Cricket

Virat Kohli's Spectacular Throw Electrifies IPL 2024 EliminatorIn a heart-stopping moment during the IPL 2024 Eliminator, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) talismanic batter Virat Kohli showcased his fielding brilliance with a breathtaking throw that dismissed Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Dhruv Jurel.Positioned at deep-square leg at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, Kohli's lightning-fast reflexes and pinpoint accuracy caught Jurel short as he attempted a second run. With the ball in his hands, Kohli moved swiftly to his left, gathered it, and unleashed a precise throw towards the bowler's end.Cameron Green, the bowler, was waiting at the stumps and disturbed them just as Jurel was attempting to complete his second run. The dismissal was a testament to Kohli's exceptional fielding skills and his unwavering commitment to the game.Kohli's electric display of athleticism and precision was pivotal, energising the RCB and shifting momentum in their favour. It was a reminder of his all-round capabilities and his unwavering dedication to the sport.The dismissal also highlighted the importance of fielding in modern-day cricket. With the game becoming increasingly competitive, teams are placing a greater emphasis on fielding as a way to gain an edge over their opponents.Kohli's spectacular throw is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into his fielding. It is a skill that he has honed over many years of practice and experience.The dismissal was a major turning point in the match, and it ultimately helped RCB secure a crucial victory. Kohli's fielding brilliance once again underscored his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game.

Virat Kohli's audacious slog sweep has been a game-changer for him in the IPL 2024, propelling his strike rate to new heights. However, the shot proved to be his undoing in the crucial Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals, where he fell to the guile of Yuzvendra Chahal.Kohli's innings began promisingly, with the star batter looking poised for a substantial contribution. He had already dispatched a couple of boundaries before Chahal's introduction in the eighth over. The leg-spinner's crafty delivery deceived Kohli, who mistimed his slog sweep and sent the ball high into the air.Substitute fielder Donovan Ferreira, positioned at deep midwicket, displayed remarkable athleticism to take a stunning catch above his head. Kohli's dismissal sent shockwaves through the RCB camp, as he had been expected to anchor the innings.Following the match, former England batter Kevin Pietersen offered his insights on Kohli's dismissal. Pietersen believes that Kohli should continue playing the slog sweep, despite its inherent risks."You got to keep playing. You got to understand that sometimes, you're taking that risk, it's a risk for a reason," Pietersen said. "You got to keep playing it. It has elevated his game, and his strike rate. He had been struggling. It was something people had been concerned about in the middle overs."Pietersen also emphasized the importance of Kohli maintaining this shot in his repertoire as he transitions to playing for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup."Kohli would be livid with himself with that dismissal. He would have wanted to build something impressive here this evening on the big occasion. You got to keep playing it. His strike rate has increased significantly this season because of that shot.""He doesn't need to park it. He's got to keep playing that shot all the way through June," Pietersen added.Kohli's dismissal highlights the delicate balance between risk and reward in T20 cricket. While the slog sweep can be a potent weapon, it also carries the potential for failure. Kohli's challenge will be to find the right balance between aggression and caution as he looks to lead India to glory in the T20 World Cup.

