Cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have endured a dismal start to the ongoing IPL 2024, languishing at the bottom of the points table after losing five of their first six matches. Their latest setback came against five-time champions Mumbai Indians, who comfortably chased down RCB's total of 196/8 in just 15.3 overs.Despite their on-field struggles, RCB players have maintained a positive attitude off the field. This was evident in a recent advertisement video featuring Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and Faf du Plessis.In the video, Kohli, known for his strict diet and fitness regimen, surprised his teammates by ordering junk food such as pizza, aloo chaat, and barfi. Faf, lying beside Kohli, expressed shock and asked, "Seriously?" Siraj also questioned Kohli's dietary habits.Kohli responded with a nonchalant, "Abbe Kaahe ki diet, khaane de. (What diet? Let me eat)."Kohli's dietary deviation has sparked speculation about his role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull believes that India should utilize Kohli as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma."I think Virat should open...100 per cent. I don't think he should bat at number three, because if he does, then Rinku Singh will miss out. And in my India starting XI, Rinku has to play. Therefore, Virat's got to open the batting," Doull said on Cricbuzz.In the ongoing IPL, Kohli has been in impressive form, scoring 319 runs in just six matches and emerging as the season's highest run-scorer. His performances have reignited the debate about his ideal batting position in the Indian team.

Virat Kohli's unwavering loyalty to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a testament to his unwavering commitment and deep connection with the franchise. Since the inaugural season in 2008, Kohli has been an integral part of RCB, serving as its captain for several seasons and leading the team through both triumphs and setbacks.Kohli's decision to remain with RCB despite the team's lack of IPL titles is a reflection of his belief in the franchise and its potential. In a recent podcast, Kohli explained his unwavering loyalty, stating that the loyalty he feels towards RCB is far greater than the satisfaction of winning an IPL trophy."At the end of the day, everyone has X number of years they live right and then you die and then life moves on," Kohli said. "And there would have been many great people who want trophies and this that blah blah blah but no one addresses you in the room like 'Oh he's an IPL champion' or 'he's a World Cup champion.'"Kohli's loyalty to RCB is rooted in the opportunities and belief the franchise gave him in his early years. Despite having the opportunity to join other teams, Kohli chose to stay with RCB, recognizing the trust and support they had shown him."What this franchise (RCB) has given me in terms of opportunity in the first three years and believed in me, that is the most special thing," Kohli said. "There were many teams who had the opportunity but they didn't back me, they didn't believe in me."Kohli's commitment to RCB has made him a beloved figure among the team's fans. His exceptional batting displays, leadership qualities, and unwavering loyalty have cemented his status as a central figure in the franchise's history.Despite RCB's struggles to clinch the IPL title, Kohli's individual brilliance has been a constant source of inspiration for the team. His multiple centuries and accolades, including the Orange Cap, highlight his impact on the team.Kohli's loyalty to RCB is a testament to his character and his belief in the power of teamwork. His unwavering commitment to the franchise has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and a symbol of the enduring spirit of the IPL.

Virat Kohli's 2014-15 tour of Australia was a tale of resilience and determination. Despite India's Test series loss, Kohli emerged as a beacon of hope, amassing a staggering 692 runs across four matches.The tour began with a baptism of fire for Kohli, who was leading the team in the absence of MS Dhoni. Mitchell Johnson's menacing bouncer on the first ball of the series left Kohli reeling, his helmet absorbing the impact. The entire Australian team rushed to his aid, but Kohli's resolve remained unshaken.During the lunch break, Kohli regrouped and refocused. He returned to the crease with a renewed determination and went on to score a magnificent 115, the first of four centuries he would hit in the series.In a recent video that has gone viral on social media, Kohli recounted the incident and its profound impact on him. "It was a heavy blow," he said. "My vision started dropping, I had swelling. But I had two options: fight or flight. And my reaction was, 'I will hit him so much throughout this series.'"Kohli's words proved prophetic. He went on to score centuries in both innings of the first Test, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 48-run defeat. However, his performance set the tone for the rest of the series, as he continued to torment the Australian bowlers with his aggressive batting.Kohli's resilience and determination in the face of adversity became a symbol of hope for the Indian team. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and perform at his best under pressure inspired his teammates and fans alike.The 2014-15 tour of Australia was a watershed moment in Kohli's career. It marked his emergence as a world-class batsman and a leader who could rally his team even in the face of adversity.

