June 7, 2025
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ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU

'RCB clear favourites, they'll advance to Qualifier 2': Ex-CSK star sidelines RR in bold prediction before Eliminator

‘RCB clear favourites, they’ll advance to Qualifier 2’: Ex-CSK star sidelines RR in bold prediction before Eliminator

Danijones05 mins

Six-time IPL winning star Ambati Rayudu has picked Royal Challengers Bengaluru as clear favourites in the eliminator against Rajasthan Royals as the momentum is in their favour after the win over Chennai Super Kings. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s players celebrate after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Chennai Super Kings.(AFP) In the first half of the IPL, RCB were languishing at the bottom of the table while RR were sky-high at the top, but Faf du Plessis and Co. produced one of the best comebacks in tournament history to finish fourth after the league stage. They won six matches on a trot and outclassed CSK in their final league stage match to pip them for the fourth spot in the playoffs. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! “I think RCB are clear favourites for me, because of the way they are playing and they’ve had a clinical game against CSK and for RR I don’t know if this gap in play will help, this washout would help them in going into an eliminator against RCB who I feel right now are a matured side and every player over there knows his role. So I think RCB are the ones who will eventually go into qualifiers 2,” Rayudu said on Star Sports Cricket Live. After losing seven of the first eight matches, RCB somehow managed to bounce back and win match after match to make a case for themselves for the playoff spot when many had written them off. With six wins a trot in the second half and a total of 14 points, RCB secured a higher net-run rate than Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants, who also had 14 points. Former India paceman Varun Aaron also backed RCB for the mega eliminator as he feels Virat Kohli deserves the title after years of hardwork. “He’s got a trophy to get. That’s what’s left for him. One thing that he’s not got in all these years is the IPL trophy. He’s given his heart and soul to this franchise. The fans love him, and the fans from other teams also love him. “But the IPL has been that elusive one for Virat Kohli which he has to get this year. He will want to get that this year, especially after you win six games on the trot and go into a playoff like this,” he added. The former RCB paceman further said that Du Plessis and Co. have the perfect momentum to get past the Royals who looked sluggish in their last few matches. “All it does to you is heighten your self-belief, not just his, but the whole team. So they are going to go in with a lot of belief, very contrasting to the Rajasthan Royals who are going in with a lot of doubts. So it’s going to be a very interesting encounter and I completely back RCB on this one just because of the momentum they are taking into this encounter,” he added.

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Did MS Dhoni's 110m Six End Up Costing CSK A Spot In IPL Playoffs - Explained

Did MS Dhoni’s 110m Six End Up Costing CSK A Spot In IPL Playoffs – Explained

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Dinesh Karthik did admit that RCB got a bit lucky after MS Dhoni hit the ball outside the stadium.© BCCI Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted one of the finest comeback stories ever in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, beating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a must-win game to qualify for the playoffs. The Faf du Plessis-led side were destined to finish at the bottom of the points table after losing seven of their first eight matches of the group phase. However, a run of six wins on the bounce sees them steal a playoffs spot from defending champions CSK. RCB had problems a plenty in the first half of the campaign but after six wins on trot, they head into the playoffs as the team to beat. On Saturday, Yash Dayal was the star of the show as he successfully defended 17 runs in the last over. Despite conceding a six off the very first ball, Dayal dismissed CSK icon MS Dhoni on the very next ball to switch the momentum back in RCB’s favour. He then conceded just one run off the next five balls, sparking massive celebrations inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB star Dinesh Karthik did admit that his side got a bit lucky after Dhoni hit Dayal for a six. For the unversed, Dhoni launched the ball outside the stadium and since it wasn’t retrieveable, the umpires had to get a replacement ball, which was much dryer and easier to grip. “The best thing to happened today was Dhoni hitting the six outside the ground. We got a new ball which was much better to bowl with,” Karthik during his dressing room speech. With their win over CSK, RCB joined Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the playoffs. While it was ecstasy for RCB, the legion of fans of Dhoni sank into despair as it could potentially be the last time they witnessed their ‘Thala’ perform on a cricket field. RCB head into the playoffs as the most in-form team with five wins on the bounce. No other team has managed to stitch as many wins on the bounce this season. They will either face RR or SRH in the Eliminator on Wednesday. Topics mentioned in this article

