Netherlands will play their last ICC World Cup 2023 match against India in Bengaluru. Scott Edwards, Vikramjit Singh and Max O’Dowd heaped massive praise on Virat Kohli before the contest.

“Virat Kohli is a big wicket and we will have to get him out early. He performs well while chasing totals and has been doing it for years,” Scott Edwards told Star Sports.

“The King Virat Kohli is arguably the greatest of all time. He is someone cricketers look upto,” Max O’Dowd said.

“Who doesn’t love Virat Kohli? Everyone loves Virat Kohli. He is a poetry in motion,” Vikramjit Singh said.

Kohli has scored over 500 runs, with the help of 2 hundreds and 4 fifties. He recently equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of most ODI centuries. He is one ton away from going past the Master Blaster.

India are undefeated in the tournament, with eight wins from as many games.

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In the pulsating realm of international cricket, few names echo with the same resonance and reverence as Virat Kohli. As the ICC World Cup 2023 finals loom on the horizon, Kohli’s remarkable journey through the cricketing world stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and an unquenchable thirst for success. Captaining India until recently, Kohli’s legacy in the sport extends far beyond his captaincy tenure. He has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with an astounding record of 79 centuries and 136 half-centuries across formats. His monumental achievement of equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the ongoing World Cup further cements his status as a cricketing icon.

Kohli’s recent century against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens underscored his consistency and showcased his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations. With this century, he equalled Tendulkar’s record and demonstrated his unwavering focus and class. Kohli’s contribution to India’s journey in the World Cup has been pivotal, with a staggering 550 runs in eight innings, including two centuries, making him the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer. His ability to convert starts into substantial innings and anchor the team has been crucial in India’s successful campaign, propelling them into the semi-finals with an impeccable record of 8 wins out of 8 matches.

Beyond the statistics, Kohli’s influence on the team transcends the boundaries of the pitch. His intensity, passion, and commitment serve as a driving force, inspiring his teammates to push their limits and strive for excellence. Even without the captain’s armband, Kohli’s presence on the field is synonymous with leadership. His tactical acumen and exceptional batting skills have made him a beacon of hope for Indian cricket, especially in challenging situations.

Kohli’s international career, spanning formats and continents, paints a portrait of sheer brilliance and unwavering commitment. His hunger for runs, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, has set him apart as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. His adaptability to various playing conditions and his ability to perform consistently against top bowling attacks have solidified his reputation as a master craftsman of the game.

Moreover, Kohli’s dedication to fitness and mental conditioning has revolutionized cricket in India. He has redefined the standards of athleticism, inspiring a generation of cricketers to prioritize physical and mental well-being. His discipline and perseverance serve as a testament to the importance of holistic development in professional sports.

Off the field, Kohli’s humility and sportsmanship have endeared him to fans worldwide. He carries the weight of expectations with grace, often acknowledging the support of his teammates and fans. His philanthropic endeavors and efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level reflect his commitment to giving back to the game, making him a household name.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC World Cup 2023 finals, Virat Kohli stands as the epitome of cricketing greatness. His journey, marked by records, accolades, and unwavering passion, embodies the spirit of the sport. Whether it’s his celebrated centuries, his fiery captaincy, or his inspiring comebacks, Kohli’s contributions have not only shaped Indian cricket but have also left an indelible mark on the international stage.

In the grand tapestry of international cricket, Virat Kohli’s journey transcends mere statistics; it embodies the triumph of the human spirit. His saga is a compelling resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication narrative. Kohli stands not just as a cricketer but as a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for aspiring players. His story teaches us that one can conquer the world’s challenges with innate talent, relentless hard work, and an unyielding spirit.

As the ICC World Cup 2023 hurtles towards its climax, Kohli’s presence on the field serves as a vivid reminder of his indomitable will and unmatched skill. For cricket enthusiasts worldwide, he symbolizes the very essence of the sport—a fusion of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled talent. In the arena of international cricket, Kohli isn’t merely a player; he is an embodiment of dreams realized through sweat and sacrifice. His legacy will continue to inspire generations, reminding them that greatness is attainable with determination and an unwavering belief in oneself.