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense discussions among cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) serving as a crucial platform for player evaluation, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has proposed a bold strategy for India's batting lineup.Doull believes that Virat Kohli should be promoted to the opening position alongside Rohit Sharma. This move, he argues, would allow Kohli to face more fast bowlers and provide a solid start for the team against formidable opponents."I think Virat should open...100 per cent," Doull stated on Cricbuzz. "He hits the quick bowlers as good as anyone and he times the ball beautifully. Coming in and starting against spin is not his best option."Doull's suggestion raises questions about the fate of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in impressive form in the IPL. However, Doull believes that Jaiswal may not find a place in the India playing XI for the World Cup.Instead, Doull proposes a batting order that includes Sanju Samson at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, this lineup omits Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill, two players who have been in contention for a spot in the team.Doull emphasizes the importance of Rinku Singh, who has consistently performed well in the past year. "In my India starting XI, Rinku has to play," he said. "He's got to be a constant for the side."The Indian selectors will have a challenging task in finalizing the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Doull's suggestions provide an intriguing perspective on the team's potential batting lineup and will undoubtedly be considered by the decision-makers.

Virat Kohli's Sportsmanship: A Lesson in Grace and SupportIn a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli stepped in to support Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, who faced a backlash from fans during a recent match. As Pandya walked out to bat amidst boos from the crowd, Kohli encouraged fans to cheer for him instead.This gesture was lauded by cricket legends Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh, who praised Kohli's true sportsmanship and leadership qualities. "The way Virat Kohli supported Hardik Pandya and told the crowd not to boo Hardik & cheer for him, it is a sign of a great player & a very very good sportsman," said Harbhajan.Sehwag echoed this sentiment, stating, "Virat Kohli's gesture was very nice for Hardik Pandya. He asked the Wankhede crowd to cheer for Hardik and not to boo him. That was a wonderful gesture from Virat."Pandya has faced criticism from fans in the past, but his teammates, opponents, and commentators have consistently defended him, urging the crowd to show him respect. During the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a section of the crowd began chanting 'Hardik... Hardik' as he walked out to bat, with Kohli promptly encouraging fans to support the Indian all-rounder.Kohli's gesture not only showed his support for Pandya but also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship in the game of cricket. It reminded fans that even in the heat of competition, respect and camaraderie should prevail.

