November 5, 2024
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virat kohli

Day After Virat Rant On Kohli's Comments, Sunil Gavaskar's Statement On MS Dhoni Resurfaces

Day After Virat Rant On Kohli’s Comments, Sunil Gavaskar’s Statement On MS Dhoni Resurfaces

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File photo of Sunil Gavaskar.© X (Twitter) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince his words while reacting to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli’s rant at ‘pundits’ over criticsim of his strike-rate and struggles against spin. Kohli didn’t hold his emotions back as he took a swipe at critics after the match against Gujarat Titans (GT) last weekend. Reacting to Kohli’s rant, Gavaskar launched a scathing attack on the RCB icon, asking why those who continue to stay away from what’s said and written on social media are reacting to ‘outside noise’. However, Gavaskar didn’t stop there as he also slammed the broadcasters for showing that rant from Kohli ‘a dozen times’ on television. “That particular post-game interview has been shown on this channel earlier as well, right now, on this particular program it has probably been shown half a dozen times. I hope that Star Sports recognises that when that is being shown, asking where are the critics, the critics are the commentators. Your Star Sports commentators are the ones from whom the questions are being asked,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports. Amid his meltdown over Kohli’s rant, an old video of Gavaskar praising two-time World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni has resurfaced on social media. In the video, an emotional Gavaskar recalled the moment when he got his shirt signed by Dhoni during IPL 2023. Respect is earned, not given. Meanwhile Gavaskar with MS Dhonipic.twitter.com/dFHUE4HAeZ — (@rahulmsd_91) May 5, 2024 Gavaskar had said: “It was a very emotional moment for me (getting the shirt signed by MS Dhoni). MS Dhoni has done a lot for Indian cricket. If I have 2 minutes to live, I would like to witness Kapil Dev lift the 1983 World Cup trophy and MS Dhoni hit the World Cup winning six and the way he rolled over his bat after hitting the six.” For the unversed, Gavaskar got his shirt signed from Dhoni after CSK’s last home game of the season last year, assuming that the veteran might retire from the IPL after the tournament. Topics mentioned in this article

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Virat Kohli: 'Strike rate is trending in the right direction': Matthew Hayden on Virat Kohli's role for T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Virat Kohli: ‘Strike rate is trending in the right direction’: Matthew Hayden on Virat Kohli’s role for T20 World Cup | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has reignited the debate over Virat Kohli‘s batting position, particularly in the context of the upcoming T20 World Cup.Hayden’s comments came in the wake of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar‘s criticism of Kohli’s explosive response to critics questioning his scoring rate in IPL 2024.Kohli played a scintillating performance against Gujarat Titans, where he scored an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls, including a blistering display against spinners.Kohli’s response to criticism regarding his scoring intent in the middle overs has sparked intense debate within the cricketing fraternity.In evaluating Kohli’s potential role as an opener for India in the T20 World Cup, Hayden emphasized the significant improvement in Kohli’s strike rate over the past four IPL seasons. “That strike rate is trending in the right direction, it’s trending up,” Hayden commented on Star Sports. “So 150 for me is kind of that sweet spot that starts in and everyone having conversation well where you bat? Is it three, is it open? You know those first six overs, it doesn’t matter if Kohli is in those first six overs. You know that there’s going to be fireworks.” Hayden highlighted Kohli’s adaptability and aggressive approach regardless of his batting position, particularly in the context of the explosive nature of the first six overs in T20 cricket. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver fireworks irrespective of where he bats in the lineup.Reflecting on the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies, Hayden emphasized the favorable batting conditions and Kohli’s proficiency in capitalizing on such surfaces. He cited Kohli’s outstanding record as an opener in T20Is, including his sensational century in the Asia Cup last year, as evidence of his capability to excel in the role.However, Hayden also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conditions in New York, one of the venues for the T20 World Cup, while expressing confidence in Kohli’s adaptability and the firepower of India’s batting lineup.“They’re not so sure about those conditions in New York. I’ve seen that overlaid venue and it looks magnificent. But certainly through the West Indies, they’re going to be benign conditions and Kohli is going to come in and look to strike away knowing that he has a superb batting side that also has a great strike rate,” Hayden added.

