Cricket

Rishabh Pant's struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup continued on Saturday as he failed to capitalize on a promising start against Bangladesh. The left-handed batter has been dismissed cheaply in all five innings he has played so far, leaving India's batting lineup in a precarious position.In the Super Eight match against Bangladesh, Pant got off to a solid start, scoring 36 runs off 28 balls. However, he once again failed to convert his start into a substantial score, falling to a reverse sweep that was caught by Tanzim Hasan Sakib at short third man.Pant's dismissal drew a frustrated reaction from his teammate Virat Kohli, who was seen shaking his head and mouthing words of disappointment. The incident highlighted the growing concern over Pant's form, which has been a major talking point throughout the tournament.Despite Pant's struggles, India managed to secure a comfortable 50-run victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a clinical performance from their bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah were the standout performers, taking three and two wickets respectively.India's victory keeps them unbeaten in the tournament and moves them closer to a semi-final berth. However, Pant's continued failure to deliver is a major concern for the team, who will need him to find his form if they are to challenge for the title.

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli finally showcased his batting prowess in the T20 World Cup 2024, scoring a brisk 37 off 28 deliveries in India's victory over Bangladesh. This performance marked a significant improvement for Kohli, who had struggled in the tournament's initial matches.Kohli's innings in Antigua was a delight for fans, as he entertained with his trademark shots and aggressive approach. India posted a formidable 196/5 on the board, thanks in part to Kohli's contribution.Beyond his batting, Kohli also provided a moment of nostalgia for fans when he displayed his gully cricket skills. During Bangladesh's chase, a six from Rishad Hossain sent the ball underneath an advertising hoarding. Kohli, with his knees on the ground, crawled under the hoarding to retrieve the ball, evoking memories of childhood street cricket.The match's Player of the Match was Hardik Pandya, who scored a blistering 50 off 27 balls and claimed a wicket with his bowling. Pandya expressed his satisfaction with India's performance, highlighting their teamwork and execution of plans. He also acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas, such as reducing the number of wickets lost in clusters.India's next challenge in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s will be against Australia. The team will be eager to continue their winning momentum and secure a spot in the knockout stages.

Virat Kohli's Hilarious Ball Retrieval During India vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup ClashIn a moment that evoked childhood memories for fans, star Indian batter Virat Kohli was spotted searching for a ball beyond the boundary ropes during the India vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup Super 8 clash in Antigua on Saturday.As Rishad Hossain launched an Arshdeep Singh delivery over the deep mid-wicket fence, the ball sailed over the boundary cushion and the LED advertising hoardings. However, it somehow managed to go under a platform that appeared to be used for fireworks.Kohli, known for his exceptional fielding abilities, was determined to retrieve the ball. He went over the hoardings and snuck under the platform, much to the amusement of fans. The incident occurred on the final ball of the 17th over, with India already in a commanding position.The hilarious moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, with fans reminiscing about their own childhood experiences of chasing balls that had gone astray.On the match front, India's comprehensive 50-run victory against Bangladesh brought them closer to a semi-final berth in the T20 World Cup. All-rounder Hardik Pandya smashed a blistering 27-ball fifty, helping India post their highest score of the tournament so far (196 for 5).Bangladesh's chase never gained momentum, and they were eventually restricted to 146 for 8. The defeat put them on the brink of elimination from the tournament.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first player to amass 3,000 runs across both the 20-over and 50-over Cricket World Cups. This remarkable feat was achieved during India's T20 World Cup Super Eights clash against Bangladesh in Antigua.Kohli's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistent brilliance. In the T20 World Cup, he stands as the leading run-scorer with 1,207 runs in 32 matches. His average of 63.52 and strike rate of 129.78 are a testament to his dominance in the shortest format. Kohli has also notched up 14 half-centuries and won the 'Player of the Tournament' award twice, in 2014 and 2016.In the 50-over World Cup, Kohli's record is equally impressive. He is the second-highest run-scorer in tournament history, with 1,795 runs in 37 matches. His average of 59.83 and strike rate of 88.20 highlight his ability to anchor the Indian innings. Kohli has scored five centuries and 12 fifties in the 50-over World Cup, with his highest score being 117.Kohli's most memorable performance in the 50-over World Cup came in 2023, when he won the 'Player of the Tournament' award. He scored a staggering 765 runs in 11 matches, including three centuries and six fifties. His average of over 95 and best score of 117 were instrumental in India's success.Overall, across both competitions, Kohli has amassed 3,002 runs in 67 innings. His average of 61.26, five centuries, and 26 fifties are a testament to his exceptional batting prowess.

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, has yet to find his rhythm in the ongoing T20 World Cup. As India gears up for their crucial 'Super 8s' match against Bangladesh on Saturday, all eyes will be on Kohli to deliver a match-winning performance.In the group stage, Kohli's scores of 1, 4, and 0 raised concerns about his form. In India's first 'Super 8s' match against Afghanistan, he managed a run-a-ball 24. Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu believes that Kohli's lack of dominance is a cause for concern."If a powerful person doesn't showcase his power, then that person does get hurt, and should get hurt," Sidhu said on Star Sports. "I will learn only after I fall," he added. "I feel Kohli is mentally so strong that he wants to overpower his mistakes through training. He wants to overcome those (mistakes)."The Indian team management has experimented by promoting Kohli to the opening slot alongside Rohit Sharma. However, this move has not yielded the desired results so far. Kohli's prolific run as an opener for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the recently concluded IPL season has not translated to the international stage.Despite Kohli's struggles, India remains unbeaten in the tournament. They defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and USA in the group stage, followed by their victory over Afghanistan in the 'Super 8s'. India is aiming for their second T20 World Cup triumph and their first ICC trophy in 11 years.Kohli's return to form is crucial for India's success. The team will need their batting talisman to fire on all cylinders if they are to lift the coveted trophy. The match against Bangladesh presents Kohli with another opportunity to prove his worth and silence his critics.

