Tag: Virat Kohli

Former India captain and legendary wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni opened up on his relationship with Virat Kohli, fondly remembering his running between the wickets with the star batter.

Dhoni established himself as one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket, mainly due to his leadership that powered India to the T20 World Cup in 2007, Cricket World Cup in 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

Meanwhile, Kohli made his international debut under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2008 and went on to become one of the best batters in the world.

Despite not getting to meet frequently, MS Dhoni emphasized the mutual respect he shared with Virat Kohli.

“We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time. He (Kohli) has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket. It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for some time. We will talk about what is going on, so that is our relationship,” Dhoni said.

“And the fact that I could bat a lot with him during the middle overs was a lot of fun because we used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it has always been fun,” he further added.

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Remember, Virat Kohli made a major revelation during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2022 that MS Dhoni was the only one to contact him when he left India’s Test captaincy earlier that year.

“When I left Test captaincy, I only received a message from one person and I have played with that person in the past. That person is MS Dhoni, anyone else did not message me. Many people have my number, and there are many people who give me suggestions on the TV,” Kohli stated.

“When you have genuine respect and connection with someone, you are able to see that because there is security from both sides,” he maintained.

The star batter also denied any insecurities with Dhoni before shedding light on how one-on-one suggestions are better than those given in front of the entire world.

“I don’t want anything from him and he does not want anything from me. I was never insecure from him and he was never of me. I can just say that if I want to say something to someone, I will reach out individually,” Kohli said.

“Even if you want to help. If you want to give a suggestion to me in front of the TV or the whole world, it does not hold any value to me. You can talk 1-1, I see things with utmost honesty. It is not like I do not care, but you see the things how they are,” he added.

READ: Ravi Shastri picks India-Pakistan clash as his favourite World Cup moment

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli is on the verge of achieving several batting milestones during the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Kohli is all set to feature in the first international match on August 2 (tomorrow) since announcing his retirement from the T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 glory.

The 35-year-old batter is currently the third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket with 13,848 runs, needing only 152 runs to become only the third player to reach the 14000-run mark in the format.

Meanwhile, he is also closing in on the second-highest run-scorer Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 14,234 runs. Kohli needs 387 runs to surpass Sangakkara.

Legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar is currently sitting at the top with 18,426 runs in ODI cricket.

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Virat Kohli has overall scored 72 half-centuries in the format, tied with Sourav Ganguly, meanwhile, MS Dhoni has scored 73. The right-hander needs a half-century in every game of the series to surpass Dhoni.

He is also chasing Dhoni’s tally of 1,240 runs in Sri Lanka, as Kohli has scored 1,028 runs so far at an average of 48.95. The star batter needs 213 more runs to overtake his former captain.

It is worth mentioning here that the first ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and India will be played on August 2 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The remaining two fixtures will be played on August 4 and 7 respectively at the same venue.

India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

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India’s star batter Virat Kohli encountered an unpleasing incident when a fan called him “Chokli” during the practice for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Kohli is all set to feature in the first international match on August 2 since announcing his retirement from the T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 glory.

To get himself ready, Kohli was deeply indulged in shadow practising in a room and was accompanied by some of his national teammates.

However, the star batter was interrupted by a fan, who chanted “Chokli-Chokli”. The derogatory chant did not sit well with Virat Kohli, who immediately turned towards the troll and gave him an angry look.

For the unversed, “Chokli” is slang, used against Virat Kohli, pertaining to his alleged inability to shine for India in crucial or knockout matches.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli somehow managed to keep his cool and responded to the troll, stating, “Not here.”

 

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The slang term was first used after India’s gut-wrenching defeat to New Zealand in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-final where Kohli managed to score just one run.

Prior to the 2019 semi-final, Kohli was dismissed on the same score in the 2015 semi-final against Australia while he could score five in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

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It is worth mentioning here that the first ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and India will be played on August 2 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The remaining two fixtures will be played on August 4 and 7 respectively at the same venue.

India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

READ: Former Pakistan cricketer calls for relocation of Asia Cup 2025 from India

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir made a major prediction regarding the longevity of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, highlighting their importance for the team in the upcoming major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.

Gambhir, while speaking to the media ahead of the team’s departure for Sri Lanka for a three-match each ODI and T20I series, heaped praise on the senior batting duo of Virat and Sharma for their abilities to deliver on the big stage, before going on to claim that they have enough cricket left in them to feature in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2027.

“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. One thing I can be very clear is that both of those guys have a lot of cricket left in them,” said Gambhir.

“And more importantly, the Champions Trophy is coming up and a big tour of Australia, they will be motivated enough. And then hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup is there,” he added.

