Cricket

Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have bid farewell to their illustrious T20I careers after guiding India to a historic T20 World Cup victory in June. The triumph marked a fitting end to their remarkable journeys in the shortest format, where they have been instrumental in shaping India's cricketing destiny.Rohit, now 37, was part of the inaugural T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, while Kohli, 35, played a pivotal role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Together, they have amassed a staggering 45,961 runs across all three international formats.Despite Kohli's struggles with form in the T20 World Cup, his match-winning 76 in the final against Pakistan earned him the Player of the Match award. Rohit, on the other hand, led the team from the front with three half-centuries, guiding India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament.Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has shed light on the contrasting personalities of Rohit and Kohli. According to Mishra, Rohit's open and approachable nature sets him apart from Kohli, who has undergone a noticeable change in demeanor since gaining fame and power."Rohit is very open with his players. He's the same person he was when I first met him," Mishra said. "On the other hand, Virat has changed a lot. There was hardly any talk between us."Mishra attributed this change to the pressures of captaincy and the accompanying fame and power. "When you get power, you feel everybody is talking to you for a reason," he explained.Despite their contrasting personalities, both Rohit and Kohli have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. They will continue to play in Test and ODI formats, where they remain key figures in the team's success.The T20 World Cup triumph has been a moment of redemption for Rohit, who was stripped of his IPL captaincy from Mumbai Indians this year. Kohli, too, has proven his big-match credentials with his match-winning performance in the final.As they move on from T20I cricket, Rohit and Kohli leave behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. Their contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for generations to come.