Virat Kohli's Frustration Boils Over as Umpire Denies No-Ball Call in IPL 2024Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was left fuming after on-field umpire Nitin Menon's controversial decision to deny a waist-high no-ball to Dinesh Karthik during the IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians on Thursday.In the final over of RCB's innings, Karthik connected with a full-toss delivery from Akash Madhwal around his waist. However, the umpire refused to signal a no-ball, prompting Karthik to immediately request a review. Replays clearly showed that the ball was just above the waist, leaving Kohli and many social media users baffled by the decision.Kohli's frustration was evident as he engaged in an animated conversation with the umpires after the RCB innings ended. The exact nature of the conversation remains unknown, but it is clear that Kohli was unhappy with the no-ball call.The incident occurred during a thrilling match that saw Mumbai Indians chase down RCB's total of 196 for 8 with ease. Ishan Kishan (69) and Rohit Sharma (38) laid the foundation for the chase, while Suryakumar Yadav (52) and Hardik Pandya (21*) finished the game in style.Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah claimed his second five-wicket haul of the IPL, but it was not enough to prevent RCB from posting a competitive total. Faf du Plessis and Rajat Patidar scored gritty half-centuries, while Karthik provided a late flourish with a blistering 23-ball-53.Kohli's frustration over the no-ball call highlights the importance of accurate umpiring decisions in cricket. The use of technology, such as the Decision Review System (DRS), has helped to reduce errors, but it is not foolproof. Umpires still play a crucial role in making the correct calls, and their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of matches.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a sweet moment on the field during Thursday's Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).As Rohit Sharma opened the batting for MI, Virat Kohli surprised him with a greeting, captured by cameras. Kohli gently patted Rohit's back, who quickly turned around to see his Team India teammate. Rohit reciprocated with a thumbs-up gesture, showcasing their close bond.The moment highlighted the mutual respect and admiration between the two cricket icons. Despite being on opposing teams, they maintained a friendly and supportive demeanor.The match itself was a resounding victory for MI, who chased down RCB's challenging total of 196/8 with ease. Ishan Kishan led the MI batting charge with a blistering 69 off 34 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed 38 off 24 balls. Suryakumar Yadav also impressed with a quickfire 52 off 19 balls.RCB's batting lineup struggled against MI's bowling attack, with Orange Cap-holder Virat Kohli dismissed for a rare failure by Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah starred for MI with an impressive spell of 5 for 21.The win was MI's second consecutive victory after a disappointing start to the season, while RCB's campaign suffered another setback with their fifth defeat in six matches.The heartwarming moment between Kohli and Rohit Sharma not only showcased their friendship but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that exists within the Indian cricket fraternity.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have endured a tumultuous IPL 2024 campaign, plagued by inconsistency and underwhelming performances. Despite boasting star batter Virat Kohli, the team has struggled to find its footing, languishing in the bottom half of the table.Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced his concerns, calling for drastic measures to revive RCB's fortunes. He believes that appointing Kohli as captain would ignite a fighting spirit within the team. "Virat Kohli makes his players fight," Singh asserted. "Faf du Plessis has to play, but he's sitting out because of him. One player who makes hundreds in every league is sitting out. Make Virat Kohli captain. This team will fight and then win."RCB captain Faf du Plessis has acknowledged the team's struggles, admitting that they have failed to maintain consistency. "We've tried to change things, but we haven't done well," he said. "It's time to make changes. We know we can turn this around."RCB's lack of success in the IPL is a stark contrast to the dominance of teams like Rajasthan Royals and SunRisers Hyderabad. Along with Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, RCB has been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008, but has yet to lift the trophy.The team's batting has been inconsistent, with only Kohli showing signs of consistency. The bowling has also been underwhelming, failing to provide the necessary support. As a result, RCB finds itself in a precarious position, facing an uphill battle to qualify for the playoffs.

Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, two contrasting personalities, share an unwavering mental fortitude that has propelled Team India to remarkable success.Kohli, the aggressive batsman, and Shami, the composed bowler, topped the batting and bowling charts at the 2019 ODI World Cup, leading India to a runner-up finish. Their mental strength, according to bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, is a key factor in their achievements."Both are different personalities altogether, but in terms of mental strength, both are up there," Mhambrey said. "Virat is purely aggressive, on the face all the time. Shami is complete in contrast, never on his own."Despite their contrasting approaches, Kohli and Shami share a deep understanding of their roles and a relentless work ethic."Virat is one of the best in chasing," Mhambrey said. "He's the prime reason why India have chased mammoth scores."Shami, on the other hand, is a master of his craft. "He knows what's expected of him," Mhambrey said. "He's completely different in terms of training and he will do something that suits him."Kohli's dedication has inspired the younger players in the Indian team. "To be able to see the work put in by Virat day in and day out is an eye opener," Mhambrey said. "You see youngsters talking to him and trying to learn from him."Mhambrey believes that becoming a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) requires a combination of innate talent, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence."I think you're born with certain skills," he said. "Skills that Shami has cannot be replicated unless you have it... Same with (Jasprit) Bumrah. These are guys who are born with that skill.""You become GOAT with the attitude that you have, the work that you put in, the vision that you had about yourself, the inspiration that you want to be. These combinations with other factors will make you a GOAT."