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Amid Sunil Gavaskar Criticism, Wasim Akram's Striking Verdict On Virat Kohli's Scoring Rate

Amid Sunil Gavaskar Criticism, Wasim Akram’s Striking Verdict On Virat Kohli’s Scoring Rate

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Already selected for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, Virat Kohli continues to remain a big subject of chatter among fans and pundits over his strike-rate in T20 cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter has been crucial to his team’s victories this campaign on multiple occasions, but analysts have also blamed his poor strike-rate behind certain defeats. Sunil Gavaskar was one of those critics who questioned Kohli’s intent but Pakistan legend Wasim Akram doesn’t feel there’s anything wrong that the RCB star has done. Kohli, a few days ago, himself responded to the critics, hitting them back over the criticism of his strike-rate and struggles against spinners, prompting a fiery rant from Gavaskar on Saturday. Akram, however, isn’t in agreement with Gavaskar. “What criticism is he getting? That his team is losing. If the guy is scoring 100 at 150 strike rate, isn’t it fine? If the team had won, there wouldn’t have been criticism. Kohli was under pressure when he was captain, and he is under pressure even now. He is scoring, but one player cannot win the match. Criticising him unnecessarily… it’s not fair. In the long run, Kohli has a lot of cricket left, RCB will have to think why their performances were so inconsistent even after 16 years. Their batting is still fine, but their bowlers are weak,” Akram told Sportskeeda. “Some people say that the ground is short. But you know that already. Pick players according to that only. It is the same ground where I played a Test in 1987. It’s the same ground now,” he added. Akram also shared his opinion on the role of an ‘anchor’ in T20 cricket, saying going by the way this IPL has gone, that profile seems to be done and dusted. “If you look at this IPL, it feels like it’s over. The way teams are scoring 270s, it looks like it. People are calling an anchor slow even when the strike rate is 150. When you look at the pitches and the performances, it looks like it. You got to hit from the first ball, you can’t stop,” said Akram.

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Orange Cap in IPL 2024 after PBKS vs CSK, LSG vs KKR: Gaikwad fails to dethrone Kohli; Sunil Narine jumps to 3rd spot

Orange Cap in IPL 2024 after PBKS vs CSK, LSG vs KKR: Gaikwad fails to dethrone Kohli; Sunil Narine jumps to 3rd spot

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Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday moved closer to sealing their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs after an emphatic 98-run win against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. KKR bowlers put on a clinical show after Sunil Narine’s stunning knock of 81 off just 39 balls, laced with six boundaries and seven maximums as the visitors roared to the top of the points table, while the home team dropped out of the top four. Sunil Narine (right) makes significant move in Ornage Cap table In the first match on Sunday, at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Ravindra Jadeja helped Chennai Super Kings keep their playoff hope alive with his all-round brilliance against Punjab Kings. Left-hander Jadeja top-scored with 43 off 26 balls to guide Chennai to 167-9 after being invited to bat first in Punjab’s adopted home ground of Dharamsala. Jadeja then returned figures of 3-20 from his four overs of left-arm spin to help restrict Punjab to 139-9 for Chennai’s sixth win in 11 matches as they climbed to third in the table. The stellar performance from the veteran India cricketer also comes as a welcome sign ahead of the T20 World Cup in June in the West Indies and the United States. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Meanwhile, the big positive for Chennai was the performance from fast bowler Tushar Deshpande, who took on the responsibility in the absence of injured Matheesha Pathirana and Deepak Chahar as he struck twice in his first over and Punjab’s second in the chase. IPL 2024 updated Orange Cap table after PBKS vs CSK, LSG vs KKR: IPL 2024 updated Orange Cap table after PBKS vs CSK, LSG vs KKR Despite his knock of 32 runs in 21 balls for CSK against Punjab Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to dethrone Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli in the Orange Cap list as he fell short by just two runs. The CSK captain now has 541 runs in 11 matches. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders star Sunil Narine made the most significant move on Sunday as he jumped from the 10th spot to break into the top five with his stunning knock of 81 off just 39 balls. He now stands third on the list with 461 runs in 11 matches, the most he has ever scored in a single IPL season. His opening partner Phil Salt, who stood at the seventh post before the game against Lucknow Super Giants, moved to the fourth position with his 14-ball 32. LSG captain KL Rahul remained at the 5th spot with 426 runs in 11 matches after scoring just 25 off 21 against KKR. News / Cricket News / Orange Cap in IPL 2024 after PBKS vs CSK, LSG vs KKR: Gaikwad fails to dethrone Kohli; Sunil Narine jumps to 3rd spot

