Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has shed light on an incident that highlights the unwavering support MS Dhoni extended to Virat Kohli during a challenging phase in his career. Akmal's revelation comes in the wake of Kohli's recent struggles at the T20 World Cup 2024.In 2012-13, during Pakistan's tour of India, Kohli was enduring a similar slump in form. Akmal, who was present at a dinner with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Shoaib Malik, witnessed firsthand how Dhoni stood up for Kohli.According to Akmal, the Team India manager approached Dhoni and suggested dropping Kohli from the final ODI of the series. However, Dhoni's response was emphatic: "I haven't gone home for six months. Why don't you book my tickets too along with Virat's?"Dhoni's unwavering belief in Kohli's abilities left Akmal astounded. "Virat is our best batter. Why should we drop him if he fails for 3-4 games?" Dhoni had reasoned.Akmal's account underscores the deep bond between Dhoni and Kohli. Dhoni's unwavering support played a pivotal role in Kohli's development as a cricketer. Less than two years later, Dhoni handed over the Test match captaincy to Kohli, recognizing his leadership qualities.Kohli's recent triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, where he led India to their second title, is a testament to the unwavering support he has received throughout his career. Dhoni's belief in Kohli's abilities has been instrumental in shaping the Indian captain's illustrious career.

In the high-stakes T20 World Cup final in Barbados, India's batting maestro Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in guiding his team to a competitive total of 176 for 7. Despite losing three wickets early in the powerplay, Kohli stood firm, anchoring India's innings with a solid 76 off 59 deliveries.Kohli's innings was characterized by his ability to stabilize the Indian batting order and build partnerships. He forged a crucial 72-run stand with Axar Patel, followed by valuable contributions alongside Shivam Dube and others. However, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns about the pace of Kohli's knock, suggesting that it could have hindered India's chances of posting a more formidable total.Manjrekar argues that Kohli's conservative approach limited the opportunities for explosive batters like Hardik Pandya, who faced only two deliveries. He believes that Kohli's strike rate of 128 during the first half of his innings potentially put India in a tight corner.However, India's bowlers came to the rescue, orchestrating a remarkable turnaround in the chase. With 30 runs required off 30 balls and six wickets in hand, South Africa's batters faltered under pressure. Manjrekar credits the bowlers for saving Kohli's innings from scrutiny, as India ultimately secured a thrilling 7-run victory.This triumph marks India's second T20 World Cup title, ending an over-a-decade-long ICC title drought. The victory also serves as a testament to Kohli's resilience and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 marked a historic moment for the nation, as they secured their second title after a 17-year wait. Led by the enigmatic Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue displayed unwavering determination and exceptional skill throughout the tournament.Rohit Sharma, the skipper, led from the front with his explosive batting, amassing 257 runs in eight matches. His three half-centuries and a strike rate of 156.70 propelled India to quick starts and set the tone for their victories. While Rohit maintained his form, Virat Kohli, his opening partner, faced initial challenges but delivered a match-winning knock of 76 in the final, marking a memorable farewell in his last T20 World Cup.Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter, played crucial cameos with 171 runs in eight matches, while Suryakumar Yadav complemented him with 199 runs, including two fifties. Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain, excelled as an all-rounder, scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets. His wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller in the final proved pivotal.Axar Patel, another spin-bowling all-rounder, contributed 92 runs and nine wickets, with his 3/23 against England in the semi-final and 47-run knock in the final being key moments. Shivam Dube, a power-hitter, added depth to India's batting order, while Ravindra Jadeja's fielding played a crucial role in restricting opponents.The bowlers played a pivotal role in India's success. Jasprit Bumrah, with his unplayable yorkers, took 15 wickets, while Arshdeep Singh shone with 17 wickets, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker. Kuldeep Yadav's spin and unpredictable googlies restricted opponents, taking 10 wickets in five matches. Mohammed Siraj, despite limited opportunities, showed promise with a wicket in the opening match.India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign was a testament to their resilience and teamwork. The standout performances of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, coupled with the all-round contributions, propelled India to victory. This triumph not only highlighted the depth and talent within the squad but also set a strong foundation for future success in international cricket.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach came to an end after the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid's initial two-year term concluded after the ODI World Cup last year, where India finished as runners-up. However, a call from Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, prompted Dravid to reconsider.Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved significant success. They reached the final of the World Test Championship in June 2023 and the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. The pinnacle of their achievements came with the T20 World Cup victory, which Dravid described as a "privilege and a pleasure."Dravid emphasized the importance of teamwork and the support he received from the players and staff. He expressed gratitude for the respect and kindness shown to him and his team. The coach-captain relationship between Dravid and Rohit Sharma was crucial in India's success.During the victory celebrations, Dravid shared a special message with Virat Kohli, who had been a part of India's previous white-ball triumphs. Dravid reminded Kohli of the three "whites" (ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and T20 World Cup) they had ticked off and encouraged him to complete the set with the "red" (Test Championship).Dravid's successor is expected to be announced soon. VVS Laxman is currently coaching the second-string side in Zimbabwe, while Gautam Gambhir is considered the frontrunner for the head coach position.

