Cricket

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the triumphant Indian T20 World Cup-winning team in New Delhi on Thursday, where star batter Virat Kohli shared his insights on his remarkable performance in the tournament.Kohli, who was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning 76-run knock in the final, had endured a lean patch before the title clash, scoring just 75 runs in the tournament. However, he rose to the occasion when it mattered most, guiding India to victory in Barbados.During his interaction with PM Modi, Kohli expressed his gratitude to head coach Rahul Dravid for his unwavering faith in him, even when his confidence was at its lowest. "I told Rahul Dravid bhai that I hadn't done justice to the team and myself so far," Kohli revealed. "But he told me that when the opportunity arrives, I am sure you will perform."Kohli admitted that he lacked confidence before the final, but a blistering start with three boundaries in the first over gave him a much-needed boost. "I told Rohit [Sharma] that I don't have enough confidence," he said. "But when I got those boundaries, I felt like something was happening."With India losing early wickets in the final, Kohli's focus shifted to surrendering himself to the team's cause. "My only focus was to surrender myself to the team and focus on what's best for the team," he said. "I felt that I was thrown into the situation. It's hard to explain the feeling. Some things are bound to happen."Kohli's match-winning knock was a fitting end to a tournament that had been a rollercoaster of emotions for him. "It was a fairytale end for me in the tournament," he said. "Especially with the way I batted after India had lost early wickets."Despite his retirement from T20I cricket, Kohli emphasized that he will continue to play the longer formats. "I am still hungry to play for India in Tests and ODIs," he said. "I want to contribute to the team's success in any way I can."

Virat Kohli Celebrates T20 World Cup Triumph with Family, India Receives Hero's WelcomeStar Indian batter Virat Kohli celebrated the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph with his family at hotel ITC Maurya in Delhi after the Indian cricket team touchdown in the country in the early hours of Thursday. The Men in Blue received a hero's welcome from enthusiastic fans who thronged the airport, eager to catch a glimpse of their champions. The entire team was greeted with loud cheers outside the team hotel, where some members even danced to the beats of dhols after disembarking from the team bus at the hotel.Local boy Kohli, who was the star of the final, celebrated the victory with his family as his sister Bhawna and brother Vikas arrived at the hotel to meet the champion. Kohli, who was adjudged Player of the Match in the final for his match-winning knock of 76 off 59 balls, had much to celebrate. Heading into the final, the 35-year-old had not been in the best of forms, having scored just 75 runs in the first seven matches.However, opening the innings for the first time in the tournament's history, Kohli rose to the occasion when the team needed him most. With India reeling at 34/3 in 4.3 overs, Kohli performed at his vintage best, guiding the team to a competitive total of 176/7 in their 20 overs.South Africa, in reply, appeared to be cruising towards victory, needing just 30 runs off the last five overs. However, the Indian seamers turned the game on its head with their tight bowling, ultimately securing a seven-run victory and clinching their second T20 World Cup trophy.The celebrations will continue with a special meet-up scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 11 am on Thursday. Following the meeting, the team will depart for Mumbai, where BCCI has arranged a 1 km victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede for fans to get an up-close glimpse of their stars with the World Cup trophy. Afterwards, the winning team will also be felicitated at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Virat Kohli's heart sank as he witnessed South Africa's relentless assault on India's bowlers in the T20 World Cup final. With just 30 runs needed off 30 balls, the Proteas seemed poised to snatch victory from India's grasp. However, Jasprit Bumrah's "phenomenal" performance in the final five overs turned the tide, leading India to an improbable triumph."We felt like it was slipping away," Kohli admitted at the team's felicitation in Mumbai. "But what Bumrah did in those last five overs was truly special."Bumrah's miserly 16th over, conceding just four runs, and his dismissal of Marco Jansen in the 18th over, proved pivotal. India's bowlers had been under immense pressure, but Bumrah's composure and skill brought them back into the game.The victory, India's first World Cup title in 13 years, was celebrated with fervor in Mumbai. Thousands of fans lined Marine Drive as the team's bus made its way to the Wankhede Stadium, which was packed to capacity.Kohli expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming reception. "We'll never forget this," he said. "What we saw on the streets tonight is something I'll never forget."The team's journey to victory had been a rollercoaster of emotions. After winning the World Cup, they were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane, but the celebrations upon their return to India have been unforgettable.Kohli praised Rohit Sharma's emotional display after the victory. "I've never seen Rohit show so much emotion on the field," he said. "When we were walking up the steps, we were both crying and hugged. That's a special memory."Sharma expressed his relief at ending India's long wait for a global title. "Bringing the World Cup to this country means the world to us," he said. "This is for the people who have supported us for the last 11 years."