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Ahead of India’s last league stage match against the Netherlands, Virat Kohli sat down for a special interview with his wife Anushka Sharma. 

Earlier, Rohit’s interview with his wife Ritika Sajdeh went viral where Rohit answered some candid questions. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli also had a candid conversation with his wife.

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The two are brand ambassadors for a brand, LivSpace, and sat down for a fun section, where Anushka Sharma asked Kohli about his favourite football club, holiday destination, and what he feared more – a yorker at 150 kmph or a bouncer at the same speed.

Kohli replied that he would ideally love to say none but for the sake of answering he said that he feared a bouncer more than a yorker.

“Which is your biggest fear – a yorker at a speed of 150 or a bouncer at a speed of 150,” Anushka asked.

“Bouncer. I mean, I can say none, but out of the two, bouncer is tougher,” Kohli replied.

Virat also revealed that he is looking to go on a wildlife safari in South Africa and also that Manchester City is his favourite football club. Here is the video of the special interview. 

It is to be seen whether Virat will play the game against the Netherlands or will he be given a rest to prepare for the semi-finals against New Zealand or Pakistan. 

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In a delightful segment on Star Sports, Virat Kohli took part in a rapid-fire round with comedian-actor Sumukhi Suresh. The exchange unfolded as follows:

Sumukhi: The next game has everything to do with peace, okay? Excitement, and you have only five seconds to answer questions. Hit the buzzer when you want to answer. Five seconds, answer, and the buzzer will sound. Are you ready?

Virat: Yeah, okay.

• Three things you can eat that start with the letter ‘A’?
  • Virat’s Response: Apple.
• Three current fashion trends you love?
  • Virat’s Response: Baggy pants, baggy t-shirts, and bucket hats.
• Three wild animals you wish were pet animals?
  • Virat’s Response: None.
• People you call the most?
  • Virat’s Response: Anushka, my mum, and my coach.
• Name three of your go-to favorite songs.
  • Virat’s Response: Channa Mereya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Deva Deva.
• Words your best friends would use to describe you?
  • Virat’s Response: Naughty.
• Three things you consider to be your guilty pleasures?
  • Virat’s Response: Dark chocolate.
• Three things that do not rhyme with the word ‘bat’?
  • Virat’s Response: Book, crook, hook.
• Three must-haves in your wardrobe?
  • Virat’s Response: T-shirts, jeans, and underwear.
• Three things that make you smile?
  • Virat’s Response: Jokes.

In the midst of the light-hearted conversation, Virat couldn’t help but question Sumukhi, “What are you doing? Why are you putting that pressure on me?” There is much more pressure to answer in five seconds.

Virat Kohli’s performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular. India face Netherlands in their final group-stage encounter on Sunday and Virat Kohli will be aiming to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI hundreds.

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Former Australian wicketkeeper and World Cup winner Adam Gilchrist acknowledges India’s incredible performance in the 2023 World Cup. Despite India’s strength, Gilchrist suggests a strategic move for teams facing the Men in Blue in knockout matches—winning the toss and opting to bat first.

Highlighting the prowess of India’s bowling attack, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, Gilchrist emphasizes the need to neutralize them by making them bowl first.

“I believe starting with winning the toss and opting to bat first is key, considering India’s style of play. I’m not saying they struggle in chasing, with Virat Kohli, they have the best-ever run-chase coordinator,” he said.

“The harm caused by the Indian bowling attack in night conditions has been severe. Siraj, Shami, and Bumrah have been nearly impossible to play against. It could be easier to face them when batting in daylight,” he added.

Acknowledging India’s strategic development in fast bowling, Gilchrist highlights the role of the MRF pace academy.

“India recognized they were somewhat reliant on spin talent, especially given the prevailing conditions. To compete internationally, they had to build a strong fast bowling program. The MRF pace academy, led by Dennis Lillee and now Glenn McGrath, played a crucial role in this development,” he said.

Discussing India’s bowling lineup, Gilchrist applauds the balance between pace and spin.

“India has a balanced bowling lineup, blending fast bowling skill with diverse spin options. Jadeja’s impressive stats and Kuldeep Yadav’s unpredictable variations pose challenges for any opposition. With the waiting inclusion of Ravi Ashwin, their potent bowling makes them a formidable threat alongside their strong batting lineup.”