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Virat Kohli Gets Massage From Faf Du Plessis, Fan's 'Backbenchers' Reference Breaks Internet. Watch

Virat Kohli Gets Massage From Faf Du Plessis, Fan’s ‘Backbenchers’ Reference Breaks Internet. Watch

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A video of Virat Kohli dancing while entering a room has taken the internet by storm.© X (Twitter) All eyes will be on Virat Kohli as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in a do or die match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Both teams had also met last weekend with Kohli’s RCB beating Shubman Gill’s GT in a one-sided encounter in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who has been under the scanner for his strike-rate, hit an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls, but it was Will Jacks who stole the show with his unbeaten 100 off just 41 balls. Jacks had scored his first 50 in 31 balls, but took just 10 balls to breach triple figures. Ahead of their return leg against GT, Kohli and some of the RCB players attended an event. However, a video of Kohli dancing while entering the room has taken the internet by storm. In the viral video, Kohli was seen dancing with RCB skipper Faf du Plessis giving him a shoulder massage. When backbenchers are entering in class but teacher is already there pic.twitter.com/gDpM3LGKXe — Ayush Singh (@imabhinashS) May 3, 2024 Kohli has been in red-hot form in the ongoing IPL. He is currently the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 500 runs in 10 matches. He only trails CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad by nine runs in the Orange Cap list. Kohli’s form in remainder of the tournament will not be crucial for RCB, but also Team India as he has been selected in the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCCI chief selectors Ajit Agarkar recently opened up on the debate surrounding Kohli’s strike-rate. “We haven’t been discussing Kohli’s strike-rate. There is a difference between IPL and international cricket. You need experience. We have got enough balance and power in the team. You look and try take positives from what is happening in IPL. Pressure of a World Cup game is different,” Ajit Agarkar played down Virat Kohli strike-rate criticism. There have been a debate whether Kohli should open the batting during the T20 World Cup. Addressing the talks, India captain Rohit neither confirmed or denied the same. “All the options are open. We haven’t decided yet, there is no guarantee and we will go there to the West Indies and depending on the conditions we will decide the playing XI,” Rohit said during a press conference.

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KL Rahul's striking U-turn on his 'overrated' strike rate remark amid Sunil Gavaskar-Virat Kohli row

KL Rahul’s striking U-turn on his ‘overrated’ strike rate remark amid Sunil Gavaskar-Virat Kohli row

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‘Strike rate’ has become the new hot topic in Indian cricket after former India captain Sunil Gavaskar ripped apart Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli on Saturday for hitting back at critics in an explosive interview last week during IPL 2024 over criticism on his sluggish scoring rate in T20. Amid the row, Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul took a major U-turn on his old comment on strike rate when asked about his new approach in the ongoing season. Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper KL Rahul plays a shot during the match against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2024, at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow (ANI ) Rahul’s tempered-down approach in T20 cricket has often been subject to criticism, but the India batter has always reckoned that the metric of strike rate in the shortest format is an “overrated” topic. “Look, I think strike rate is very, very overrated. For me, it’s only about how I can win games for my team,” Rahul, who was then the skipper of Kings XI Punjab, said in 2020. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Three years later, he reiterated the same ahead of the start of the 2023 IPL season for Lucknow Super Giants, where he added that: “Strike rate depends upon the demand, like if you chase 140 – you don’t need to go with 200 strike rate – it depends upon the current situation.” However, on Sunday, on being asked about his new approach this season for LSG as an opener, Rahul accepted that amid the changing dynamics of the game, where 220 is becoming almost a norm, strike rate has emerged to become an important factor. “There’s been a lot of talk about strike-rates and the format is changing. Even 220 is now safe. It is evolving,” said Rahul after LSG won the toss and opted to bowl first. In the IPL 2024 season, Rahul has scored 406 runs so far for Lucknow in 10 matches at a strike-rate of 142.96. What is Sunil Gavaskar vs Virat Kohli strike-rate row? Earlier on Saturday, Gavaskar was left fuming at Kohli, who had blasted his critics over his strike rate against spinners after scoring 70 not out of 44 balls against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad last week. The former India opener, speaking live on-air, said that the commentators only criticised him when he would get out before the slog overs after registering a strike rate of below 120. “Commentators questioned only when the strike rate was 118. I’m not too sure. I don’t watch too many matches, so I don’t know what the other commentators have said otherwise. But if you have a strike of 118 and then you get out in the 14th or the 15th with a strike-rate of 118, I mean, if you want applause for that, that’s a little bit different. That’s different,” he told Star Sports. Gavaskar also lashed out at Kohli for responding to “outside noise” amid cricketers constantly mentioning that they care less about what critics say about their game. “All these guys talk about, oh we don’t care about outside noise. Then why are you replying to any outside noise or whatever it is. We all played a bit of cricket, not a lot of cricket. We don’t have agendas. We speak about what we see. We don’t necessarily have any likes and dislikes. Even if we have likes and dislikes, we actually speak on what is happening,” added Gavaskar.

