Cricket

Virat Kohli, India's batting maestro, has revealed that his recent break from cricket has given him a profound perspective on his life and career. After withdrawing from the Test series against England earlier this year, Kohli took time off to be with his wife, Anushka Sharma, during the birth of their second child.This was not the first time Kohli had stepped away from the game. In the past, periods of rest have proven beneficial for him, particularly when he has faced lean patches. Upon his return to the IPL this season, Kohli has been in scintillating form, amassing a plethora of runs and claiming the Orange Cap."Time away from the game made me realize how much I have been blessed with," Kohli said in an interview with Star Sports. "I mean, where is the limit? You can get a phenomenal hundred, but the next moment, if your family member or child or your partner gets health issues, life takes a completely different turn."Kohli emphasized that nothing in life is guaranteed and that his focus has always been on the process. "I could have never imagined myself in this situation ever," he said. "You kind of understand things were meant to be a certain way. The only thing you could do was work hard and be honest in what you are doing."Despite his years of experience, Kohli's unwavering dedication to the game remains evident. "I never predicted that at this stage, I would have this much performance or I would be at this stage in my career where God will put me in this situation," he said.Kohli's recent break has not only rejuvenated him but has also given him a renewed appreciation for the blessings in his life. He recognizes that his success on the field is only one aspect of a fulfilling existence.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has become a fan favorite not only for his exceptional batting skills but also for his off-field antics. His social media presence has been a major factor in his popularity, with his fans eagerly sharing his activities outside the cricket pitch.Recently, Rinku appeared on the KKR Dugout Podcast alongside coach Abhishek Nayar, where he showcased his impressive ability to imitate other players. When asked by host Cyrus Broacha to mimic various cricketers, Rinku enthusiastically recreated the batting stances of Nitish Rana and Virat Kohli, as well as the bowling action of Varun Chakravarthy.Rinku's off-field antics have also extended to his interactions with Virat Kohli. Earlier this season, Rinku received a bat from Kohli, marking the second time the Indian captain had gifted him a bat. In a viral video, Rinku was seen requesting another bat from Kohli, who appeared slightly amused when Rinku mentioned that he had broken the previous one.After KKR's thrilling one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, Rinku approached Kohli once again for another bat. In a video posted by KKR on social media, Rinku explained to Kohli that the bat he had received earlier had broken while facing a spinner.It seems that Rinku's request was not in vain, as he has now received a new bat from Kohli. In a trending video on social media, the left-handed batter is seen showing off the bat to a fan.Rinku's off-field antics have not only entertained his fans but have also highlighted his close relationship with Virat Kohli. The young batter's ability to connect with fans on a personal level has contributed to his growing popularity, making him one of the most talked-about players in the Indian Premier League.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has shed light on his relationship with Virat Kohli and the complexities of on-field conduct. Gambhir believes that the media often sensationalizes narratives for the sake of ratings, which can shape public perceptions. He emphasized that the media should also focus on creating positive hype.Gambhir echoed Kohli's sentiments that the media's focus on their relationship is unwarranted. He believes that mature individuals should be allowed to handle their personal relationships without interference.On a lighter note, Gambhir acknowledged Kohli's dance prowess, saying that he would like to learn some moves from him. This highlights the camaraderie between the two cricketers.Regarding Kohli's strike rate, Gambhir emphasized that every player has a different game and that strike rate should be evaluated in the context of match dynamics. He pointed out that a strike rate of 100 can be good in a winning situation, while a strike rate of 180 may not be as impressive in a losing situation.Earlier, Kohli had responded to criticisms about his changed on-field demeanor. He dismissed detractors' disappointment over his recent displays of sportsmanship, saying that they are now booing because they don't have anything juicy to talk about.Gambhir's perspectives provide insights into the complexities of player relationships, the role of the media, and the nuances of performance evaluation in cricket.

Shubman Gill Recalls Virat Kohli's Inspiring Advice: 'You Can Score a 100 in Your First Innings'Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), rising star Shubman Gill has shared a memorable encounter with Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli.Gill, who is often hailed as the 'Prince' of Indian cricket, has long admired Kohli's batting prowess and leadership qualities. In a recent video shared by the host broadcaster, Gill revealed his first conversation with Kohli during a tour of New Zealand."When I spoke to him for the first time, he told me that every time a new kid comes, people say he needs a couple of chances, he needs some innings to get through," Gill recalled. "But he said, 'I think if you are good and capable, then you can start from your first innings, you can score a 100 in your first innings.'"Kohli's words left a lasting impression on Gill, who realized the importance of self-belief and seizing opportunities. "I came to know what kind of a person he is and I really liked it," Gill said. "He saw that capability in me and said I had to give it my 100%."Gill's admiration for Kohli extends beyond his batting skills. He also values Kohli's unwavering determination and competitive spirit. "He's a very competitive person, and he wants to win every game," Gill said. "He's a great leader, and he always puts the team first."As Gujarat Titans prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gill is eager to put Kohli's advice into practice. With both teams looking to improve their standings in the IPL, the match promises to be a thrilling contest.

