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Tag: virat kohli

Sports

Kapil Dev: We played very good cricket throughout World Cup but final day was not ours | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Legendary Kapil Dev on Tuesday lauded India's ten straight wins at the recently concluded World Cup but pointed out that excess hype surrounding an almost-certain third title was not needed.As Australia crushed over a billion dreams of India winning a third World Cup title, beating hosts handsomely by 6 wickets in the summit clash, Kapil conceded that the final day was not ours. The World Cup champion also said that fans should refrain from creating too much pressure on the players and treat cricket as just another sport."Don't keep so much hopes that people end up with broken hearts. We need to keep a balance. Other teams also came to India to compete in the World Cup. We shouldn't create so much hype. We need to look at sports as sports only. Whoever plays good on the day, ...
Sports

‘Accept your mistake too’: Wasim Akram feels ‘tv, social media, fans’ made India champions before World Cup final | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India entered the World Cup final on the back of 10 successive wins and were favourites to win the summit clash against Australia. However, Aussies produced a top-notch all-round effort, outplaying the hosts to clinch a record-extending sixth title.As the nation of 1.4 billion people continue to heal their wounds of the final loss, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram on Tuesday pointed out that television, social media and fans are also to be blamed for India's loss.Sympathising with the Indian fans, Akram said that TV and social media already made India winners before the final and that in-turn raised pressure on players and increased the hopes of the people."I can understand that, as a nation, it will be tough to get over it because your team played so well throughout the tournamen...
Sports

‘It was as quiet as a library’: Pat Cummins recalls Virat Kohli’s World Cup final dismissal that shushed the crowd | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As a set Virat Kohli chopped-on a Pat Cummins delivery in the World Cup Final in Ahmedabad at a crucial juncture of the game, a near 1,00,000 fans at Narendra Modi Stadium went into pin-drop silence mode.Recalling the moment, the Aussie skipper Cummins said at that time, the world's largest cricket stadium gave him and his team the vibe of a quiet library. Australia went onto beat India by 6 wickets in the final to grab a record-equalling 6th World Cup title. "We're in a huddle after the wicket of Kohli in the final & (Steve) Smith says,'Boys, listen to the crowd." And we just took a moment of pause, and it was as quiet as a library, 100,000-plus Indians there & it was so quiet. I'll savour that moment for a long time," Cummins told 'The Age' during an interaction.Lat...
Politics

‘I’ll savour that for a long time…’: Pat Cummins reveals his most memorable World Cup final moment | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia captain Pat Cummins delved into the unforgettable moments of the ICC ODI World Cup final in a recent interview with Australian newspaper The Age, highlighting the dismissal of Virat Kohli as a pivotal point that would stay with him for a lifetime.When asked which moment he would remember the most from the final game, Cummins responded with Kohli's wicket, emphasising the significance of the Indian maestro's dismissal.The 30-year-old pacer shared his excitement, recalling that after taking Kohli's wicket, the entire stadium fell into an eerie silence."I think the Virat Kohli wicket I was obviously very pumped. And then, we're in the huddle after that wicket, and Steve Smith says, 'Boys, listen to the crowd for a second'. And we just took a moment of pause, and it was...
Sports

‘You can’t replace experience’: Brian Lara bats for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma inclusion in T20 WC team | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former West Indies captain Brian Lara on Sunday expressed support for Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup set to take place in the West Indies and the USA.Lara emphasised the duo's extensive experience with Caribbean conditions. While Rohit and Virat haven't featured in India's T20I team since the 10-wicket loss to England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semifinals in Australia last November, the team has been experimenting with young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, among others.Regardless of the composition, Lara believes that India, with its chosen players, will be a formidable force, but he highlights the added advantage that Virat and Rohit bring with their familiarity ...
Sports

Chris Gayle expects Rohit Sharma to play a key role in India’s T20 World Cup preparation | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former West Indies cricket stalwart, Chris Gayle, has expressed his belief that Indian captain Rohit Sharma will play a crucial role in India's preparations for the upcoming T20I World Cup scheduled in the West Indies and the USA in June 2024. Gayle, known as the "Universe Boss," emphasised that players of Rohit and Virat Kohli's stature, given their recent performances in the ODI World Cup, should have the leverage to decide on their future in the national team."Those guys have to make a call for themselves. If they want to play, why not? They have done a lot for the country and they deserve to make a call on themselves," said Gayle while speaking to IANS during a media roundtable on the sidelines of Legends League Cricket (LLC), where he is representing the Gujarat Giants.R...
Sports