The Indian cricket team's triumph in the T20 World Cup has garnered global acclaim, with former Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad hailing Virat Kohli's pivotal role in the victory.In a thrilling final against South Africa, Kohli showcased his match-winning prowess with a 59-ball 76, earning him the Man of the Match award. Despite a modest performance throughout the tournament, Kohli's timely contribution proved decisive.Shahzad emphasized Kohli's unwavering enthusiasm and his ability to inspire his teammates. He noted that Kohli's celebration of wickets from long-on and long-off demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the team's success."Virat Kohli is a legend of our generation," Shahzad declared. "He has always played his cricket with enthusiasm. Even in his last match, someone else was taking wickets and he was celebrating at long-on, long-off."Shahzad further asserted that Kohli's innings was indispensable to India's victory. "He didn't score runs in the whole World Cup but as destiny would have it, he scored runs in the final when one else scored and had Virat not scored in that final, India wouldn't have won."Shahzad dismissed comparisons between Kohli and other cricketers, including Babar Azam. "There is no one like Virat Kohli, let alone me, let alone anybody else," he stated. "He has an amazing strike rate and average in ICC tournaments. So he shouldn't be compared to anyone."Kohli's retirement from T20I cricket marks the end of an illustrious career in the shortest format. He amassed 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including one century and 38 half-centuries. In T20 World Cups, he accumulated 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, making him the tournament's all-time leading run-scorer.

Virat Kohli's Match-Winning Knock Overshadows Axar Patel's Crucial Contribution in India's T20 World Cup TriumphAs India emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup 2024, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final, the spotlight shone brightly on Virat Kohli, who was awarded the Player of the Match for his pivotal 59-ball 76. However, former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes that Kohli's performance, while undoubtedly significant, was not the most impactful in securing India's victory.Jaffer, who played as an opening batter for India, contends that Axar Patel played an even more crucial role in India's triumph. "Virat Kohli hadn't scored many runs in the tournament, but he chose the right moment to come good," Jaffer acknowledged on his YouTube channel. "His knock of 76 made a lot of difference and kept one end intact."However, Jaffer emphasizes that Patel's contribution was paramount. "The most important part I thought was played by Axar Patel," he asserted. "The cameo that he played ensured that the run rate from India never dropped below eight runs per over. He took the attack to the South African bowlers and didn't let them settle, forming a crucial partnership with Kohli."Patel's aggressive batting, Jaffer argues, prevented South Africa from gaining control of the match. "He took the pressure off Kohli and allowed him to play his natural game," Jaffer explained. "Without Patel's contribution, India would have struggled to reach a defendable total."While acknowledging Kohli's match-winning knock, Jaffer believes that Patel's performance was equally, if not more, deserving of the Player of the Match award. "Both Kohli and Patel played crucial roles in India's victory," Jaffer concluded. "But for me, Patel's contribution was slightly more significant."

India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling victory over South Africa in the final.One of the most iconic moments of the victory celebration was the photograph of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma posing together with the Indian flag and the World Cup trophy. The image captured the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two star players, who have been instrumental in India's success in recent years.In an interview with Star Sports, Kohli revealed the story behind the iconic picture. He explained that he had noticed Rohit was staying behind during the victory lap and encouraged him to hold the trophy and take a picture together. "It was a very special thing for him as well," Kohli said. "His family is here, Samaira [Rohit's daughter] was on his shoulder. But I just felt like in the victory lap he was behind the whole time. I told him, you also hold the trophy for a while, for two minutes. We should take a picture together because this journey has been very long."The victory was particularly poignant for Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from T20Is shortly after the match. He leaves the format as a two-time World Cup winner and the leading run-getter, with 4231 runs in 159 matches. Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from T20Is after the match, having played a key role in India's victory with a match-winning 59-ball 76.India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and talent. The victory is a source of immense pride for the nation and will be remembered for years to come.

India's T20I Veterans Retire, Making Way for Young GunsFollowing India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, legendary batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, have announced their retirement from the shortest format of international cricket. This move signals a significant transition for the Indian team, paving the way for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.Despite their departure from T20Is, Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja remain committed to representing India in ODIs and Tests. BCCI secretary Jay Shah acknowledged the team's transition phase but hinted that the veteran players could still feature in the Champions Trophy 2025."The transition has already happened with three greats retiring," Shah stated. "The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there."With Sharma's departure, Hardik Pandya emerges as the frontrunner to lead the Indian T20I team. The all-rounder has proven his leadership capabilities by guiding the Gujarat Titans to victory in the Indian Premier League."Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them," Shah said. "You asked about Hardik, there were lot of questions over his form but the selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself."The BCCI has awarded the Indian cricket team a substantial prize money of 125 crores following their T20 World Cup triumph. This victory marks the end of an 11-year ICC trophy drought for India.

Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after India's triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup has been hailed as a wise move by his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma.Sharma believes that Kohli's decision will allow him to focus more on Test cricket, a format he excels in. "He likes Test cricket and he desires to perform more in the Test format," Sharma said. "He has a very good mindset for Test cricket. I believe that he will be able to concentrate more on it and will do well for the country."Kohli's retirement from T20Is comes after a successful career in the shortest format. He has amassed 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including one century and 38 half-tons. In T20 World Cups, he has scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, including 15 half-centuries.Sharma believes that Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is is a sign of his maturity and understanding of his own game. "The decision Virat Kohli has taken is a big decision, and he has taken it on a very big occasion when India won the World Cup, and Virat Kohli won the Man of the Match award in the final," Sharma said. "That is the highest point for any player when he says goodbye to a format from such a big stage. So it is a very big decision. I appreciate his decision as he said that he wants to give a chance to the youngsters."Kohli's retirement from T20Is will open up opportunities for younger players to break into the Indian team. It will also allow Kohli to focus on his other commitments, including his role as captain of the Indian Test team.