<p>Team India bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, on Monday evening (November 9). The one-time winners failed to get going in their first two matches, versus Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, and paid a heavy price as they got eliminated in the Super 12 round despite many backing them to go the distance. While the Men in Blue did recover in style, with three back-to-back big wins, it was too late as New Zealand and Pakistan had sealed the two semi-final spots from Pool B by then.</p>

<p>India defeated Namibia by nine wickets, in pursuit of 133 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and signed off on a high. With India's exit, Virat Kohli's tenure as a T20I captain also came to an end as he had already announced that the showpiece event would be his last assignment as the captain in the shortest format. Kohli ended his stint as T20I captain by leading the Men in Blue in 50 matches, leading them to 32 wins and 16 losses. Post his end of tenure, opening batsman KL Rahul lauded the 33-year-old for his overall contributions courtesy a heartfelt post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901">&nbsp;<strong>'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Rahul reflected on India's dismal campaign and thanked Kohli by tweeting, "Not the ideal World Cup for us, but we learn and grow. Grateful to all our fans for the love and support. Thank you to our coaches for helping us grow as cricketers. A big shout-out to @imVkohli for being a leader who led by example and for everything you have done for us."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not the ideal World Cup for us, but we learn and grow.<br />
Grateful to all our fans for the love and support.<br />
Thank you to our coaches for helping us grow as cricketers. A big shout-out to <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> for being a leader who led by example and for everything you have done for us. <a href="https://t.co/oejHdUvCZ8">pic.twitter.com/oejHdUvCZ8</a></p>
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11/status/1457984677478760451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thats-the-problem-with-team-india-nasser-hussain-decodes-reason-behind-kohli-cos-t20-wc-debacle-428038"><strong>That's the problem with Team India: Nasser Hussain decodes reason behind Kohli &amp; Co.'s T20 WC debacle</strong></a></p>

<p>After India's resounding victory&nbsp;over Namibia, Kohli said at the post-match presentation, "It's been a honor but things need to be kept at the right perspective. I felt this was the right time to manage my workload. It's been six or seven years of heavy workload and there is a lot of pressure. The guys have been fantastic, I know we haven't got the results here but we have played some really good cricket. The guys have really made my work easier."</p>

<p>Post India's exit from the T20 WC, Rohit Sharma and Rahul have been named captain and vice-captain, respectively, for the national side's next T20I assignment where they will face New Zealand at home, from November 17. Rohit has officially taken over from Virat in the format whereas he will have Rahul as his deputy in his first series as full-time T20I skipper.</p>

<p><strong>India’s T20I squad for New Zealand series</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed&nbsp;Siraj</p>


Team India bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, on Monday evening (November 9). The one-time winners failed to get going in their first two matches, versus Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, and paid a heavy price as they got eliminated in the Super 12 round despite many backing them to go the distance.

Team India bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, on Monday evening (November 9). The one-time winners failed to get going in their first two matches, versus Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, and paid a heavy price as they got eliminated in the Super 12 round despite many backing them to go the distance. While the Men in Blue did recover in style, with three back-to-back big wins, it was too late as New Zealand and Pakistan had sealed the two semi-final spots from Pool B by then. India defeated Namibia by nine wickets, in pursuit of 133 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, and signed off on a high. With India's exit, Virat Kohli's tenure as a T20I captain also came to an end as he had already announced that the showpiece event would be his last assignment as the captain in the shortest format. Kohli ended his stint as T20I captain by leading the Men in Blue in 50 matches, leading them to 32 wins and 16 losses. Post his end of tenure, opening batsman KL Rahul lauded the 33-year-old for his overall contributions courtesy a heartfelt post. ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC Rahul reflected on India's dismal campaign and thanked Kohli by tweeting, "Not the ideal World Cup for us, but we learn and grow. Grateful to all our fans for the love and support. Thank you to our coaches for helping us grow as cricketers. A big shout-out to @imVkohli for being a leader who led by example and for everything you have done for us." Not the ideal World Cup for us, but we learn and grow. Grateful to all our fans for the love and support. Thank you to our coaches for helping us grow as cricketers. A big shout-out to @imVkohli for being a leader who led by example and for everything you have done for us. pic.twitter.com/oejHdUvCZ8 — K L Rahul (@klrahul11) November 9, 2021 × ALSO READ | That's the problem with Team India: Nasser Hussain decodes reason behind Kohli & Co.'s T20 WC debacle After India's resounding victory over Namibia, Kohli said at the post-match presentation, "It's been a honor but things need to be kept at the right perspective. I felt this was the right time to manage my workload. It's been six or seven years of heavy workload and there is a lot of pressure. The guys have been fantastic, I know we haven't got the results here but we have played some really good cricket. The guys have really made my work easier." Post India's exit from the T20 WC, Rohit Sharma and Rahul have been named captain and vice-captain, respectively, for the national side's next T20I assignment where they will face New Zealand at home, from November 17. Rohit has officially taken over from Virat in the format whereas he will have Rahul as his deputy in his first series as full-time T20I skipper. India’s T20I squad for New Zealand series Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj

'A big shout-out to Virat Kohli' - KL Rahul lauds India's outgoing T20I captain in a heartfelt post

<p>Team India ended their T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, with a nine-wicket win in their last league stage encounter versus Namibia on Monday evening (November 8). As Virat Kohli-led India were knocked out from the semi-finals race, with New Zealand's eight-wicket win over Afghanistan, the one-time winners had a chance to sign off on a high. Kohli &amp; Co. didn't disappoint as they beat Namibia in style with an all-round performance.</p>

<p>Despite their win over Namibia, India ended the T20 WC 2021 edition with three wins and two big defeats, which resulted in their early ouster. India lost their opening two fixtures, versus Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, by big margins and, thus, once again missed out on winning their first-ever ICC title since 2013.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-no-rohit-kohli-in-dinesh-karthiks-team-of-the-tournament-babar-azam-named-captain-428021"><strong>T20 WC: No Rohit, Kohli in Dinesh Karthik's team of the tournament; Babar Azam named captain</strong></a></p>

