Cricket

Virat Kohli's performance in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has drawn criticism from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Despite Kohli's contribution of 51 runs, Gavaskar expressed concern over the pace at which he scored.Gavaskar highlighted the importance of strike rate in the fast-paced format of T20 cricket. While Kohli's runs were valuable, his slow accumulation of runs raised questions about his approach. Kohli scored 32 runs off the first 18 balls he faced, but his next 19 runs came from 25 deliveries."In the middle, he just seemed to have lost touch," Gavaskar said. "From 31-32 to the time he got out, he did not hit a boundary. When you face the strike in the first ball of the innings and get out in the 14th or 15th over, you have a strike rate of 118. That's not what your team expects from you."Gavaskar's criticism underscores the changing nature of T20 cricket, where strike rate has become a crucial factor. Teams are increasingly looking for players who can score runs quickly and keep the scoreboard ticking.In contrast to Kohli's measured approach, Rajat Patidar played an explosive innings for RCB. Patidar scored 50 runs off just 20 balls, showcasing the importance of aggressive batting in T20 cricket.Kohli's performance against SRH has raised questions about his role in the RCB team. While he remains a valuable player, his slow strike rate may become a concern for the team as the tournament progresses.

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to score 400 runs in a season for 10 different years. This remarkable feat was achieved during RCB's IPL 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Kohli's consistency and longevity in the IPL are unparalleled. He has surpassed the likes of Suresh Raina and David Warner, who have managed to score 400 or more runs in a season nine times in their IPL careers. Kohli's achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional batting skills.In addition to the current IPL 2024 season, Kohli has achieved this milestone in 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, and 2011. His most prolific season came in 2016 when he amassed a staggering 973 runs at an average of 81.08, including four centuries and seven fifties.Throughout his IPL career spanning 246 matches, Kohli has amassed 7,693 runs at an impressive average of 38.27. His tally includes eight centuries and 53 fifties, showcasing his ability to score big and consistently.Kohli's achievement is a significant milestone in the history of the IPL. It highlights his dominance as a batsman and his unwavering commitment to the tournament. As he continues to play, Kohli is poised to break even more records and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players to grace the IPL.

Rinku Singh Receives Second Bat from Virat Kohli After Breaking Previous OneKolkata Knight Riders' star batsman Rinku Singh has received a second bat from batting maestro Virat Kohli, marking the second time the Indian captain has gifted him a bat. The gesture comes after a viral video on social media showed Rinku requesting another bat from Kohli, who initially seemed less pleased when Rinku mentioned breaking the bat gifted to him earlier in the season.Following Kolkata Knight Riders' thrilling one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, Rinku approached Kohli for another bat. In a video posted by KKR on social media, Rinku explained to Kohli that the bat he previously received broke while facing a spinner.However, it appears that Rinku has now received a new bat from Kohli. In a trending video on social media, the left-handed batter is seen showing the bat to a fan. "Rinku bhai, bat mila?" a fan asked Rinku. Rinku showed a bat and said, "Mil gya."Rinku's request for a second bat from Kohli highlights the high regard he holds for the Indian captain. Kohli is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, and his bats are highly sought after by aspiring cricketers.The gesture also underscores the camaraderie between the two players, who have played together for the Indian national team. Kohli's willingness to gift Rinku a second bat despite his initial displeasure shows his support for the young batsman.Rinku's performance for Kolkata Knight Riders this season has been impressive. He has scored 183 runs in seven matches, including two half-centuries. His contributions have played a crucial role in KKR's success, as they currently sit second in the points tally with five wins in seven matches.The two-time champions will next face Punjab Kings on Friday, and Rinku will be hoping to continue his good form with his new bat from Virat Kohli.

SRH Hold Edge Over RCB in Crucial IPL ClashRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face an uphill battle to qualify for the IPL playoffs after Delhi Capitals' victory over Gujarat Titans. However, a glimmer of hope remains for RCB, who must win their remaining six matches to secure a spot in the final four.SRH, on the other hand, are comfortably placed in third position with 10 points from seven matches. Their batting prowess has been a key factor in their success, with Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen all contributing heavily.RCB's bowling has been a major concern, with the team conceding at least 180 runs in their last five matches. Despite the efforts of their batters, the lopsided squad balance makes it difficult for RCB to produce all-round performances.In their previous encounter, SRH posted a mammoth 287/3 against RCB, the highest total in IPL history. SRH's aggressive batting approach has seen them breach the 250-run mark thrice this season.RCB's best hope lies in their opening duo of Virat Kohli and Abhishek Sharma. Kohli remains their leading run-scorer with 379 runs, while Sharma has flourished in Head's company.SRH will be looking to continue their batting dominance and potentially breach the 300-run mark for the first time in IPL history. RCB, meanwhile, must find a way to contain SRH's batting firepower and improve their bowling performance if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are poised to make history as they prepare for their 250th Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the franchise's journey, characterized by both triumphs and setbacks.Despite not yet claiming an IPL title, RCB has etched its name in the league's annals. The team has reached the finals three times (2009, 2011, and 2016) and the final four stage five more times. Their dedicated fanbase remains unwavering, despite the elusive championship.RCB's success has been built on the brilliance of its star players. Virat Kohli, the franchise's leading run-scorer, has amassed 7,642 runs with eight centuries and 52 fifties. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, the former RCB stalwart, holds the record for most wickets (139).Over the years, RCB has provided fans with unforgettable moments. AB de Villiers' rescue acts and 360-degree hitting, Chris Gayle's monstrous sixes, and Virat Kohli's record-breaking 2016 season are just a few examples.The current RCB squad, led by Faf du Plessis, features a blend of experience and youth. The team will be desperate for a victory against SRH, having suffered six consecutive losses. SRH, on the other hand, sits in third place with five wins and two losses.As RCB embarks on its 250th IPL match, the franchise looks to the future with optimism. With a talented roster and a passionate fanbase, they aim to break the title drought and etch their name in IPL history.

Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, will once again lock horns in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.The camaraderie between the two champion cricketers was evident during a joint training session, but Cummins couldn't resist a cheeky dig when asked about his favorite memory of Kohli."My favorite memory of Virat? Can I say when I get him out?," Cummins said with a smile, referring to his dismissal of Kohli for 54 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.Despite their on-field rivalry, Cummins praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit."Someone who has played so much cricket, I admire him for how much he gets up for every game and gets into the contest, whether he is batting or in the field. He plays 100 days a year and he's up for every single of those games," Cummins said.Kohli, who currently leads the Orange Cap standings with 379 runs in 8 matches, will be looking to continue his impressive form against SRH. In RCB's earlier match against the Sunrisers this season, Kohli scored 42.Cummins, who also led Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph, acknowledged the competitive nature of both himself and Kohli on the field, but emphasized their relaxed demeanor off it."We are both super competitive. I think off the field Virat is pretty relaxed and I am (also) pretty relaxed off the field," said the SRH skipper.The match between SRH and RCB promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the IPL standings. Kohli and Cummins will undoubtedly be at the heart of the action, showcasing their exceptional skills and competitive spirit.

With the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded, several players have emerged as strong contenders for India's squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. While IPL performances alone will not guarantee selection, they provide valuable insights into players' current form and potential.Probable 15-Member Squad:1. Rohit Sharma (C): Confirmed as captain, Rohit Sharma has been Mumbai Indians' leading scorer in IPL 2024.2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener has found form with an unbeaten century against Mumbai Indians.3. Shubman Gill: Gujarat Titans' skipper has impressed with his consistent batting in IPL 2024.4. Virat Kohli: The leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, Kohli is a certainty for India's squad.5. Sanju Samson (WK): Rajasthan Royals' skipper has been the most impressive wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2024.6. Suryakumar Yadav: The world's No.1 T20I batter has made a strong impact despite missing the first few games of IPL 2024.7. Hardik Pandya: Despite a disappointing IPL 2024, Pandya's experience in T20Is makes him a likely inclusion.8. Rishabh Pant (WK): The wicketkeeper-batter has made a strong comeback after a year-long absence due to injury.9. Rinku Singh: A belligerent finisher, Singh has impressed with his strike rate in IPL 2024.10. Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder has not had the best of IPL seasons but his T20I experience could earn him a spot.11. Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist spinner has been in-form for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.12. Yuzvendra Chahal: Rajasthan Royals' top wicket-taker, Chahal is a frontrunner for India's squad as a spinner.13. Jasprit Bumrah: A nailed-on certainty, Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the format.14. Arshdeep Singh: The young pacer has taken 10 wickets for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.15. Shivam Dube: The explosive finisher has been in fine form for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024.Other Probables:* Avesh Khan* Harshal Patel* Riyan Parag* Ruturaj Gaikwad

Virat Kohli's impressive run-scoring form in IPL 2024 has earned him the Orange Cap, but his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has struggled to win matches. While Kohli's individual performance is commendable, it raises questions about the true measure of his contribution to RCB's success.In the modern era of T20 cricket, the ability to provide impactful knocks at a reasonable strike rate is crucial for winning matches. Kohli's strike rate of 150.39 this season is higher than his overall IPL strike rate of 130.63, but it remains a concern.Despite Kohli's three 50-plus scores in IPL 2024, RCB has lost two of those matches. His unbeaten knocks of 83 and 113 against Kolkata and Rajasthan, respectively, led to reasonable totals, but the bowlers failed to defend them.RCB's struggles highlight the need for a more holistic approach to batting in T20 cricket. While Kohli has anchored the team's batting unit, his knocks have not been enough to secure victories.Kohli's contribution to RCB's wins over the years has been significant, but it is important to recognize that cricket is a team sport. RCB's lack of success cannot be solely attributed to Kohli, but his role as the team's poster boy and constant presence since its inception in 2008 raises questions about his impact on the team's overall performance.The fast-paced nature of T20 cricket demands more from batters than just run accumulation. Strike rates have become increasingly important, and Kohli's 67-ball hundred against Rajasthan Royals this season was the slowest in IPL history.As RCB enters the final stretch of IPL 2024, Kohli must recognize the need to go beyond run accumulation and boast good averages. His contribution to the team must include a higher strike rate and the ability to provide match-winning knocks.

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has shared his top three picks for the Indian squad. Pathan believes these players will have a significant impact on India's campaign.1. Rohit SharmaRohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, is in excellent form and has been leading the team effectively. His experience and ability to score runs consistently make him a crucial asset for India.2. Yashasvi JaiswalDespite his young age, Yashasvi Jaiswal has impressed Pathan with his performances for Team India and in the IPL. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently makes him a valuable addition to the squad.3. Virat KohliVirat Kohli, despite recent criticism, remains a world-class batsman. His strike rate in T20Is is 138+, better than Chris Gayle, and his IPL strike rate this season is 150. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him indispensable for India.Pathan's selections have sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some agree with his choices, while others believe there are other players who deserve to be included. However, Pathan's insights provide valuable perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian team.The T20 World Cup will be held from June 2 to 29 in the USA and West Indies. India will be looking to defend their title and will face stiff competition from other top teams. Pathan's top three picks will be key to India's success in the tournament.