Cricket

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian batsman, has earned the admiration of legendary English pacer James Anderson for his exceptional skills in chasing down targets and closing out games, particularly in white-ball cricket.Anderson, a guest on the Tailenders Podcast, hailed Kohli as "one of the best" players in history when it comes to batting second and pursuing scores. "His record at chasing is absolutely phenomenal," Anderson remarked. "The number of hundreds he has scored in the second innings, chasing down scores is ridiculous."Anderson attributed Kohli's remarkable chasing abilities to his unwavering self-belief. "It is no surprise that when he gets in that situation, with his mentality, it is just like it is meant to be. His self-belief is so high," Anderson said.When asked if Kohli is the greatest white-ball batter of all time, Anderson acknowledged the brilliance of Australia's Michael Bevan, who was renowned for his impressive finishes in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, he emphasized that Kohli's centuries during winning chases elevate him to the status of "greatest finisher" and among the greatest white-ball batters ever."I cannot say that [Kohli is the greatest white-ball batter ever]," Anderson clarified. "I was thinking more in terms of just chasing. [As for the best white-ball batter ever,] Michael Bevan from Australia comes to my mind, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s - he was just phenomenal coming in at number six and doing that job.""Kohli batting at number 3 gets those hundreds while Bevan was renowned for getting his 50s, 60s and being at the end, while Kohli gets the big score, to get his teams over the line. I honestly can't think of a better finisher and greater white-ball players than him [Kohli]," Anderson concluded.Kohli's exceptional chasing skills have been instrumental in India's success in limited-overs cricket. His ability to anchor the innings, control the tempo, and accelerate when necessary has made him a formidable force in the middle order. His composure under pressure and unwavering determination have earned him the respect and admiration of opponents and fans alike.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Longevity in Cricket's Modern EraFormer India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have the potential to surpass the illustrious careers of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. This optimistic outlook stems from the evolving landscape of modern cricket, which emphasizes workload management and player longevity.Bangar, speaking on The Rao Podcast, highlighted the advancements in fitness regimes and support systems that are enabling players to extend their playing years. He noted that Rohit Sharma, who is currently 35 years old, could continue playing for several more years if his fitness permits."Sachin played till 40, and even Rahul played till 40," Bangar said. "With better fitness standards and more professionals looking after players, including nutritionists, careers are going to get longer."Bangar also emphasized Kohli's unwavering commitment to Test cricket, suggesting that it would be the last format he would give up. "Even with Virat, it depends on his body," Bangar said. "The last format that he would give away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years."The pursuit of major trophies, such as the World Cup and World Test Championship, could further motivate Kohli and Sharma to prolong their careers. "India winning the World Cup doesn't mean that Rohit is going to walk away," Bangar explained. "Rohit has tasted success now, and India still wants to win the World Test Championship—there is something to look forward to."Bangar's predictions are based on the changing dynamics of modern cricket, where players are increasingly prioritizing their health and longevity. With the support of advanced fitness and recovery techniques, Kohli and Sharma have the potential to continue their dominance in the game for years to come.

Virat Kohli's decision to step down as India's Test captain in January 2022 raised eyebrows, with many believing he should have continued in the role. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed this sentiment, stating that Kohli could have led India in red-ball cricket for a longer period.Kohli's tenure as Test captain was marked by unprecedented success. He took over from MS Dhoni in 2014 and led the team in 68 matches, securing 40 victories with a win percentage of 58.82. Under his leadership, India achieved historic milestones, including their maiden Test series triumph in Australia in 2018, victories in the West Indies, and reaching the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.Kohli's home record as captain was particularly impressive, with 24 wins out of 31 Tests played in India, and only two losses. His aggressive and fearless approach inspired the team to numerous memorable victories.However, Kohli's decision to step down from the captaincy came as a surprise to many. Bangar believes that Kohli could have continued in the role for longer, given his exceptional leadership qualities and the team's success under his guidance.After Kohli's departure, Rohit Sharma was named India's skipper in all formats. Both Kohli and Rohit have since retired from T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the leadership in the shortest format. Rohit continues to lead the team in ODIs and Test cricket.