<p>Former England captain-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain decoded reasons behind India's early exit and told while speaking to T20worldcup.com, "You have got to go out and express yourself. They (India) have got so much talent. That may be the only thing that's holding India back in ICC events. They don't quite play the fearless brand of cricket that they deserve to because they are so talented."</p>

<p>"I had them as favourites. They have been playing IPL here, and are a star-studded side. But they got a setback in the first game itself. The way Shaheen Afridi bowled in the powerplay, those two deliveries that Rohit and Rahul got would have got a lot of great cricketers out. That’s sometimes the problem with the Indian side. They are so good at the top, some of the middle-order doesn’t get much of a hit and suddenly you need a Plan B and that was found wanting."</p>

<p>"I see India as a very talented side but sometimes selection wise... Hardik Pandya just playing as a batter alters the balance of the side. Against New Zealand, the idea to split Rohit and Rahul was not a good one," pointed out Hussain.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-can-take-india-to-an-icc-trophy-sunil-gavaskar-names-best-man-to-replace-virat-kohli-as-t20i-captain-428025"><strong>'He can take India to an ICC trophy': Sunil Gavaskar names best man to replace Virat Kohli as T20I captain</strong></a></p>

<p>Following India's T20 WC campaign, Kohli stepped down as the captain in the shortest format. On the other hand, head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar's respective tenures also came to an end.</p>

<p>India will now be coached by former captain Rahul Dravid, who will take over from the New Zealand home series later this month.</p>


Team India ended their T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, with a nine-wicket win in their last league stage encounter versus Namibia on Monday evening (November 8).

Team India ended their T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, with a nine-wicket win in their last league stage encounter versus Namibia on Monday evening (November 8). As Virat Kohli-led India were knocked out from the semi-finals race, with New Zealand's eight-wicket win over Afghanistan, the one-time winners had a chance to sign off on a high. Kohli & Co. didn't disappoint as they beat Namibia in style with an all-round performance. Despite their win over Namibia, India ended the T20 WC 2021 edition with three wins and two big defeats, which resulted in their early ouster. India lost their opening two fixtures, versus Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, by big margins and, thus, once again missed out on winning their first-ever ICC title since 2013. ALSO READ | T20 WC: No Rohit, Kohli in Dinesh Karthik's team of the tournament; Babar Azam named captain Former England captain-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain decoded reasons behind India's early exit and told while speaking to T20worldcup.com, "You have got to go out and express yourself. They (India) have got so much talent. That may be the only thing that's holding India back in ICC events. They don't quite play the fearless brand of cricket that they deserve to because they are so talented." "I had them as favourites. They have been playing IPL here, and are a star-studded side. But they got a setback in the first game itself. The way Shaheen Afridi bowled in the powerplay, those two deliveries that Rohit and Rahul got would have got a lot of great cricketers out. That’s sometimes the problem with the Indian side. They are so good at the top, some of the middle-order doesn’t get much of a hit and suddenly you need a Plan B and that was found wanting." "I see India as a very talented side but sometimes selection wise... Hardik Pandya just playing as a batter alters the balance of the side. Against New Zealand, the idea to split Rohit and Rahul was not a good one," pointed out Hussain. ALSO READ | 'He can take India to an ICC trophy': Sunil Gavaskar names best man to replace Virat Kohli as T20I captain Following India's T20 WC campaign, Kohli stepped down as the captain in the shortest format. On the other hand, head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar's respective tenures also came to an end. India will now be coached by former captain Rahul Dravid, who will take over from the New Zealand home series later this month.

That's the problem with Team India: Nasser Hussain decodes reason behind Kohli & Co.'s T20 WC debacle

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round came to an end on Monday evening (November 8). Team India defeated Namibia in style, by nine wickets, to finish their dismal campaign on a high as the action will now shift towards the semi-finals, where England will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final whereas Australia will lock horns with Pakistan in the second semi-final.</p>

<p>Ahead of the semi-finals round, from November 10-11, India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik made heads turn by sharing his team of the tournament. In the list, DK didn't include some big names such as India's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, David Warner, Mohammad Rizwan, Aiden Markram, David Wiese, Anrich Nortje, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karthik's team of the tournament had Pakistan's Babar Azam as captain. While he has led the team exceptionally well as the Men in Green remain the only unbeaten side heading into the semi-finals, some would be surprised that England's Eoin Morgan didn't feature as captain in the XI. To this, Karthik told on Cricbuzz, "Would have ideally liked Morgan as he has been the best captain for me, but has not done enough as a batter. So, I went for Azam."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/goosebumps-shastri-shares-heartfelt-speech-as-outgoing-coach-post-indias-t20-wc-campaign-watch-427919"><strong>GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>DK's team included Babar and England's Jos Buttler as openers. Buttler has been in splendid form, with a scintillating unbeaten half-century and a match-winning ton versus Australia and Sri Lanka, respectively. In the middle and lower order, he included Charith Asalanka (who impressed one and all with his free-flowing approach for the Islanders), Rassie van der Dussen (who slammed an unbeaten 94 vs England), Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps). In the bowling department, he chose Adam Zampa (11 wickets), Trent Boult (who returned with a 3-fer each versus India and Afghanistan), Jasprit Bumrah (seven wickets for India in five games) and Shaheen Afridi (Player-of-the-Match in Pakistan's win over India).</p>

<p>Nonetheless, the likes of Pakistan's Malik and Asif Ali have also done very well for the Men in Green, with their finishing skills and power-hitting. They, however, weren't included.</p>

<p><strong>DK's team of the tournament</strong></p>

<p>Babar Azam (C), Jos Buttler, Charith Asalanka, Rassie van der Dussen, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi</p>


The T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round came to an end on Monday evening (November 8). Team India defeated Namibia in style, by nine wickets, to finish their dismal campaign on a high as the action will now shift towards the semi-finals, where England will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final whereas Australia will lock horns with Pakistan in the second semi-final.