Suresh Raina's Witty Response to Retirement Query Sparks LaughterFormer Indian cricketer Suresh Raina showcased his quick wit during the Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. While providing Hindi commentary for Jio Cinema, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra inquired if Raina had any plans to reconsider his retirement, given his relatively young age of 37.Raina's response was met with laughter in the commentary box. "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi" (I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi), he quipped, referencing the multiple retirements of former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi.Raina announced his retirement from international cricket alongside MS Dhoni in 2020 and from the IPL after the 2021 season, when CSK won their fourth title. Since then, he has been actively involved in commentary.Recently, Raina shared a heartwarming moment with former India teammate Virat Kohli during an interaction on JioCinema at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of an IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and CSK. The meeting recalled a pivotal moment in Kohli's early career during the 2008 Emerging Players Tournament in Australia.Initially left out of the playing XI by coach Pravin Amre, Kohli was recommended by Raina after witnessing his potential in the nets. Kohli recounted, "Raina saw me playing in the nets and asked Amre sir why I wasn't playing. Raina insisted I should be played, so I got a chance to open against New Zealand and scored 120 not out. This probably convinced Dilip Vengsarkar sir, the selector. I scored 120 not out, and he probably decided then and there that I should be given further opportunities," acknowledging Raina's role in his early career.Raina's witty response and his contribution to Virat Kohli's career highlight his enduring presence in the cricketing world, even after his retirement from playing.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to surpass the 8000-run mark. This remarkable achievement, accomplished during the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, is a testament to Kohli's unparalleled consistency, skill, and dominance in the tournament.Kohli's journey to 8000 runs is a saga of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game. Since his IPL debut in 2008, he has been the cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, leading them with distinction and inspiring a generation of young cricketers.Over the years, Kohli has amassed an astonishing 8 centuries and 55 fifties in the IPL, showcasing his ability to score runs at a prolific rate. His exceptional batting technique, coupled with his astute game sense and leadership qualities, has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world.Kohli's achievement is even more remarkable considering the high level of competition in the IPL. The tournament attracts the best players from around the globe, making it one of the most challenging and competitive cricket leagues in the world. Kohli's ability to consistently perform at the highest level, despite the intense pressure, is a testament to his mental fortitude and unwavering determination.As Kohli continues to add to his already impressive list of achievements, his legacy in the IPL is firmly cemented. He has set the bar higher for future generations of cricketers, inspiring them to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of the game.

Virat Kohli's resilience under criticism has been a constant throughout his illustrious career. South African legend AB de Villiers, who has witnessed Kohli's journey from close quarters, has observed how the Indian star thrives on adversity.During the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli faced criticism from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar over his strike rate. However, Kohli responded with a series of high-scoring performances, proving his ability to silence his critics."I enjoyed that," said de Villiers, referring to the debate surrounding Kohli's strike rate. "It was really bad for someone like that, a hero and a role model of the country, to get so much criticism. But I knew that's exactly what would happen to him."De Villiers believes that criticism motivates Kohli to perform at his best. "I used to tell the players in the team room, you do not say one word to Virat on the pitch because he will come out and he will score a big 100 if you try and chirp him," he said.Kohli's leadership and determination were crucial in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) remarkable turnaround in the IPL. After a dismal start with only one win in eight games, RCB staged a stunning comeback with six consecutive victories to secure a play-off spot."When the team is down and out, a player like Kohli can play a huge role in lifting the spirits," said de Villiers. "He showed the kind of care that he has for the team and the desire to ultimately go and win a trophy."De Villiers praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and commitment, even during RCB's losing streak. "To see that in one of your senior players who's achieved everything in cricket, it's incredibly motivational and inspirational," he said.Kohli's selfless acts, such as celebrating his teammates' successes and encouraging young players, also played a significant role in RCB's resurgence. "That ultimately is a selfless act," said de Villiers.