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Ambati Rayudu Says "CSK Should Give One IPL Trophy To RCB", Gets Brutal Reply. Watch

Ambati Rayudu Says “CSK Should Give One IPL Trophy To RCB”, Gets Brutal Reply. Watch

Danijones04 mins

Ambati Rayudu and Varun Aaron discussing RCB’s win over CSK© Twitter Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a massive victory over Chennai Super Kings to become the fourth team to book their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs. RCB went into the match with a win needed to guarantee their Top 4 spot and the Faf Du Plessis-led side was able to clinch the game by 27 runs. Celebrations erupted in the stadium right after the victory with the players also taking part in them to the extent that MS Dhoni left without shaking hands after waiting for some time. Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu trolled RCB’s celebrations and joked that CSK should give them one of their trophies. “RCB have already won the IPL. The way they celebrated last night. There are on their way and the whole streets of Bengaluru is filled with RCB fans,” Rayudu said on Star Sports. Rayudu’s former teammate Varun Aaron came up with a hilarious taunt. “Just pure CSK. Just not able to digest the fact that they have lost,” Aaron interjected. However, Rayudu continued to speak about RCB’s celebrations after the match. “CSK should give one of their trophies to RCB and they can parade it around Bengaluru,” he countered. “He’s just not able to digest the fact that RCB knocked out CSK,” Aaron replied. Ambati Rayudu – RCB should win the IPL. We saw what was the reaction in the streets of Bengaluru, in fact CSK should give one of their trophies to RCB He also wants RCB to lose against SRH in Eliminator Varun Aaron – he’s just not able to digest the fact that RCB knocked out CSK pic.twitter.com/lZdBePSzPf — Sachin (@Sachin_1_0) May 19, 2024 Meanwhile, RCB captain Faf Du Plessis dedicated his Man of the Match award to pacer Yash Dayal. “I dedicate this Man of the Match to Yash Dayal. The way he bowled was unbelievable. For a man who’s fairly new, he deserves it. [on what he told Dayal before the last over] Pace off is the best option on this pitch and trust your skills and enjoy, this is what you trained for. The yorker did not work the 1st ball and he went back to pace off and it worked unbelievably well,” Faf said after the match. Topics mentioned in this article

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'God has got a plan': Virat Kohli sums up RCB's rise from the ashes in IPL 2024 | Cricket News

‘God has got a plan’: Virat Kohli sums up RCB’s rise from the ashes in IPL 2024 | Cricket News

Danijones03 mins

It won’t be wrong to call Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) the phoenix of IPL 2024, for the way they have literally risen from the ashes to script one of the most remarkable comebacks the league has ever seen. But there’s still unfinished business, which is why RCB icon Virat Kohli says “we gotta focus on the next one.” RCB qualified for the playoffs, finishing fourth on the points table after defeating five-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their do-or-die match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru last Saturday.That was their sixth consecutive win on the trot, after losing seven of their first eight matches in this edition, which is what makes their run special and iconic. No other team has ever done that after a similar horror start to the season. IPL 2024: Results | Points Table Kohli, with 708 runs to be the league’s top run-getter, has been one of the inspirational figures behind this comeback; but the batting legend doesn’t want to delve much into it as the team has the all-important Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals coming up. The losing team in that match exits the tournament, while the winners go on to play Qualifier 2 for a place in the final. Qualifier 1 will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with the winner moving into the final and the losing team taking on the winners of the Eliminator. “God’s got a plan,” Kohli could be heard saying on a video clip on social media, as he walks towards the dressing room.WATCH VIDEO “So you just need to be honest with what you are doing. I think we were pretty honest with our hard work and we got the rewards. I don’t want to say anything more than this. We gotta focus on the next one,” the former RCB captain added. Kohli has been with RCB since the inception of the league, which makes it his 17th season with the franchise. However, they are yet to win the title and will hope that this inspirational comeback continues for three more matches to end their wait.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru go past SRH to script historic sixes record in T20 cricket – India TV

Royal Challengers Bengaluru go past SRH to script historic sixes record in T20 cricket – India TV