The T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round came to an end on Monday evening (November 8). Team India defeated Namibia in style, by nine wickets, to finish their dismal campaign on a high as the action will now shift towards the semi-finals, where England will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final whereas Australia will lock horns with Pakistan in the second semi-final. Ahead of the semi-finals round, from November 10-11, India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik made heads turn by sharing his team of the tournament. In the list, DK didn't include some big names such as India's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, David Warner, Mohammad Rizwan, Aiden Markram, David Wiese, Anrich Nortje, etc. Karthik's team of the tournament had Pakistan's Babar Azam as captain. While he has led the team exceptionally well as the Men in Green remain the only unbeaten side heading into the semi-finals, some would be surprised that England's Eoin Morgan didn't feature as captain in the XI. To this, Karthik told on Cricbuzz, "Would have ideally liked Morgan as he has been the best captain for me, but has not done enough as a batter. So, I went for Azam." ALSO READ | GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH DK's team included Babar and England's Jos Buttler as openers. Buttler has been in splendid form, with a scintillating unbeaten half-century and a match-winning ton versus Australia and Sri Lanka, respectively. In the middle and lower order, he included Charith Asalanka (who impressed one and all with his free-flowing approach for the Islanders), Rassie van der Dussen (who slammed an unbeaten 94 vs England), Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps). In the bowling department, he chose Adam Zampa (11 wickets), Trent Boult (who returned with a 3-fer each versus India and Afghanistan), Jasprit Bumrah (seven wickets for India in five games) and Shaheen Afridi (Player-of-the-Match in Pakistan's win over India). Nonetheless, the likes of Pakistan's Malik and Asif Ali have also done very well for the Men in Green, with their finishing skills and power-hitting. They, however, weren't included. DK's team of the tournament Babar Azam (C), Jos Buttler, Charith Asalanka, Rassie van der Dussen, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi

T20 WC: No Rohit, Kohli in Dinesh Karthik's team of the tournament; Babar Azam named captain

<p>India's Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli remains a superstar in world cricket. The 33-year-old made a big name for himself in world cricket since early 2012 but was one of the star attractions even before his heydays. During MS Dhoni-led India's 2011/12 tour of Australia, Kohli was one of the few Indian players who was targetted consistently by the hostile Australian crowd.</p>

<p>During the second Test, in Sydney, the then youngster Kohli made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was being jeered by the Aussie crowd continuously and the Delhi-born cricketer finally decided to give them back as he showed his middle finger to the crowd, while fielding at the boundary line. While he settled scores with the crowd, it wasn't over for the right-hander as he was called upon by the match referee the following day.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-to-lead-india-in-new-zealand-t20i-series-jasprit-bumrah-mohammed-shami-likely-to-be-rested-427998"><strong>Rohit Sharma to lead India in New Zealand T20I series; Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami likely to be rested</strong></a></p>

<p>In an exclusive interview in the Wisden Cricket Monthly, in 2018, Kohli revealed how he pleaded with the match referee to not ban him following the infamous incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The one thing I remember most is when I’d had enough of the Australian crowd at Sydney [in 2012] and I just decided to flick a [middle] finger at them. ‘I’m so cool’," he told Wisden Cricket Monthly. "The match referee [Ranjan Madugalle] called me to his room the next day and I’m like, ‘What’s wrong?’. He said, ‘What happened at the boundary yesterday?’. I said, ‘Nothing, it was a bit of banter’. Then he threw the newspaper in front of me and there was this big image of me flicking on the front page and I said, ‘I’m so sorry, please don’t ban me!’. I got away with that one. He was a nice guy, he understood I was young and these things happen."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901"><strong>'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Kohli moved past the infamous incident during the India-Australia Test series and made heads turn for the right reasons by the end of the four Tests Down Under. While his place was under threat due to low returns in the first two Tests and the altercation with the Aussie crowd, he turned it around emphatically with a fighting 72 in the third and penultimate Test, in Perth, before slamming his maiden Test ton in the final Test in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To date, Kohli has&nbsp;7,765 runs in 96 Tests at an average of 51.08 along with 27 hundreds. He is expected to lead Team India in the longest format once again during their forthcoming two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home, later this month.</p>


India's Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli remains a superstar in world cricket. The 33-year-old made a big name for himself in world cricket since early 2012 but was one of the star attractions even before his heydays.

India's Test and ODI captain Virat Kohli remains a superstar in world cricket. The 33-year-old made a big name for himself in world cricket since early 2012 but was one of the star attractions even before his heydays. During MS Dhoni-led India's 2011/12 tour of Australia, Kohli was one of the few Indian players who was targetted consistently by the hostile Australian crowd. During the second Test, in Sydney, the then youngster Kohli made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was being jeered by the Aussie crowd continuously and the Delhi-born cricketer finally decided to give them back as he showed his middle finger to the crowd, while fielding at the boundary line. While he settled scores with the crowd, it wasn't over for the right-hander as he was called upon by the match referee the following day. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma to lead India in New Zealand T20I series; Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami likely to be rested In an exclusive interview in the Wisden Cricket Monthly, in 2018, Kohli revealed how he pleaded with the match referee to not ban him following the infamous incident. "The one thing I remember most is when I’d had enough of the Australian crowd at Sydney [in 2012] and I just decided to flick a [middle] finger at them. ‘I’m so cool’," he told Wisden Cricket Monthly. "The match referee [Ranjan Madugalle] called me to his room the next day and I’m like, ‘What’s wrong?’. He said, ‘What happened at the boundary yesterday?’. I said, ‘Nothing, it was a bit of banter’. Then he threw the newspaper in front of me and there was this big image of me flicking on the front page and I said, ‘I’m so sorry, please don’t ban me!’. I got away with that one. He was a nice guy, he understood I was young and these things happen." ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC Kohli moved past the infamous incident during the India-Australia Test series and made heads turn for the right reasons by the end of the four Tests Down Under. While his place was under threat due to low returns in the first two Tests and the altercation with the Aussie crowd, he turned it around emphatically with a fighting 72 in the third and penultimate Test, in Perth, before slamming his maiden Test ton in the final Test in Adelaide. To date, Kohli has 7,765 runs in 96 Tests at an average of 51.08 along with 27 hundreds. He is expected to lead Team India in the longest format once again during their forthcoming two-match Test series versus New Zealand at home, later this month.

