Cricket

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli and Australia's Steve Smith are poised to dominate the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, where runs will be "at a premium," according to Australian great Matthew Hayden.Hayden, considered one of the finest openers of his era, believes that both Kohli and Smith possess unique styles of dominance and will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of the series Down Under."Cricket is a game of momentum, and I'm sure those two players, coming now to the later pages of their cricketing careers, will be very keen to dominate the landscape through the summer," Hayden said."That's their nature. They do it in very different ways, very different styles, but certainly, they really are the key to the Australian summer."India and Australia will play a five-Test series for the first time since 1991-92, starting November 22 at Perth. Hayden emphasized that it's difficult to predict which team has the edge."You look at the lineups, and it's hard to really tell who has the edge. I sense that it's going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference. Guys that are sure bets have retired like (Cheteshwar) Pujara was a sure bet in Australian conditions," he said."Was he exciting? No. Was he effective? Heck, yes. When you look back over the years, guys like Raul Dravid, VVS Laxman... they were really sure bets in our market. The best need to stand up in this series, runs are going to be at a premium," he added.Hayden believes that Australian players will be eager to end their barren run against India, having last won a bilateral series in 2014-15."We haven't had it (the trophy) in our hands for two series in Australia, which is kind of the coveted grounds. Not that's similar to the Steve Waugh era here in 2001, where this was the hallowed turf, this was a place where Australia really wanted to come and win," he said."And his great era didn't do it. There's always this fantastic opportunity for the No. 1 (and) No. 2 sides on the World Test Championship to go head to head, especially abroad in each other's camps and see who really has those kinds of final rights...""...to claim not only the possibility of playing the (World) Test Championship (final) but also who's the very best of the best, which you judge on how you tour, not so much how you play at home," he said.Hayden also commented on the upcoming battle between Nathan Lyon and young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal."Isn't it great that the series is shaping up the bare-heavyweight bout, someone like the GOAT (Lyon) going after (Jaiswal), what is in my opinion one of the key assets for Indian cricket. Yes he's certainly proving to be that," he said.Hayden acknowledged Jaiswal's exceptional ability to hit on the up through covers but cautioned that he may need to adjust to the length of the boundaries in Australia."Young Jaiswal is an exciting prospect to see how he'll play. He is a package. His ability in particular to get on the up through the covers is phenomenal. That'll also have its vulnerabilities," Hayden said."I'm looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks. We did notice in the IPL that he's a very hard hitter of the ball, pull shots in particular, but that'll be challenged by three world-class speedsters, assuming they're all fit and on much bigger grounds.""It has to almost be the perfect contact for that ball to sail over (for a) six so you can get caught easily, three-quarters of the way in the fence. They (all) have little adjustments that world-class players like Jazzy (Jaiswal) will make for sure," he added.Hayden also expressed his concerns about Australia's opening slot following David Warner's retirement from international cricket."For the first time, it (opening slot) doesn't feel as secure. David Warner gave a great service to Australian cricket. He gave a service that was extremely competitive, wonderfully dynamic," he said."He really took that legacy that I'd created through the 2000s to a new level, strike rates in excess of 80, and gave great momentum to the top order, which otherwise is quite conservative. He's an enormous loss in terms of how do you replace him," Hayden added.Hayden expressed reservations about Smith emerging as a choice for the opener's slot, given his successful track record at No. 4."I was on record saying that I didn't like changing. I think it's crazy to think that you have the world's best-in-class batter in a certain position and then you change to a completely different position," he said.

Piyush Chawla Reflects on Enduring Friendship with Virat KohliVeteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has shared his insights into his long-standing friendship with Virat Kohli, revealing that their bond remains as strong as ever despite Kohli's rise to fame.Chawla, who has known Kohli since their days in the under-19 cricket circuit, described their relationship as "great camaraderie." He recalled a recent encounter with Kohli during the Asia Cup, where the former Indian captain approached him for a casual chat and food order."Virat Kohli is still the same as me as he was 10-15 years before," Chawla said. "My experience with him is always good."Chawla's comments contrast with those of another veteran Indian leg-spinner, Amit Mishra, who recently expressed that Kohli's rise to fame had impacted their interactions. Mishra claimed that Kohli had become more distant and less approachable.However, Chawla maintained that Kohli's personality has remained unchanged. "He has the same conversations with us that we used to have 10-15 years ago," he said.Despite Kohli's recent struggles in white-ball cricket, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. He believes that Kohli will return to form and continue to be a force in international cricket."He's a great player, and he's going to come back stronger," Chawla said. "He's a fighter, and he's going to prove himself again."Kohli is currently taking a brief break from cricket to spend time with his family in London. He is expected to return to action during the upcoming Bangladesh series in September.

