November 5, 2024
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virat kohli

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

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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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Virat Kohli in a zone where no bowler can trouble him: Mohammad Kaif | Cricket News

Virat Kohli in a zone where no bowler can trouble him: Mohammad Kaif | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped praise on Virat Kohli, stating that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener has reached a state of focus where no bowling match-up can disturb him. Kohli has been in exceptional form in IPL 2024, displaying his prowess and determination.RCB are set to face Chennai Super Kings in their final league game in Bengaluru on Saturday.The hosts need to secure a victory with a decent margin to surpass their opponents and clinch the final playoff berth based on net run rate.Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif likened Kohli’s current form and mindset to that of a monk in deep meditation, undisturbed by external distractions.”When a hermit goes to the Himalayas, he is in a different zone when he is meditating. Nothing distracts him. Whether there is a loud noise, someone shouts or cries, it doesn’t make a difference. Virat Kohli has reached that zone,” Kaif said.“He is not seeing the scorecard and is just in his zone and concentrating. He knows the intent with which he needs to play no matter which bowler, whether it’s a fast bowler or a spinner, is in front of him. No matter which bowler comes, he has reached a zone where there is no match-up,” the former India batter added. Kohli is the highest run-getter in IPL 2024, amassing 661 runs at a strike rate of 155.16 in 13 games. Kaif emphasized that Kohli is driven by a desire to lead RCB to victory.“He has come just to dominate. He has come with the passion that he will only be satisfied once he makes his team win, and that has been seen from the second match. In the first match against Chennai, he got out when he pulled a Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) slower bouncer and (Ajinkya) Rahane took the catch,” he observed.“From the second match against Punjab, he came determined. He was jumping down the track and hitting (Kagiso) Rabada and playing slog sweeps against spinners. You talk about the fourth or fifth gear but he has reached the 15th gear. No one will reach that level,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.As RCB prepare for their crucial match against CSK, Kohli’s form and focus will be pivotal in determining the team’s chances of making it to the playoffs.

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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

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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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Virat Kohli, spinners shine as Bengaluru eliminate Punjab Kings from playoff race – India TV

Virat Kohli, spinners shine as Bengaluru eliminate Punjab Kings from playoff race – India TV

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BCCI/IPL Virat Kohli and Jonny Bairstow in the PBKS vs RCB IPL 2024 match on May 9, 2024 Royal Challengers Benagluru registered a dominant 60-run win over Punjab Kings to continue their resurgence in the IPL 2024 on Thursday. A win boosted Bengaluru’s chances of making the playoff significantly but Punjab Kings became the second team after Mumbai Indians to suffer an early elimination. Virat Kohli produced a memorable knock by smashing 92 runs off just 47 balls as Bengaluru posted a 241/7, their third-highest total in IPL, while batting first at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium. Then spinners Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh claimed early wickets to bowl out Punjab to an 181 total in 17 overs. Both teams needed two points to remain in contention for the playoff qualification. Punjab recalled Liam Livingstone in the place of the South African pacer Kagiso Rabada while the speedster Lockie Ferguson replaced Glenn Maxwell for Bengaluru. After being forced out to bat first, in-form Virat Kohli continued his red-hot form with an aggressive approach from the beginning. Bengaluru lost skipper Faf du Plessis and batting all-rounder Will Jacks early in the powerplay but Kohli kept the runs flowing a stunning batting. Kohli and Rajat Patidar added 76 runs for the third wicket with the latter recording his fourth fifty of the season in just 21 balls. Kohli also introduced his sixth fifty in the IPL 2024 in 32 balls but missed out on his century by just eight runs. He top-scored with 92 runs off just 47 balls with the help of seven fours and six sixes to display his remarkable big-hitting skills again. Cameron Green contributed with 46 runs and Dinesh Karthik played a quick cameo as Bengaluru posted a huge total in a must-win game. Harshal Patel took three wickets for 47 and the debutant pacer Vidwath Kaverappa picked two for Punjab Kings. Chasing a record tough target, Punjab Kings lost opener Prabhsimran Singh in the very first over off Swapnil Singh’s delivery. Rilee Rossouw and Jonny Bairstow then quickly added 65 runs for the second wicket to keep  Punjab alive in the chase. Rossouw produced his first fifty of the season in just 21 balls but was dismissed by Karn Sharma after scoring 61 off 27 balls. Punjab lost both settled Rossouw and Bairstow in quick succession to spin and then were never able to make a comeback. Shashank Singh scored 37 runs off 19 balls to show some fight in the middle over but didn’t get much support from his teammates. Mohammed Siraj made a late impact with three wickets to bowl out Punjab Kings to 181 in 17 overs. Virat Kohli bagged the Player of the Match award for his memorable knock. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Mahipal Lomror, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson. Punjab Kings Playing XI: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Vidhwath Kaverappa.