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Triumphant Moment at T20 World Cup 2024 Victory ParadeMumbai witnessed an unforgettable spectacle on Thursday as the Indian cricket team celebrated their historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory with a grand parade. The highlight of the event was a heartwarming moment between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who shared the T20 World Cup trophy, drawing thunderous applause from the massive crowd.After India's triumph over South Africa in the final, both Rohit and Virat announced their retirement from T20I cricket. The victory parade saw the team members atop an open-air bus, traversing from Marine Drive to the iconic Wankhede Stadium. As the bus approached the stadium, Virat and Rohit stepped forward and jointly lifted the coveted trophy, a gesture that evoked immense emotion among the fans.The victory parade drew an unprecedented crowd, causing traffic snarls in South Mumbai. People from all corners of the city flocked to Marine Drive to witness the triumphant team. Trains and stations were packed as fans made their way to the parade route.The atmosphere was electric as the crowd chanted patriotic slogans and waved the Tricolour. The streets were adorned with blue jerseys, reflecting the team's colors. The parade was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, which culminated in bringing home the T20 World Cup after a decade-long wait.The moment between Rohit and Virat was particularly poignant, as it marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. Both players have been instrumental in India's success over the years, and their joint celebration of the trophy was a fitting tribute to their illustrious careers.The victory parade was a grand celebration of India's cricketing triumph. It was a moment of pride and joy for the fans, who witnessed the team's hard-fought victory and the heartwarming camaraderie between two of India's greatest cricketers.