India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, has acknowledged the challenges faced by star batsman Virat Kohli during the ongoing T20 World Cup. However, Rathour believes that Kohli's struggles have provided an opportunity for the team's less experienced players to step up and make valuable contributions.Despite India's unbeaten run in the tournament, Kohli has struggled to find his rhythm, particularly during the powerplay. In the match against Afghanistan, he managed only 24 runs off 24 balls."I'm not happy. I would love it if he gets going and scores more runs," Rathour said. "But yeah, it is good when you are challenged at times."Rathour pointed out that the team's success has been due to the contributions of other players, such as Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav. Pant played a key role in the victory over Afghanistan, while Yadav's half-century proved to be the turning point in the match."The guys who are not getting too much of batting in India sometimes, they are the ones who put up scores today and our middle-order came to play," Rathour said.India is set to face Bangladesh in Antigua on Saturday. Rathour believes that the team's depth and the conditions in the Caribbean will give them an edge in the upcoming encounter."We've always had depth as a team," Rathour said. "But yeah, these conditions maybe suit us more because we can afford to play two or three spinners at times."Rathour also emphasized that India will not take Bangladesh lightly."They're a good unit. They have a lot of guys who can spin the ball and they are good in certain conditions," Rathour said. "But again, in this format I think every team is a tough team."

Virat Kohli's struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup have been a major talking point, with the star batter managing just five runs in his first three matches. However, his performance against Afghanistan, where he scored 24 off 24 balls, has given hope that he is finding his form.Kohli, who was the leading run-scorer in the 2022 IPL with 741 runs, has been criticized for his lack of impact in the tournament. His scores in the group stage matches were underwhelming, with knocks of 1, 4, and 0.Despite the criticism, batting legend Brian Lara has come to Kohli's defense. Lara believes that the time Kohli spent at the crease against Afghanistan, despite not scoring big, will serve as a confidence booster for the Indian batsman."24 off 24, you can say that's not great but the most important thing is that he spent some time out there. India has got one step closer to winning this trophy. I believe that Virat Kohli is just gonna go from strength to strength as he comes down to the Caribbean. He's going to Antigua next, you're gonna see him go out there and plough and plough, he's gonna get runs," Lara said on Star Sports.The Indian team management's decision to persist with Kohli as Rohit Sharma's opening partner has backfired badly and drawn significant criticism, with many questioning the wisdom of Kohli's current batting position.However, Lara holds a contrasting viewpoint on the matter. He believes that patience is crucial when dealing with a player of Kohli's caliber, given his reputation as a big match performer."When he gets into full swing, it's a different story. We just have to be very patient with him, we're gonna see a lot of him there's still a lot of games left in this World Cup," he added.Kohli's performance in the remaining matches of the tournament will be crucial for India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup. If he can find his form and start scoring runs, India will be a formidable force.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has been struggling to find his form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. However, during the Super 8 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, he provided a moment of brilliance that evoked memories of his iconic shot from the previous edition of the tournament.In the fifth over of India's innings, Kohli faced a delivery from Naveen-ul-Haq that was short and wide. Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a powerful stroke, sending the ball soaring straight down the ground for a massive six.This shot instantly went viral on social media, drawing comparisons to his famous six off Haris Rauf during India's memorable victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. In that historic encounter, Kohli produced a similar feat, smashing Rauf for a colossal six straight down the ground before guiding his team to a thrilling victory with an unbeaten knock of 82 runs off 53 deliveries.The International Cricket Council (ICC) later recognized Kohli's straight drive six against Rauf during that India-Pakistan clash as the "Shot of the Century."Kohli's six against Afghanistan was not just a reminder of his past glory but also a sign that he is slowly regaining his touch. He played a crucial role in India's victory, scoring 24 runs off 24 balls and forming a crucial partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, who top-scored with 51 runs off 36 balls.India posted a total of 181-8 in their 20 overs during their T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, provided a brisk start with 13 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Rashid Khan off Fazalhaq Farooqi. Virat Kohli contributed 24 runs, maintaining a run-a-ball pace, but fell to Rashid Khan, who also dismissed wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for a quickfire 20 off 11 balls.Despite the regular fall of wickets, India managed a competitive score, but it was the disciplined bowling from Afghanistan, particularly from Rashid, who conceded only 26 runs in his four overs, that kept India's scoring in check.

Virat Kohli's underwhelming performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has reignited the debate surrounding his role in the Indian team. Despite being backed to open the innings alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, Kohli has managed a meager total of 5 runs in 3 matches, prompting calls for him to be shifted to the No. 3 position.Former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers has weighed in on the matter, expressing his belief that Kohli is best suited to bat at No. 3. De Villiers argues that this position allows Kohli to play both aggressively and conservatively, depending on the match situation."I have always said please bat Virat at number three. Especially in better wickets that they will play now, Virat is the go-to guy at number three. He can play the attacking game and also pull back and absorb the pressure if necessary. He is the best player in the world in the middle overs. I do not see any reasons (for opening)," De Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel.De Villiers also urged India to adopt a more attacking approach in the tournament, having opted for a conservative strategy in previous World Cups. "Just make sure you throw the first punch. In the past World Cups, I think they have been a bit conservative, sort of feeling their way into a game. They are such a quality team that I feel they can take a bit of a risk early in the game to get the momentum because there is no looking back once they get the momentum," he added.India's next match in the Super 8s round of the T20 World Cup 2024 is against Afghanistan on Wednesday. The team will be hoping to improve their performance and secure a victory to boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.