Tag: Virat Kohli

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has revealed his dream T20I World XI, featuring cricketers from Pakistan, South Africa, England, India, Australia, and Afghanistan.

Babar has surprisingly ignored the third-highest run-getter of the shortest format, Virat Kohli, in his World XI.

Virat Kohli has amassed 4188 runs in 125 T20I internationals at an average of 48.69 with the help of 38 half-centuries and one century.

Making an appearance on the Off Topic Zalmi Podcast, Babar was asked to name a T20I XI, with the restriction that no more than two players could be selected from a single country.

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Babar Azam picked destructive Indian batter Rohit Sharma and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan as his openers in the XI.

Rohit Sharma is the leading T20I run-scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches with the help of five hundreds and 32 half-centuries.

At no 03, he picked the dynamic left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman. Babar has opted for India’s Mr Dependable in T20I cricket, Suryakumar Yadav, for the No. 4 position.

For the No. 5 spot, Babar Azam went with England’s hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, followed by the South African duo of David Miller and Marco Jansen, both capable of hitting the long ball in the last phase of the innings.

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At No. 8 came Afghanistan’s spin wizard Rashid Khan, who is known for his magical spin bowling.

Babar Azam opted for a heavy pace attack featuring the likes of Australia’s Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, along with England speedster Mark Wood.

Babar Azam’s T20I World XI:

Rohit Sharma (India), Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan), Suryakumar Yadav (India), Jos Buttler (England), David Miller (South Africa), Marco Jansen (South Africa) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Pat Cummins (Australia), Mitchell Starc (Australia), and Mark Wood (England).

READ: Mike Hesson wants ‘match winners’ Babar-Rizwan back in Pakistan T20I team: reports

Former South Africa legend AB de Villiers has made a surprising confession regarding Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, stating that he did not particularly like him.

The statement came following Virat Kohli’s retirement earlier this week. Kohli, 36, announced his retirement from red-ball cricket with an emotional Instagram post, reflecting on a journey that saw him become one of the greatest Test batters of his era.

Virat Kohli has represented India in 123 Test matches since his debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Throughout his remarkable 14-year career, he has scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

The 37-year-old batter has also captained India in 68 Test matches, winning 40 and losing only 17.

AB de Villiers emphasized Virat Kohli’s early days in cricket, praising his competitiveness on the field.

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“Virat is like one of my cricketing brothers, someone I really grew fond of when I got to know him better. He’s an absolute pain to play against, so before I knew him I didn’t really like him a lot because he was so good and so competitive, very similar to me with that competitive nature,” De Villiers said in a video on ICC.

Former batter shared insights about his bond with Virat Kohli, recalling his time at the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

“We really like winning and we like to pull our weight within the team environment and if anything threatens that it usually brings out aggressive body language and one that will attack back and that’s exactly what Virat was like playing against.

Then I got to know him at RCB, I got to know him a lot better. We became family friends, became brothers and also became great partners at the wicket when we played together, really understood each other out there and I probably enjoyed every second of playing with him,” De Villiers added.,” he added.

READ: Former New Zealand legend joins England coaching staff

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, calling it the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era. 

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed surprise that both players retired in a short span of time. He said that it would be a challenging time for Indian cricket.

“I didn’t have an idea both [Rohit and Kohli] would retire together,” Ashwin said. “This will be a testing time for Indian cricket, and I’ll say this is truly now the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era, he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed confidence in fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership potential while stressing the pacer’s fitness.

“The team that will tour England will be a completely new team, a transformed team where Bumrah will probably be the senior-most player.

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“He is obviously one of the captaincy options; I think he deserves the captaincy, but the selectors will take a decision based on his physical capacity,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked.

India is heading to England for a five-match Test series, and Ashwin stated that sudden retirements would certainly create a leadership vacuum.

“Their retirements will definitely create a leadership vacuum. You can’t buy experience, especially on tours like this. Virat’s energy and Rohit’s composure will be missed,” said Ashwin.

For the unversed, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from Test cricket in a short time.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who had earlier stepped away from T20Is after leading India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title, announced their decisions through an Instagram story.

The sudden retirements left India in a selection dilemma ahead of the five-match series in England, which kicks off at Headingley on June 20.

READ: PCB reveals schedule for remaining PSL 10 matches

24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, in a heartwarming gesture, paid tribute to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket.

Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket came as a surprise to fans around the world.

The 36-year-old had already stepped away from T20Is after leading India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title in the USA and the West Indies.

