Cricket

Virat Kohli, the beloved Indian cricket icon, was showered with love and admiration by his ardent fans at an event hosted by HSBC on November 7. The occasion marked a heartwarming celebration of Kohli's recent birthday, which fell on November 5.As Kohli graced the stage, the crowd erupted in a spontaneous rendition of "Happy Birthday," their voices echoing through the venue. The cricketer, visibly moved by the gesture, couldn't help but smile. Event host Gaurav Kapur, recognizing the special moment, reminded the audience of Kohli's birthday, prompting an even louder chorus of well wishes.Kohli's reaction to the outpouring of affection was a testament to his humility and genuine appreciation for his fans. He politely requested the crowd to stop singing, saying, "That's enough, thank you." However, the crowd's enthusiasm was infectious, and they continued to serenade him.The internet was abuzz with reactions to the heartwarming moment, with fans expressing their admiration for Kohli's down-to-earth nature. Many commented on his shy demeanor, which they found endearing.Kohli's birthday celebration came amidst a busy schedule for the Indian cricket team. The team is currently engaged in a Test series against New Zealand, with a subsequent series against Australia on the horizon. Kohli is expected to play a pivotal role in both series, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Despite a challenging year in Test cricket, Kohli remains determined to improve his performance. He will be eager to make a significant contribution to India's quest for a fifth consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory.Beyond the Test series, Kohli's focus will also shift to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. He has been retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 21 crore, and rumors suggest that he may return as captain of the franchise.The IPL 2025 mega auction coincides with the dates of the first Test between India and Australia in Perth. Kohli will have to balance his commitments to the national team and his IPL franchise during this period.

As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepare for one of the most significant challenges of their careers in the upcoming Test series in Australia, former India head coach Greg Chappell believes the two stalwarts can rediscover their youthful energy and focus to reclaim their lost glory.Wounded by an unprecedented 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand, India will look to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the marquee five-match Test series in Australia beginning on November 22. According to Chappell, the ageing Sharma and Kohli must summon the same drive and focus that once marked their prime years if India hopes to reclaim its form on foreign soil.Reflecting on a conversation with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2005, Chappell shared insights into the hurdles players face as they age. Tendulkar had sought Chappell's perspective and asked, "Greg, why does batting become harder as you get older? Surely it should get easier?""I explained to him that the mental demands of batting intensify with age," Chappell wrote in a column for 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "Batting gets harder because you realize how hard it is to make runs at this level and how difficult it is to maintain the mental focus that is required to be successful," the Australian batting legend wrote.He said "it's not the eyesight or the reflexes that drop off" when a player starts ageing but "it's the intense focus that is required that becomes harder to sustain.""When one is younger, the mind is focused on making runs. As you age, the opposition has put work into finding your weaknesses, and you are more aware of the conditions and the situation of the game."As a young player, you don’t worry about the conditions or the situation of the game, you only see the ball and how to make runs," Chappell wrote, describing Rohit, Kohli, and Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith as the "giants" of current times."If you want to play like you did as a younger player, you have to rekindle the attitude and the thought processes that you had as a younger player. That is the greatest challenge for the ageing player,” Chappell had explained to Tendulkar.Chappell said the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia "will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill, with each player needing to summon the drive and adaptability of their younger selves.""This sentiment captures what Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith will confront this series. They know that opposition teams have scrutinized their techniques, studied their weaknesses, and developed strategies specifically to exploit even minor chinks."Against New Zealand, Kohli endured his lowest-ever aggregate in a home Test series where he batted at least six times, scoring only 93 runs at an average of 15.50, with one half-century. This poor run has lowered his Test average to 47.83 from a peak of 55.10 in October 2019 -- the first time it has dipped below 48 since November 2016. He has dropped out of top-20 batters in ICC Test rankings for the first time in a decade.Kohli dropped eight spots to 22nd in the rankings while Rohit slipped to 26th. "For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation. Known for his unmatched intensity, passion, and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him," Chappell wrote."The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation."For Rohit, according to Chappell, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. "As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive."This Test series, then, is more than just another chapter in cricket; it is a testament to the challenges that father time presents to even the most skilled players." Each player is more than a celebrated cricketer; they are icons of the determination and skill that defines our game. This series will be a defining chapter in their legacies.""For Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith, the true battle is not against their opponents but against time itself," Chappell wrote.