THROWBACK: 'Please don’t ban me' - When Kohli recalled how match referee refrained from banning him

<p>Team India's dismal T20 World Cup campaign came to an end on Monday (November 8). Losing their first two matches, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue were behind in the race for the semi-finals and eventually lost the battle to New Zealand, who secured the second spot from Pool B (after Pakistan) and ensured India's early exit.</p>

<p>Following India's nine-wicket win over Namibia in their last group stage encounter, on Monday evening (November 8), the former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull reflected on India's campaign. He felt that the scheduling backfired for the national team in the marquee tournament.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/goosebumps-shastri-shares-heartfelt-speech-as-outgoing-coach-post-indias-t20-wc-campaign-watch-427919"><strong>GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>Doull said on Cricbuzz, "I don't know how to put this kindly, but There was a real air of arrogance around the scheduling and that is what the broadcasters wanted with involvement from the ICC as they wanted India's fixtures around the holidays around Diwali and all that so they wanted those games at peak times."</p>

<p>“Pakistan should have been the first game, but the game against New Zealand should have been the final contest. It should have been India against New Zealand for a place in the semi-final at the end," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901"><strong>'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Opining on the scheduling, India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said, "Everyone expected the contest against Pakistan a walk in the park considering the talent we have. It's a learning curve as well. Can give many reasons, but at the end of the day, India knows they did not play their best cricket.&nbsp;They would have hoped had the final three games been the ones they began with, they could have taken the confidence for the tough games. But, that is the beauty of a tournament like a World Cup, can't pick and choose here."</p>

<p>From Pool B, Pakistan and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals whereas England and Australia have made it to the semi-finals from Pool A. The first semi-final will see England and New Zealand lock horns with each other (on November 10) whereas Australia-Pakistan will play the second semi-final (on November 11).</p>


Team India's dismal T20 World Cup campaign came to an end on Monday (November 8). Losing their first two matches, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue were behind in the race for the semi-finals and eventually lost the battle to New Zealand, who secured the second spot from Pool B (after Pakistan) and ensured India's early exit.

Team India's dismal T20 World Cup campaign came to an end on Monday (November 8). Losing their first two matches, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue were behind in the race for the semi-finals and eventually lost the battle to New Zealand, who secured the second spot from Pool B (after Pakistan) and ensured India's early exit. Following India's nine-wicket win over Namibia in their last group stage encounter, on Monday evening (November 8), the former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull reflected on India's campaign. He felt that the scheduling backfired for the national team in the marquee tournament. ALSO READ | GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH Doull said on Cricbuzz, "I don't know how to put this kindly, but There was a real air of arrogance around the scheduling and that is what the broadcasters wanted with involvement from the ICC as they wanted India's fixtures around the holidays around Diwali and all that so they wanted those games at peak times." “Pakistan should have been the first game, but the game against New Zealand should have been the final contest. It should have been India against New Zealand for a place in the semi-final at the end," he added. ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC Opining on the scheduling, India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said, "Everyone expected the contest against Pakistan a walk in the park considering the talent we have. It's a learning curve as well. Can give many reasons, but at the end of the day, India knows they did not play their best cricket. They would have hoped had the final three games been the ones they began with, they could have taken the confidence for the tough games. But, that is the beauty of a tournament like a World Cup, can't pick and choose here." From Pool B, Pakistan and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals whereas England and Australia have made it to the semi-finals from Pool A. The first semi-final will see England and New Zealand lock horns with each other (on November 10) whereas Australia-Pakistan will play the second semi-final (on November 11).

'Air of arrogance around the scheduling' - Simon Doull reflects on Team India's dismal T20 WC campaign

<p>Virat Kohli-led India ended their dismal T20 World Cup 2021 campaign after bowing out of the showpiece event in the Super 12 round. As soon as New Zealand beat Afghanistan and confirmed their semi-finals slot, on Sunday (November 7), India stood eliminated&nbsp;(with Pakistan being the first side to have already confirmed their last four slot from Pool B). Despite a nine-wicket win over Namibia in their last group stage encounter, on Monday evening (November 8) at Dubai, India ended with 6 points and bowed out of the seventh edition of the mega event.</p>

<p>Following India's exit, Kohli's tenure as the T20I captain also came to an end. He had already announced that the T20 WC will be his last assignment as India's skipper in the shortest format. On the other hand, Ravi Shastri's tenure as the head coach also came to an end. For the unversed, the former all-rounder didn't extend his contract post the T20 WC.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901"><strong>'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>After India's win over Namibia, Shastri gave an inspiring speech to the Indian team players in the dressing room and reflected on the team's journey under his coaching. He told, “You guys as a team have over exceeded my expectations with the way you have played. Over the last few years, to go across the globe, across all formats, and beat everyone, makes you one of the great teams that have played the game. This will go down as one of the great teams that have played the game over the last 5-6 years across all formats because there are results to be seen,” Shastri was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>“Yes, we did not have a great tournament. We could have won one or two ICC tournaments, didn’t happen. But that’s sport. You will get another chance. You will be wiser and more experienced when the next opportunity comes. But, for me, the most important thing in life is not what you accomplish, it’s what you overcome that override everything else,” he added. <strong>Here's the video of his speech, shared on Team India's official Instagram handle:</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bilateral-success-in-sena-countries-to-run-machine-as-captain-reliving-virat-kohlis-t20i-captaincy-stint-427777#virat-kohli-as-t20i-captain-427732"><strong>Bilateral success in SENA countries to run-machine as captain: Reliving Virat Kohli's T20I captaincy stint</strong></a></p>

<p>Shastri took over as India's head coach, from Anil Kumble, post the 2017 Champions Trophy. Under Shastri, India had a great run across formats, winning 119 games and losing 53 in 184 matches overall. Shastri guided India to the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals and inaugural WTC final. Under him, India won two Test series in a row in Australia, whitewashed New Zealand 5-0 in T20Is in early 2020, won bilateral ODIs in South Africa and Australia, demolished West Indies and Sri Lanka (both at home and away).</p>

<p>Along with Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar's respective tenures also came to an end.</p>


Virat Kohli-led India ended their dismal T20 World Cup 2021 campaign after bowing out of the showpiece event in the Super 12 round. As soon as New Zealand beat Afghanistan and confirmed their semi-finals slot, on Sunday (November 7), India stood eliminated (with Pakistan being the first side to have already confirmed their last four slot from Pool B).

