Cricket

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has vehemently denied allegations that he took a dig at former teammate Amit Mishra in a recent interview. Shami took to social media to express his disappointment over "fake" media reports that claimed he had responded to Mishra's comments about Virat Kohli.Mishra had previously stated that Kohli had changed due to "fame and power," leading to speculation that Shami's comments about Kohli's friendship were a direct rebuttal. However, Shami has refuted these claims, emphasizing that he holds Mishra in high regard."Disappointed to see false information circulating about Amit Mishra. It's a humble request to verify news sources before publishing," Shami tweeted. He also urged the media outlet that published the false report to retract the story and issue a correction.In the interview, Shami had named Kohli and Ishant Sharma as his closest friends in the Indian team. "Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are my best friends. They constantly kept calling me when I was injured," he said.These comments were interpreted by some as a response to Mishra's earlier remarks. However, Shami has clarified that his statements were not intended as a criticism of Mishra or Kohli."I respect Amit Mishra a lot as a cricketer. I don't share the same equation with him as I used to, but that doesn't mean I have anything against him," Shami explained.He added that he has maintained a close relationship with Kohli despite the latter's rise to stardom. "Virat is still the same person I knew when we first started playing together. He's always been supportive and encouraging," Shami said.Shami's comments have put to rest any speculation about a rift between him and Mishra or Kohli. He has emphasized the importance of verifying information before publishing it and has urged the media to be responsible in their reporting.

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has hailed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as "irreplaceable" in the Indian team across all formats, comparing them to legendary players Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.Kohli and Sharma recently announced their retirements from T20I cricket, prompting Dev to express his admiration for their contributions to the game. "No one can take Virat and Rohit's place in the Indian team in any format," Dev said. "They have been a huge servant of Indian cricket and it was a happy farewell for them."Dev praised Kohli's stature in all formats, noting that his absence in T20Is will be felt. "The stature that Virat has made of himself in all formats, he will surely be missed in T20Is," he said.Dev also drew parallels between Kohli and Sharma with Tendulkar and Dhoni, two of India's most iconic cricketers. "Both are as same as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. They are irreplaceable," he said.Kohli's T20I career spanned over 14 years, during which he amassed 4188 runs in 125 matches. Sharma, on the other hand, became the format's highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name.Dev's comments highlight the immense respect and admiration that Kohli and Sharma have earned within the Indian cricket fraternity. Their retirements from T20Is mark the end of an era for Indian cricket, but their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has not only dominated the cricketing world with his aggressive batting style but also harbors an intriguing fascination with extraterrestrial life. This revelation was made by his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate, Dinesh Karthik, during a recent interview on Cricbuzz.Karthik, who recently retired from all forms of cricket, shared that Kohli has a keen interest in aliens and has even shown him YouTube videos of alleged alien sightings in Nevada. "I don't believe in aliens, but Virat is very interested in that subject," Karthik said.Kohli's fascination with aliens is a testament to his curious and inquisitive nature. Despite his immense success on the cricket field, he remains open to exploring the unknown and embracing the mysteries of the universe.While Kohli's interest in aliens may seem unconventional, it is not entirely surprising. Many renowned scientists and thinkers throughout history have pondered the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The vastness of the universe and the countless stars and planets within it make it plausible that life exists beyond our own planet.Kohli's fascination with aliens also aligns with his belief in the power of the mind. He has often spoken about the importance of visualization and positive thinking in achieving success. Perhaps his interest in aliens stems from a desire to explore the limits of human imagination and the potential for life beyond our current understanding.Regardless of whether one believes in aliens or not, Kohli's fascination with the subject is a reminder that even the most accomplished individuals can have unique and unexpected interests. It also highlights the importance of embracing curiosity and exploring the unknown, both on and off the field.

Arshdeep Singh Hails Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Legacy in T20I CricketIndia's young pacer Arshdeep Singh has paid glowing tribute to the legacy left behind by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following their retirements from T20I cricket. The duo ended their illustrious careers in the shortest format with a T20 World Cup triumph against South Africa in Barbados last month.Arshdeep, who was part of the victorious World Cup squad, hailed the immense contributions of Sharma and Kohli in the batting department, which have inspired cricketers worldwide. He highlighted Sharma's explosive batting at the top and sharp captaincy, while praising Kohli's consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence."Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left an indelible mark on T20I cricket. Their contributions have been immense, and their legacy will be remembered for generations," Arshdeep told IANS. "Their passion, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure have inspired many young cricketers, including myself."Arshdeep, who made his white-ball debut under Sharma's captaincy, lauded the opener's tactical prowess and described him as a "bowler's captain." He praised Sharma for giving bowlers the freedom to express themselves on the field and for maintaining a positive atmosphere in the dressing room."Playing under Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been an incredible experience. He allows every bowler full freedom of executing what they want to do on the field. He has a unique way of keeping the dressing room atmosphere light and positive, which really helps in high-pressure situations," Arshdeep said.The 25-year-old also highlighted Sharma's strategic thinking and ability to read the game, which he believes has been a valuable learning experience for him.After being rested for the Zimbabwe T20Is, Arshdeep will travel to Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I and ODI series, starting on July 27.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has made a triumphant return to the nets after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him from the T20 World Cup 2024. Shami, known for his exceptional swing bowling, was the highest wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup 2023, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches.In a recent podcast appearance, Shami shared amusing anecdotes about his camaraderie with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli. When asked who between Rohit and Virat was more challenging to face in the nets, Shami revealed that both batsmen were reluctant to face him."They (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) don't like facing me in the nets," Shami said. "I have said this in many interviews. It's like a very friendly bond with Virat. We keep on challenging each other. He tries to play different shots against me, while I try my best to dismiss him. This friendship keeps us motivated, which helps us giving our hundred per cent."Shami added that he had dismissed Kohli twice or thrice in the nets, much to the latter's annoyance. "I always set the field well and then ask Virat to come and bat against me. Rohit never agrees to face me in the nets. He straight away says no," Shami said.The 33-year-old pacer also disclosed that Ishant Sharma and Kohli were among his closest friends in the Indian team. "There is a group of close friends which has Ishant Sharma, Virat Kohli and a few former cricketers and we keep talking to each other on the phone. But it's not like we speak regularly to each other," Shami said.Shami's return to fitness is a major boost for the Indian team, who are eagerly awaiting his return to action. The pacer is a key component of India's bowling attack and his experience and skill will be invaluable in upcoming matches.