Ambati Rayudu criticises slow pitch in ODI World Cup final, blames conditions for India’s loss to Australia | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Days after India's disappointing six-wicket loss against Australia in the ODI World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, former 'Men in Blue' batter Ambati Rayudu expressed his dissatisfaction with the conditions, attributing the defeat to the slow pitch in the final.In an interview with BeerBiceps YouTube channel, Rayudu questioned the decision to create a slow pitch for the crucial match.He suggested that a normal surface would have been more suitable, given India's strength over the Australian team."Even the wicket was very, very slow and lethargic for a final. I don't know whose idea it was. I think even a normal surface would have done because we were way stronger than the Australian side. We didn't have to do all that in the final. It was just supposed to be...
Sports

Australia exposed India’s little chinks in World Cup final: Sanjay Manjrekar | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels Australia superbly exploited 'little chinks' in India's batting line-up in the World Cup final to secure a record-extending sixth title. The absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya highlighted a significant 'lack of depth' in India's batting during the final in Ahmedabad last Sunday.India faltered, losing half their side within the 36th over, ultimately getting to a modest 241 in the summit clash."India felt the pressure of not having depth; you know, those little chinks in India's armour came to the fore," Manjrekar told Star Sports.Pandya pulled out of the tournament following a twisted ankle in India's fourth league match against Bangladesh as India were forced to ring in two changes -- Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed S...
Sports

Shoaib Akhtar says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still have plenty of cricket left in them, backs duo to play in T20 World Cup too

After experiencing disappointment in the final of the recently-concluded Cricket World Cup, the attention has now shifted to the upcoming showpiece event, which is the T20 World Cup in 2024 in West Indies and the USA. Though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have had a productive 50-over World Cup, there has been speculation about their involvement in the shorter format in the upcoming days. However, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar feels both the veterans still have plenty to offer for the Indian side even in the T20 format. “If you ask, do Rohit and Kohli have cricket left in them? Yes, definitely. Do you get a better opener than Rohit in the world right now? No, you don’t,” he told Zee News. Both Rohit and Kohli have not played a single T20I for India since the loss in Adelaide aga...
Sports

‘It was an incredible gesture…’: Sehwag hails PM Modi’s visit to Indian dressing room, scoffs at critics – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In the wake of India's poignant loss to Australia in the World Cup final, a moment of solace and encouragement emerged as Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the dejected Indian dressing room. The images from this unanticipated gesture quickly circulated, showcasing PM Modi shaking hands with players and sharing a warm hug with Mohammad Shami, the tournament's highest wicket-taker. Former cricketer Virender Sehwag and ex-coach Ravi Shastri have lauded this 'rare gesture,' emphasising its significance in lifting the spirits of a disappointed team.Speaking to ANI, Sehwag, known for his aggressive style on the field, expressed his admiration for the Prime Minister's decision to meet the players directly in the dressing room. "It is very rare for a Prime Minister to meet...
Sports

‘You need experience…’: Wasim Akram on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s T20I future ahead of T20 World Cup – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of India's heart-wrenching defeat to Australia in the ICC ODI World Cup final, the burning question on the minds of cricket enthusiasts is whether skipper Rohit Sharma and the run-machine Virat Kohli will feature in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.Former players are now weighing in on the future of these two batting stalwarts, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the post-ODI World Cup discussions.Formidable FormDespite the ODI World Cup disappointment, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showcased outstanding form, finishing as the top two run-scorers in the tournament. Kohli, who earned the player of the tournament accolade, amassed a record-breaking 765 runs at an impressive average of 95.62. Not far behind, Rohit Sharma secured the second position with 597 run...
Sports

IPL Trading: Hardik Pandya in talks to leave Gujarat Titans for Mumbai Indians | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a significant development in Indian cricket, it has emerged that Hardik Pandya is set to return to Mumbai Indians this IPL season after having captained Gujarat Titans for a couple of seasons. TOI has learnt that the star allrounder is being seen as a potential successor to Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai Indians squad.“Hardik has been in talks with Mumbai Indians since the last IPL got over.Hardik and MI reached the decision a couple of months before the World Cup. The Titans management and Hardik have had growing differences. It’s up to the two franchises to firm up the modalities and formalize the deal. An announcement will be made only after that,” a BCCI source told TOI.The IPL trading window is still open. Mumbai Indians will have to find a way to match Hardik’s salary of...
Sports