Despite the powerful batting lineup, Gilchrist attributes India’s current dominance to the potency of their bowling unit. With a top-spot finish assured in the league phase, India awaits the semifinals, where they will face one among New Zealand, Pakistan, or Afghanistan.

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Star batsman Virat Kohli, in the midst of a spectacular Cricket World Cup 2023 has amassed 543 runs in eight matches, including two centuries. Notably, Kohli recently achieved a milestone by equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in One-Day Internationals, securing his 49th century on his 35th birthday.

The cricketing world, including Tendulkar, showered tributes on Kohli through social media, expressing admiration for his achievement and anticipating further records in the days to come.

As India gears up for its last group stage match against the Netherlands, a match considered a dead rubber, Kohli returned to Bengaluru with the Indian team. Upon arrival, Kohli, accompanied by his wife Anushka Sharma, was warmly welcomed at the team hotel by officials.

Virat and Anushka are expecting their second child. News of her pregnancy spread like wildfire after a clip showed her cradling her baby bump as she walked with the former India captain. For the night out, the actress wore a short flared dress to shield her baby bump. Their first kid Vamika was born on January 11, 2021.

Known for his on-field tenacity and resilience, Kohli, despite occasional controversies, remains one of the most beloved figures in cricket. Fan interactions, including pitch invasions for selfies and feet-touching gestures, are common occurrences at Indian venues.

Beyond his on-field prowess, Kohli holds the distinction of being India’s highest-paid athlete, earning $33.9 million primarily from lucrative brand endorsements, according to Sportico’s 2022 list.

Kohli’s cricket journey has seen highs and lows, with an extended lean patch since 2021. However, his resilience came to the fore in the 2022 T20 World Cup when he broke the century drought after 1,020 days. Since then, Kohli has continued his stellar form, reaffirming his status as one of cricket’s premier players.

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The 2023 ODI World Cup has now completed five weeks. Teams and fans are getting a much clearer picture of where the tournament is heading. After week five, it has been confirmed that India, South Africa, and Australia will finish in the top three. While India are confirmed for a top spot irrespective of the result of their last league game against the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 12, South Africa and Australia will occupy either the second or third place depending on the results of their last league match. 

This also means South Africa and Australia are confirmed to take on each other in the second semi-final. India could meet Pakistan, New Zealand, or Afghanistan, depending on the results. Also, apart from England and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have also been knocked out of the tournament. On that note, let’s look at the World Cup 2023 team of week five.

Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Rachin Ravindra

Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra would open the batting in the World Cup team for week five. Fakhar struck a brilliant 126 not out off 81 balls, slamming eight fours and 11 sixes, to ensure a crucial victory for Pakistan in a much-win clash against New Zealand in a rain-shortened encounter.

Ravindra hit a hundred for New Zealand in the same game in Bengaluru. The elegant left-hander struck an impressive 108 off 94 balls, hitting 15 fours and a six. His knock got overshadowed by Fakhar’s brilliance, but the duo would open the innings together in the dream team.

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell (captain), Ben Stokes

Indian batting star Virat Kohli had another memorable week in the 2023 World Cup. He scored 88 off 94 balls in the Men in Blue’s 302-run hammering of Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Kohli then equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 ODI tons by scoring 101 not out off 121 balls against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on his 35th birthday. Kohli was Player of the Match as India clinched the game by 243 runs.

Australia’s batting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell barges into the dream team on the back of his near-miraculous double hundred in the team’s come-from-behind three-wicket triumph over Afghanistan. Chasing 292, Australia had crumbled to 91/7. Maxwell, however, battled cramps in both legs, back spasms, and an inspired Afghanistan bowling attack, conquering all of them. He hammered 21 fours and 12 sixes in an incredible innings, hardly moving his feet towards the end of a special knock. He deserves to captain the team of the week.

England legend Ben Stokes finally found some form in week five. He scored a hard-fought 64 in the loss to Australia and followed it up with 108 off 84 in the win over the Netherlands in Pune, which kept England’s 2025 Champions Trophy qualification hopes alive.