RCB Cancels Practice Session Due to Virat Kohli's Security ConcernsAhead of their crucial IPL 2024 Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were forced to cancel their only practice session due to a security concern surrounding star batsman Virat Kohli.According to reports, the Gujarat Police alerted the IPL franchises about a potential threat to Kohli's safety. As a result, RCB decided to abandon their scheduled practice at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The franchise also canceled a press conference on the eve of the match.The Gujarat Police reportedly arrested four individuals in Ahmedabad on suspicion of terrorist activity. The police hinted that this was the primary reason behind the cancellation of RCB's practice session and press conference."Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority," said Vijay Singha Jwala, a police officer. "RCB did not want to take a risk. They informed us that there would be no practice session."Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, went ahead with their practice schedule despite being informed about the security threat. However, some of their players, including R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Riyan Parag, opted to stay at the hotel and skip the practice session. Skipper Sanju Samson arrived at the ground late.The police have beefed up security arrangements outside RCB's team hotel and around the stadium. IPL-accredited members were reportedly denied entry to the team hotel. A 'green corridor' was created for Rajasthan Royals to reach the training ground.Strict security measures are expected to be in place for the IPL 2024 Eliminator between RCB and RR on Wednesday. The match will be a crucial one for both teams, as the winner will advance to the Qualifier 2.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has expressed his bewilderment at the Indian selectors' apparent reluctance to select Virat Kohli for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ponting believes that Kohli, with his exceptional class and experience, should be an automatic pick for the tournament.Kohli's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL, where he leads the run table with 708 runs from 14 innings, has further strengthened Ponting's belief in his abilities. Despite concerns about his strike rate at the top of the order, Ponting argues that Kohli's overall value to the Indian team cannot be underestimated."He (Kohli) is the first pick for me for India. So, class and experience like that, you can't replace," Ponting told ICC. "It's funny with Virat. I think people in India just always try to find a reason not to pick him or a reason why he's maybe not as good as some of these other guys in the T20 game."Ponting suggests that Kohli should open the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma, allowing players like Suryakumar Yadav to accelerate the run rate later in the innings. He also highlights the importance of having left-handed batters in the team, which could influence the selectors' decision regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting position.Kohli's adaptability and willingness to improve are evident in his improved strike rate this season, which is the highest in his 17 years with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ponting acknowledges that while strike rates have gained prominence in recent years, Kohli's ability to anchor the innings and play according to the situation remains invaluable."The mantra I think for the teams three or four years ago, was making sure that someone at the top of the order made 80 or 100, even if it took them 60 balls, it didn't really matter," Ponting said. "I think it's sort of shifting now to be more of a strike rate based game where you can have a massive impact on a game with a 40 off 15 balls rather than getting an 80 off 55 balls sort of thing."Kohli's crucial contributions in high-pressure matches, such as his unbeaten 82 against Pakistan and half-century against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup, further demonstrate his reliability in crunch situations. Ponting believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him an indispensable asset for the Indian team.

Virat Kohli's resurgence has been the driving force behind Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable turnaround in IPL 2024. After a dismal start, RCB has won six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs, where they will face Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday.Kohli has silenced critics who questioned his T20 strike rate by amassing the most runs in the tournament. With 708 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 155.60, including one century and five half-centuries, he has led RCB's resurgence.In a video shared by Star Sports, Kohli revealed his approach to finding solutions while batting. "I keep things simple. I don't rely on stats or analysis. I trust my instincts and react to the ball. Finding solutions is an in-the-moment process," he said.Kohli's ability to adapt and find solutions has been crucial for RCB's success. After losing seven of their first eight matches, they have turned their season around with a six-match winning streak.If RCB defeats Rajasthan on Wednesday, they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 for a chance to reach the final against Kolkata Knight Riders. Kolkata secured a place in the title clash by defeating Sunrisers in Qualifier 1.Kohli's leadership and RCB's newfound momentum make them a formidable opponent in the playoffs. With the former India captain in top form, RCB will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.

Virat Kohli Boasts of Six-Hitting Prowess to Chris GayleIn a heartwarming reunion, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammates Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle shared a lighthearted moment after RCB's victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final league match of the season.Kohli, who has been instrumental in RCB's playoff qualification, couldn't resist bragging about his impressive six-hitting record to Gayle, who holds the all-time record for most sixes in T20 cricket."Maximum sixes this season, yeah!" Kohli exclaimed as he greeted Gayle in a video shared by RCB on social media."How much?" Gayle inquired."37!" replied Kohli, who now holds the record for most sixes in the current season, including four against CSK in the last match. With his knock against Chennai, Virat has also surpassed the 700-run mark this season.The banter continued as Kohli jokingly suggested that Gayle could make a comeback next year under the new Impact Player rule, which allows teams to field an additional player who does not have to bat or bowl."Kaka, come back next year. Impact Player rule is on now. You don't have to field anymore. It's designed for you," Kohli quipped.Kohli also autographed his RCB jersey and presented it to Gayle with a heartfelt message that read: "To Chris (kaka). With love and best wishes."The reunion between the two former teammates brought back fond memories for fans, who witnessed their formidable partnership during their time together at RCB. Kohli's playful banter with Gayle highlighted the camaraderie and respect that exists between the two cricketing legends.