Virat Kohli-led India ended their dismal T20 World Cup 2021 campaign after bowing out of the showpiece event in the Super 12 round. As soon as New Zealand beat Afghanistan and confirmed their semi-finals slot, on Sunday (November 7), India stood eliminated (with Pakistan being the first side to have already confirmed their last four slot from Pool B). Despite a nine-wicket win over Namibia in their last group stage encounter, on Monday evening (November 8) at Dubai, India ended with 6 points and bowed out of the seventh edition of the mega event. Following India's exit, Kohli's tenure as the T20I captain also came to an end. He had already announced that the T20 WC will be his last assignment as India's skipper in the shortest format. On the other hand, Ravi Shastri's tenure as the head coach also came to an end. For the unversed, the former all-rounder didn't extend his contract post the T20 WC. ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC After India's win over Namibia, Shastri gave an inspiring speech to the Indian team players in the dressing room and reflected on the team's journey under his coaching. He told, “You guys as a team have over exceeded my expectations with the way you have played. Over the last few years, to go across the globe, across all formats, and beat everyone, makes you one of the great teams that have played the game. This will go down as one of the great teams that have played the game over the last 5-6 years across all formats because there are results to be seen,” Shastri was quoted as saying. “Yes, we did not have a great tournament. We could have won one or two ICC tournaments, didn’t happen. But that’s sport. You will get another chance. You will be wiser and more experienced when the next opportunity comes. But, for me, the most important thing in life is not what you accomplish, it’s what you overcome that override everything else,” he added. Here's the video of his speech, shared on Team India's official Instagram handle: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) × ALSO READ | Bilateral success in SENA countries to run-machine as captain: Reliving Virat Kohli's T20I captaincy stint Shastri took over as India's head coach, from Anil Kumble, post the 2017 Champions Trophy. Under Shastri, India had a great run across formats, winning 119 games and losing 53 in 184 matches overall. Shastri guided India to the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals and inaugural WTC final. Under him, India won two Test series in a row in Australia, whitewashed New Zealand 5-0 in T20Is in early 2020, won bilateral ODIs in South Africa and Australia, demolished West Indies and Sri Lanka (both at home and away). Along with Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar's respective tenures also came to an end.

GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH

<p>As New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 8 wickets to end the latter's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, Team India also bowed out of the mega event on Sunday evening (November 7). The one-time winners Men in Blue were hoping for Afghanistan to beat New Zealand so that they could've remained alive in the showpiece event and given their all against Namibia, their final group stage encounter, to pip Afghanistan in NRR (with a big win) and march to the semi-finals.</p>

<p>As India's dream of winning the T20 WC, for the second time, has come to an end, the Virat Kohli-led national side will now face Namibia in their last group stage encounter in Pool B and hope to sign off on a high from the marquee tournament. This will also be Kohli's last match as India's T20I captain, and probably as white-ball captain altogether, as the 33-year-old had already announced that the World Cup will be his last as the captain in the shortest format.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Namibia, they have shown remarkable growth in the mega event. Playing the qualifiers, they stunned Ireland to enter the main draw and had their moments versus New Zealand and Pakistan (only for a brief period) whereas beat Scotland and will now aim to upset the mighty Indian team. Namibia will feel that they have a chance against India, who are already down and out and exhausted following a gruelling last few months on the road.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hits-and-flops-from-indias-t20-world-cup-2021-campaign-427237">Hits and flops from India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for India versus Namibia encounter:&nbsp;</strong>Once again, the team batting second might have a big advantage due to the dew factor at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Monday evening. Hence, toss will play a crucial role. A moderate-scoring match on cards, in the range of 155-160, with India most likely to use their experience and firepower to beat Namibia.&nbsp;</p>


As New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 8 wickets to end the latter's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, Team India also bowed out of the mega event on Sunday evening (November 7).

As New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 8 wickets to end the latter's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, Team India also bowed out of the mega event on Sunday evening (November 7). The one-time winners Men in Blue were hoping for Afghanistan to beat New Zealand so that they could've remained alive in the showpiece event and given their all against Namibia, their final group stage encounter, to pip Afghanistan in NRR (with a big win) and march to the semi-finals. As India's dream of winning the T20 WC, for the second time, has come to an end, the Virat Kohli-led national side will now face Namibia in their last group stage encounter in Pool B and hope to sign off on a high from the marquee tournament. This will also be Kohli's last match as India's T20I captain, and probably as white-ball captain altogether, as the 33-year-old had already announced that the World Cup will be his last as the captain in the shortest format. For Namibia, they have shown remarkable growth in the mega event. Playing the qualifiers, they stunned Ireland to enter the main draw and had their moments versus New Zealand and Pakistan (only for a brief period) whereas beat Scotland and will now aim to upset the mighty Indian team. Namibia will feel that they have a chance against India, who are already down and out and exhausted following a gruelling last few months on the road. ALSO READ | Hits and flops from India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign Match prediction for India versus Namibia encounter: Once again, the team batting second might have a big advantage due to the dew factor at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Monday evening. Hence, toss will play a crucial role. A moderate-scoring match on cards, in the range of 155-160, with India most likely to use their experience and firepower to beat Namibia.

IND vs NAM, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Namibia?