Yash Dayal's IPL journey has been a rollercoaster ride. After a promising start with Gujarat Titans in 2023, he endured a confidence-shattering experience against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showed faith in the young pacer, acquiring him for Rs 5 crore in the 2024 auction.Dayal's resurgence at RCB was remarkable, as he emerged as a key contributor with 15 wickets. In a recent interview, he credited Virat Kohli for his resurgence, revealing that the star batter's unwavering support boosted his confidence."The biggest thing he (Kohli) said to me was that he will back me the whole season," Dayal told Sports Tak. "He told me that I will not feel like I have come to a new place, and he backed me completely. So this was a huge boost up."Dayal also praised Kohli's mentorship of young players, describing him as "nothing like what people talk about on TV."Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulated Kohli on completing 16 years of international cricket. Kohli made his debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka and has since become one of the most successful batters in the history of the game.Shah tweeted, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"Dayal's resurgence and Kohli's continued excellence highlight the importance of support and mentorship in sports. Dayal's journey serves as a reminder that even after setbacks, with the right guidance and belief, athletes can overcome adversity and achieve success.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has etched his name among the greatest cricketers of all time. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has propelled Indian cricket to unprecedented heights with his exceptional batting prowess and record-breaking achievements.Despite stepping down as T20I captain, Kohli remains on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's legendary feat of scoring 100 centuries in international cricket. Beyond his contributions to Team India, Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008.Despite RCB's consistent performances, they have yet to claim an IPL trophy. However, the franchise boasts a massive fan base, making it one of the most popular in the league. Recently, Kohli expressed his preference for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as his favorite rivals in the IPL, over five-time champions Mumbai Indians.On Sunday, Kohli celebrated 16 years of international cricket. His debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, shortly after leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup.BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to congratulate Kohli on his milestone, stating, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"In his debut match, Kohli opened the batting with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. He concluded his maiden international series with 159 runs in five matches, averaging 31.80.Since then, Kohli has evolved into a formidable batting force for India. In 295 ODIs, he has amassed 13,906 runs, including a record 50 centuries, 27 of which have come in run-chases. In 113 Test matches, he has accumulated 8,848 runs, while in 125 T20Is, he has scored 4,188 runs.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has hinted at his preferred destination if not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mega IPL auction. In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku revealed that if KKR decide not to retain him, his next choice would be none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)."I don't know anything yet. I haven't been told whether I will be retained or go into the auction. Let's see what happens," Rinku said when asked about his future with KKR. However, when pressed on which team he would prefer if not retained, he responded with a smile, "RCB."Rinku, who has been with KKR for several seasons, was part of the franchise's IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Despite a quieter season due to the 'Impact Player' rule limiting his opportunities, Rinku's potential as a dynamic finisher remains highly valued.In addition to discussing his potential move, Rinku also shared a good relationship with cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is synonymous with RCB."Virat bhaiya gave me a bat, which broke. I asked him for another one, and he didn't refuse. He gave me another bat. It's a big thing for me that he gave me a second bat," Rinku recounted, underscoring the respect and admiration he holds for Kohli.Rinku also touched upon his experience with Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team and his mentor during the IPL. He revealed that Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, also knows how to unwind after the game."He is very serious about the game...but after the match is over, he enjoys himself. It's not like he's always serious," Rinku shared.As the IPL auction draws nearer, Rinku's comments have sparked speculation about a possible move to RCB, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and star-studded lineup.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, celebrated 16 years of his illustrious international cricket career on August 18, 2024. His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, inspiring performances, and an unwavering dedication to the sport.Kohli's international debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008, where he scored a modest 12 runs. However, he quickly established himself as a consistent performer, finishing the series with an average of 31.80. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the most dominant batsmen in cricket history.In ODIs, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries (50) by a male batter. His unparalleled 27 centuries in successful run chases solidify his status as a modern-day great. His contributions extend beyond ODIs, with significant runs amassed in Test matches (8,848) and T20 Internationals (4,188).Kohli has been a key figure in India's triumphs in major ICC tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as Test captain, during which India secured a record 40 victories out of 68 matches.Beyond statistics, Kohli's impact on cricket is profound. He is credited with revolutionizing the approach to batting in limited-overs cricket, emphasizing fitness, aggressive running between the wickets, and a relentless pursuit of victory. His unwavering passion and dedication have inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers.As Kohli enters the latter stages of his career, his legacy as one of the most influential figures in cricket history is undeniable. His impact on Indian cricket, and the sport globally, is immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on the game's evolution.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has had the privilege of playing under three legendary captains: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Each captain has left an indelible mark on Bumrah's career, shaping his development and instilling in him a unique set of values.Under Dhoni's astute leadership, Bumrah gained confidence and security. Dhoni's unwavering belief in his instincts and ability to create a supportive environment allowed Bumrah to flourish in the international arena. Kohli, on the other hand, ignited a passion within Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of fitness and pushing the team to new heights. Kohli's energy and determination inspired Bumrah to become a more complete player.Rohit Sharma, the current captain, has brought a different dimension to Bumrah's game. Rohit's empathy towards bowlers and willingness to listen to feedback have created a collaborative atmosphere where Bumrah feels valued and respected. Rohit's open-mindedness has allowed Bumrah to experiment with different strategies and develop his skills further.Despite the differences in their leadership styles, all three captains have shared a common goal: to bring success to the Indian cricket team. Bumrah credits each captain for their unique contributions and acknowledges that their guidance has played a pivotal role in his growth as a player.Bumrah's ability to adapt and learn from each captain is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. He has embraced the strengths of each leader, incorporating their teachings into his own game. As a result, Bumrah has become one of the most feared and respected bowlers in the world, capable of delivering match-winning performances in all formats of the game.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has been a beacon of inspiration for millions worldwide. His aggressive batting style, exceptional leadership skills, and unwavering consistency have etched his name indelibly in the annals of cricket history.Kohli's passion for the game is unparalleled. His relentless pursuit of excellence has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport. From 2013 to 2022, he captained the Indian cricket team in all formats, leading them to the finals of several major tournaments and establishing India as a dominant force in Test cricket.Kohli's batting prowess is unmatched. He is among the top run-scorers in international cricket, with over 70 centuries across formats. He holds numerous records, including being the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.Despite his remarkable achievements, Kohli has faced periods of poor form, as is common with even the most elite athletes. One of the most notable slumps in his career occurred between 2020 and 2022. During this time, he went through a century drought in international cricket, which was highly unusual for a player of his caliber.However, Kohli's resilience and determination shone through. In a recent podcast, he shared his insights on overcoming tough times: "How you react to the times when you are not feeling great and how you ride that wave and accept things the way they are. It's a very delicate thing to do when you know you're not doing well and you feel like you don't want to work, you don't want to go to practice, you don't want to work hard in the gym. But you feel like as an individual, you're respecting all phases of life, and even in your worst times, you are committed to do the hard work, and it's not based on success."Kohli's words resonate with athletes and individuals from all walks of life. His ability to embrace challenges and remain committed to his craft, even during adversity, is a testament to his unwavering spirit.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified its stance on the participation of senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated that the board does not consider it necessary for the seasoned duo to participate in the domestic tournament.Shah emphasized the importance of workload management for established players like Sharma and Kohli, who are integral to India's plans across all formats. He highlighted that international players in Australia and England do not typically participate in domestic cricket, and the BCCI should treat its players with respect.The BCCI's decision reflects a growing trend in international cricket, where boards are prioritizing the fitness and availability of their senior players. This approach aims to balance the need for domestic players to gain match practice with the importance of safeguarding the health of established stars.Shah acknowledged the significance of the Duleep Trophy as a platform for emerging players, but stressed that the board's focus is on ensuring the long-term fitness of its key players. He noted that other senior players, such as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, are participating in the Buchi Babu tournament.The BCCI's stance underscores the importance of strategic workload management in the context of a demanding international calendar. While the Duleep Trophy remains a valuable tournament for developing talent, the board's decision highlights the need to prioritize the fitness and longevity of its senior players.