December 23, 2024
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Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

India unperturbed by Pandya’s form, Kohli’s strike rate ahead of World Cup

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May 2 – India are not losing sleep over all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s form or batting stalwart Virat Kohli’s strike rate heading into the T20 World Cup in June, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said on Thursday. India unperturbed by Pandya’s form, Kohli’s strike rate ahead of World Cup Pandya, when fit and in form, is India’s preferred seam-bowling all-rounder and has also been retained as vice-captain of the Rohit Sharma-led squad for the T20 showpiece co-hosted by the United States and West Indies. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Returning from an ankle injury suffered during the 50-overs World Cup last year, the 30-year-old has struggled with bat and ball in the Indian Premier League . Under his captaincy, five-times champions Mumbai Indians have slipped to ninth place in the 10-team league and will need a miracle to make the playoff. “The good part is he’s got through all the games for MI and we’ve got another month and a little bit till we play our first game,” Agarkar told reporters in Mumbai. “As long as he stays fit, we know what he brings, how much balance he gives the team. “I don’t think there’s a replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer, especially with the ball. He really gives Rohit the option to play different combinations. “So his fitness for us is critical and so far, fortunately, he’s gone okay in this IPL.” CONSISTENT KOHLI Unlike Pandya, Kohli has been consistent in the IPL with 500 runs so far this season and only Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored more runs than the former India captain. Many find Kohli’s strike rate of 147.59 not impressive enough but Agarkar and Rohit laughed off that criticism. “He’s been in great form in the IPL, no concerns there at all,” Agarkar said stressing the need for experience in a World Cup campaign. “You’ve got to prepare knowing there’s a gap . That’s where experience does matter a lot.” “There’s no point over-thinking it.” While the IPL provides a glimpse into the form and fitness of the players, Agarkar said performance in the league alone did not influence team selection. With the ball likely to turn in West Indies, India have picked two specialist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal along with spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. “I wanted four spinners, three seamers and Hardik as the fourth one,” Rohit said. “Based on the combination of our opponents, there’s a good chance that Kuldeep and Chahal will play together…” Inaugural champions India will begin their campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5 and also face arch-rivals Pakistan, the United States and Canada in Group A. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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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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Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

De Villiers slams data-driven pundits for criticising Kohli’s IPL strike rate | Crickit

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New Delhi, Former South Africa great AB de Villiers has slammed the “data-driven” cricket pundits for criticising Virat Kohli for his strike rate outside powerplay in the ongoing Indian Premier League. De Villiers slams data-driven pundits for criticising Kohli’s IPL strike rate Kohli has been in top form this season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 500 runs at a strike rate of 147 and an average of 77. He is second in the top-scorers’ list. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Despite that, the former India captain has often been criticised for his inability to take charge against the spinners, especially in the middle overs, something which Kohli’s former RCB teammate de Villiers disagrees. De Villiers termed Kohli as one of the best players to have played the game, saying it was not wise for data-driven pundits to comment on the 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 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 . 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 opening. Putting Virat at three would give the openers the best opportunity to get off to a fast start,” he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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"How Many Games Have You Played?": RCB Great 'Fed Up' With Virat Kohli Strike-Rate Criticism

“How Many Games Have You Played?”: RCB Great ‘Fed Up’ With Virat Kohli Strike-Rate Criticism

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AB de Villiers said he is fed up with seeing “data-driven pundits” criticizing Virat Kohli.© BCCI Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers heaped praise on India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli and said he is one of the best players to ever play cricket. Currently, Kohli is the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2024. He scored 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49 after appearing in 10 matches. He hammered 46 fours and 20 overhead boundaries in the ongoing T20 tournament. While speaking on his official YouTube channel, De Villiers said he is fed up with seeing “data-driven pundits” criticizing Kohli’s strike rate. The former Proteas cricketer hailed the talisman Indian batter and said that he has been “incredible” in 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. During RCB’s previous match against GT, Kohli stood out with his quick-fired 70* and played a significant role in Bengaluru’s triumph and brushed off the recent debate around his strike rate. During the game, the ‘chase master’ Virat Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB’s clash against GT. In his unbeaten knock of 70 runs from 44 balls, struck at a massive strike rate of 159.09, Kohli completed 24 half-centuries while chasing a target, he now stands second in the list. Dhawan holds the third place with 23 fifty-plus scores. Meanwhile, David Warner stands in the top spot with 35 half-centuries while chasing a target. The 35-year-old also equalled David Warner’s record of most 500-plus runs in IPL seasons. Both Kohli and Warner have crossed the 500-run mark seven times in an IPL season. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

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Watch: Virat Kohli spotted shopping in Lahore during his U-19 days | Cricket News

Watch: Virat Kohli spotted shopping in Lahore during his U-19 days | Cricket News

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Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) draft schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy reportedly lists Lahore as the venue for all matches of Team India, and while it remains uncertain if the BCCI will get permission to travel across the border for the tournament, fans in Pakistan are already excited about it, especially in anticipation of watching batting legend Virat Kohli play on Pakistan soil. The three venues where PCB is planning to host the two-week tournament are Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.Since the news broke, a video of Virat shopping in Lahore during his under-19 days has resurfaced on social media. Watch Video The video clip dates back to 2006 when the India U-19 team travelled for a bilateral series in Pakistan.Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara and Piyush Chawla, who can be seen in the video, were also part of the team. If the Indian government allows the team to travel for the 2025 Champions Trophy, it will the first visit by an Indian team to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.There is also possiblity of BCCI demanding a hybrid model, which was followed for the Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan last year, when India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.