<p>Team India, on Sunday (November 8), bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After losing their opening two encounters, Virat Kohli-led India bounced back in style to win two matches in a row and had to hope for New Zealand to lose to Afghanistan in order to stay alive in the semi-finals race. Had New Zealand lost to the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side, India would have had to beat Namibia convincingly to topple Afghanistan in NRR and enter the semis.</p>

<p>However, all hopes of Team India ended with New Zealand beating Afghanistan by eight wickets and entering the semis by claiming the remaining fourth spot. With this, India's match against Namibia has turned into a dead rubber. As soon as the news broke out that India are virtually out of the race from the semi-finals, Cricket Pakistan's official Twitter handle tried to troll the Indian cricket fans.</p>

<p>Wasim Jaffer, India's former opener-turned-internet sensation, gave a savage response to the Pakistan website's tweet. Here's how it all happened:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-nz-pak-or-aus-faf-du-plessis-predicts-winner-of-t20-world-cup-427740"><strong>ENG, NZ, Pak or AUS? Faf du Plessis predicts winner of T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had a heavy lunch between 12-1, still feeling full 😉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvsAfg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvsAfg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/wJ58RUSnh0">https://t.co/wJ58RUSnh0</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1457302875151896578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>As Cricket Pakistan's tweet tried to troll the Indian fans, Jaffer had the last laugh by reminding them of India's superior head-to-head record versus Babar Azam-led Pakistan in ICC events (12-1). Despite India losing their first-ever game versus Pakistan in an ICC event during the ongoing T20 WC, they still have a significant lead over their arch-rivals in marquee tournaments. Thus, Jaffer hilariously reminded one and all of the same.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-semi-finals-schedule-england-face-new-zealand-australia-to-lock-horns-with-pakistan-427709"><strong>T20 WC, semi-finals schedule: England face New Zealand, Australia to lock horns with Pakistan</strong></a></p>

<p>Post India's exit in the T20 WC, the national side will now have a new head coach in Rahul Dravid, who will take over from the New Zealand home series as Ravi Shastri's tenure will come to an end post the end of Men in Blue's campaign in the showpiece event, in the UAE.</p>


Team India, on Sunday (November 8), bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After losing their opening two encounters, Virat Kohli-led India bounced back in style to win two matches in a row and had to hope for New Zealand to lose to Afghanistan in order to stay alive in the semi-finals race.

Team India, on Sunday (November 8), bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After losing their opening two encounters, Virat Kohli-led India bounced back in style to win two matches in a row and had to hope for New Zealand to lose to Afghanistan in order to stay alive in the semi-finals race. Had New Zealand lost to the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side, India would have had to beat Namibia convincingly to topple Afghanistan in NRR and enter the semis. However, all hopes of Team India ended with New Zealand beating Afghanistan by eight wickets and entering the semis by claiming the remaining fourth spot. With this, India's match against Namibia has turned into a dead rubber. As soon as the news broke out that India are virtually out of the race from the semi-finals, Cricket Pakistan's official Twitter handle tried to troll the Indian cricket fans. Wasim Jaffer, India's former opener-turned-internet sensation, gave a savage response to the Pakistan website's tweet. Here's how it all happened: ALSO READ | ENG, NZ, Pak or AUS? Faf du Plessis predicts winner of T20 World Cup Had a heavy lunch between 12-1, still feeling full 😉 #NZvsAfg #T20WorldCup https://t.co/wJ58RUSnh0 — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 7, 2021 × As Cricket Pakistan's tweet tried to troll the Indian fans, Jaffer had the last laugh by reminding them of India's superior head-to-head record versus Babar Azam-led Pakistan in ICC events (12-1). Despite India losing their first-ever game versus Pakistan in an ICC event during the ongoing T20 WC, they still have a significant lead over their arch-rivals in marquee tournaments. Thus, Jaffer hilariously reminded one and all of the same. ALSO READ | T20 WC, semi-finals schedule: England face New Zealand, Australia to lock horns with Pakistan Post India's exit in the T20 WC, the national side will now have a new head coach in Rahul Dravid, who will take over from the New Zealand home series as Ravi Shastri's tenure will come to an end post the end of Men in Blue's campaign in the showpiece event, in the UAE.

Mic-drop moment! Jaffer gives savage reply after Pak website trolls Indian fans for T20 WC debacle

<p>Team India will end their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition on Monday evening (November 8). Being touted as one of the strongest contenders, Virat Kohli-led India failed to live upto expectations and will now play their last league stage match versus Namibia and hope to sign off on a high.</p>

<p>India started their campaign in Pool B with a ten-wicket loss to Pakistan. They then lost to New Zealand by eight wickets, which very well ended their chances of reaching the semi-finals. While the Men in Blue have pulled back in style with two big wins, versus Afghanistan and Scotland respectively, they became out of contention on Sunday evening (November 7) as soon as Afghan side lost to Kane Williamson-led Black Caps by eight wickets.</p>

<p>Namibia, on the other hand, are coming into this game after some good performances in the qualifiers and have remained competitive in the Super 12. They will hope to learn aplenty by locking horns with Team India and also aim to pull off an upset versus Kohli &amp; Co.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nam-t20-world-cup-2021-prediction-who-will-win-todays-match-between-india-and-namibia-427598"><strong>IND vs NAM, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Namibia?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Where is the T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.</p>

<p><strong>What time does the T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia begin?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia begins at 7:30 PM IST on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-pak-continue-to-win-hearts-as-babar-co-celebrate-haris-raufs-birthday-with-scotland-players-427612"><strong>WATCH: PAK continue to win hearts as Babar &amp; Co. celebrate Haris Rauf's birthday with Scotland players</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia?</strong></p>

<p>The T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between IND vs SCO&nbsp;will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.</p>


Team India will end their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition on Monday evening (November 8). Being touted as one of the strongest contenders, Virat Kohli-led India failed to live upto expectations and will now play their last league stage match versus Namibia and hope to sign off on a high.

