Cricket

Virat Kohli's Rare Failure Against Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2024Royal Challengers Bengaluru's star batter Virat Kohli faced a rare setback in the IPL 2024 when he was dismissed for just 3 runs by Mumbai Indians' pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The incident occurred during an away game at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.Despite the crowd's enthusiastic chants of his name, Kohli's innings was cut short after facing only 9 balls. Bumrah's delivery found the edge of Kohli's bat and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.This dismissal marked a rare failure for Kohli in the ongoing IPL season. Prior to this match, he had been in exceptional form, leading the tournament in runs scored. In six matches, he had amassed 319 runs at an average of 106.33 and a strike rate of over 143.69.However, Bumrah has a history of dismissing Kohli in the IPL. Out of the 15 times they have faced each other, Bumrah has dismissed Kohli four times. Despite this, Kohli holds the upper hand in their overall head-to-head record. In 92 balls faced against Bumrah, Kohli has scored 140 runs at an average of 35.00 and a strike rate of 152.17.Kohli's dismissal against Bumrah highlights the competitive nature of the IPL and the challenges faced by even the most experienced batters. Despite his rare failure, Kohli remains one of the most prolific run-scorers in the tournament's history.

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 11. MI captain Hardik Pandya opted to bowl after winning the toss, hoping to exploit the early moisture in the pitch.MI made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Shreyas Gopal in place of Piyush Chawla. RCB, on the other hand, made three changes, replacing Cameron Green with Will Jacks, while Mahipal Lomror and Vijaykumar Vyshak also made the team.RCB openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis got off to a solid start, putting on 49 runs for the first wicket. However, MI's bowlers struck back with regular wickets, including the prized scalp of Kohli for 28. Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik then steadied the RCB innings with a 42-run partnership.But MI's bowlers continued to chip away at the RCB batting lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee picking up two wickets each. RCB eventually finished their innings on 151/6, with Maxwell top-scoring with 39.In response, MI's openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan got off to a flying start, putting on 50 runs in just 4.2 overs. However, RCB's bowlers fought back, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing both openers in quick succession.Tilak Varma and Tim David then steadied the MI innings with a 46-run partnership. But RCB's bowlers continued to apply pressure, and MI lost wickets at regular intervals. In the end, MI fell short by 16 runs, finishing on 135/9.Siraj was the pick of the RCB bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/25. Maxwell also chipped in with two wickets, while Akash Deep and Reece Topley took one wicket each.With this victory, RCB moved up to fifth place in the IPL standings, while MI remained in eighth place. Both teams will be looking to improve their fortunes in their upcoming matches.

Virat Kohli's Hugs Spark Reactions: From Disappointment to AppreciationDuring the IPL 2024 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, a viral photo of Virat Kohli embracing Gautam Gambhir caught the attention of fans. The gesture marked a significant shift from their heated altercation during the IPL 2023 clash between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants, where Gambhir served as mentor.Kohli's subsequent hug with Naveen-ul-Haq, the LSG pacer involved in the previous tiff, further fueled speculation about his intentions. However, Kohli has since expressed his disappointment with the public's reaction to his actions."People are disappointed by my behavior. I hugged Naveen. Then the other day, Gauti bhai came and hugged me. Because your masala got over, you are doing 'wooh wooh'," Kohli remarked at an event.Despite Kohli's perceived disappointment, former Indian cricket stars have lauded his gestures. Ravi Shastri praised the move, while Irfan Pathan, who has played alongside both Gambhir and Kohli, commented, "Gautam Gambhir, the senior guy, actually came forward. Sometimes you cross the line, but when you meet in the future, you meet nicely."Gambhir, known for his competitive spirit, has previously expressed his desire to defeat RCB at every opportunity. "One team which I wanted to beat every time, probably even in my dreams, was RCB. They had a flamboyant team with Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers, but they hadn't won anything. That kind of attitude, I can't take," Gambhir said.Despite the past rivalry, Kohli's recent gestures suggest a willingness to move forward. As the IPL season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the spirit of sportsmanship will prevail over the competitive intensity that defines the tournament.

