I believe Virat will score a hell of runs in this Test cycle," Raina told IANS.This anticipation is fueled by Kohli's track record of thriving under pressure, evident in his recent performances at the T20 World Cup. Raina believes that the challenging bowling attacks of Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia will only serve to elevate Kohli's game.“Virat thrives under pressure, and this whole Test season will see him at the centre of action. Bangladesh has strong pacers, but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges boost him, and I expect him to shine,” Raina added.While Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been instrumental in India's recent successes, including their T20 World Cup victory, Kohli's return is an invaluable asset for India as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the WTC standings.The upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia are not mere stepping stones for India. Bangladesh, ranked fourth in the WTC standings, will be eager to upset the top-ranked team and climb the table. New Zealand and Australia, both formidable opponents in Test cricket, will test India's mettle in their own backyard.

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam, facing a challenging period in his career, has sought solace in faith amidst mounting pressure. On the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, Babar shared a message on social media, referencing Prophet Muhammad's teachings of compassion.Babar's post comes during a period of poor form with the bat, following Pakistan's recent struggles on the international stage. Since the ICC World Cup in India last year, Babar has endured a series of disappointing outings, including scores of 0, 22, 11, and 31 in the recent two-Test series against Bangladesh.Pakistan's loss in the series, coupled with Babar's exclusion from the ICC top 10 rankings for batters for the first time in years, has intensified scrutiny around his leadership and form. This slump follows Pakistan's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, where the team failed to make it past the group stages after consecutive defeats to the USA and India, raising questions about Babar's captaincy in white-ball cricket.Amid this turbulence, former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has offered advice to Babar, urging him to take inspiration from Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Younis emphasized that while social media can offer a platform to connect with fans, a cricketer's real answers come through performance on the field."Players should use social media wisely, but their real answers should come through their performances with the bat and ball," Younis remarked.Younis encouraged Babar to focus on his fitness and work ethic, noting that these moments of challenge are rare opportunities for growth. Drawing parallels with Kohli, Younis added, "Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms and now he's breaking records worldwide."Babar's recent struggles have sparked concerns among Pakistan cricket fans and experts. However, the captain remains determined to overcome this challenging phase and regain his form. With the support of his team and the guidance of experienced mentors like Younis Khan, Babar aims to lead Pakistan to future success on the international stage.

Ahead of the highly anticipated two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with Indian legend Virat Kohli. Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, is eager to connect with his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate.During the England series, Khan was unable to meet Kohli, who withdrew due to personal reasons. However, the youngster has always admired Kohli's leadership skills and ability to inspire his team."His passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone," Khan told JioCinema. "To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability."Khan also shared his first encounter with Kohli, expressing his desire to be his teammate in the national team. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed to me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him, and it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity."Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel hopes to continue his strong form from his debut Test series against Bangladesh. Jurel sought Kohli's advice on maintaining consistency throughout his career."I asked him how he stayed so consistent and how I could improve my game. It's something I've always been curious about. I even asked Dhoni sir the same thing. They have become legends, and there must be a secret behind it. I know now that doing what seems boring and easy repetitively has built these legends," Jurel said.Kohli emphasized the importance of discipline and repetition in achieving success. "Kohli told me that if doing the boring things were so easy to do, everyone would be doing it. You have to keep doing those things, and then you'll be able to accomplish your dreams," Jurel added.Khan has learned the value of routine and self-awareness from observing Kohli over the years at RCB. "He is clear about his game. He knows the work a player needs to keep doing and that criticism or praise shouldn't affect your game. 'This is my work, I have to do this in the morning, this in the afternoon, this in the evening, and sleep at a specific time.' That's what I have learned from him."Both players also highlighted specific aspects of Kohli's batting technique that impressed them. Jurel praised his ability to step out and hit over the covers, while Khan admired his flick shot and cover drive.The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Thursday.

Virat Kohli's Gesture of Respect Inspires Young Sarfaraz KhanFor a 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan, being greeted by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli with a bow and folded hands was a surreal experience. The gesture, which came after Khan's impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left an unforgettable mark on the young batter.On April 29, 2015, Khan had just scored a blistering 21-ball 45 for RCB, helping his team reach a formidable total of 200 for 7 against Rajasthan Royals. As Khan returned to the pavilion, Kohli, the RCB captain, approached him with a warm smile and a respectful bow.Recalling the moment, Khan expressed his admiration for Kohli's humility and leadership. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him; it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity," Khan told Jio Cinema.Khan also praised Kohli's unwavering passion and dedication to the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Khan said.The mutual respect between Kohli and Khan is set to continue as they prepare to team up for India in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Kohli has been training in Chennai, Khan is expected to join the squad soon after completing his Duleep Trophy commitments.Khan's journey from a young prodigy to a potential Indian star has been marked by hard work and determination. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering belief in his abilities have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. With Kohli as his mentor and guide, Khan is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, continues to captivate fans worldwide, transcending the boundaries of the sport. His immense popularity was recently evident in Pakistan during the Champions One-Day Cup 2024 match between Stallions and Markhors, where a fan proudly displayed Kohli's jersey in the stands. This gesture highlights Kohli's enduring appeal, even in a country where cricket loyalties often lie elsewhere.Kohli's popularity extends beyond the field, as evidenced by his recent intense practice session at the nets in preparation for India's upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. In a video shared by Jio Cinema, Kohli showcased his batting prowess, hitting a mighty six that shattered a wall near the Indian dressing room at the Chepauk stadium.Kohli's return to the Test format marks a significant moment for the Indian team. Since his last Test appearance in South Africa earlier this year, Kohli has faced challenges in the T20 World Cup and a tour of Sri Lanka. However, he remains determined to regain his form and contribute to India's success.Kohli's practice session also provided a glimpse into his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. As India gears up for the Bangladesh series, Kohli's presence and experience will be invaluable. His ability to inspire and lead the team will be crucial in their quest for victory.