Team India will end their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition on Monday evening (November 8). Being touted as one of the strongest contenders, Virat Kohli-led India failed to live upto expectations and will now play their last league stage match versus Namibia and hope to sign off on a high. India started their campaign in Pool B with a ten-wicket loss to Pakistan. They then lost to New Zealand by eight wickets, which very well ended their chances of reaching the semi-finals. While the Men in Blue have pulled back in style with two big wins, versus Afghanistan and Scotland respectively, they became out of contention on Sunday evening (November 7) as soon as Afghan side lost to Kane Williamson-led Black Caps by eight wickets. Namibia, on the other hand, are coming into this game after some good performances in the qualifiers and have remained competitive in the Super 12. They will hope to learn aplenty by locking horns with Team India and also aim to pull off an upset versus Kohli & Co. ALSO READ | IND vs NAM, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Namibia? Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia taking place? The T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. What time does the T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia begin? The T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia begins at 7:30 PM IST on Monday. ALSO READ | WATCH: PAK continue to win hearts as Babar & Co. celebrate Haris Rauf's birthday with Scotland players Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia? The T20 World Cup match between India vs Namibia will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between IND vs SCO will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.

T20 World Cup, IND vs NAM live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Namibia match?

<p>New Zealand have entered the semi-final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup after defeating Afghanistan by eight&nbsp;wickets&nbsp;on Sunday (November 7) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan are already through to the semi-finals from Group 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand's win has also shattered India's only chance of making it to the semi-final as Virat Kohli &amp; Co. needed a favour from Afghanistan to enter the last four on the basis of a better run rate as their&nbsp;slim hopes hinged on Afghanistan upstaging the Black Caps. That would have brought the Net Run Rate into equation and opened the doors for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, with an all-around performance, it's Kane Williamson's side that will next fight to book a place in the final of the showpiece event. Group 1 winners England and Australia made the final four from the six-team pool.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-virat-kohli-in-harbhajan-singhs-star-studded-all-time-t20-xi-ms-dhoni-named-captain-427423">No Virat Kohli in Harbhajan Singh's star-studded all-time T20 XI, MS Dhoni named captain</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New Zealand are into the semis 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvAFG</a> | <a href="https://t.co/paShoZpj88">https://t.co/paShoZpj88</a> <a href="https://t.co/PRo6Ulw4Dk">pic.twitter.com/PRo6Ulw4Dk</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1457333261550510085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And then there were four 👏<br />
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All you need to know about the semi-finalists of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 2021 👇 <a href="https://t.co/BKiLAclMXv">https://t.co/BKiLAclMXv</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1457334631615766532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Afghanistan won the toss and asked the New Zealand team to bat first but Trent Boult led a disciplined attack to help restrict Afghanistan to 124 for eight. Left-arm quick Boult returned figures of 3-17 from his four overs. Tim Southee took two wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Najibullah Zadran played a lone hand with his 48-ball 73 to give the Afghanistan total some respectability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand's pace bowlers rattled the opposition's top order with quick strikes as Adam Milne sent back Mohammad Shahzad who was caught behind for four in his first over.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/checked-for-sandpaper-barmy-army-takes-a-dig-at-warner-as-gayle-touches-his-pocket-during-t20-wc-427366">'Checked for sandpaper': Barmy Army takes a dig at Warner as Gayle touches his pocket&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Boult got going from the other end to get Hazratullah Zazai out for two and Southee trapped Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw for six as Afghanistan slipped to 19-3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zadran counter-attacked with a handful of boundaries including two off Jimmy Neesham but soon took to defence after losing his partner Gulbadin Naib for 15. Southee then saw off Nabi for 14.</p>

<p>Boult got the key scalp of Zadran with Neesham taking a good diving catch in the deep and the Afghans struggled to get runs in the final overs.&nbsp;</p>


New Zealand have entered the semi-final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup after defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets on Sunday (November 7) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

New Zealand have entered the semi-final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup after defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets on Sunday (November 7) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan are already through to the semi-finals from Group 2. New Zealand's win has also shattered India's only chance of making it to the semi-final as Virat Kohli & Co. needed a favour from Afghanistan to enter the last four on the basis of a better run rate as their slim hopes hinged on Afghanistan upstaging the Black Caps. That would have brought the Net Run Rate into equation and opened the doors for India. However, with an all-around performance, it's Kane Williamson's side that will next fight to book a place in the final of the showpiece event. Group 1 winners England and Australia made the final four from the six-team pool. ALSO READ | No Virat Kohli in Harbhajan Singh's star-studded all-time T20 XI, MS Dhoni named captain New Zealand are into the semis 👏#T20WorldCup | #NZvAFG | https://t.co/paShoZpj88 pic.twitter.com/PRo6Ulw4Dk — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 7, 2021 × And then there were four 👏 All you need to know about the semi-finalists of the #T20WorldCup 2021 👇 https://t.co/BKiLAclMXv — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 7, 2021 × Afghanistan won the toss and asked the New Zealand team to bat first but Trent Boult led a disciplined attack to help restrict Afghanistan to 124 for eight. Left-arm quick Boult returned figures of 3-17 from his four overs. Tim Southee took two wickets. Najibullah Zadran played a lone hand with his 48-ball 73 to give the Afghanistan total some respectability. New Zealand's pace bowlers rattled the opposition's top order with quick strikes as Adam Milne sent back Mohammad Shahzad who was caught behind for four in his first over. ALSO READ | 'Checked for sandpaper': Barmy Army takes a dig at Warner as Gayle touches his pocket Boult got going from the other end to get Hazratullah Zazai out for two and Southee trapped Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw for six as Afghanistan slipped to 19-3. Zadran counter-attacked with a handful of boundaries including two off Jimmy Neesham but soon took to defence after losing his partner Gulbadin Naib for 15. Southee then saw off Nabi for 14. Boult got the key scalp of Zadran with Neesham taking a good diving catch in the deep and the Afghans struggled to get runs in the final overs.

