Cricket

Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has predicted that Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli will emerge as the leading run-scorer in the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Kohli's recent stellar performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he won the Orange Cap, has solidified his status as one of the favorites to dominate the run charts in the West Indies and the USA.Smith, who was not selected for the Australian squad, believes that Kohli's exceptional form and experience will propel him to the top of the scoring charts. "My top run-scorer of the tournament will be Virat Kohli," Smith told the ICC. "He is coming off a terrific IPL and he is bringing in some great form. I think he will be the leading run-getter."Kohli, who is already the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history with 1141 runs in 25 innings, is poised to extend his record even further. His compatriot and captain, Rohit Sharma, is not far behind, ranking fourth in the all-time run-getters list. Sharma has the potential to climb up to second place this year.The Indian duo is expected to open the batting for their team, which will face Ireland in New York on June 5. Kohli's impressive record against Pakistan, with 308 T20 World Cup runs and only one dismissal, bodes well for his chances of accumulating runs in the tournament. The arch-rivals are scheduled to clash on Sunday, June 9.While Kohli and Sharma are expected to lead India's batting charge, Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that young Yashasvi Jaiswal could be a valuable addition to the lineup at number three.

Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder, had an unforgettable experience during his first season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The opportunity to bat alongside the legendary Virat Kohli and share the dressing room with him was a highlight for Green.Green was initially acquired by the Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 17.5 crore during the IPL 2023 Auction. However, following the conclusion of the player retention deadline for the upcoming IPL 2024 season in November 2023, Green was traded to RCB after spending one season with Mumbai Indians.During his stint with Mumbai Indians in 2023, Green featured in 16 matches, scoring 220 runs at an average of 27.50 and taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.50. Subsequently, he represented RCB in 13 games, accumulating 255 runs at an impressive average of 31.88 and claiming 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.25.Speaking about Virat Kohli, Green said: "It's always pretty special when you look back at these times playing with Virat. He gave 110% every single time he plays, which is the beauty of him.""It's never towards a batter or anything, it's just pumping himself up, pumping the team up," he added.Green is currently part of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup. The 25-year-old was part of the victorious Australia team that won the ODI World Cup title in 2023, beating India in the summit clash.Green's experience in the IPL has been invaluable for his development as a cricketer. He has learned from some of the best players in the world and has gained valuable experience in different conditions. He will be hoping to continue his good form in the T20 World Cup and help Australia defend their title.

India's T20 World Cup Opening Combination Remains a MysteryAhead of India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5, head coach Rahul Dravid has remained tight-lipped about the team's opening combination. While Rohit Sharma is expected to partner with Virat Kohli at the top of the order, there is speculation that Yashasvi Jaiswal could also be an option."We've got options, so we are obviously not going to reveal our cards just yet," Dravid said. "We have Rohit and Jaiswal, and Virat opened in the IPL as well."The playing surface at the Nassau County ground has drawn attention due to its inconsistent bounce and sluggish outfield. However, Dravid refused to complain about the pitch conditions."We had three practice sessions here. From the third session onwards, the wicket became better," Dravid said. "But a wicket is a wicket. We don't want to label it as bad or good. It is a wicket and you have to manage and you have to adjust to it."Dravid emphasized that his squad will focus on adapting their game to suit the current state of the ground. "We will not complain about the wicket," he said. "A score of 200 was considered a par in the recently concluded IPL, but here at this venue, it appears to be more than just a par score; it seems like a winning score.""As we talk about T20 cricket, maybe we won't be able to play like that in this tournament," Dravid added. "Maybe in this venue. We will hopefully play in many venues. So, it will be different there. So, it will be important to adapt."Dravid also defended the performance of the players in recent ICC events, acknowledging the team's efforts despite falling short at crucial moments. "To be very honest with you, I think we've actually played really well in these World Cup tournaments," Dravid said. "In terms of our consistency, we've been very consistent.""Yes, we probably haven't been able to get across the line in the knockout game," Dravid admitted. "So, we just probably haven't been able to execute in that last phase. So, hopefully we play good cricket to get ourselves into those positions again and then maybe play good cricket on the day to cross the line."