Virat Kohli, India's star batter and former captain, recently shared an amusing anecdote from his early days in the Indian cricket team, involving his first encounter with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.The story, now viral in a video, took place in 2008, when Kohli was part of the Indian team that played against England in a series just before the tragic 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Kohli had previously played for India, but this was the first time he had the opportunity to meet and play alongside Tendulkar, who had missed the earlier tour of Sri Lanka.Kohli revealed that some of his teammates had planned a prank on him, although Tendulkar was not part of it. "He [Tendulkar] was not involved. We were playing against England in India before the Taj incident [Mumbai attack] in 2008. I have played for India before but Sachin paaji was not there in Sri Lanka. He had taken a rest, and I got an opportunity to be a member of the squad. And the only thing I was looking forward to in the next series was to play with him," Kohli said with a smile."So, the first time I met him and this happened, main toh pairon me gir gaya, maine kaha karna padta hoga. Toh woh piche hat rahe,'yeh kya kar raha he tu?'. Main unko bhi nahi bol pa raha hoon ki paaji bola gaya hai karna padta hai yahaan pe. Main kar raha hoon."Kohli went on to reveal the masterminds behind the prank, pointing out that Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel were the key culprits, with Munaf enthusiastically encouraging him from the background. "Then he gave all these guys a little bit..I think Irfan bhai was there...ofcourse Munaf Patel. He [Munaf] used to be the one cheering from behind ki karo karo with his unique voice. So, unhone sabne mereko fasaya," Kohli laughed, reminiscing about the moment.The light-hearted prank was a memorable introduction for Kohli to the dressing room dynamics of the Indian cricket team.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday with a low-key celebration at home with his family. In a recent conversation with host Gaurav Kapoor during a promotional event in Mumbai, Kohli shared details of his intimate birthday celebration."This was probably the most chilled-out birthday I've had through all these years," Kohli said. "It was just Anushka (Sharma) and our two kids at home. It was very relaxed."Despite turning a year older, Kohli joked that he didn't feel any wiser. "I don't know about being wiser, but I'm older for sure," he quipped.Kohli's birthday celebration was primarily focused on his daughter, Vamika. "The birthday was basically for my daughter. Happens so when you have kids," he added.The Indian cricket team captain is now preparing to join the squad for their upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, which begins on November 22nd in Perth. Kohli has an impressive record in Australia, averaging 54.08 with 1352 runs from 13 matches, including six centuries and four half-centuries.However, Kohli's recent form has been a cause for concern. He faced criticism after a disappointing series against New Zealand, where he managed only 93 runs. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Kohli will be expected to rediscover his aggressive side and inspire India to bounce back from their whitewash against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli Lauds Glenn Maxwell's Historic Double Century in 2023 Cricket World CupIn the foreword of Glenn Maxwell's autobiography, "The Showman," Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has heaped praise on the Australian all-rounder for his remarkable double century against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.Chasing a daunting target of 292 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Australia found themselves in dire straits at 91 for 7. However, Maxwell's heroic 201 not out turned the tide and secured an improbable victory for the Aussies.Kohli, who witnessed the extraordinary innings firsthand, described it as "compelling drama." He marveled at Maxwell's ability to hit sixes on one leg despite battling cramps. "Going down time and again with cramp, limping for singles - it was compelling drama and so Maxi," Kohli wrote.The Indian captain also acknowledged Maxwell's unique talent and his ability to single-handedly change the course of a match. "In my view, he is the only player in the world capable of doing what he did," Kohli stated.Maxwell's double century not only sealed Australia's victory but also capped an unparalleled knock. "Concluding with such a milestone was perfect, capping an unparalleled knock," Kohli wrote.Kohli also shared an anecdote from the World Cup final, where Maxwell's competitive spirit and camaraderie were on full display. "Twelve days later, in the final, when Maxi threw the ball back in, I instinctively stuck up a hand and blocked it," Kohli recalled. "Earlier in our careers, with so much on the line, you can guarantee there would have been an altercation. But now? We pretended to fight for a second before starting to laugh."Kohli's praise for Maxwell is a testament to the Australian's exceptional talent and his ability to inspire and entertain cricket fans worldwide.