And now, with the red-ball chapter of his career also coming to a close, it truly marks the end of an era.

In an emotional farewell note posted on Instagram, Virat Kohli looked back on his 14-year-long Test journey with a sense of gratitude and fulfilment.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites… the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever,” Kohli added.

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He admitted the decision to walk away wasn’t easy, but it felt like the right time.

“I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude… I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

Virat Kohli bows out with 123 Test matches under his belt, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and 40 Test wins as captain — the most by any Indian skipper in the format.

Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, took to social media on Monday to congratulate Kohli on what he described as an “incredible innings,” sharing a photo of the Indian batting maestro along with the message: “Incredible innings, Virat Kohli.”

The Serbian tennis star’s gesture reflects the immense respect Kohli commands not just within the cricketing fraternity but across the global sporting landscape.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has extended heartfelt praise to Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli following the latter’s retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a remarkable red-ball journey that spanned over 14 years.

Kohli, 36, brought down the curtain on his red-ball career with an emotional announcement on Instagram, reflecting on a journey that saw him become one of the greatest Test batters of his era.

Following the announcement, Shahid Afridi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to commend Kohli’s impact on the longest format, hailing his passion, professionalism, and competitive spirit that raised the bar in modern Test cricket.

“Congratulations on a remarkable career, Virat Kohli. Your passion, intensity and professionalism set new standards in Test cricket. The purist format will miss your presence and competitive spirit,” Afridi wrote.

Having debuted in 2011, Kohli went on to represent India in 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an impressive average of over 48, including 30 centuries.

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As captain, his legacy is equally distinguished. He led India in 68 Tests from 2014 to 2022, winning 40 matches, making him the most successful Indian Test skipper in history.

In his farewell message, Kohli acknowledged the deep emotional connection he shared with the format, calling it the most testing and transformative phase of his cricketing life.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” he said.

Kohli’s retirement follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s own Test exit, signalling the end of an era in Indian cricket.

With both senior pros stepping away, the Indian team is now staring at a pivotal leadership transition just weeks ahead of their five-match Test series against England, which begins June 20 at Headingley.

READ: PCB confirms dates for resumption of men’s domestic cricket

India’s batting legend Virat Kohli has called time on his Test career, announcing his retirement from the longest format with immediate effect on Monday.

The star batter, who had earlier stepped away from T20Is after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title, announced his decision through an Instagram post.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Virat Kohli posted.

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.

 

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A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.

“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”

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Virat Kohli has represented India in 123 Test matches since his debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Throughout his remarkable 14-year career, he has scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

The 37-year-old batter has also captained India in 68 Test matches, winning 40 and losing only 17.

With these 40 victories, Kohli ranks as India’s most successful Test captain of all time. Following him in this list are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who won 27 out of 60 matches, and Sourav Ganguly, with 21 wins from 49 matches.

Additionally, Virat Kohli is fourth on the overall list of captains with the most Test wins, standing behind South Africa’s Graeme Smith (53 wins from 109 matches), Australia’s Ricky Ponting (48 wins from 77 matches), and Australia’s Steve Waugh (41 wins from 57 matches).

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Former West Indies legend Brian Lara has advised Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli to reconsider his decision regarding Test cricket.

Virat Kohli has reportedly been in talks with top BCCI officials for the past month, exploring the possibility of stepping away from the longest format of the game, a format he once ruled and revolutionised as captain.

The decision would mark the end of Kohli’s remarkable 14-year red-ball career.

Having already retired from T20Is in 2024 following India’s World Cup triumph, Kohli’s Test exit would signal the closing of an era for Indian cricket, especially coming so soon after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.

In a social media post, Brian Lara said that Virat Kohli should be persuaded to continue in the red-ball format.

 

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A post shared by Brian Lara (@brianlaraofficial)

“Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket,” he said.

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Brian further emphasised Virat’s average for the remainder of his career in the longest format.

“@virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career,” he added.

Statistically, Kohli’s Test journey boasts 123 matches and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including a memorable tenure as captain across 68 Tests.

However, his red-ball form has seen a noticeable decline, with his average dipping to 32.56 in the past two years, despite a century in Perth in late 2024.

Virat Kohli remains among the elite A+ category in the BCCI’s central contracts — a bracket usually reserved for all-format players.

But with T20Is already behind him and his future in Tests uncertain, a shift in his cricketing priorities seems increasingly likely.

