Tag: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer struck half-centuries to help defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru become the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 play-offs with a 23-run win over Punjab Kings on Sunday.

In-form Kohli struck 58 off 37 balls before Venkatesh hit an unbeaten 73 to steer the team to 222-4 after being invited to bat first in the Himalayan hill town of Dharamsala.

The bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, then restricted Punjab to 199-8 despite a late batting charge by Marcus Stoinis, who hit 37, and Shashank Singh, who made 56.

Bengaluru, who won their first IPL title in 18 attempts last year, consolidated top spot in the points table and secured their place in the play-offs.

Runners-up last year, Punjab, who started the season with six victories and one no-result, suffered their sixth successive defeat and are no longer in control of their fate.

The top four teams at the end of the league stage will make the playoffs in the 10-team tournament.

Virat Kohli, who blasted an unbeaten 105 in his team’s previous win, kept up his form as he hit four fours and three sixes to lay the foundation for Bengaluru’s total after losing his opening partner Jacob Bethell for 11.

He then put on 78 with the left-handed Devdutt Padikkal, who made 45, to rebuild the innings and hit back.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Kohli raised his fourth fifty of the season and 67th in the IPL before he finally fell to leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

Venkatesh kept up the pace to reach his fifty as he clobbered the bowlers and put on an attacking fourth-wicket stand with Tim David, who made 28.

In reply, Punjab lost openers Priyansh Arya, for a duck, and Prabhsimran Singh, for two — both falling to Kumar’s seam bowling.

Punjab slipped further to 93-5 after skipper Shreyas Iyer (1), Cooper Connolly (37) and Suryansh Shedge (37) departed.

Impact substitute Stoinis and Shashank attempted to raise Punjab’s hopes in their partnership of 67 but disciplined bowling ensured a ninth win in 13 matches for Bengaluru.

Rasikh Salam took two wickets in the final over to return figures of 3-36.

READ: Babar Azam calls on batters to ‘play with pain’ after collapse

India batting great Virat Kohli said in a podcast released on Friday he would consider playing in the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup if he can still “add value” to the team.

The 37-year-old Kohli, regarded as one of the most accomplished batsmen of his generation, is a hero to hundreds of millions of Indian fans.

“If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of, and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen,” he said in the podcast posted by his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space.”

Kohli, who now only plays in the 50-over format for India, is the second-highest scorer in international cricket. But his India contract was downgraded from the top tier by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) this year.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I want to play cricket and I want to carry on,” he said. “Playing a World Cup for India is amazing.”

“I am always ready because that’s my daily life. You know, I work out, we eat well at home. It is because I like living that way. It is not only to play cricket. So that is where I am. I mean, this 27 (2027 World Cup) chat and all that, honestly, for me, it is like, we are at like mid 26. But I’ve been asked so many times, do you want to play 27?,” he added.

Kohli bounced back from two consecutive ducks to hit an unbeaten 105 and lead defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crucial win in the Indian Premier League this week.

It was his ninth hundred in the IPL, but his first this season

“After operating like this, if I have to be in a place where I have to prove my worth and value, that this is not meant to be for me,” he concluded.

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2025, having struggled for form since retiring from T20 internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup win.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed confirms Babar Azam’s availability for second Bangladesh Test

Virat Kohli said his love of cricket keeps him going but admitted his career “is going to finish one day” after ending a mini slump in form with a match-winning IPL century.

Regarded as one of the most accomplished batters of his generation, the 37-year-old Kohli is a hero to hundreds of millions of Indian fans.

“Cricket is absolutely something that I truly love,” he said. “I just give my heart and soul out there on the field, whether I’m fielding or batting, because it’s going to finish one day.”

Kohli bounced back from two consecutive ducks to hit an unbeaten 105 and lead defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crucial win on Wednesday.

He scored his ninth hundred in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but first this season, as Bengaluru chased down 193 with five balls to spare against Kolkata Knight Riders.