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'Will park few balls out of Long Island...': Rohit, Kohli ignored as Shastri picks 2 players key to India’s T20WC hopes

‘Will park few balls out of Long Island…’: Rohit, Kohli ignored as Shastri picks 2 players key to India’s T20WC hopes

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With less than a month’s time left before India kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign in New York against Ireland on June 5, former India head coach Ravi Shastri picked two players who will play a key role in the side’s title hopes. And it’s neither Virat Kohli nor captain Rohit Sharma who will likely play their final T20I appearance at the tournament. Shastri instead picked two left-handed batters who are all set to make a debut in a multi-nation ICC tournament for India – Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube. Ravi Shastri picks 2 players key to India’s T20 World Cup hopes Jaiswal has stated success recently after smashing a record tally of runs in the Test series against England at home earlier this year, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series. However, he has been a force to reckon with in the shortest format as well, where he amassed 502 runs in just 16 innings for India since his debut in mid-2023, which comprises a century and four fifties. “The two gentlemen you’ve got to watch out for, and both are left-handers, both playing their first World Cup,” Shastri told ICC. “One is [Yashasvi] Jaiswal. We know a lot about him, he did extremely well against England, explosive at the top of the order, left-hander, he’s young, he’s fearless and he’ll play shots.” ‘Watch out for Shivam Dube’: Ravi Shastri The other player that Shastri picked is Chennai Super Kings star Dube, who cracked 26 sixes in just 11 matches in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. The left-hander earned his spot in the Indian T20 World Cup squad on the back of a stellar show in the T20 league in 2023 and 2024, along with his two back-to-back fifties for India in the home T20I contest against Afghanistan earlier in January. “But there’s someone in the middle order, please watch out for [him], because he is explosive, he’s devastating and he’s a match-winner. He hits sixes for fun, and when it comes to spin bowling, he can kill you,” Shastri said. “He’ll park a few balls out of Long Island into the small island, he’s that kind of a player. He hits it big, he hits it long, and like I said, against spin, he could kill you. “Even against the fast bowlers, he’s worked out his game, he’s understood the way to play and I think he holds the key at that number five, number six position because if you’re on the doldrums, you want someone to change it in 20-25 balls, he’s the player to go to.” Shastri was effusive in his praise for the tall all-rounder saying that he could be the key to unlocking big totals for India in the T20 World Cup. Dube has struck at a rate of 170.73 in this ongoing IPL season, while scoring a boundary in almost four deliveries. “His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions, especially like the [T20] World Cup. So enjoy it, watch out for this left-hander — he’s big, he’s strapping, and he hits a long ball.”

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Gautam Gambhir regrets infamous 'aggressive' acts in his IPL career: ‘I’ve done some things I shouldn't have done'

Gautam Gambhir regrets infamous ‘aggressive’ acts in his IPL career: ‘I’ve done some things I shouldn’t have done’

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Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir made some honest admissions while recalling his time as captain in the Indian Premier League. Gambhir led Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) and Kolkata Knight Riders in the cash-rich league and won the two titles leading the Purple and Golden outfit. The former Indian star was known for his aggressive leadership and leading his team from the front. Gautam Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles as captain.(PTI) Gambhir never shied away from arguing with opposition players and was involved in a few heated altercations, including one with Virat Kohli, which grabbed the limelight. The 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI WC finals hero reminisced his time as captain and admitted that he did some things during his career which some things he shouldn’t have done. “Sometimes you need to have an aggressive approach as a leader if you want your team to be aggressive. Sometimes you need to do things you didn’t want to. When I look back at my career, I have done some things I shouldn’t have done. But I believed if I didn’t get aggressive and didn’t lead by example, my team won’t play aggressively,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda. The two-time IPL-winning skipper further asserted that a player should be judged only for his on-the-field activities or behaviour, but everyone should keep in mind the player’s off-the-field things too. “I feel every player and every leader has the right to express themselves on the field. A player should not be judged just by how he is on the field, but how he is off it should also be looked at,” he added. Gambhir player for KKR in IPL from 2011 to 2017, which is considered the golden period of the franchise. During this period, the team won the IPL twice, qualified for the playoffs five times, and reached the finals of the Champions League T20 in 2014. He rejoined the franchise ahead of the 2024 edition as the team mentor, and his inclusion in the team management changed their fortunes once again, as KKR are currently sitting at the top of the points table with one foot in the playoffs. In a conversation on Star Sports, KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his sheer joy at having Gambhir back in the KKR family, and how pivotal he is to the team’s success. “He’s trying to free him up a bit. He’s (Gambhir) been with us for 8 years, and God willing, for the next 20 years. The great thing about Gautam Gambhir being back with us is that I never felt like he left us. You know, there are some friendships that remain intact no matter what. Whether he’s in our team or mentoring someone else, there’s never any animosity or competition with him,” Shah Rukh said.