It’s worth noting that the Test series between India and England will kick off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

READ: PCB, BCB in talks amid uncertainty over Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan

India’s legendary batter Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI of his intention to retire from Test cricket, sources close to the development revealed, with the five-match Test series in England around the corner.

The 36-year-old has reportedly been in talks with top BCCI officials for the past month, exploring the possibility of stepping away from the longest format of the game, a format he once ruled and revolutionised as captain.

Should Kohli follow through with this decision, it would mark the end of a remarkable red-ball career that has spanned over 14 years.

Having already retired from T20Is in 2024 following India’s World Cup triumph, Kohli’s Test exit would signal the closing of an era for Indian cricket, especially coming so soon after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.

Despite reports suggesting Virat Kohli might be included in the squad for the England series, primarily due to his vast experience, clarity is still awaited.

With India set to tour under a new Test captain, his presence could prove vital, even if just to steady a transitional phase.

Statistically, Kohli’s Test journey boasts 123 matches and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including a memorable tenure as captain across 68 Tests.

However, his red-ball form has seen a noticeable decline, with his average dipping to 32.56 in the past two years, despite a century in Perth in late 2024.

Kohli remains among the elite A+ category in the BCCI’s central contracts — a bracket usually reserved for all-format players.

But with T20Is already behind him and his future in Tests uncertain, a shift in his cricketing priorities seems increasingly likely.

It’s worth noting that the Test series between India and England will kick off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

READ: Men’s domestic cricket events postponed over escalating India-Pakistan tensions

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his weight behind senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, making it clear that as long as they are performing, their place in the Test side should not be questioned.

Following India’s 3-1 series defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, debates around the future of the veteran duo have resurfaced, particularly with a tough five-Test tour of England on the horizon, starting June 20 at Headingley.

However, Gambhir, speaking to Indian media on Tuesday, made his stance abundantly clear that only performance should be the defining factor in determining a player’s place in the team, not their age.

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“As long as they are performing, they deserve to be in the team,” Gautam Gambhir said.

“When a player begins or ends their career should be their own decision. No coach, selector, or even the BCCI should have the authority to decide that. If someone is performing at 40, they can play till 45. Who is stopping them?”

Gambhir, who took over the reins as head coach earlier this year, also reminded critics of Kohli and Rohit’s proven match-winning pedigree, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the Champions Trophy.

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He pointed out that players with such experience bring a different level of composure and value to the dressing room, especially in marquee series.

When pressed about squad selection for the England tour, Gautam Gambhir clarified the division of responsibilities, stating that the head coach does not get involved in picking the squad.

“A coach’s job is not to select the team. That responsibility lies with the selectors. My role begins once the squad is final — I focus on selecting the best playing XI for each match,” he added.

READ: Babar Azam crashes out of top 20 as Pakistan players slide in ICC Test rankings

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has revealed the name of the cricketer who had the most significant impact on him as a young player.

During a podcast with his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Virat named former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as an inspiration during his early days.

Virat Kohli stated that there was one player who came with the mindset of helping Indian players.

“Out of all the players that I played with initially, Mark Boucher had the biggest impact on me as a young kid,” Kohli said.

“He was the only guy I saw who came with the mindset that ‘Okay, I’m going to come in and help some of the young Indian players.”

The 36-year-old mentioned that Mark Boucher identified his weaknesses and changes that I needed to make to advance to the next level.

“He saw me play and saw a bit of potential. He figured out what my weaknesses could be, like if I wanted to go to the next level, this is what I need to do, without me asking him anything,” Kohli remarked

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“He said, ‘Okay, I’ve seen you play this and we need to work on this, that, and a couple more things.’ So he took me to the nets, he said, ‘You need to work on the short ball. No one’s going to give you a chance in international cricket if you can’t pull the ball, ” he added.

Virat Kohli also revealed the practice behind improving his gameplay and mentioned being really astonished by their insightful conversations.

The right-handed batter stated that the conversations motivated him to focus on how he could continue to improve and encouraged him to strive for better performance.

“He was hitting these tennis balls at me at a pace where I was like, if this is what it’s going to take, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the next level. But he really kept at it. I started becoming better.”

“I remember a game we were playing in Chennai or Kolkata, and he told me, ‘When I come to commentate in India in four years from now, if I don’t see you playing for India, you would do a disservice to yourself,” he recalled.

Virat Kohli expressed his amazement, saying, “He really stunned me with the conversations that he had with me. And that really pushed me in the direction where I said I needed to start looking at how I could keep becoming better.”

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