With this innings, Virat Kohli also became the fastest player to 14,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved the feat in 409 innings, bettering Chris Gayle’s 423.

Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, guided Bengaluru to their maiden title on the 18th attempt last year.

“I just love batting, even after all this. That is my core feeling,” Kohli said on Wednesday after being named player of the match.

“What an honour to be playing at this level, what an honour to be competing with the very best in the world still,” he added.

“This is all I’ve done, all my life.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Virat Kohli is third on the batting charts in this IPL season with 484 runs, including three fifties and one ton, at an average of 53.77 in 12 matches.

Kohli’s 60-ball knock was laced with 11 fours and three sixes, as he equalled Jos Buttler’s record of three IPL centuries in successful chases.

Called “King Kohli” for his prolific run-scoring, the opener got off the mark with a single in the first over of the chase, punching the air in mock celebration after his successive ducks.

He raised his fifty in 32 balls and then his first hundred of the season.

“I want to make the most of every day that I’m on the field, and just enjoy myself, and have a lot of fun,” he said.

Virat Kohli said he enjoys being tested.

“I look forward to a pressure situation, look forward to scenarios where I’m feeling a bit of heat,” he said.

“Then I challenge myself to say, ‘you know what, just go for it,” he added.

“And, when you cross the line, it makes you a better player. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. And that joy is still there.”

READ: Nahid Rana named ICC Player of Month for April 2026

KARACHI: Babar Azam chose to steer clear of comparisons with Virat Kohli, responding firmly to a question on the subject after his team, Peshawar Zalmi, registered a tense last-ball victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium.

Chasing a modest yet tricky 146-run target, Zalmi were pushed to the limit on a challenging surface before eventually getting over the line on the final delivery with four wickets in hand.

Babar played a key role in the chase with a composed 43 off 37 balls but fell at a crucial juncture, leaving his side needing 30 runs from the final five overs.

The post-match press conference, however, shifted focus from the result to an all-too-familiar debate of Babar’s ability to finish games and his frequent comparisons with Kohli.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The Zalmi skipper appeared unimpressed with the line of questioning and quickly dismissed the comparison.

“Leave that topic. You can end it there,” Babar said, cutting short the question before elaborating on his approach instead.

He emphasised that match situations, rather than comparisons, dictate his style of play, highlighting the importance of reading conditions and building partnerships.

“The main thing is the scenario, what the team requires, what the run rate is, how to play, and how the pitch is behaving. You have to plan your game accordingly and build partnerships for the team,” he explained.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Babar Azam also pointed out that execution is not always straightforward, especially on difficult surfaces where even well-timed shots may not yield results.

“Sometimes you think it is an easy pitch, but you cannot execute, shots are hit, but not finding the gaps. You try but do not get the runs,” he said.

Reflecting on criticism around his finishing ability, the right-hander insisted that improvement is a gradual process and backed his record in pressure situations.

“In those moments, I remind myself of my strengths and my game plan, my best way of playing. Improvement comes with time; sometimes it takes months. I have finished a lot of matches; you may think I have not, but I have finished many,” he added.

READ: Hassan Khan breaks silence on decision to leave Pakistan for USA

Indian batting icon Virat Kohli has responded with humour to the viral chatter labelling him as an “overseas player” for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The light-hearted debate gained traction among fans due to Kohli’s increased time spent in London with his family in recent years, leading to jokes that RCB are effectively fielding an extra overseas player.

Despite scaling down his international commitments, having stepped away from Tests and T20Is and now featuring only in ODIs, the former India captain continues to remain a central figure for his franchise.

Addressing the speculation in a video shared by RCB, Kohli was quizzed by content creator Danish Sait, known for his popular ‘Mr. Nags’ persona.

The host referenced fan claims about RCB playing with “five overseas players,” prompting a witty response from Kohli.