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Phil Salt-Sunil Narine ahead of Virat Kohli-Faf Du Plessis and Rohit Sharma-Ishan Kishan | Cricket News

Phil Salt-Sunil Narine ahead of Virat Kohli-Faf Du Plessis and Rohit Sharma-Ishan Kishan | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: They come, they see the ball, and launch it over the park – that’s how Kolkata Knight Riders openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been wreaking havoc on opposition bowling attacks in the ongoing IPL 2024. KKR, the two-time champions, currently sit second in the points table with seven wins in 10 matches, largely thanks to the solid foundations provided by Salt and Narine.These two have been instrumental in establishing strong starts for KKR. In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, Salt, and Narine sent bowlers to all corners of the field. They formed a 61-run partnership for the opening wicket.Salt and Narine have now stitched together six 50-run partnerships in IPL 2024, leading the way among opening pairs. They outperformed Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, who have achieved four 50-plus opening stands, and RCB’s Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, who have managed the feat three times this season.Most 50+ opening partnerships in IPL 20246 – Phil Salt and Sunil Narine*4 – Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma3 – Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis

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MS Dhoni becomes first player to achieve this massive record in IPL | Cricket News

MS Dhoni becomes first player to achieve this massive record in IPL | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: In a historic feat, Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni on Sunday etched his name in IPL annals as the first player to take 150 catches in the history of the tournament.Dhoni, who had 149 wickets to his name before this match, accomplished the feat during the IPL match against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.Known for his lightning reflexes and astute wicketkeeping, Dhoni’s achievement underscores his exceptional skill and longevity in the cricketing world.Dhoni’s milestone as a CSK franchise stalwart exemplifies his enduring impact on the game, inspiring generations of cricketers. Dinesh Karthik of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who has taken 144 catches, is second on the list, followed by former RCB stalwart AB de Villiers, renowned for his versatile fielding and athleticism, who took an impressive 118 catches during his career, while his teammate Virat Kohli, who has 113 catches to his name, occupies the fourth spot, and former CSK player Suresh Raina, known for his sharp fielding, rounds off the top-5 list with 109 catches.Most catches by a player in IPL MS Dhoni – CSK – 150 Dinesh Karthik – RCB – 144 AB de Villiers – RCB – 118* Virat Kohli – RCB – 113 Suresh Raina – CSK – 109* (* Players who are no longer playing in IPL)These players have shown exceptional fielding skills throughout their IPL careers, contributing significantly to their teams’ defences. These statistics not only highlight the individual talents of these cricketers, but they also emphasize the importance of fielding in the shorter format of the game.As a high-octane tournament, the IPL frequently sees matches decided by the narrowest of margins, where every catch has the potential to turn the game. These players’ contributions in the field have been as crucial as their performances with the bat or ball, making them integral to their respective teams in the IPL.