Danijones03 mins

Image Source : BCCI/IPL RCB players during the IPL 2024 game against SRH in Bengaluru on May 18, 2024 Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the history book after scoring a huge total of 218 against Chennai Super Kings in the 68th match of the IPL 2024 on Saturday. RCB shattered various records after posting a challenging total at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in a must-win game for a playoff berth. RCB registered 16 sixes and 14 fours to achieve their joint-highest total against the defending champions. After registering their ninth six of the game, Bengaluru became the first team in the world to record 150 or more sixes in a T20 competition. Faf du Plessis-led Bengaluru broke Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record of 146 sixes which they achieved this season. Royal Challengers struggled for consistency in the first half of the season but have been in red-hot form lately with five consecutive wins and another victory will boost them to playoff berth. Most sixes by a team in a T20 competition 157 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 146 – Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 145 – Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018 144 – Surrey in T20 Blast 2023 143 – Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019 Faf top-scored with 54 runs off 39 balls and in-form Virat Kohli contributed with 47 runs off just 29 balls. Kohli registered four sixes as he continues to display his power-hitting skills in the IPL 2024. The former RCB captain also topped the sixes chart this season and completed 700 runs as well. Most sixes in IPL 2024 Virat Kohli (RCB) – 37 sixes in 14 innings Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 36 sixes in 14 innings Abhishek Sharma (SRH) – 35 sixes in 12 innings Sunil Narine (KKR) – 32 sixes in 12 innings Travis Head (SRH) – 31 sixes in 11 innings Royal Challengers Bengaluru also matched Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders’ record for 200-plus totals for most times, six, in an IPL season. 

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Today Match Prediction & Live Odds - IPL 2024

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – IPL 2024

Vann Hiso06 mins

Get to Know Who will win Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2024 Match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11, CBTFJSK Tips, Live score & winning percentage. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : May 18, 2024𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 19:30 IST / 14:00 GMT𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 : M Chinnaswamy Stadium – Bengaluru, India𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : IPL 2024 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Betting Tips Virat Kohli has been top notch with over 660 runs for RCB so far in 13 games. Back him as top batter for RCB. Mohammed Siraj has shown great form in last few games and the conditions will be favourable for him. He is a top choice for RCB best bowler.Ruturaj Gaikwad has also scored nearly 600 runs in the tournament and will be CSK’s best bet for leading run scorer. With 16 wickets, Tushar Deshpande has done well for CSK. In overcast conditions, Deshpande can pose serious challenge thus he is our pick for top wicket-taker for CSK.Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad have scored hundreds in the tournament while several other players from both teams have got close. There is a good possibility that a century can be scored in the match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings T20 Match Prediction & Betting Tips, IPL 2024 RCB will play CSK in the 68th match of the IPL 2024. The game will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and will start at 7:30 PM IST on May 18th. RCB and CSK will face off in a virtual knockout for the final place in IPL playoffs. RCB are placed sixth on the points table, with 12 points, however, if they beat CSK, they will reach 14 points, on par with CSK. The fourth qualifier will then be decided by the net run rate. For RCB to topple CSK in run rate, they need to beat CSK by 18 or more runs or ensure they chase the target inside 18.1 overs.  For CSK, the equation is pretty simple. The Gaikwad-led side just need a win to qualify for the playoffs. RCB have been in great form of late and they would certainly back themselves to get the better of CSK. However, the Yellow Army have been a stiff opposition to beat for RCB, who have lost 22 out of the 33 games against CSK.  Another massive aspect to consider is the weather. As per the weather forecast, there is a prediction of heavy rain on the match day and if the match gets washed out, CSK will qualify for the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Match Toss PredictionChinnaswamy Stadium is not an easy ground to defend. Also, with rain around, captains will prefer to bowl. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Pitch ReportThe wicket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be good for batting, however, there is some rain around and the overcast conditions can help the fast bowlers get some swing and movement, making it a bit more challenging for the batters. Bengaluru Weather ReportThe weather is not very promising as there is over 80 per cent chance of rain on the match day. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Bengaluru on May 18. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, Indian Premier League 2024

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MS Dhoni bowls in nets ahead of CSK vs RCB clash | Cricket News