“I don’t know why you’re asking me. Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player,” Virat Kohli said with a laugh, before playfully turning the question back, “Am I an overseas player?”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The 37-year-old began the ongoing IPL season in commanding fashion, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide RCB to victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening fixture as defending champions.

Reflecting on last season’s long-awaited title triumph, Kohli admitted the victory brought a sense of relief after years of near misses with the franchise he has represented since the league’s inception.

“That night, I really felt what it means. Everything became light,” he said, describing the emotional weight lifted after finally securing the title.

He also offered insight into his mindset around success and failure, emphasising the importance of perseverance.

“Victory is the accumulation of hard work, all the sacrifices you’ve made, to be committed to the sport. It all comes together as a form of assurance, a reward, to know that you haven’t wasted your time,” Kohli added.

“A lot of people learn from losses, but a lot of people can get very disheartened as well. So when you win after a lot of hard work, it makes you feel a sense of justice for the work that you put in, and also gives you motivation to work harder.”

READ: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation

Ace batter Virat Kohli shared his joy after India defeated New Zealand to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

The Men in Blue annihilated New Zealand in a dominant display, sealing a 95-run win to lift their third T20 World Cup title.

Put into bat first, the hosts posted a mammoth total of 255 for 5 in their 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan.

In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs with Jasprit Bumrah starring with the ball, taking a four-wicket haul. For his outstanding bowling, he was named the player of the match.

Following the triumph, reactions poured in from former cricketers, including Virat Kohli, who played a pivotal role in the 2024 World Cup campaign.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Champions.Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament,” he wrote on X.

“Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat,” he said.

For the unversed, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times and also the first to successfully defend the title.

Notably, this is also the first time that a host nation has lifted the limited-overs trophy.

READ: India crush New Zealand to win record T20 World Cup title

KANDY: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan on Saturday shattered Indian legend Virat Kohli’s record for most runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

Kohli held the record with a tally of 319 runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Before heading into the Pakistan Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka, Sahibzada had scored 283 runs in six matches. The right-hander had required 36 runs to break the record.

Farhan overtook Kohli when he smashed Shanaka for a boundary in the sixth over. The former India captain scored 319 runs in the 2014 edition.

The right-handed opener now leads the run charts with 323* runs, underlining a standout campaign that has included a century and two half-centuries for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2026.

He was eventually caught at covers just after reaching the triple-figure mark. Farhan tonked five maximums and nine fours in his record-breaking 100 off 60 balls.

Most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition

348* – Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan (2026)*

319 – Virat Kohli, India (2014)

317 – Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sri Lanka (2009)

303 – Babar Azam, Pakistan (2021)

302 – Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka (2010)

296 – Virat Kohli, India (2022)

295 – Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh (2016)

289 – David Warner, Australia (2021)

281 – Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan (2021)

281 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan (2024)

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

READ: Shahid Afridi names Agha’s replacement for Pakistan captaincy

KANDY: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has dismissed the talk of breaking Indian legend Virat Kohli’s record for most runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, insisting his focus remains on helping Pakistan win.

Farhan is currently the leading run-scorer in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with 220 runs in four games.

Meanwhile, Kohli holds the record with 319 runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup, a mark that has sparked speculation as Farhan heads into at least two more Super Eight matches against England and Sri Lanka, with the potential for more if Pakistan advance.

During the pre-match press conference in Kandy ahead of Tuesday’s clash with England, Farhan made it clear that personal milestones are secondary.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“My effort is always to take the innings deep and to score more runs and win matches for Pakistan,” he said.

“I don’t focus much on stats or records. Although records are made to be broken, I am not thinking about that. The aim is to score maximum runs for Pakistan.”

Pakistan have just a solitary point in the Super Eight stage after their opening fixture against New Zealand in Colombo was washed out, while England arrive with momentum after a 51-run win over co-hosts Sri Lanka at the same venue on Sunday.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan unfazed by Jofra Archer in must-win England clash

DUBAI: New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on Wednesday surpassed Virat Kohli to claim the No.1 spot in the latest ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings.