Virat Kohli's batting position in the upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked a debate among cricket experts. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Kohli opening the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma would create opportunities for power-hitting finishers like Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube in the Indian playing XI.Pathan, who played a pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal should partner Rohit Sharma as the openers due to their contrasting batting styles and Jaiswal's impressive international strike rate of 160. However, he acknowledges that Kohli opening the batting would allow for a more balanced team composition."If Virat opens up the batting, it will allow the combination of 11 to be in a certain way, which you want," Pathan explained. "If that happens, you might see Shivam Dubey playing, if he's there in the squad. You might see guys like Rinku Singh in the playing 11 as well."Pathan also emphasizes the importance of Jaiswal's underutilized leg-break bowling, which could provide the team with an additional bowling option. "Jaiswal has actually been bowling regularly in the nets," he said. "So what you can do is you can actually play proper five bowlers and maybe have him as a sixth bowler, as an option to keep it."Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also advocates for Kohli batting as much as possible in the powerplay. "I've got to have him in the powerplay," Hayden said. "If I'm going to pick him, he has to play in the powerplay. He has to play the majority of those six overs as an opener."Hayden believes that Kohli's batting position is crucial for India's success in the World Cup. "It all comes down to are we interested in selecting a side that we believe is the right balance and is going to win this World Cup," he said.

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, share a bond that transcends the boundaries of competition. Their friendship, forged during their Under-19 World Cup days in 2008, has endured the rigors of international cricket and the intense rivalry between their respective teams.Kohli and Williamson emerged as pivotal figures in their teams during that tournament, showcasing their exceptional talent and leadership qualities. Over the years, they have established themselves as stalwarts of the game, amassing an impressive array of accolades and inspiring countless young cricketers.Their mutual respect and admiration for each other's abilities have been evident throughout their careers. In interviews, they have consistently praised each other's achievements, acknowledging their exceptional skills and leadership qualities. This camaraderie extends beyond the field, as they have often been seen interacting warmly off the pitch.As Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans prepare to face off in the IPL 2024 encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the spotlight will once again shine on the friendship between Kohli and Williamson. The matchup brings a sense of nostalgia, as the two cricket icons prepare to battle it out on the field.Despite their competitive nature, their off-field bond remains unbreakable. In a recent video shared by Gujarat Titans, Kohli and Williamson are seen greeting each other with warmth and camaraderie. This moment serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between two of the greatest cricketers of our time.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged victorious against the formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), breaking their losing streak. Batting first, RCB amassed an impressive 200+ runs, with Virat Kohli contributing a steady 51. However, it was Rajat Patidar who stole the show, earning the Player of the Match award for his explosive half-century at a blistering strike rate.Kohli's innings sparked a debate about his intent and strike rate, as he faced criticism for his relatively slow 43-ball 51. After a blistering start in the powerplay, Kohli struggled to find boundaries, resulting in a significant drop in his strike rate. He managed only 19 runs from the last 25 deliveries he faced.Former RCB and Australia batter Aaron Finch defended Kohli's approach, emphasizing the context of the partnership with Patidar. "Kohli's knock shouldn't be viewed in isolation," Finch said. "He started well, but after the powerplay, Patidar was on fire. Sometimes, as a set batter, your role is to keep the innings going and give Patidar as many deliveries as possible."Finch acknowledged the decline in Kohli's strike rate but highlighted the effectiveness of the partnership. "You can criticize him individually, but as a partnership, it worked well," Finch asserted. "When your partner is going all out, you don't want to be stuck at the non-striker's end. Kohli did the right thing by giving Patidar the strike."Kohli's innings may have raised questions, but RCB's victory showcased the team's resilience and the importance of adapting to the game situation. Patidar's blistering knock and Kohli's steady contribution proved to be a winning combination, highlighting the depth and versatility of the RCB batting lineup.

The Indian cricket team's T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced soon, with captain Rohit Sharma set to meet BCCI selectors in Delhi this weekend. The deadline for announcing the provisional squad is May 1, indicating an imminent announcement.Several experts have weighed in with their picks for the 15-member squad, with some common names emerging. NDTV has conducted a mini poll to determine the most likely candidates for selection.Openers/Top 3:Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are virtual certainties for the squad, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as potential openers. Jaiswal's left-handedness gives him an edge over Gill, who may have to settle for a backup role.Middle-Order:Suryakumar Yadav is a lock for the middle order, while Shivam Dube's big-hitting abilities make him a strong contender. Rinku Singh is another option, but his limited game time may hinder his chances.Allrounders:Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are the undisputed allrounders in the squad. Pandya's all-around abilities make him indispensable, while Jadeja's left-arm spin and batting prowess are invaluable.Wicketkeeper:Rishabh Pant is the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Sanju Samson as the backup option.Spinners:Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the overwhelming favorites for the spin bowling roles. Ravi Bishnoi has also received some support, but Kuldeep's recent form gives him the edge.Pacers:Jasprit Bumrah is the only Indian pacer who has consistently impressed in the IPL. Arshdeep Singh and T Natarajan have emerged as strong contenders for the remaining two spots, with Mohammed Siraj also in the mix.Conclusion:With a 15-member squad limit, one big star may have to miss out. NDTV's poll suggests that Shubman Gill may be the unfortunate omission, given India's abundance of right-handed top-order options.

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two of the most celebrated batsmen in contemporary cricket, have often been compared for their exceptional skills and achievements. While both players have their own unique strengths and contributions, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes that comparing them is unfair.Hafeez, in a recent video, emphasized that both Kohli and Azam are exceptional players who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. He acknowledged Kohli's remarkable consistency and achievements for India, while praising Azam's efforts for Pakistan.However, Hafeez cautioned against direct comparisons, stating that each player has their own style and has excelled in different situations. He believes that Azam, while a fantastic player, should not be expected to carry the entire burden of Pakistan's batting. Instead, he should focus on adapting and enhancing his skills to meet the demands of modern cricket.Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, Azam has shown immense potential and has consistently performed well for Pakistan, particularly in limited-overs cricket.Ultimately, comparing Kohli and Azam is a matter of personal preference and the format of the game. While Kohli has proven his mettle across all formats over a longer period, Azam has demonstrated his exceptional batting abilities and continues to impress with his performances.