Team India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 was bittersweet, marked by the retirement of three legendary players: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. The trio bid farewell to the shortest format after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the summit clash.The World Cup also marked the end of head coach Rahul Dravid's tenure. Dravid, who guided India to the title, has been succeeded by Gautam Gambhir.Rohit Sharma, who is currently in the USA, recently gave a witty response to fans chanting the name of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc. At the launch of a cricket academy in Dallas, Rohit urged the fans to "calm down guys," eliciting laughter from the crowd.The chants were a reference to Starc's 29-run thrashing by Rohit during India's T20 World Cup clash against Australia. Rohit, with 4231 runs in 159 games, is the format's leading scorer. He also holds the record for most hundreds (five) in T20 internationals.Head coach Gambhir's first assignment will be the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Reports suggest that Kohli and Rohit may be rested from the ODIs. Hardik Pandya is likely to lead Team India in the T20Is, while KL Rahul will captain in the ODIs.India's tour of Sri Lanka has been revised, with the start of the contest pushed back by a day to July 27. The Indians will play three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs in the island nation.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir: A Tale of Reconciliation and RespectThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed many memorable moments over the years, but one that stands out is the reconciliation between former teammates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The two firebrand cricketers from Delhi had a long-standing alleged hostility, but all that seemed to dissolve during an IPL match earlier this year.In IPL 2023, Kohli and Gambhir, then the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants, had a fierce on-field altercation. However, this season, it was a different story. The two shared a warm embrace, choosing to let bygones be bygones.Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra revealed how the feud ended. According to Mishra, it was Gambhir who took the initiative by walking up to Kohli and hugging him. Mishra believes that Kohli should have made the first move as he had made the issue bigger in the past.Kohli also reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event. He acknowledged that his behavior had disappointed some people but emphasized that they were not kids anymore.Gambhir, now the head coach of the Indian national cricket team, provided his perspective on the relationship with Kohli and the nuances of on-field conduct. He highlighted the media's role in shaping public perceptions and the tendency to sensationalize narratives for ratings.Gambhir believes that the media should focus on creating hype in a positive way. He also emphasized that when two people are mature enough, no one should interfere in their relationship.With Gambhir now at the helm of the Indian team, the dynamics between the former teammates are under scrutiny once again. However, their reconciliation during the IPL suggests that they have put the past behind them and are ready to work together for the betterment of Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli vs. Rohit Sharma: A Tale of Two CaptainsVeteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra has shed light on the contrasting personalities of former captain Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit Sharma. Mishra claims that Kohli's demeanor has changed due to "fame and power," leading to fewer friends within the team.Mishra draws a stark comparison between Kohli and Sharma, stating that Sharma remains approachable and jovial despite his elevated status. "I can talk and joke with Rohit in the same manner as before," Mishra said.Mishra attributes Kohli's lack of close friendships to his altered nature. "His and Rohit's natures are different," he explained. "I haven't been part of the Indian team in years, but when I meet Rohit, he's always joking with me."Mishra believes that Kohli's transformation stems from a perception that others approach him with ulterior motives. "When you get fame and power, some people think that others are reaching out to them only for a purpose," he said.Mishra's observations echo a previous statement by Yuvraj Singh, who noted a significant difference between the "Cheeku" he knew as a young player and the "star" Kohli.Mishra's comments have sparked discussions about the impact of fame and leadership on individuals. While Kohli's competitive spirit and drive have been instrumental in India's success, his interpersonal dynamics have come under scrutiny.In contrast, Sharma's ability to maintain close relationships and create a positive team environment has been praised. His leadership style has been credited with fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad.As India prepares for the upcoming challenges, the contrasting personalities of Kohli and Sharma will continue to be a topic of interest. Their respective approaches to captaincy and team dynamics will shape the future of Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has been enjoying a well-deserved break in London with his family after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. During their stay in the British capital, Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, attended a kirtan (musical chanting of God's name) led by renowned spiritual musician Krishna Das at Union Chapel.Das, known as the "Rock Star of Yoga," seamlessly blends classical Indian chants with modern music, creating a captivating and immersive experience. A video of Kohli and Sharma at the kirtan has gone viral on social media, showcasing their deep connection to spirituality. Sharma also shared a picture from the event on her Instagram stories, tagging Das.Born Jeffrey Kagel, Das is an American singer who has gained international acclaim for his performances of Hindu devotional music. His unique style has resonated with audiences worldwide, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.Kohli's break from cricket comes after his retirement from T20Is following India's triumph in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. The victory marked a historic moment for Indian cricket, with Kohli playing a pivotal role in the team's success.While Kohli and other senior players, including Rohit Sharma, are resting during the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe, a young Indian team led by Shubman Gill is representing the country in a five-match T20I series. After Zimbabwe, India will embark on a tour of Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs in July and August.The BCCI has yet to announce the squad for the Sri Lanka tour, but reports suggest that senior players like Kohli and Sharma will continue to be rested. This decision aligns with the team's strategy of managing player workload and providing opportunities for younger players to gain experience.

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked a debate by excluding current stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from his list of the top three batters in the world. Instead, he opted for legendary figures Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Brian Lara.Harbhajan's choice has raised eyebrows, given Kohli and Sharma's dominance in modern cricket. However, the veteran spinner explained his reasoning, stating that he values consistency, longevity, and impact over a player's current form."Sachin is the greatest of all time," Harbhajan said. "Kallis was a complete all-rounder, and Lara was a match-winner."Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa echoed Harbhajan's sentiments, selecting Sir Vivian Richards, Tendulkar, and Lara as his top three.Meanwhile, former Australia captain Aaron Finch also included Tendulkar and Lara, with Ricky Ponting completing his trio.However, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina included both Kohli and Sharma in his top three, along with England's Joe Root.Harbhajan's exclusion of Kohli and Sharma has sparked a lively discussion among cricket fans. Some argue that the current Indian stars deserve to be recognized for their exceptional performances, while others maintain that the legendary players selected by Harbhajan have proven their greatness over a longer period.The debate highlights the subjective nature of ranking players and the different criteria that can be used to assess their contributions to the game. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide who they believe are the greatest batters of all time.