India's T20 World Cup Batting Order: Hayden Advocates for Kohli as OpenerAs India prepares for their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has sparked a debate over the team's batting order. Hayden believes that Virat Kohli should open the innings, while Rohit Sharma would be more effective batting at number four.Hayden's suggestion stems from the importance of having a left-right combination at the top of the order to counter opposition leg-spinners. He argues that Kohli's exceptional record as an opener and his recent Orange Cap win in IPL 2024 make him the ideal candidate for the role."You have to have a left-right combination. You can't have five right-handers in a row. Australia would just say hello to Zampa," Hayden said. "Kohli has to open or he does not play in my team. He is in absolute red-hot form."Hayden also believes that Rohit Sharma's versatility and experience make him a better fit for the middle order. "Rohit is a versatile player and does not shy away from batting in that middle order. He has a successful record in T20I cricket batting at No. 4 and he can lead the batting group from the early middle order," he explained.Kohli's record in T20 World Cups is exceptional. He is the tournament's highest run-getter with 1141 runs in 27 matches at an average of 81.50. His inclusion as an opener would provide India with a solid foundation and allow him to set the tone for the innings.However, there is speculation that India might opt for the opening pair of Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal. This would leave Kohli at number three, a position he has also excelled in.Ultimately, the decision of India's batting order will rest with the team management. They will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine the lineup that gives them the best chance of success in the T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has been crowned the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023. The award recognizes his remarkable resurgence in the 50-over format, where he emerged as the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup.Kohli's triumph was a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional batting prowess. He amassed a staggering 765 runs in 11 matches, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 673 runs in a single World Cup. His consistent performances throughout the tournament earned him the coveted Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer.In a heartwarming moment captured on video by the ICC, Kohli shared a light-hearted exchange with Rinku Singh, the Kolkata Knight Riders batter who popularized the mantra "God's Plan" during IPL 2024. The phrase has become a symbol of hope and resilience for the Indian team, which is eager to break its decade-long drought of major ICC trophies.Kohli's award-winning year was not limited to the World Cup. He also claimed the Orange Cap in IPL 2024, further solidifying his status as one of the most prolific run-scorers in the game. Now, as India embarks on its quest for a second T20 World Cup title, Kohli's experience and leadership will be crucial.With the mantra "God's Plan" echoing in their hearts, the Indian team is determined to make history in the West Indies and USA. Kohli, the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, will be looking to extend his legacy and inspire his teammates to glory.

As the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup approaches, India's captain Rohit Sharma faces the challenge of finalizing the team's playing XI. Despite a dominant warm-up victory against Bangladesh, the lineup remains uncertain, particularly at the top of the batting order.One notable omission from the warm-up match was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was overlooked in favor of Sanju Samson. This decision suggests that Virat Kohli, who missed the match due to a late arrival, will open the batting with Rohit Sharma.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns about this move, arguing that Jaiswal should not be dropped from the XI. Pathan emphasizes the need for more bowling options in the team, citing the lack of bowling depth among the top batsmen."With the selected team, there can be two combinations," Pathan explained. "In one combination, you can play with six bowlers, including Axar Patel, to deepen the batting lineup. In the other combination, you can play with four front-line bowlers and expect Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to bowl."Pathan also highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya's bowling contribution. "If Hardik can give you the option of bowling three to four overs, this problem will be largely solved," he said. "Our other batsmen, like Rohit, Virat, or Suryakumar Yadav, can't bowl, which makes us somewhat handicapped."As India prepares to face Ireland in their opening match, the debate over the ideal playing XI and bowling strategy continues. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how India will address these challenges in their quest to end the ICC trophy drought and clinch the T20 World Cup title.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, joined the team a day before their warm-up clash against Bangladesh but missed all three practice sessions. He was also not selected for the warm-up game, with skipper Rohit Sharma citing his late arrival as the reason.However, a recent report claims that Kohli, along with other Indian team members, missed a practice session on Sunday due to rest following their match against Bangladesh. The report also states that Kohli will participate in India's training session on Monday.Kohli's late arrival for the warm-up game has raised questions about his fitness and preparation for the T20 World Cup. However, the report suggests that he is expected to be fully fit and available for India's first match of the tournament against Pakistan on October 23.Kohli finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with 741 runs in 15 innings, winning the Orange Cap for the second time in his career. Despite concerns about his potential non-selection for the T20 World Cup, he enters the tournament as the top run-getter in history, having amassed 1141 runs in 27 appearances since 2012.The 35-year-old was also named the ODI Player of the Year by ICC ahead of the T20 World Cup. He had a remarkable 2023 season, scoring 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs at an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13, with six centuries and eight fifties. His best score was an unbeaten 166.Kohli played a crucial role in India's Asia Cup 2023 triumph, scoring an unbeaten 122* in 94 balls against Pakistan in a crucial Super Four stage game. He continued his impressive form in the ODI World Cup held last year at home, scoring 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62, with three centuries, six half-centuries, and a best score of 117.Kohli ended the tournament as the top-scorer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record of 673 runs in a single World Cup edition. He also surpassed Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI tons, scoring his 50th ODI ton against New Zealand in the semifinals.With his impressive recent form, Kohli will be a key player for India in the T20 World Cup. His experience, leadership, and ability to score runs in pressure situations will be invaluable to the team as they aim to win their second T20 World Cup title.