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Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan's Babar Azam says, we will... | Cricket News

Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s Babar Azam says, we will… | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed on Monday that his team is meticulously planning their strategies to counter the formidable presence of star Indian batsman Virat Kohli in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup showdown between the two cricketing giants.The much-anticipated clash is set to ignite passions as it unfolds in the vibrant atmosphere of West Indies/USA later this year.Speaking ahead of his team’s T20I series against Ireland scheduled to commence from March 10, comprising three exhilarating matches to be held in Dublin, Babar emphasised the significance of devising a comprehensive game plan to neutralise Kohli’s impact on the field.The marquee encounter between Pakistan and India, slated for June 9 in New York, promises to be a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.Recalling the intensity of their previous T20 Cup encounter in 2022, Babar reminisced about Kohli’s memorable innings, where he orchestrated a remarkable unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 53 deliveries.Kohli’s masterclass, adorned with six boundaries and four towering sixes, steered India through a nerve-wracking run-chase of 160 runs, rescuing them from a precarious position of 31/4 at one juncture.Speaking at the media conference in Dublin on Monday, Babar said that though the team does not plan against one particular player, but they will be planning against Kohli, who he called as “one of the best players.”“As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We do not plan anything against one player. We plan for all 11 players. We do not know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well,” he said.Kohli’s prowess against Pakistan in T20Is is nothing short of remarkable. Across 10 encounters, he has amassed a staggering total of 488 runs, boasting an impressive average of 81.33 and a blistering strike rate exceeding 123.Kohli’s consistency is evident in his tally of five half-centuries against the arch-rivals, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack with finesse.In the T20 WC, India and Pakistan are in Group A along with Ireland, Canada and USA. Pakistan will start its campaign against the USA on June 6.Here is the schedule for Pakistan’s tour to Ireland and England ahead of the T20 World Cup:Ireland series: May 10: First T20I, Dublin; May 12 Second T20I, Dublin; May 14: Third T20I, DublinEngland series: May 22: First T20I, Leeds; May 25: Second T20I, Birmingham; May 28: Third T20I, Cardiff; May 30: Fourth T20I, London.Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.(With ANI inputs)

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Babar Azam expresses confidence in Gary Kirsten's appointment, assures team unity ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Babar Azam expresses confidence in Gary Kirsten’s appointment, assures team unity ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan‘s limited overs captain, Babar Azam, shared his positive outlook on the recent appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball side, expressing optimism about the potential impact on the team’s performance.“Gary Kirsten is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management,” Babar stated during a media conference in Lahore.Babar emphasized Kirsten’s active involvement in strategizing for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting his regular communication with the team management and indicating a collaborative approach towards planning and preparation.”Babar assured that Kirsten’s arrival would enhance the team’s coordination and planning, with a clear focus on optimizing the squad’s performance in the global tournament. He dismissed concerns over selection issues, affirming that decisions would prioritize the team’s interests and cohesion,” the captain added.Addressing the integration of young players into the squad, Babar stressed the importance of providing them with ample opportunities to settle into international cricket, reaffirming the team management’s commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging talents ahead of the World Cup.“I think there is little time for rotation now because the World Cup is around the corner, and in the remaining matches. We will try to give the team we want to play with in the World Cup a proper opportunity,” Babar commented.Looking ahead to potential matchups, Babar acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s Virat Kohli but affirmed the team’s comprehensive planning against all opposing players, emphasizing the team’s collective strategy and preparation to counter the strengths of each opponent.“The thing is, we plan against all eleven players of a team, and we don’t know much about how the conditions will be in New York. But yes, he [Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well,” Babar said.Babar also dispelled any rumors of internal rifts within the team, emphasizing unity and mutual support among players. Expressing his excitement for his second stint as Pakistan captain, Babar credited the team’s success to collective effort and emphasized the backing received from the cricket board.(With inputs from PTI)

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