The 34-year-old now sits in the top position with 845 ranking points, replacing Kohli, who drops to the second spot with 795 points.

Kohli’s stay at the top was short-lived, having held the position for just a week despite an impressive series against New Zealand.

The Hamilton-born batting all-rounder rose to the top spot on the back of his stellar series against India, where he amassed 352 runs across three games, hence playing a vital role in the BlackCaps first ODI series win on Indian soil.

Mitchell rose to the top spot on the back of his stellar series against India, where he amassed 352 runs across three games, hence playing a vital role in the BlackCaps first ODI series win on Indian soil.

Mitchell started the series with an 81 off 71 balls, top-scoring for his side, which was followed by an unbeaten 131 off 117. His century helped New Zealand level the series and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In the final game, Daryly Mitchell put on a batting masterclass, scoring 137 from 131 deliveries, which propelled his side to a massive 337-run total.

Notably, Mitchell’s tally of 352 runs is the highest ever by a Kiwi player in a three-match ODI series and the third highest of all time.

Only Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who amassed 360 runs against the West Indies in 2016, and India’s Shubman Gill, who scored 360 runs against New Zealand in 2023, sit above him on the list.

Besides Mitchell and Kohli, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran climbed to third place, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Meanwhile, there were no major changes for Pakistan players in the overall rankings.

READ: Waugh suggests Sydney Sixers to drop Babar ahead of BBL 15 Challenger

INDORE: Virat Kohli’s 124 went in vain as New Zealand outplayed India to win the three-match ODI series against India.

Set a daunting 338, India fell short by 41 runs as New Zealand bowled them out for 296 in 41 overs.

The victory marked the Blackcaps’ first ODI series win in India, after failing to achieve the feat previously.

The in-form Kohli, who plays just the 50-over format after retiring from Test and T20 international cricket, threatened to pull off the chase in a 99-run seventh-wicket partnership with Harshit Rana, who made 52.

New Zealand left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox returned figures of 2-42 from his 10 overs after captain Michael Bracewell left the field with a calf injury and did not return.

Mitchell led the team in Bracewell’s absence, which also left New Zealand a bowler short.

Zak Foulkes and fellow seamer Kristian Clarke took three wickets each.

India slumped to 71-4 before Kohli hit back in an 88-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made 53, and then with Rana.

Kohli struck 10 fours and three sixes in his 108-ball knock before he was caught off Clarke and walked back to a rousing ovation af

Earlier, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips struck counter-attacking centuries as New Zealand posted 337-8

New Zealand slipped to 5-2 and then 58-3 after being invited to bat first in Indore before Mitchell and Phillips put on 219 runs for the fourth wicket.

Mitchell made 137 and Phillips hit 106 off 88 balls to take the attack to the opposition bowlers as New Zealand look for their first ODI series win in India.

The in-form Mitchell picked up where he left off from his match-winning 131 not out in the previous match, which levelled the series at 1-1.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Mitchell reached his ninth ODI ton with a single of Ravindra Jadeja, letting out a scream and celebrating with his partner.

Phillips reached his hundred off Arshdeep Singh and pointed his bat to the sky as the crowd and the New Zealand dressing room stood to applaud.

Arshdeep finally got Phillips caught behind to end the marathon stand and Mitchell soon followed after falling to Mohammed Siraj.

New Zealand wobbled with four more wickets but captain Michael Bracewell hammered an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls to boost their total.

Left-arm quick Arshdeep struck in the first over when he bowled Henry Nicholls for a first-ball duck and Harshit Rana removed Devon Conway for five in the next over.

Rana stuck again to remove Will Young for 30 but Mitchell and Phillips then rebuilt the innings and put New Zealand on course to a challenging total.

The series will be followed by five T20s ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8.

READ: Dominant Afghanistan crush West Indies in U19 World Cup