Virat Kohli Lauds Shikhar Dhawan's Legacy as India's Dependable OpenerFormer Indian skipper Virat Kohli has paid a heartfelt tribute to Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kohli hailed Dhawan as one of India's most dependable openers, whose passion, sportsmanship, and signature smile will be dearly missed.Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar,' has had an illustrious career, amassing 10,867 runs in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. He is the 12th highest run-scorer for India in international cricket, with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.Kohli highlighted Dhawan's fearless debut and his rise to becoming one of India's most reliable openers. He credited Dhawan for giving countless memories to cherish, both on and off the field."Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship, and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on," Kohli wrote on social media.Dhawan's most notable achievement came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most runs (363). Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.Kohli and Dhawan shared a deep bond, both on and off the field. They hail from the same region in West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time. They were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.Kohli expressed his gratitude to Dhawan for all the memories and wished him luck in his future endeavors. "Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances, and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!" he added.Shikhar Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His contributions to the team have been immense, and his legacy as a dependable opener will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

India's 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign was a tale of both triumph and disappointment. The team, led by Virat Kohli, entered the tournament as one of the favorites and lived up to expectations in the group stages, winning seven out of nine matches. However, their journey came to an abrupt end in the semi-final against New Zealand, leaving Indian fans heartbroken.India's dominance in the group stages was evident from their consistent performances. They defeated South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while their match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain. Rohit Sharma emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 648 runs at an average of 81.00, including five centuries. Virat Kohli also contributed significantly with 442 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps.The semi-final against New Zealand proved to be a turning point for India. Chasing a modest target of 240, India's top order collapsed, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul all departing early. Despite a valiant effort from Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, who stitched together a gritty partnership, India fell short by 18 runs.The defeat was a bitter pill for Indian fans to swallow, as the team had been strong contenders throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma later expressed his belief that MS Dhoni should have batted at number four, a position that would have allowed him to play a more influential role in the chase.Despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit, India has since won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. The team remains one of the strongest in the world and will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet in the years to come.

Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian batter, is currently enjoying a break from the cricketing frenzy in London with his family. Despite being away from the field, Kohli's star power remains undiminished, as evidenced by a recent viral video that captured him catching a train in the British capital.As Kohli disembarked from the shuttle, a fan approached him for a photograph. Kohli, while acknowledging the request, politely informed the fan that he would only pose for a group picture. The video, which has since gone viral, showcases Kohli's global fan following and the difficulty he faces in escaping recognition, even in a foreign city.Kohli's international cricket journey began 16 years ago, on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The then-19-year-old opened the batting with Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. Despite a modest debut, Kohli has since transformed into a batting behemoth for India.In ODIs, Kohli has amassed a staggering 13,906 runs in 295 matches, including a record-breaking 50 centuries. He has also scored 8,848 runs in 113 Test matches and 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is. Kohli's trophy cabinet boasts the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.Kohli's leadership qualities have also been evident in his role as India's Test captain. Under his stewardship, the team won 40 out of 68 matches, making him the most successful Indian Test captain in terms of wins.Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, where he has played since 2008, celebrated his 16 years in international cricket with a heartfelt tribute. The franchise hailed Kohli as a "King" and praised his relentless passion and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Virat Kohli's dominance in Test cricket reached unprecedented heights from 2016 to 2018, with the former Indian captain amassing over 1000 runs in each of those three years. In 2017, Kohli's brilliance was on full display, as he notched up 1059 runs in 10 Test matches at an astonishing average of 75.64.Kohli's dominance was particularly evident in the Hyderabad Test against Bangladesh in February 2017. In a match that marked Bangladesh's first Test on Indian soil, Kohli unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring a magnificent 204. This double century was his fourth consecutive in four successive series, a feat that surpassed the legendary Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had achieved it in three consecutive series.Kohli's 204, coupled with Murali Vijay's 108, Ajinkya Rahane's 82, and Wriddhiman Saha's unbeaten 106, propelled India to a mammoth first-innings total of 687/6. India became the first team to post three successive scores of 600-plus, piling up an imposing total that left Bangladesh reeling.The Bangladesh bowlers were unable to contain Kohli's onslaught, with Taskin Ahmed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam all conceding over 100 runs in their toiling spells. On Day 4, Ravichandran Ashwin reached the milestone of 250 Test wickets, becoming the quickest to achieve the landmark.Despite Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim's valiant 127, India's bowlers proved too strong, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 250. India won by 208 runs, registering their sixth successive series win and extending their unbeaten streak to 19 consecutive Tests.Kohli's performance in the Hyderabad Test was not just a statistical marvel but also a testament to his exceptional batting skills. He broke several records, including:* Scoring a double century in four consecutive Test series, a world record.* Becoming the first Indian captain to score four double centuries, surpassing the combined tally of 31 double centuries scored by all previous Indian captains.* Scoring 1,168 runs in 15 innings at an average of 89.8 in the 2016-17 home season, the most Test runs scored by an Indian in a home season.* Scoring 3,036 runs in international cricket since January 1, 2016, the most by any batsman in the world.* Becoming the only cricketer to average above 75 in all three formats of the game (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) since January 2016.Kohli's dominance in 2017 was a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He set new benchmarks for batting excellence and cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of the sport with an illustrious career spanning 16 years. His remarkable journey has been marked by an array of records and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket.Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali recently paid a glowing tribute to Kohli, emphasizing the importance of not just acknowledging his longevity but also understanding the unwavering dedication and resilience that have fueled his success. Ali highlighted the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Younis Khan, and Javed Miandad as examples of players who enjoyed extended careers due to their unwavering commitment to the game.Ali stressed that Kohli's brilliance extends beyond his batting prowess. He pointed out the exceptional intensity and dedication that Kohli brings to the field, even when facing setbacks. "Just look at his dedication and the hard work he puts in. Even if he gets out early, he gives it all in the field," Ali said. "You can feel that Kohli is on the ground just by the noise the crowd makes when the ball goes to him. This is the result of the hard work he has put in for 16 years."Kohli's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in his longevity and success. He has consistently set high standards for himself and his teammates, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to strive for greatness.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has been crowned the 'Men's International Cricketer of the Year' at the prestigious Ceat Cricket Rating Awards 2023-24. This accolade recognizes his exceptional leadership and outstanding performances on the international stage.Former head coach Rahul Dravid, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for his remarkable contributions to the sport. His guidance and mentorship have played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous cricketers.Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, was named the 'Men's ODI Batter of the Year' for his consistent and prolific performances in the 50-over format. His ability to score runs consistently and anchor the innings has been instrumental in India's success.Mohammed Shami, the highest wicket-taker during the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 scalps, was deservedly named the 'ODI Bowler of the Year'. His ability to swing the ball and maintain an impeccable line and length has made him a formidable force in the Indian bowling attack.Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young batting sensation, was named the 'Men's Test Batter of the Year' for his remarkable performance against England earlier this year, where he amassed 712 runs in the five-Test series. His talent and composure at such a young age have earned him widespread acclaim.Veteran off-spinner R. Ashwin was honored as the 'Men's Test Bowler of the Year' for his consistent wicket-taking abilities and his ability to outfox batters with his guile and variations.BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who received an award for excellence in sports administration, expressed his confidence in the Indian teams' ability to clinch more trophies in the future. He emphasized the support of 1.4 billion people and the determination to succeed in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy, World Test Championship final, and the Women's T20 World Cup.Tamil Nadu captain R Sai Kishore, who led his team to the Ranji Trophy final last season, was named the 'Domestic Cricketer of the Year' for his outstanding leadership and performances in domestic cricket.New Zealand's Tim Southee was awarded the 'Men's T20I Bowler of the Year' for his impressive performances in the shortest format, while England's Phil Salt was adjudged the 'Best Batter of the Year' in T20Is.India women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was presented with a memento for leading the country in the most T20I matches, while her deputy and opening batter Smriti Mandhana was adjudged the 'Women's Indian Batter of the Year'.Deepti Sharma, known for her all-round abilities, was named the 'Indian Bowler of the Year' for her consistent performances with the ball.Opening batter Shafali Verma was honored with a memento for scoring the fastest double century in women's Test cricket, a remarkable feat achieved off 194 balls against South Africa in the Chennai Test earlier this year.Shreyas Iyer, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, was presented with a memento for 'outstanding leadership' in guiding his team to success in the prestigious tournament.