June 7, 2025
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RCB

Faf Du Plessis breaks Chris Gayle's 'triple' record | Cricket News

Faf Du Plessis breaks Chris Gayle’s ‘triple’ record | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Faf Du Plessis delivered a masterful performance against the Gujarat Titans. After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowlers dismissed the Gujarat Titans for 147, the hard-hitting Du Plessis took on the Gujarat Titans bowlers, blasting a 23-ball 64 to give his team an explosive start.Du Plessis, who reached his half-century in just 18 balls, scored all 64 runs during the Powerplay.In doing so, he surpassed former RCB star Chris Gayle‘s record for most runs scored by an RCB batter in the Powerplay. Gayle had achieved this milestone three times while playing for RCB.Most runs by a RCB batter within powerplay64 – Faf du plessis vs GT, 2024*50 – Chris Gayle vs PWI, 201250 – Chris Gayle vs PWI, 201350 – Chris Gayle vs PBKS, 2015Du Plessis, who scored 64 off 23 balls before Joshua Little ended his stay, stitched 92 runs for the opening wicket with Virat Kohli (42 off 27) against Gujarat Titans. RCB won the match by 4 wickets and jumped to 7th position in the points table.

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'Badi jaldi aaya...': Virat Kohli pulls Shubman Gill's leg as GT captain visits RCB dressing room before IPL 2024 clash

‘Badi jaldi aaya…’: Virat Kohli pulls Shubman Gill’s leg as GT captain visits RCB dressing room before IPL 2024 clash

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In patchy form currently, Shubman Gill missed out on a spot in the 15-member Team India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Gujarat Titans captain was named in the reserves list, losing his spot in the 15-member squad to Rajasthan Royals’ Yashasvi Jaiswal. Virat Kohli makes fun of Shubman Gill. Gearing up for GT’s upcoming fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gill surprised India teammate Virat Kohli, as he appeared early for practice. In a viral video, shared by GT on X, Gill can be seen greeting Kohli and the RCB star jokes, “Badi jaldi aaya practice mei (You came so early for practice)!’ Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Their camaraderie and friendship was perfectly visible in the video as Kohli donned the senior role and joked with Gill, who is his junior. Here is the video: In IPL 2024, Gill has managed 320 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 140.96. He is 15th in the Orange Cap race and is not expected to retain it this season. Last year, he won the Orange Cap with 890 runs in 17 matches as GT finished as runners-up. It was a season to remember for Gill as he also smacked three tons and four fifties. But this season, he has only registered two half-centuries and was dismissed for 16 off 19 balls in his side’s previous fixture, which was also against RCB. Kohli’s funny approach could also be an indication as to why Gill was ignored by the selectors for the 15-member roster. Since suffering a bout of dengue in the early stages of the ODI World Cup last year, the opener hasn’t been the same and his captaincy with GT also needs maturity. He was handed the role after Hardik Pandya rejoined Mumbai Indians in a shock transfer prior to the auction last year. Pandya was released by MI in 2022 and joined GT, and he was made captain. He led them to the title in their debut season, followed by a runners-up finish. So, pressure was plenty on Gill, when he took up the responsibility. But he will be disappointed with himself, as GT are currently eighth in the IPL 2024 points table with eight points in 10 games. With time running out, they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways and are currently in a two-match losing streak.

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"How many IPL hund'How many IPL hundreds you scored': AB de Villiers slams data-driven pundits for criticising Virat Kohli's IPL strike ratereds you scored': AB de Villiers slams data-driven pundits for criticising Virat Kohli's IPL strike rate | Cricket News