India ‘A’ Tour of South Africa: Some seniors might play one of three first-class games | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Some of the senior team Test specialists might be sent early to South Africa to take part in India 'A' side's three-match 'shadow tour' of the country, which will be a pre-cursor to the all-important two-match Test series, starting on December 26.The BCCI has always arranged 'A' team tours to countries where the senior team is supposed to travel for Test matches but after last year's Bangladesh series, the pathways cricket (A team tours, U-19 series) didn't happen as the sole focus was on the ODI World Cup.However, the domestic performers will have a chance to showcase their skills as there will be as many as five or six 'A' games in first-class format between December and January.There will be three 'Tests' (four-day games) against South Africa 'A' set to happen next month a...
Sports

‘Any selector will be tempted…’: Ashish Nehra on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s T20I future | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The speculation surrounding the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20Is has been the talk of the town, specially within the cricket fraternity, following India's defeat in the World Cup final against Australia.Skipper Rohit and Kohli have been away from the shortest format since India's T20 World Cupsemi-final exit in November 2022.Hardik Pandya has mostly led the Indian team in T20Is since then.But former India pacer Ashish Nehra feels both the batters should continue playing T20Is given their current form and any selector will be tempted to get them on board."Virat Kohli is scoring 800 runs, 1000 runs in a calendar year. The way Rohit Sharma is batting, any selector will be tempted. Although they might have a discussion about whether or not Kohli and Rohit want to p...
Sports

‘Australia were tactically outstanding in the final’: Ashwin’s big revelation after defeat in World Cup title clash | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India's star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a startling revelation on Thursday giving full credit to Australian team management on being tactically outstanding in the World Cup title clash against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Despite facing defeats in the initial two matches of the group stage, Australiamanaged to stage an impressive comeback, securing victory in eight consecutive games.This remarkable turnaround led them to the finals against India, where they clinched the record-extending sixth World Cup title with a six-wicket triumph.Australia, who normally opt to bat after winning the toss, shocked everyone with their decision to bowl first and Ashwin noted that their choice was purely based on their tactical acumen as the pitch's black soil tend...
Sports

R Ashwin on how Pat Cummins’ brilliance and Australia’s understanding of Ahmedabad conditions left him in awe

When Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, there was some surprise in the cricketing fraternity. While there was expectation of dew to play its part in the second innings it still was a brave call against the host in front of thousands of fans who were all rooting for Rohit Sharma’s men. And Australia have often relied on the mantra of ‘bat first and put runs on the board in a big game.’ However, the decision paid off big time for the Aussies as they won their sixth World Cup beating India by six wickets. Indian off-spinner Ashwin Ravichandran on his YouTube video revealed his conversation with the Australian chief selector George Bailey during the innings break. “I chatt...
Sports

‘World Cup final result means that cricket won’: Ex-Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq in India’s defeat to Australia

Former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq has implied that Australia’s victory over India in the World Cup final was a win for the sport of cricket, because of how lopsided the advantage was towards the Men in Blue, who were hosting the showpiece event. The all-rounder’s comments came just days after he had to apologise to making disparaging comments about an Indian actress on stage at an event. “Indians were over-confident (in the final),” Razzaq started as he analysed India’s performance in the World Cup final and what went wrong for the overwhelming favourites. Australia won the toss and against conventional wisdom, chose to field first. But Pat Cummins was proved right in the big decision as Australia, who were rare underdogs in a World Cup final, claimed their sixth trophy. “Aga...
Sports

‘I want to regularly play for my country’, says pacer Mukesh Kumar ahead of Australia T20Is | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Right-arm seamer Mukesh Kumar, who made his international debut across all formats during the West Indies tour earlier this year, is aiming for a sustained stint with the Indian team, starting with the upcoming T20I series against Australia in Visakhapatnam.As Team India gears up to face Australia in a five-match T20I series, Mukesh, aged 30, is eager to capitalise on the opportunity and further establish himself in the international arena.The series against Australia provides a valuable chance for both teams to fine-tune their T20 strategies, especially with the next T20 World Cup approximately seven months away.Mukesh had earned his spot in the national team following notable performances in the domestic circuit and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Now, he is determined to ...
Sports

ICC Rankings: Virat Kohli rises to third, Shubman Gill remains on top in ODIs | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After a stellar performance in the ODI World Cup, Indian batsman Virat Kohli has made significant strides in the latest ODI Player Rankings, securing the third position.Kohli's outstanding contribution of 765 runs in the tournament propelled him up one spot, placing him just 35 rating points behind his teammate Shubman Gill, who continues to maintain his position at the top.Gill holds a firm grip on the leading spot with an impressive 826 rating points, narrowly edging out Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, who remains in second place with 824 points.Kohli, now with 791 points, and Indian captain Rohit Sharma (ascending to fourth place with 769 points), are hot on the heels of the top two after delivering noteworthy performances in the World Cup.Kohli's remarkable achievement in...