India's recent humiliating 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with fans demanding the retirement of veteran players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. The team's dismal performance with both bat and ball has put the seniors under intense scrutiny.However, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has urged fans to exercise patience and not rush to judgment after just one series loss. "What is the hurry boss? One bad series and already calling for the heads. I don't think so," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.Karthik believes that the calls for retirement are premature and that the players deserve a longer leash. "I think, if they don't do well in the next 10 Test matches, then we will come back to this question and then it becomes a fair question, considering its going to be another domestic season. For the moment, I don't think we need to group anyone anywhere," he added.Karthik acknowledged that India's performance against New Zealand was subpar in all departments. "A bit of everything. Our bowling was not up to the mark. Our spinners, especially the experienced ones, didn't gave a great series. Batting, without a doubt, we lack in ability to play spin," he said.The Indian batters have struggled to cope with spin bowling in recent times, a weakness that was ruthlessly exploited by the New Zealanders. "The defence game overall around the world has definitely decreased because of the white-ball formats that goes without saying but the Indian players have struggled to cope against spin," Karthik observed.India's next assignment is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia Down Under, starting on November 22 in Perth. The series will be a stern test for the Indian team, and the performance of the senior players will be under the microscope once again.

Virat Kohli's recent struggles on the international stage have raised concerns among fans and experts alike. Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping Rs 21 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Kohli's performances in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand have been far from impressive.In the two-match series, Kohli managed scores of 0, 70, 1, 17, 4, and 1, leading to a significant drop in his ICC Test ranking. He has now slipped down eight places to 22nd, his lowest ranking in over a decade.Kohli's poor form has sparked speculation about his future with the Indian team. Some experts believe that he should consider playing domestic cricket to regain his form, while others suggest that he may need to take a break from international cricket to reassess his game.Amidst the uncertainty surrounding his international career, Kohli recently posted a cryptic message on social media, hinting at a "new chapter" with a "new team." However, the post was later clarified to be related to his business interests, not his cricketing career.Despite the clarification, Kohli's social media post has raised questions about his commitment to the Indian team. Some fans have expressed concern that he may be considering retirement, while others believe that he is simply looking for a fresh start.The lack of domestic cricket has been cited as a contributing factor to Kohli's struggles. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested that top players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma should participate in domestic tournaments to regain their form.Kaif pointed out that Rishabh Pant's century in a practice match during the 2020 Border-Gavaskar Trophy helped him earn a place in the Test team and make a significant contribution to India's historic victory in Australia.Kohli's future with the Indian team remains uncertain. However, it is clear that he needs to find a way to regain his form if he wants to continue playing at the highest level.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has embarked on a new chapter in his career off the field, announcing a partnership with Sporting Beyond. This move marks a significant shift for Kohli, who has been a dominant force in the cricketing world for over a decade.Sporting Beyond, a global sports marketing and management company, shares Kohli's values of transparency, integrity, and a passion for sports. The partnership will encompass all of Kohli's business interests, including endorsements, brand collaborations, and personal ventures.Kohli's decision to join Sporting Beyond comes amidst a challenging period on the field. Despite achieving historic milestones, he has faced inconsistent form and a drop in his ICC Test rankings. However, his experience and aggressive style remain crucial for India's success in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated series that holds significant importance in the context of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals. Kohli's leadership and batting prowess will be vital for India's chances of securing a place in the finals.Kohli's partnership with Sporting Beyond is expected to provide him with a fresh perspective and support as he navigates the challenges ahead. The company's expertise in sports marketing and management will enable Kohli to maximize his brand value and pursue his business interests effectively.As Kohli embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on him to reignite his form and lead India's batting charge against Australia. His experience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game make him a formidable force, and his partnership with Sporting Beyond could prove to be a game-changer in his illustrious career.

In the recently concluded three-Test series against New Zealand, India's senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli endured underwhelming performances, scoring only 91 and 93 runs respectively. This has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth.Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed optimism about the experienced pair, urging them to focus and enjoy their game. "They're among the best. Sometimes, it's about focusing a bit more. I'd just tell them to go out there, enjoy, and express themselves," Dev said.India's humiliating 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand marked the first time they had been clean-swept in a three-Test series on home soil. New Zealand also became the first team in 12 years to clinch a Test series in India.Despite this setback, Dev believes Indian cricket is in a good place overall. "When there's an issue, it's crucial to rectify it quickly. We're proud of our spinners, our batsmen, and our bowlers," he said.India has previously claimed consecutive series victories in Australia, under Virat Kohli in 2018-19 and Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. With Rohit Sharma now at the helm, India aims for a historic third straight series win on Australian soil."The rough patch has passed. Now, let's focus on the positives, and I hope they play well," Dev added.The Test series against Australia will feature five matches, with the opening Test in Perth followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide, a match at The Gabba in Brisbane, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the final Test in Sydney.