Virat Kohli's record-breaking eighth IPL century has sparked a heated debate over his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Despite leading the IPL 2024 run-scoring charts with 316 runs in five matches, Kohli's slow strike rate of 146.30 has raised concerns among critics.However, Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell has come to his defense, dismissing the doubts surrounding his T20 World Cup fate. Maxwell praised Kohli's exceptional batting skills, particularly his ability to perform under pressure."Virat Kohli is the most clutch player I have ever played against," Maxwell said. "The innings he played against us in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup is still the best innings I have ever seen been played against me. His awareness of what he needs to do to win the game is just phenomenal."Maxwell's comments highlight the importance of Kohli's experience and big-match temperament. Despite his recent struggles with strike rate, Kohli remains a proven match-winner with a remarkable track record in international cricket.Kohli's T20 international career has seen him play 117 matches for India, scoring 4037 runs at a strike rate of 138.16. He has scored one hundred and 37 fifties, demonstrating his consistency and ability to adapt to different conditions.While the debate over Kohli's selection for the T20 World Cup is likely to continue, Maxwell's support serves as a reminder of his immense talent and potential. With the tournament just months away, Kohli will be eager to prove his critics wrong and cement his place in India's squad.

RCB Skipper Faf du Plessis Praises Virat Kohli's Infectious Energy and Intimidating PresenceAhead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis has heaped praise on his star teammate Virat Kohli, highlighting his infectious energy and intimidating presence on the field.In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, du Plessis spoke candidly about his on-field chemistry with Kohli, stating, "Batting is something we click together (in). It's unbelievable batting with him. He is one of my favorite guys to bat with. He brings out so much energy in me."Du Plessis went on to emphasize Kohli's unwavering passion for the game, saying, "Sometimes I feel like I am fist-bumping my gloves through his hand because he gets so passionate."Their synergy extends beyond batting, as du Plessis highlighted their shared competitiveness and commitment to fielding. "We both like catching balls. We both are very competitive. He is really important to me in terms of fielding. He leads so many things for us as a team. He sets the tone for the energy on the field. Without him on the field, it is not the same," the South African remarked.While du Plessis has yet to find his batting rhythm in the ongoing IPL season, Kohli has been in scintillating form, amassing 316 runs including a century and two half-centuries, to sit atop the run-scoring charts. However, RCB's team results have been disappointing, with the team currently languishing at No. 9 on the points table with just one win from five matches.Despite the team's struggles, du Plessis remains optimistic, believing that Kohli's infectious energy and leadership will inspire the team to turn things around. "He is a great leader. He is a great player. He is a great person. He is a great friend. He is a great teammate. He is a great everything," du Plessis concluded.