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Caught On Stump Mic, Virat Kohli's Epic Reply To Wriddhiman Saha's "Runs Roko, Match Kheecho" Plea

Caught On Stump Mic, Virat Kohli’s Epic Reply To Wriddhiman Saha’s “Runs Roko, Match Kheecho” Plea

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Every single time a conversation between a wicket-keeper and a player on the field takes place, its glimpses get caught on the stump mic. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Saturday, an epic chat between Virat Kohli and Wriddhiman Saha was caught on the stump mic. With not a big total to defend on the board, Saha urged his teammates to do their best in stopping the flow of runs. But, Kohli had an epic response up his sleeves. The chat took place when RCB were 2 down for 100, and their flow of runs had come down due to quick dismissals in the middle. Hoping to get the momentum shifted in his team’s favour, Saha said: “Runs roko, match kheecho (stop the runs, extend the match)”. Hearing this, Virat said: “Aise kaise kheech loge [(I’ll see) how you will stretch the match]”. Though the Titans made a brave comeback in the match, picking up a total of 6 wickets to all but derail the Royal Challengers’ chase. But, Dinesh Karthik ensured that his team got over the line despite the hiccup. As for the game, Mohammed Siraj turned into a match-winner for RCB with his 2 early wickets of Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill. After the game, Siraj also earned the praise of Royal Challengers Bengaluru assistant coach Adam Griffith for his exemplary show. “The start of the tournament was not that great, especially in the powerplay. That is something we really focused on. Recently we made sure that we really worked hard to get better starts for the group. Tonight, it was one of the better ones and it was good to see the hard work come off,” Griffith said in the post-match press conference. The 46-year-old further lauded Siraj, calling him the leader of the group. “Siraj is the leader of our group. He is our most experienced bowler especially among the Indian quicks and with our international guys as well. Having him up and running and bowling well, but not only that, it’s his body language, his aggression, him trying to get wickets, he is such an important part of what he do,” RCB assistant coach asserted. Topics mentioned in this article

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Virat Kohli's Epic Gesture For Dinesh Karthik On Being Awarded Orange Cap Is Viral. Watch

Virat Kohli’s Epic Gesture For Dinesh Karthik On Being Awarded Orange Cap Is Viral. Watch

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Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh came to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s rescue in their IPL 2024 clash against Gujarat Titans on Saturday. Chasing a below-par 148 after GT were bowled out for 147, RCB were cruising at 92/0 in 5.5 overs with Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli putting on a show in the Powerplay. However, RCB suffered a mid-innings slump, losing six wickets in the space of 25 runs with Joshua Little and Noor Ahmad sharing five between them. While the seemed to be slipping away from RCB grip, unbeaten cameos from Karthik (21) and Swapnil (15) the side off to its third straight win of the season, and two on the bounce against GT after last weekend’s success in Ahmedabad. There was a party atmosphere in Bengaluru after the match as star batter and former RCB captain Kohli recalimed the Orange Cap from CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Kohli, who hit a quickfire 42 on Saturday, now has 542 runs in 11 matches, with Gaikwad (509) in action for CSK against Punjab Kings on Sunday. Karthik presented the Orange Cap back to Kohli after the match, and the latter showed a respectful gesture to the former, bowing down to the former before both shared a hug. A video of the same has now gone viral on social media. Consistency is King, and King Kohli proves it once again whether its in health, fitness, or performance on the field! The King is back to being the Orange Cap Holder.#ViratKohli #RCBvGT #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/ACY9uhsXVA — Duroflex (@Duroflex_world) May 4, 2024 Coming back to the match, Du Plessis’ (64) departure triggered a collapse as Gujarat hit back with wickets from Joshua Little and Noor Ahmad to have the opposition in trouble at 117-6 when Kohli was dismissed. Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and  Cameron Green all perished for cheap before Karthik and Swapnil made sure there was no more drama as they steered the team home in an unbeaten stand of 35. Earlier put into bat, Gujarat went three down for 19 inside six over before big-hitter Shahrukh Khan, who top-scored with 37, stood strong in a 61-run stand with David Miller, who hit 30 off 20 balls. The win allowed allowed RCB to climb out of the bottom of the table. They are currently seventh in the points table with three games to go. Left-handed Rahul Tewatia hit a 21-ball 35 and put on another key stand with Rashid Khan to add respect to the total. (With AFP Inputs) Topics mentioned in this article

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