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have bid farewell to T20I cricket after guiding India to a triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa. Their illustrious careers in the shortest format culminated in a fitting farewell, with the World Cup trophy serving as a testament to their remarkable contributions.Kohli's match-winning knock in the final against South Africa propelled him to the 40th position in the ICC T20I batter rankings. However, a surprising twist emerged when Kohli also surpassed Jadeja in the latest ICC T20I all-rounders rankings.In their final ICC T20I all-rounders rankings, Kohli finished 79th while Jadeja placed 86th. Despite not bowling a single delivery in the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli's 151 runs in the tournament proved decisive. Jadeja, on the other hand, endured a disappointing campaign with only 35 runs and a solitary wicket.Kohli's rise above Jadeja in the all-rounders rankings seems improbable, given that he has not bowled in international cricket for nearly eight years. Jadeja, in contrast, has consistently performed as a genuine all-rounder for India.However, the T20I rankings are subject to frequent fluctuations, particularly due to the inclusion of associate nations. In the case of all-rounders, both batting and bowling performances are considered.Kohli's bowling record in T20Is is modest, with 4 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 51 and an economy rate of 8.05. Jadeja, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 54 dismissals in 71 innings, averaging 29.85 with an economy of 7.13.However, when batting statistics are taken into account, the scenario shifts dramatically. Jadeja has accumulated 515 runs at an average of 21.45 and a strike rate of 127.16. Kohli, meanwhile, has amassed a staggering 4188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04.As Kohli and Jadeja embark on the next chapter of their careers, their contributions to Indian cricket in the T20I format will be forever etched in the annals of the sport. Their retirement marks the end of an era, but their legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian batsman, arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning to a warm welcome from his family and fans after leading India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup. India secured the title for the second time by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final held in Barbados on Saturday.Kohli, who announced his retirement from the shortest format of cricket after the tournament, played a crucial role in India's triumph. Despite a challenging start with only 75 runs across the first seven innings, he peaked in the crucial moments, scoring 76 runs off 59 deliveries in the final. His innings, which included six fours and two sixes, helped India post a competitive total of 169/8.Throughout the tournament, Kohli accumulated 151 runs over eight innings, averaging 18.87 and maintaining a strike rate of 112.68. His half-century in the final was a testament to his resilience and determination.Kohli's sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, shared celebratory moments on her Instagram account, writing, "Celebrating the win SUPERPROUD." These images also received acknowledgment from Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife and a well-known actress, who liked the posts on Instagram.The Indian team's return to Delhi was met with enthusiasm from fans eager to welcome the champions and catch a glimpse of the trophy. The team's departure from Barbados was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, a category four hurricane, which led to the closure of Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown for three days. The flight back to Delhi, organized by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, took off on July 2 and arrived early Thursday morning, carrying team members, support staff, their families, and members of the media.India's triumph in the final ended a 13-year wait for an ICC trophy. Key performances included Kohli's 76 runs, Hardik Pandya's 3/20, and Jasprit Bumrah's 2/18, which collectively restricted South Africa to 169/8. Bumrah, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17, was named the 'Player of the Tournament.'To celebrate the victory, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, will partake in an open-top bus parade in Mumbai, passing through Marine Drive and the iconic Wankhede Stadium, starting at 5:00 pm. This event allows fans to join in the celebrations and honor the team's achievement in winning the prestigious T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli's Emotional Tribute to His Father After T20 World Cup TriumphIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was made even more poignant by a heartwarming fan-edited photograph that went viral on social media. The image depicted Kohli lifting the trophy alongside his father, Prem Nath, who passed away in 2006.Kohli has often spoken about the profound influence his father had on his cricketing journey. Prem Nath was a pillar of support during Kohli's formative years, instilling in him a love for the game and a relentless work ethic.The photoshopped image, created by Instagram user 'ind_cyborg,' captured the essence of Kohli's emotional connection to his father. It showed Kohli holding the T20 World Cup trophy with his father standing beside him, a proud smile on his face.Fans of Kohli and the Indian cricket team were deeply moved by the image. Many tagged Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, on social media, expressing their hope that the star would see the edit."OMGGG @imVkohli should def see this one!" tweeted one fan.Kohli's victory in the T20 World Cup was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. After a disappointing run of form, he rose to the occasion in the final, scoring a match-winning 76 off 59 balls.His performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award and helped India secure a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa.Following the match, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket. He expressed his belief that it was time for the next generation to take the game forward."This was an open secret," Kohli said. "Not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward."Despite his retirement from T20I cricket, Kohli is expected to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is likely to be retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I Retirement Shocks Mohammed ShamiAfter India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup, the retirement announcements from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed his surprise and acknowledged the immense challenge of replacing these legendary players.Kohli, who was named Player-of-the-Match for his match-winning 76 in the final, announced his retirement from T20Is after the game. He ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer with 4188 runs in 125 matches.Shortly after, Rohit, in the post-match press conference, revealed his decision to join Kohli in retiring from T20Is. He finished his T20I career as the highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches, holding the record for the most centuries in men's T20Is.Shami expressed his shock at the retirements, saying, "It's a shock. They have been stalwarts for India, delivering outstanding performances for 15-16 years and earning their titles as kings of white-ball cricket. Both retiring simultaneously is shocking, but it's part of the natural cycle."He added, "Replacing such stars in the team will be a significant challenge. However, I would like to thank both Rohit and Virat for winning matches for the team, playing amazing innings for India, and breaking records along the way."Reflecting on India's title win, Shami congratulated the team and support staff for their hard work and dedication. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout the campaign."It's a huge achievement. Credit goes to the entire Indian team, the support staff, and the fans who boost our confidence. I would like to congratulate all the players who worked hard to remain unbeaten in the tournament," said Shami.He concluded by acknowledging the significance of being part of a World Cup-winning team, saying, "Players who become a part of the World Cup are fortunate to have that opportunity, as only around 10 percent of players get a chance in their lifetime to be part of a World Cup-winning team."Shami also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal congratulations to the team after their triumph. "I truly appreciate that our Prime Minister has a passion for the sport and personally congratulates our champions after their victories. It really boosts the team's confidence," he said.

Rahul Dravid, the outgoing India head coach, left an unforgettable mark on his final day at work by assigning a special task to star batter Virat Kohli. Amidst the celebrations of India's T20 World Cup triumph, Dravid reminded Kohli of his unfinished business: winning the World Test Championship Final."All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it," Dravid told Kohli, referring to the limited-overs global trophies (T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy) that Kohli has already collected. The "red" trophy represents the World Test Championship Final, which India has lost twice.Kohli, who retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup victory, smiled at Dravid's words. The 51-year-old coach, who was appointed in 2021, ended his tenure with this event.India's T20 World Cup triumph was their second overall, after their inaugural title in 2007. In the ODI format, India has won the 1983 and 2011 World Cups, along with the 2013 Champions Trophy.The congratulatory video also featured Suryakumar Yadav, whose spectacular catch to dismiss David Miller proved crucial in the final. Yadav expressed his disbelief at the magnitude of the achievement.Pacer Arshdeep Singh showcased polaroid shots taken before and after the final, highlighting the transformative power of belief.Due to Hurricane Beryl, the Indian team is currently stranded in Barbados. The team is expected to return to India on a charter flight.