Wicket-keeper: Ikram Alikhil

Afghanstan’s Ikram Alikhil had a brilliant game behind the stumps in the match against the Netherlands. He had a hand in effecting three of the four run-outs, took two catches, and pulled off a stumping as well. He also chipped in with two catches against Australia.  

All-rounders & bowlers: Shakib Al Hasan, Ravindra Jadeja, Chris Woakes, Mohammed Shami, Dilshan Madushanka

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan makes the dream team by claiming two wickets and smashing a quick-fire 82 in the win over Sri Lanka in a hot-headed clash. Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja had two memorable games. He scored 35 against Sri Lanka and claimed a wicket. Versus South Africa, he hit a swift 29 not out and then claimed career-best figures of 5/33. 

England all-rounder Chris Woakes claimed 4/54 versus Australia and scored 32. Against the Netherlands, he contributed 51 and picked up 1/19. India’s Mohammed Shami and Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka will be the main pacers in the team of the week. Shami claimed 5/18 and 2/18 against Sri Lanka and South Africa respectively. Left-arm pacer Madushanka claimed five against India and three versus Bangladesh, continuing his great form.

The post Glenn Maxwell to lead Team of Week 5 in ICC World Cup 2023, three Indians in Dream XI appeared first on Crictoday.

New Zealand is the toughest opponents to beat for India in the ICC event. It was after 20 years that the Men in Blue managed to thump the Kiwis in the World Cup. The previous win before the ongoing competition came in 2003.

Kane Williamson-led team has almost reached the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023 and will face the host nation at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.

Former Kiwi player Mitchell McClenaghan took to X to write about the nervousness of the sub-continent outfit.

“India just got real nervous,” he wrote. In their encounter in the 2023 World Cup, India defeated the rivals by 4 wickets. It was a nervy wim for the 2011 champions as New Zealand managed to surprise them with their comeback.

The situation was getting out of control when Daryl Mitchell and Ravindra Jadeja were going strong at the time of batting. However, Mohammed Shami brought the team back into the game by sending back Ravindra to the dressing room and there was no looking back.

Virat Kohli stood up in the batting department with a fine 95. He had to bat deep along with Ravindra Jadeja to take India home at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium.

The two sides have competed in 10 50-over World Cup matches; out of these, the Kiwis secured a win in 5 while India emerged came on top on 4 occasions. One match ended without a result.

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After Virat Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries, West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards praised Kohli and called him one of the all-time greats of the game.

“I have seen many talented individuals, but none can surpass Virat Kohli. I am a big admirer of Kohli and have been for a long time. He continuously demonstrates why he deserves to be mentioned among the all-time greats, such as the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, “the legendary West Indies batter wrote in his column for ICC.

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“Virat Kohli faced tough times before the World Cup, but credit goes to the support staff and those who stood by him. He has bounced back remarkably, proving that class is permanent. Kohli is a true asset to the game of cricket.”

Viv also shed light on the comparison between him and Virat, “Over the years, many people have compared Virat Kohli and me, mainly due to our shared intensity on the field. I adore Virat’s passion. Even when he is fielding at long-on or long-off, he is always involved in the game, and if one of his bowlers hits the pad, he is quick to appeal. I appreciate individuals like him who are always in the game.”

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It is impossible to separate Michael Vaughan and Wasim Jaffer on X. They are like neighbours, who are always at loggerheads but can’t live without each other.

In the podcast with Adam Gilchrist, Damein Martyn and others, Vaughan said that Jaffer has hired a professional to reply to his tweets. He admitted that Wasim has been winning online banters but with help of other person.

Former India player hit back in style. He gave a mother of all replies to his foe, forcing the legendary English batter to like the tweet.

“On a podcast @MichaelVaughan said that I hired a professional to banter with him. It’s true. But I only did that as I thought he needed professional help. And it’s worked. From unnecessarily trolling Ind fans to acting like an Ind fan, look how far he’s come! #Proud 😊 #CWC2023,” he wrote.

Vaughan has been praising Team India for their performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. He is also taking on Mohammad Hafeez for calling Virat Kohli selfish.

The post “From unnecessarily trolling Ind fans to acting like an Ind fan, look how far he’s come”: Jaffer owns Vaughan with mother of all replies appeared first on Crictoday.