“How many IPL hund’How many IPL hundreds you scored’: AB de Villiers slams data-driven pundits for criticising Virat Kohli’s IPL strike ratereds you scored’: AB de Villiers slams data-driven pundits for criticising Virat Kohli’s IPL strike rate | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former South Africa AB de Villiers has strongly criticized cricket analysts who rely heavily on data for their assessment of players. He particularly targeted their criticism of Virat Kohli‘s strike rate outside the powerplay during the ongoing Indian Premier League.Kohli has been in exceptional form this season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, amassing 500 runs at a strike rate of 147 and an impressive average of 77, placing him second on the list of top scorers.Despite Kohli’s stellar performance, he has faced consistent scrutiny for his strike rate against spinners, particularly in the middle overs. However, de Villiers, who previously played alongside Kohli for RCB, disagrees with this assessment.De Villiers hailed Kohli as one of the game’s finest players, emphasizing that it’s unwise for data-driven pundits to critique such a stalwart.“Virat Kohli catching criticism about his strike rate it’s been going on for too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I am frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to have ever played the game of cricket. He is incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB,” the South African said on his YouTube channel.“I have pretty much enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man (Kohli) when you don’t have the knowledge of the game. How many games you played? How many IPL hundreds you scored?“All the people who talk about strike rates and not playing spin well are the ones talking about this stuff. For me, it’s about winning the games for the team and there is a reason why you have done it for 15 years, you have done this day in and day out, you have won games for your teams.”De Villiers feel Kohli has nothing to prove to anyone, and should just concentrate on his game.“I am quite sure that if you haven’t been been in that situation yourself, to sit and talk about the game, it’s not quite the same thing. For me, people can talk about their assumptions day in and day out but those who have done day in and day out, they know what’s happening and it’s a kind of muscle memory for me now.“His strike rate, by the way, this season is even better than the record-breaking season he had not so long ago (2016 season). So, I don’t know where the criticism is coming from. He is batting like a dream at the moment,” he said.De Villiers’ support came after Kohli had lashed out at his critics following his 44-ball unbeaten 70 in RCB’s nine-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad in their previous game.The former South African batter, however, feels Kohli is best suited at the No.3 position for RCB.“Virat has successfully batted with a proven formula that has brought victories for the team. The rest of the squad — including the coach and captain — need to strategise around Virat’s successful approach. Personally, I still believe Virat is best suited for number three in the batting order.“Though he loves opening and has an incredible record doing so, batting him at three would optimise this team’s lineup with Will Jacks and Faf (du Plessis) opening. Putting Virat at three would give the openers the best opportunity to get off to a fast start,” he added.(With PTI inputs)

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Virat Kohli one of the best to ever play cricket: AB de Villiers | Cricket News

Virat Kohli one of the best to ever play cricket: AB de Villiers | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers praised India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli, calling him one of the greatest players in history.In IPL 2024, Kohli is the second-highest run scorer. He played in ten matches and amassed 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49. In the current T20 tournament, he hit 20 sixes and 46 fours.IPL ORANGE CAP | IPL PURPLE CAP | IPL POINTS TABLEWhile speaking on his official YouTube channel, De Villiers said he is fed up with seeing “data-driven pundits” criticizing Kohli’s strike rate.The legendary Indian batsman was praised by the former Proteas cricket player, who called him “incredible” at the IPL.“Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It’s been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I’m frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He’s incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I’ve pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man. When you don’t really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?,” De Villiers said.In the last game between RCB and GT, Kohli made an impression with his blistering 70*. He was a major factor in Bengaluru’s victory and dismissed the recent discussion regarding his strike rate.During the game, ‘chase master’ Virat Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB’s clash against GT.Kohli now stands second in the list after his undefeated performance of 70 runs off 44 balls, struck at a strike rate of 159.09. Kohli achieved 24 half-centuries when chasing a target. Dhawan, with 23 scores of fifty or above, is in third position. While chasing a target, David Warner holds the top spot with 35 half-centuries.The 35-year-old also tied David Warner’s record for the most IPL seasons with 500 or more runs. In an IPL season, Warner and Kohli have both scored 500 runs or more seven times.(With ANI inputs)

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'When I met him...': Shubman Gill recalls his first meeting with Virat Kohli - Watch

‘When I met him…’: Shubman Gill recalls his first meeting with Virat Kohli – Watch

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NEW DELHI: If Virat Kohli is called the ‘King’ then Shubman Gill is referred to as the ‘Prince’ of Indian cricket.Gill has been earmarked to succeed Kohli as the batting mainstay of Team India and he himself has gone on record to looking up to Kohli and getting inspiration from the former Indian captain.But Gill and Kohli would be on the opposite sides when Gujarat Titans take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday and ahead of the match, the host broadcaster shared a video where Gill talks about his first meeting with Kohli.Gill says, “When I spoke to him for the first time when I went to New Zealand, there he told me every time a new kid comes, people say he needs a couple of chances, he needs some innings to get through but 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. And you come to know how one looks at life.”“So I came to know what kind of a person he is and I really liked it. So what he told me was that if you a new kid comes on the block, in the Indian team, all say that he should get some chances, he should get some innings, he will get set after that only. But he said that he saw that capability in me and you have to give it your 100% , rest we will see what happens,” Gill adds. With 4 wins and 5 defeats, Gujarat Titans are at the seventh spot in the points table while RCB are at the bottom.