MS Dhoni bowls in nets ahead of CSK vs RCB clash | Cricket News

Danijones03 mins

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni’s presence on the cricket field never fails to captivate fans, regardless of the outcome of the match. The mere sight of Thala stepping out to bat, even if it’s for a single delivery, is enough to send the crowd into a frenzy of joy and excitement.Ahead of the highly anticipated and do-or-die clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a video surfaced on CSK’s social media handle, showcasing MS Dhoni bowling during the practice session.The footage captured the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman bowling during the team’s net session. Is he going to enthrall fans with his bowling skills against RCB on Saturday?“When he bowls, just ADORABOWL!,” CSK posted on their social media handle. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey is hoping that Dhoni would continue with the team for a couple of years more, saying the former skipper was still batting well.The 42-year-old Dhoni surprised everyone by stepping aside as captain of the team just a day before the start of the 2024 season. Ruturaj Gaikwad was handed the reins of the side.“We are hoping he does keep going. He is still batting so well. He does prepare well – he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really,” Hussey said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket show.“I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So, he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament.“I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And, he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So, I wouldn’t expect a decision anytime soon.”Dhoni led CSK to record five IPL titles.

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Sourav Ganguly removes his cap before shaking hands with Virat Kohli - WATCH | Cricket News

Sourav Ganguly removes his cap before shaking hands with Virat Kohli – WATCH | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Rajat Patidar’s aggressive half-century and exceptional bowling display propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their fifth consecutive victory, significantly bolstering their playoff aspirations with a commanding 47-run triumph over Delhi Capitals on Sunday.RCB posted a challenging total of 187-9, with Cameron Green’s unbeaten 32 off 24 balls playing a crucial role in their innings. In reply, RCB bowlers dismantled Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup, restricting them to 140 runs in 19.1 overs at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.With this remarkable win, RCB have jumped to fifth place in the standings, igniting hope for a late charge towards playoff qualification. However, securing victory in their final league match and relying on other favorable outcomes will be crucial for their chances of breaking into the top four.Following the conclusion of the match, players and support staff from both teams exchanged handshakes as a customary sign of sportsmanship. When it was Sourav Ganguly‘s turn, the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals, to shake hands with Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain showed his respect by removing his cap, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans across social media platforms. Kohli is the leading run-getter in this season with 661 runs including one century and five half centuries.

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History-maker Virat Kohli becomes first player to achieve massive milestone in IPL for RCB against DC – India TV

History-maker Virat Kohli becomes first player to achieve massive milestone in IPL for RCB against DC – India TV

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Image Source : AP Virat Kohli was playing his 250th game in the IPL, all for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Virat Kohli scripted history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, May 2 as he became the fourth player in the tournament’s history to play 250 matches and the only one to play all of them for just one team as he took the field for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against the Delhi Capitals. Kohli became the fourth player after MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik to achieve the feat. Kohli has been in terrific form in the 2024 edition of the IPL scoring 661 runs striking at 155 and is currently the Orange Cap holder. Kohli is head and shoulders ahead of players to play most matches for a team as the player closest to him is MS Dhoni, who has played 233 games for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and might be playing his final season in the tournament. Most matches played in IPL for one team 250* – Virat Kohli (RCB) 233 – MS Dhoni (CSK)211 – Rohit Sharma (MI)189 – Kieron Pollard (MI)176 – Suresh Raina (CSK)174 – Sunil Narine (KKR) Most matches played in IPL 263* – MS Dhoni (CSK/RPS)256 – Rohit Sharma (MI/Deccan)255 – Dinesh Karthik (DC/GL/KKR/RCB/KXIP/MI)250* – Virat Kohli (RCB) Kohli started well against the Delhi bowlers hitting them to all parts before the visitors struck back. Mukesh Kumar accounted for Faf du Plessis’ wicket and Ishant Sharma got his good friend Kohli before the catch-dropping saga began. Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar feasted on DC’s poor fielding and stitched an 88-run partnership with as many as four catches getting dropped.  However, it was a splendid comeback for the Capitals as RCB lost 7 wickets for 63 runs in the last 46 deliveries. RCB would feel that they left a few runs out there but they will have to win at any cost to stay alive in the playoffs race.