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The newly-appointed India head coach, however, termed the decision of either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli to continue playing “a very personal decision” but emphasized that the team comes first.

“This is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it’s up to them. It’s up to the players (to decide) how much they can contribute to the team’s success.

“Ultimately, it’s the team that is important. Looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, they have a lot of cricket. They are still world-class. Any team would want both of them for as long as possible.

Gautam Gambhir also opened up regarding the importance of workload management which saw Jasprit Bumrah rested for the Sri Lanka tour.

“Workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. Rohit and Virat are not playing T20s, so they need to be available for most of the important games.

“For a batter, if he can play good cricket and be in good form, might as well play all the games. Not just for Jasprit Bumrah, but most of the bowlers, workload management is important.”

READ: ICC approves budget for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

Star India batter Virat Kohli reportedly sent a message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding playing under the newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, Indian media reported Friday.

According to the details, Kohli who had a bitter history with Gambhir, assured the cricket board that their past on-field altercations would not affect the player-coach relationship and also the atmosphere of the team’s dressing room.

“Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. Following the (T20) World Cup final in Barbados, discussions were reportedly held on the matter,” Cricbuzz reported.

“Kohli, who, like Gambhir, is from Delhi, assured the concerned parties that he recognises both are working towards the country’s interests and is ready to move on from earlier disagreements,” the report added.

Earlier, reports emerged that Gautam Gambhir wanted senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah to feature in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.

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Apparently, both Kohli and Sharma took Gambhir’s call in a positive manner and made themselves available for the three-match series, scheduled for next month, and were subsequently named in India’s squad.

For the unversed, both Gambhir and Kohli made attempts during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to bury the hatches as the two were seen sharing light moments.

Later on, Virat Kohli took a jibe at the trolls, asserting he disappointed them by hugging Gautam Gambhir.

“People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai [Gautam Gambhir came and hugged me. Your masala is over, so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore,” Kohli said during a private event.

Gambhir echoed Kohli’s remarks during an interaction after the IPL and stated that his relationship with Kohli is something the country does not need to know.

“The perception is far away from the reality. My relationship with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public,” Gambhir said.

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Former India spinner Amit Mishra has made shocking revelations about the behaviour of star batter Virat Kohli, especially towards youngsters.

Mishra, who played for India across formats from 2003 to 2017, opened up about Kohli’s infamous on-field fight with Afghanistan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (then Royal Challengers Bangalore) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

The fight escalated, prompting intervention from current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was the mentor of LSG back then.

The former leg-spinner, who was also part of the LSG, blamed Virat Kohli for starting the fight by abusing the opposition players.

“It all started in Bengaluru where we (LSG) won the game and [Gautam] Gambhir expressed his aggression. The public was going mad so Gautam gestured them to keep quiet. Probably Virat Kohli didn’t like that,” said Mishra while speaking to a YouTube show.

“We thought the matter ended with the game but not for Kohli. He started abusing our players [in the LSG vs RCB rematch in Lucknow].”

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The 41-year-old revealed that he tried to calm Kohli when he was abusing Naveen-ul-Haq, reminding him of his stature, but the batter did not listen.

“Naveen-ul-Haq was bowling, he would abuse him too. He could have avoided that but he chose not to,” he added.

“I was batting with Naveen, I asked Kohli, ‘Who are you even talking to He’s just a youngster and not even close to your stature. Whatever happened has happened.’ He answered back, saying you make him understand, not me.”

Mishra defended Gambhir for his intervention, which further heated the situation, as Kohli was continuously throwing verbal abuses towards Naveen after winning the match.

“But the problem began after the game. He [Kohli] started abusing him [Naveen] again during the customary handshakes. That’s when Gambhir intervened, questioning why you are starting it again when the game had ended, and you guys had won,” he said.

The leg-spinner then praised Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni for being respectful towards junior players.

“Why do people still respect Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni? It is because they respect and love the junior players. You can be aggressive, but this is not done,” he concluded.

READ: Rohit Sharma to lead India in Sri Lanka ODIs: reports

India’s newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir wants senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah to feature in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, Indian media reported Tuesday.

India will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI and T20I series. The upcoming white-ball tour will mark Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment after being appointed as India’s head coach, preceding Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after guiding the team to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 glory.

According to the itinerary announced by the SLC, India will touch down in Sri Lanka on July 22 while the T20I series is scheduled to commence on July 26 with the second and third T20Is set to be played on July 27 and 29 respectively.

All three T20Is will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele before the action shifts to Colombo, where the ODI series will take place.

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The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will kick off on August 1 while the remaining fixtures will be played on August 4 and 7. All three ODIs will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

Earlier, reports emerged that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah would skip the ODI series against Sri Lanka to stretch their break from cricket after leading India to the T20 World Cup 2024 glory.