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'Please stop wearing that shirt immediately': AB de Villiers asks RCB's 'bad omen' | Cricket News

‘Please stop wearing that shirt immediately’: AB de Villiers asks RCB’s ‘bad omen’ | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former South African and Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer AB de Villiers has requested former New Zealand and Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Scott Styris to stop wearing the RCB jersey. The Bengaluru-based franchise has been struggling in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with only two points from seven games, placing them at the bottom of the table. Styris, who has been seen sporting the RCB jersey on match days, is now considered a bad omen for the team. In response to Styris’ post, De Villiers commented, “Please stop wearing that shirt immediately!!!!” Styris, however, has thrown down the gauntlet to De Villiers, declaring that he will stop wearing the RCB shirt for the team’s upcoming matches if the South African legend agrees to wear a Chennai Super Kings shirt once. The former New Zealand all-rounder stated, “I said I would wear the shirt. It has been a bad omen. I am a bad mascot for RCB, which is pleasing from my perspective. So I am prepared to put out a challenge back to AB de Villiers because he says it’s time for me to stop wearing the shirt. I will stop wearing the shirt for RCB matches moving forward if De Villiers wears the CSK shirt once. He is coming back for The Insiders (Jio Cinema’s programme) for the last week of the playoffs.” Former England captain Eoin Morgan, who was part of the show, agreed with Styris that the counter-challenge to De Villiers was ‘fair’.RCB’s latest setback came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, who set a new IPL record for the highest total, amassing 287-3 on Monday. The match also witnessed the highest aggregate for a T20 game, with a combined total of 549 runs. ALSO SEE: IPL 2024 POINTS TABLEDespite valiant efforts from Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Dinesh Karthik, RCB fell short by 25 runs, resulting in their sixth defeat of the season.

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Watch - 'And then you die and...': Virat Kohli on sticking to RCB despite multiple offers | Cricket News

Watch – ‘And then you die and…’: Virat Kohli on sticking to RCB despite multiple offers | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are synonymous to each other in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Virat has played for RCB since IPL’s inaugural season in 2008 and stuck to it.IPL ORANGE CAP | IPL PURPLE CAP | IPL POINTS TABLEVirat has been the captain of RCB for several seasons, bringing his aggressive and passionate style of leadership to the team. Under his captaincy, RCB has seen both highs and lows, including reaching the IPL finals in 2016.But Kohli has stuck with the team even though RCB still haven’t won the IPL trophy.In a viral video, Kohli explains in a podcast what RCB means to him and why he has not joined any other team.The host asks, “Virat I know you love RCB just as much as RCB loves you. Even for a moment, for a second, while playing this IPL, have you ever wondered is the grass greener on the other side?”Virat answers, “To be very honest I have thought about it, yes I won’t shy away from it and I’ve been approached many times as well to come into the auction somehow, put my name in there and stuff. And then I thought about it I was like at the end of the day everyone has X number of years they live right and then you die and then life moves on. 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”. “And it’s like if you’re a good person, people like you and if you’re a bad guy, they stay away from you and eventually that’s what life is all about so for me the understanding that the loyalty with RCB is like how I follow my life is far greater for me than the fact that yes five people in the room would say, “Oh finally you’ve won the IPL with whoever XYZ and yeah you feel good for five minutes but then the sixth minute you could be miserable with some other issue in life, so it is not the end of the world for me,” Kohli adds.Kohli goes on to say, “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 because as I said there were many teams who had the opportunity but they didn’t back me, they didn’t believe in me so now when I’m successful and I should fall to the opinion of people saying “but the IPL”. This was the case with me till 2018 England tour happened. For four years of my life I was doing well everywhere in the world, the only thing was but “England”. So there’s always going to be buts, you literally can’t live your life like that and I just carry on my own thing and I actually honestly don’t even bother about a third person beyond myself, Anushka discussing things and just being true to ourselves. And that’s it for me, nothing else and no one else’s opinion matters at all.” Overall, Virat Kohli’s journey with RCB has been marked by exceptional batting displays, leadership challenges, and a strong connection with the team’s fan base, making him a central figure in the franchise’s history.Despite Kohli’s individual brilliance, RCB has often struggled to clinch the IPL title. They have reached the playoffs on multiple occasions but have faced challenges in converting those opportunities into championships.Unlike many other players who have switched teams over the years, Kohli has remained loyal to RCB throughout his IPL career. His commitment to the franchise has made him a beloved figure among RCB fans.Kohli’s personal achievements, including multiple centuries and accolades like the Orange Cap, highlight his impact on the team.

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