India's new opening pair in cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, are rising stars who are embracing the challenge of replacing legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in T20 Internationals. Jaiswal, who scored an unbeaten 93 in India's 10-wicket victory against Zimbabwe on Saturday, believes that focusing on the process and taking it one game at a time is crucial."We (him and Gill) are trying to take it match-by-match and one day at a time, focusing on the process," Jaiswal said. "I think what they (Kohli and Sharma) have done for Indian cricket is just incredible and being a part of that dressing room is a blessing."Jaiswal, who has scored 631 runs at a strike rate of over 161 in 19 T20Is, attributes his success to hard work and a determined mindset. "I think it's not easy and I work hard on my practice, try to prepare a lot, and try to execute and express myself and enjoy the game," he said.Gill, who has scored 1,326 runs at a strike rate of over 145 in 31 T20Is, is also a product of India's domestic cricket system. He made his international debut in 2019 and has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young batsmen in the world.Both Jaiswal and Gill are excited about the opportunity to lead India's batting in the post-Kohli and Sharma era. They are confident that they can build on the solid foundation laid by their predecessors and help India continue to be a force in T20 cricket.

James Anderson, the legendary England paceman, has had some memorable duels with India's star batters during his illustrious career. One of the most iconic battles was with Virat Kohli, who discovered a way to counter Anderson's swing bowling by taking guard outside the crease. This forced Anderson to adapt his tactics, leading to a riveting contest that captivated cricket fans worldwide.In the 2018 Birmingham Test, Kohli played a magnificent century against Anderson, taking on the pacer and offering a couple of difficult chances that went begging. Anderson was visibly annoyed when asked about his strategy to counter Kohli's new approach, offering a unique job offer to the Indian star.Despite England's 4-1 series victory, Anderson failed to dismiss Kohli even once. However, he eventually got his revenge in 2021, dismissing Kohli twice. Overall, Anderson has dismissed Kohli seven times in 25 Tests, but he has a better record against Sachin Tendulkar, dismissing the Little Master nine times in 14 games.Anderson believes Tendulkar is the best batter he has ever bowled to, despite his greater success against Kohli. This is because Tendulkar never changed his game, playing late and with classical technique, even against Anderson's exceptional swing bowling.One of the most memorable battles between Anderson and Tendulkar occurred at Eden Gardens in 2012. In a crucial match, Tendulkar batted brilliantly in the first two sessions, dealing with Anderson's swing with ease. However, in the third session, Anderson produced a late-swinging delivery that kissed the outside edge of Tendulkar's bat, leading to his dismissal. This moment turned the match and the series in England's favor.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an era in English cricket. His duels with Kohli and Tendulkar will be remembered as some of the most captivating contests in the history of the game.

Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has extended an invitation to Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, expressing that he would be met with immense love and admiration if he visited Pakistan. Afridi's comments come amidst reports of India's hesitation to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan.Afridi urged the Indian team to prioritize cricket over political tensions and visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He emphasized that cricket tours should be kept separate from politics, as the rivalry between India and Pakistan on the field is unparalleled."I welcome the Indian team (in Pakistan) and they should come. We've always received huge respect and love in our tours of India. In the same way, the Indian team also received love and respect during their tour in 2005. Cricket tours should be kept aside from politics. There is no big politics than India and Pakistan playing against each other in their countries," Afridi stated.Afridi expressed his admiration for Kohli, calling him his favorite player and praising his exceptional talent. He believes that Kohli would be overwhelmed by the love he would receive in Pakistan, surpassing the affection he has experienced in India."Virat will forget the love he has received in India when he would play in Pakistan. He has a huge craze in Pakistan and our people like him very much. In fact, he is my favorite player. He has his own class and he shouldn't have retired from T20Is as because of him T20I looked beautiful," Afridi said.Regarding the future of Indian cricket, Afridi identified Shubman Gill as a potential successor to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. He attributed the emergence of young talent to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has created a vast pool of players.Afridi also emphasized the importance of stability in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) administration. He believes that the PCB Chairman should be appointed for an extended tenure to ensure continuity and allow the Pakistan captain to remain in his post for a longer period."Chairman should at least get three years so that Pakistan captain can remain for 2-3 years at his post. With the change of chairman, other things should not be affected. If we work on the basis of merit, the results will come," Afridi concluded.