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Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

“I know I can hit it because…”: RCB opener Virat Kohli on playing slog-sweep against spinners in IPL

Danijones09 mins

Bengaluru [India], : Ahead of the fixture against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2024, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Virat Kohli revealed the reason behind playing the slog-sweep shot against the spinners in the ongoing 17th edition of the cash-rich league. “I know I can hit it because…”: RCB opener Virat Kohli on playing slog-sweep against spinners in IPL DC will be locking horns against RCB at Bengaluru on Sunday. Both teams are in contention for a playoff spot. The Capitals are in the fifth place in the points table with six wins and six losses and 12 points. On the other hand, the Bengaluru franchise are in the seventh spot with five wins, seven losses and 10 points. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! The Delhi franchise had registered a win over Rajasthan Royals in their previous game on May 7 while the Faf Du Plessis-led side had beaten Punjab Kings on Thursday. During the game, fans would be looking forward to going big one more time not only for his team’s sake but also to complete this milestone. The former India skipper asserted that the understanding of the game from so many years allows him to practise less and stay mentally switched on. “For me, it’s still quality over quantity. More so now, at this stage of my career, heading into 36. The understanding of my game over so many years allows me to practice less, and still stay mentally switched on. And some added challenges in terms of improving your own game. Certain aspects of the game, you want to get better at. It’s an ever-evolving process. I am not a guy who wants to sit around saying ‘this is the way I play’ and not improve on the things I need to,” said Kohli in a video posted by IPL on X. Kohli further explained about his slog-sweep shot against the spinners. “I brought out the slog-sweep to the spinners. It was me mentally putting myself in that situation. I did not practice that at all. I know I can hit it because I have played that shot a lot in the past. So I just felt like I needed to take a bit more risk and for me, that shot was something that I used to hit regularly back in the days. That shot is now allowing me to hit off the backfoot as well. I am always looking to expose that side of the field against the spin. It’s been a massive factor for me in the IPL,” the right-hand batter added. “It just takes a bit more conviction and put out that thought that props up ‘what if I get out?’. I have been managing to stay ahead of that thought. And that has allowed me to keep my strike rate up in the middle overs and scoring for my team as well,” the Delhi-born player concluded. The 36-year-old cricketer is just one century away from completing a century of centuries in professional cricket. In the ongoing season, Virat holds the Orange Cap for the most runs, with 634 runs in 12 matches at an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51. He has scored a century and five fifties and his best score is 113*. Virat has an illustrious record across all the formats of the game. While he would not be the be the first one or even among the first top-ten men to have 100 professional cricket centuries, it is still a fantastic feat in Virat’s legendary career. In 145 first-class games, Virat has scored 11,097 runs at an average of 50.21 and a strike rate of 55.96, with 36 centuries and 38 fifties. His best score is 254*. This also includes his tally from 113 Tests for India, in which he has scored 8,848 runs at an average of 49.15, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His best score is 254*.In 326 List-A games, Virat has scored 15,290 runs at an average of 57.48 and a strike rate of 93.61, with 54 centuries and 80 fifties. His best score is 183. This also includes the run-tally from his 292 ODIs, in which he scored 13,848 runs at an average of 58.67, with 50 centuries and 72 fifties. His best score is 183. In 388 T20 games, Virat has scored 12,628 runs at an average of 42.09 and a strike rate of 134.31, with nine centuries and 96 fifties. His best score is 122*. This also includes his numbers for India. In 117 T20s, he has scored 4,037 runs at an average of 51.75, with a century and 37 fifties. His best score is 122*. Virat has been fantastic against spin in this IPL, scoring at a strike rate of 138.82 against them. He has scored 261 runs in 188 balls against spin, dismissed thrice. He has smashed 15 fours and 13 sixes against spin. His average against spin is 87.00. He has made a marked improvement in his spin game, often utilising slog sweep and sweep against the moving ball. How Virat plays against spin will be once again in the spotlight, since the T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA this year will witness the veteran play at spin-friendly, slower surfaces. Virat has played 54 dot balls against spin, taken 89 singles and 54 doubles against spin. In the past five seasons, Virat’s overall SR against spin has been: 113.46, 108.08, 100.00, 108.91 and 130.14. His strike rate against spin was at its best in the 2016 season, where he struck at 152.30 and 2015 season, where he scored his runs at 151.21 against spin bowling. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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