However, Gambhir is eyeing to bring the senior trio out of vacation as India will have a six-week break before hosting Bangladesh for a home Test series.

It is worth mentioning here that India all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons.

Schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Sri Lanka

1st T20I- July 26 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
2nd T20I – July 27 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
3rd T20I – July 29 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

1st ODI – August 1 – R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
2nd ODI – August 4 – R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
3rd ODI – August 7 – R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo

READ: Former Australia cricketer backs Gautam Gambhir as India head coach

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has criticised the national team’s white-ball captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for their batting approach in T20I cricket.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been a mainstay of Pakistan’s top order in the shorter format, however, they often criticised for their strike rates, especially in the powerplay

Rashid Latif, while talking on his YouTube channel, urged Babar and Rizwan to follow the examples of Indian captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, who recently guided their team to the T20 World Cup glory.

“I would give examples of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to show how they changed themselves. Rohit has changed himself 190 degrees; change is possible because he has become a role model. His IPL strike rate used to be 130-140, but this year it went up to 160. He changed himself. Virat Kohli did the same thing. If these two batters can change, then anyone can,” stated Latif.

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The former captain suggested that Pakistan batters should be given a specific time period to change their batting approach, otherwise they should be dropped.

“I would give Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan 5 matches to change their batting approach in T20Is, and if they won’t, then there should be no place in the team for them,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team were knocked out from the group stage of the T20 World Cup, majorly because of their upset defeat against the USA, followed by a gut-wrenching defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats had put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament while the abandonment of the crucial group-stage fixture between the USA and Ireland officially marked the end of their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: PCB chairman opens up on Babar Azam’s future as captain

Former cricketer and renowned presenter Sanjay Manjrekar asserted that bowlers saved India’s star batter Virat Kohli’s knock in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa.

Kohli scored 76 runs off 59 deliveries with the help of six fours and two sixes. At the back of his gutsy half-century, India managed to register 176/7 on the board, setting a stiff challenge for South Africa.

However, Kohli’s knock was trumped by Heinrich Klaasen’s quickfire half-century, which at one point, had put South Africa in a comfortable position to win their first-ever cricket World Cup before the pacers returned and snatched an astounding victory for the Men in Blue.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, stated that Virat Kohli’s knock had put India in trouble but the bowlers saved the day for the team with exceptional death bowling.

“By playing that innings, Hardik Pandya, one of their most devastating batters, had just two balls to face. So I thought India’s batting was good, but Virat Kohli had potentially played an innings that would’ve put India in a tight corner. And it almost proved to be that, before these guys’ bowlers came in the end,” Manjrekar said.

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Manjrekar then went on to claim that a bowler should have been adjudged the Player of the Match instead of Kohli as he played with a strike rate of 128.

“India were in a losing position, 90 per cent winning chances [for South Africa]. The complete turnaround actually saved Virat Kohli’s innings because he played virtually half the innings with a strike-rate of 128,” said Manjrekar.

“My Player of the Match would’ve been a bowler because they actually took the game from the jaws of defeat and won it for India,” he concluded.

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BARBADOS: India star batter Virat Kohli on Saturday announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after his team ended an 11-year global title drought by defeating South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.

Kohli, who was adjudged the Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final at the back of a gutsy half-century, shared it was his last match for India in the shortest format of the game.

“This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve,” the right-handed batter said in the post-match presentation.

“One day you feel you can’t get a run, and then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered. Now or never, the last T20 for India wanted to make the most of it.

“Wanted to lift the cup, and respect the situation rather than force it. This was an open secret, it’s time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high.

In response to a question regarding whether Virat Kohli foresees himself being carried on his teammates’ shoulders in his final T20I appearance, just like batting great Sachin Tendulkar ended his glittering ODI career, the star batter asserted that Rohit Sharma deserves more.

“After winning the 2011 World Cup the team carried Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders. Is it time to carry you now?” presenter Harsha Bhogle asked.

“Rohit has played nine T20 World Cups, this is my sixth. He deserves it. I wasn’t confident in the last few games, but grateful and humble right now, and I bow my head. It’s been difficult, and the emotions of the game it’s difficult to hold things back. The emotions will come later”, Kohli responded.

It was India’s second T20 World Cup victory after they had won it in 2007 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in South Africa, and first since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Virat Kohli made his first fifty of this tournament in the T20 World Cup 2024 final – a classy 76 off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes that carried India to a competitive 176 for seven.

It is pertinent to mention that Virat Kohli represented India in 125 T20Is and accumulated 4188 runs at a brilliant average of 48.69 with the help of one century and 38 fifties.

READ: India end title drought with T20 World Cup 2024 win