The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation about whether Virat Kohli should open the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This debate has intensified following Kohli's exceptional performance in the IPL 2024, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 innings.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who had previously criticized Kohli for his slow strike rate during the first half of the IPL, has now joined the chorus of voices advocating for Kohli to open the innings alongside Rohit. "Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as openers. The way Kohli has batted, particularly the second half of the IPL, he deserves to open the batting with Rohit Sharma, the captain," Gavaskar said in an interview with Star Sports.Gavaskar emphasized that the team should not prioritize a left-right combination over selecting the most in-form players. "So no, I don't think. It's very good to talk on television about left hand-right hand combination, good players are good players. In Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, you have got 2 terrific and 2 fantastic batters. The kind of form Kohli has shown in the IPL, he has to open the batting."Gavaskar also highlighted the psychological advantage of having Kohli walk out to bat with a partner. "As he is in that flow, he is in that rhythm. You don't want Kohli to wait, even if it is for an over, or even 5 deliveries before he comes out to bat. It is a different feeling when you are walking out with someone to bat. There is a little bit of exchange that they will say let us get going, etc. Walking out alone is different than walking out with a partner," he added.Kohli's impressive performance in the IPL has reignited the debate about his ideal batting position in the Indian team. While some experts believe that he should continue to bat at number three, others argue that his aggressive style of play would be better suited to the opening slot.The decision of whether or not to open with Kohli will ultimately rest with the Indian team management. However, Gavaskar's endorsement of Kohli as an opener adds weight to the argument that the star batsman should be given the opportunity to lead the Indian batting charge in the T20 World Cup.

As the T20 World Cup commences on Sunday, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Team India, who have been yearning for an ICC trophy since 2013. Despite coming tantalizingly close in the ODI World Cup last year, losing to Australia in the final, the pressure is mounting for Rohit Sharma's men to end their ICC trophy drought.Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, in a conversation with AB de Villiers on YouTube, shared his insights on India's prospects. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, given India's recent struggles in T20 cricket. However, he expressed optimism that the team's familiar lineup and the potential for spin-friendly pitches in the West Indies could provide an advantage.Chopra made a bold prediction regarding India's batting order, suggesting that Virat Kohli would open alongside Rohit Sharma, leaving no room for Yashasvi Jaiswal in the playing XI. He also emphasized the importance of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube's power-hitting abilities in the latter stages of T20 innings, especially in the West Indies' day games.Team India enters the tournament with confidence, having secured a convincing 60-run win against Bangladesh in their warm-up game. Rishabh Pant's impressive performance, scoring 53 off 32 balls, showcased his potential in the T20 format.India's opening match against Ireland on Wednesday will set the tone for their campaign. A strong start will be crucial in building momentum and setting the stage for a successful run in the tournament.