Mohammed Shami, India's veteran fast bowler, is on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. Currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Shami recently began bowling in the nets.In a recent podcast appearance, Shami shared some amusing insights into India's training sessions. With 24 wickets in just seven innings at the ODI World Cup, Shami played a crucial role in India's unbeaten run to the final.Speaking about the friendly rivalry between batsmen and bowlers during net sessions, Shami revealed that Virat Kohli enjoys the challenge, while captain Rohit Sharma outrightly refuses to face him."With Virat, we always challenge each other. He likes to hit good shots, and I like to get him out. It helps us focus and simulate real-match scenarios," said Shami.Regarding Rohit, Shami smiled and said, "Rohit says he doesn't like to face me. He refuses to bat against me."Shami missed the entire Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup seasons this year due to his injury. He will require clearance from the NCA medical team and the BCCI before returning to competitive cricket.Speculation suggests that Shami may play a role in the two-Test series against Bangladesh in September-October this year. His return would be a significant boost for the Indian team, as he remains one of the most experienced and effective fast bowlers in the country.

Mohammed Shami, India's star pacer, has revealed his closest friends within the Indian cricket team as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Shami, who has been out of action since the ODI World Cup, has been working diligently to regain his fitness and is eager to make a comeback.In a recent interview, Shami disclosed that Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are his best friends. He praised their unwavering support during his injury lay-off, noting that they regularly checked on him and provided encouragement. "Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are my best friends. They are the ones who call me and check on me when I am injured and in recovery," Shami said.Shami's recovery process has been gradual, but he is taking a measured approach to ensure a full and lasting return. He recently shared videos on social media showcasing his progress, cautiously bowling a few deliveries in the training nets. "Vibing with the latest, grinding for the greatest," Shami captioned one of his posts.Despite missing the IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup, Shami remains optimistic about his future. He is likely to make his comeback in the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which will feature two Tests and three T20 Internationals in September-October.Shami's absence was keenly felt during India's recent cricketing endeavors, particularly during the South Africa tour and the five-match Test series against England. However, his impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches, serves as a testament to his skill and determination.As Shami continues his recovery, he is receiving support from his teammates and the Indian cricket fraternity. His return to the field will be a significant boost for the Indian team, which is looking to regain its dominance in international cricket.

Virat Kohli's Transformation: From Brash Youngster to Mature LeaderFormer India spinner Amit Mishra's recent comments on Virat Kohli have ignited a heated debate about the star batter's personality and relationships. Mishra claimed that Kohli's immense fame and power have altered his demeanor, leading to a strained relationship between them.However, Kohli's supporters have rallied to his defense, including former India batter Robin Uthappa. Uthappa hailed Kohli's evolution from a "brash young Delhi boy" to a "mature human being." He praised Kohli's unwavering self-belief and hard work, which have paid dividends over the years.Uthappa's sentiments were echoed by Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh, who shared an anecdote from the IPL. Singh described a 40-minute conversation with Kohli, during which the latter generously shared his knowledge and insights on cricket. Singh was impressed by Kohli's approachability and willingness to help others.Kohli's transformation has been evident on and off the field. As a player, he has matured into a world-class batsman, known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Off the field, he has become a respected leader and role model, using his platform to advocate for social causes.While Mishra's comments may have sparked controversy, they have also highlighted the complexities of Kohli's personality. He is a driven and ambitious individual who has achieved extraordinary success. However, his intense focus and competitive nature may have sometimes come across as aloof or arrogant.Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinion on Virat Kohli. Whether they view him as a changed person or a mature leader, there is no denying his immense talent and contributions to Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has raised questions about his strained relationship with Virat Kohli. However, according to a report in Cricbuzz, Kohli has communicated to the BCCI that he is willing to move on, prioritizing the best interests of the team and Indian cricket.Kohli, who has been on a break since India's T20 World Cup victory, has been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Earlier reports suggested that both Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma would skip the series, but they will now join the team for the 50-over leg. Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the T20 captain following Rohit's retirement from the format.Despite past on-field disagreements and confrontations in the Indian Premier League, Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. He has reportedly communicated this clearly to BCCI officials. Discussions on the matter were likely held after the T20 World Cup final.The Sri Lanka tour will mark Gambhir's first assignment as India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. Both Gambhir and Kohli share a similar approach to cricket, wearing their hearts on their sleeves and expressing their emotions openly.Gambhir's intense patriotic fervor adds an extra dimension to his coaching style, a trait he shares with Kohli. When these qualities are combined for the common goal of winning matches and trophies for India, it has the potential to make the team invincible in all formats, especially with Kohli continuing to play in Tests and ODIs.