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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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Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli given 'last chance' to win World Cup: 'Just 2-3 years more. Don't know where they'll be in...' | Crickit

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli given ‘last chance’ to win World Cup: ‘Just 2-3 years more. Don’t know where they’ll be in…’ | Crickit

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At 37 and 35 years old, the T20 World Cup 2024 may be the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to lay their hands on an ICC trophy. The two stalwarts of Indian cricket have been World Cup winners before – Rohit winning the 2007 T20WC and Kohli lifting the ODI World Cup 2011, but the two are yet to win a World Cup together. Since the 2013 Champions Trophy, Kohli and Rohit have played seven World Cups – three 50-overs and four T20s- but have been unable to win the big one. The closest they came to doing so was seven months ago, at the ODI World Cup in India, where despite putting up the performance of a lifetime, Team India lost to Australia in the final. Is this the last time we are seeing Rohit Sharma (L) and Virat Kohli playing a World Cup for India? (Getty) With the wounds of November 19 still afresh, Kohli, Rohit and their legion of fans want the Indian team to go the distance and break the 11-year-lond hoodoo. Having said that, it could well be the last World Cup Kohli and Rohit play – together or individually. The next World Cup after this is in 2026 – another T20 World Cup, followed by an ODI World Cup the following year – and while there is the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final in between next year, this is possibly the last throw of the World Cup dice for Rohit and Kohli to finish their careers with a World Cup. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! This is why former India batter Mohammad Kaif reckons Kohli and Rohit will be fiercely motivated to right the wrongs of the past. “Rohit Sharma knows he isn’t going to play for too long now. Just 2-3 years more. Same with Virat Kohli. So this is the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [to win a World Cup]. They lost the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. They played as if they had the cup snatched away from them. Hearts were broken, and fans were devastated. They won 10 matches before losing the one that mattered the most. And it’s going to be similar here as well. India hardly have competition in the group stage. There are only 2 main matches – the semifinal and the final. It’s not the IPL that you’ll get 14 opportunities. Are you ready for those 2 days? That’s the biggest test for Rohit Sharma,” Kaif said on Star Sports. The suspense surrounding India’s team combination was put to rest on Tuesday when the BCCI announced the squad of 15 that will play the T20 World Cup. While Rohit’s place was nowhere in question, given that BCCI secretary Shah confirmed him as captain during a public event, there were speculations about Kohli’s future. But once he began scoring runs in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which has now swelled to 500 runs, it was only a matter of time before Kohli’s berth was guaranteed. Rohit, on the other hand, may not have enjoyed a blistering season like Kohli, but the former Mumbai Indians captain has scored a century to show for his form in an otherwise forgettable campaign by the five-time champions. With Kohli showing marauding form and Rohit expected to replicate his touch during the World Cup back home, neither batter would want to leave any room for error. “He is taking all the experience with him. Look at Rohit’s own form. He is playing well, giving starts in the Powerplay. I feel that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be extra motivated. By 2026, we don’t know where they will be. But this is a chance when players are heading right after the World Cup, have been playing regularly, and are in flow and rhythm. They would want to rectify the mistake against Australia,” pointed out Kaif.

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India's T20 World Cup Squad Press Conference Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar To Face Tough Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh Questions

India’s T20 World Cup Squad Press Conference Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar To Face Tough Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh Questions

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India T20 World Cup squad selection: Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar in press conference© X (Twitter) India T20 World Cup squad press conference Live Updates: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar will address the media at 4:00 PM IST on Thursday in a press conference. The captain and chief selector are expected to shed light on the squad selection that the BCCI announced on Tuesday, picking the 15-member roster for the T20 World Cup 2024. Along with the 15-player list, the BCCI also named a reserve list consisting of 4 players. India T20 World Squad Selection Press Conference: Topics mentioned in this article

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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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Pat Cummins' favourite memory of Virat Kohli won't make Indian fans happy | Cricket News

Pat Cummins’ favourite memory of Virat Kohli won’t make Indian fans happy | Cricket News

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Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins will face off once again in IPL 2024 on Thursday when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, and while the camaraderie between two champion cricketers was evident during a joint training session, Cummins didn’t miss a chance to be a little cheeky when he was asked about his favourite memory of Kohli. IPL 2024: Results | Points Table In the ‘Captains Speak’ segment of a Star Sports show, Cummins, who also led Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph, was asked a few questions about Kohli as the two gear up for another match-up. “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. Interestingly, Kohli was bowled by Cummins for 54 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, which proved to be one of the game-changing moments of the title clash that Australia went on to win by six wickets. It was Australia’s record-extending sixth ODI World Cup triumph. WATCH VIDEO Possibly with that dismissal at the back of his mind, Cummins chose to be cheeky in his reply to another question.“My favourite memory of Virat? Can I say when I get him out?,” he said, and followed it up with a smile.ALSO READ: How to watch IPL in Canada In RCB’s earlier match against the Sunrisers in this IPL season, Kohli scored 42. The game saw SRH scoring IPL’s highest ever total as they put up a gigantic 287 for 3 on the board. RCB made a match of it in run-chase but ended up short (262 for 7) and lost by 25 runs. Kohli currently leads the Orange Cap standings with his tally of 379 runs in 8 matches, including one hundred and two fifties. He averages 63.16 and has scored his runs at a strike rate of 150.39. Cummins added that while both he and Kohli are competitive on the field, they are fairly relaxed 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.

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