Virat Kohli's Unexpected Fear: Turbulence on FlightsRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Virat Kohli has revealed an unexpected fear that has been a constant companion during his travels: turbulence. In a viral video from the RCB Podcast Trailer, Kohli candidly shared his apprehension about flying, particularly when encountering bad turbulence."I am very scared of turbulence. Oh my god, I look so stupid and like a fool. Whenever there is bad turbulence, I am the first guy to hold the sides of the seat. So I feel like, I am the gone," Kohli confessed.Despite his fear of air travel, Kohli has been in exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024. The prolific right-hand batter has already notched up a century and amassed 316 runs in just five matches, boasting an impressive average of 105.33.However, Kohli's stellar performances have not translated into team success for RCB this season. With only one win from their first five matches, RCB find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table.As they prepare to face the five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, Kohli and his team will be eager to turn their fortunes around and secure a crucial victory in the tournament.Kohli's fear of turbulence is a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes have their own personal challenges. Despite his apprehension, Kohli continues to perform at the highest level, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Virat Kohli, the fiery Indian cricket star, is renowned for his unwavering intensity on the field. Whether representing his national team or his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli's competitive spirit shines through.In the ongoing IPL 2024, Kohli has emerged as one of the top scorers, amassing 316 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 105.33 and a strike rate of 146.30. However, despite his individual brilliance, RCB has struggled, losing four out of five matches.During RCB's recent encounter with Rajasthan Royals, Kohli's gesture after hitting a boundary off Avesh Khan has gone viral. Kohli appeared to mock Khan's aggressive celebration from an IPL 2023 match between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants, where Khan threw his helmet on the ground after completing a successful run-chase.Kohli's gesture has sparked speculation that he was seeking revenge for Khan's previous actions. The incident highlights Kohli's sharp memory and his determination to stand up for his team.Meanwhile, Indian men's team chief selector Ajit Agarkar has praised Kohli for setting a benchmark in fitness. Agarkar believes that Kohli's strict diet and fitness regimes have inspired a new generation of players."Virat is one of those guys who set the benchmark," said Agarkar. "10-15 years into his career, he has only got fitter, you can see the results. If someone like him sets an example, it gradually progresses across the ecosystem."With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kohli's performance in the IPL is crucial. His ability to balance aggressive hitting with anchoring skills remains a model for batters in the modern era.

India's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has lauded the exceptional mental strength of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, attributing it to Team India's success.Kohli's aggressive batting style and Shami's calm and composed bowling approach may differ, but their shared mental resilience has been instrumental in India's achievements. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Kohli topped the batting charts with 765 runs, while Shami led the bowling charts with 24 wickets.Mhambrey highlights Kohli's ability to chase down mammoth scores, a skill that has significantly improved India's performance in shorter formats. He also praises Shami's deep understanding of his game and his ability to adapt his training to suit his needs.Despite their contrasting personalities, Kohli and Shami share a common understanding of their roles within the team. Their mental strength allows them to absorb pressure and deliver consistent results.Mhambrey believes that Kohli's work ethic has inspired younger players in the Indian team. He observes that youngsters seek guidance from Kohli, eager to learn from his wisdom and preparation techniques.Mhambrey emphasizes that becoming a GOAT (greatest of all time) requires a combination of innate skills, hard work, vision, and inspiration. He believes that Shami and Bumrah possess exceptional skills that cannot be replicated, but their greatness is also attributed to their attitude and dedication.

Virat Kohli's unwavering commitment to fitness has revolutionized the Indian cricket ecosystem, according to Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors. Agarkar hailed Kohli's dedication, noting that despite being 35 years old, he remains a benchmark for fitness."Virat sets the standard," said Agarkar. "He's only gotten fitter over the years, and it shows in his performance. When someone like him sets an example, it filters down through the entire system."Agarkar emphasized the significant improvement in fitness levels among younger players over the past two decades. He attributed this progress to the influence of players like Kohli, who have raised the bar for physical conditioning.Kohli's exceptional form in the ongoing IPL, where he has scored a record-extending eighth century, further underscores his fitness and dedication.In contrast to Kohli's meticulous approach, Agarkar described MS Dhoni as a "pure instinct man." Dhoni's intuitive captaincy has led Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles, and his presence on the field continues to inspire confidence.Agarkar believes that artificial intelligence cannot replace the instincts of a captain like Dhoni. "Data is invaluable, but it's not a substitute for human judgment," he said. "You need a captain on the ground who can adapt to changing circumstances."Agarkar highlighted the IPL as a platform for identifying talented players. However, he stressed the importance of temperament in distinguishing exceptional players."The IPL showcases players who can perform under pressure," said Agarkar. "Temperament is crucial for consistency, and it's what separates the best from the rest."Agarkar emphasized the value of team unity. "A close-knit group is often a winning group," he said. "Players should support each other's successes, as it creates a positive and supportive environment."