New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 8 wickets to seal spot in T20 WC semis, confirm India's ouster

<p>As Afghanistan take on New Zealand in what can be called the 'quarter-final' of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday (November 7) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, fans have flooded the social media forums with hilarious memes. This particular Super 12 match has gripped cricket fans globally, especially in India as the result of this crucial tie will decide the fate of three teams in Group 2 — Afghanistan, New Zealand and India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After losing the first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand, India's big wins against Afghanistan and Scotland left the Virat Kohli &amp; Co. hopeful of making it to the semis. However, to make it happen, New Zealand will have to lose.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/varun-chakaravarthy-out-indias-predicted-xi-for-must-win-game-against-namibia-in-t20-wc-2021-427384">Varun Chakaravarthy out? India's predicted XI for must-win game against Namibia in T20 WC 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>New Zealand are just one win away from reaching the semis as if they beat Afghanistan on November 7, they will be guaranteed a spot in the next stage. The complicated scenario has left millions of fans in India to support the Afghanistan team. Some have even expressed it with well-thought memes (some can be understood by Indians only).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Take a look at memes here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Current situation 😅: India and AUS not only need to win but need AFG and ENG to win too for certain/easier passage. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/6K6x0q7ogs">pic.twitter.com/6K6x0q7ogs</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1456841418824060938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFG</a> on Sunday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XMjvYCeLSt">pic.twitter.com/XMjvYCeLSt</a></p>
— Shibani 🇦🇫 (@meme_ki_diwani) <a href="https://twitter.com/meme_ki_diwani/status/1456685665291096066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoot! I can't get over these memes 🤣 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/T81bEjI92U">pic.twitter.com/T81bEjI92U</a></p>
— 🇵🇸(کامل) Shah Faheem (@Kam_writes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kam_writes/status/1457287094309560333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rashid bhai aaj win avvandi 🤘we support you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a><br />
But this meme is epic 😂<br />
What say <a href="https://twitter.com/23_rahulr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23_rahulr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KittuVissaprgda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KittuVissaprgda</a> <a href="https://t.co/G4bB5IwKU9">pic.twitter.com/G4bB5IwKU9</a></p>
— Phani krishna Sankepally (@phanikrish1) <a href="https://twitter.com/phanikrish1/status/1457261889298173958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a><br />
Indians motivating Afganistan be like - Come on Afganistan, whole India is behind you aaj ka match jeet gaye to SF me jagah pakki <a href="https://t.co/Fzoe4aVXgt">pic.twitter.com/Fzoe4aVXgt</a></p>
— Rishcastic (@Rishcastic_meme) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rishcastic_meme/status/1457285189172809738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/t20worldcup2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#t20worldcup2021</a><br />
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Indian Cricket Fans on their way to support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Memes_Raj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Memes_Raj</a> <a href="https://t.co/I9LXe53fBl">pic.twitter.com/I9LXe53fBl</a></p>
— Rohit sahu (@whokumarrohit) <a href="https://twitter.com/whokumarrohit/status/1456984610789683206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianCricketTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianCricketTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MemeContest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MemeContest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T20WorldCup</a><br />
Indians convincing Afghanistan that New Zealand is an easy opponents to defeat: <a href="https://t.co/EPZ55UZQ6d">pic.twitter.com/EPZ55UZQ6d</a></p>
— Aman Singh (@Aman_for_memes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aman_for_memes/status/1456903099361083397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Situation right now:😂😂😂 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfgvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfgvsNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/NQdIOgG6Nb">pic.twitter.com/NQdIOgG6Nb</a></p>
— Memes_bybadshah (@memesbybadshah) <a href="https://twitter.com/memesbybadshah/status/1456893439807655943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>During the match, Afghanistan captain Mohammed Nabi won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand. Afghanistan made one change with Mujeeb ur Rahman coming in place of Sharafuddin while New Zealand fielded an unchanged playing XI.</p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidMpMElASZY954" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><strong>Afghanistan:&nbsp;</strong>Mohammed Nabi (c), Hazratullah Zazai, Ahmed Shahzad, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Rashid Khan, Hamid Hasan, Rahamnaullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb ur Rahman.</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand:</strong>&nbsp;Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway (w), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult</p>


As Afghanistan take on New Zealand in what can be called the 'quarter-final' of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday (November 7) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, fans have flooded the social media forums with hilarious memes.

As Afghanistan take on New Zealand in what can be called the 'quarter-final' of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday (November 7) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, fans have flooded the social media forums with hilarious memes. This particular Super 12 match has gripped cricket fans globally, especially in India as the result of this crucial tie will decide the fate of three teams in Group 2 — Afghanistan, New Zealand and India. After losing the first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand, India's big wins against Afghanistan and Scotland left the Virat Kohli & Co. hopeful of making it to the semis. However, to make it happen, New Zealand will have to lose. ALSO READ | Varun Chakaravarthy out? India's predicted XI for must-win game against Namibia in T20 WC 2021 New Zealand are just one win away from reaching the semis as if they beat Afghanistan on November 7, they will be guaranteed a spot in the next stage. The complicated scenario has left millions of fans in India to support the Afghanistan team. Some have even expressed it with well-thought memes (some can be understood by Indians only). Take a look at memes here: Current situation 😅: India and AUS not only need to win but need AFG and ENG to win too for certain/easier passage. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6K6x0q7ogs — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 6, 2021 × #IND to #AFG on Sunday #AfgvsNZ pic.twitter.com/XMjvYCeLSt — Shibani 🇦🇫 (@meme_ki_diwani) November 5, 2021 × Shoot! I can't get over these memes 🤣 #AfgvsNZ pic.twitter.com/T81bEjI92U — 🇵🇸(کامل) Shah Faheem (@Kam_writes) November 7, 2021 × Rashid bhai aaj win avvandi 🤘we support you #AfgvsNZ But this meme is epic 😂 What say @23_rahulr @KittuVissaprgda pic.twitter.com/G4bB5IwKU9 — Phani krishna Sankepally (@phanikrish1) November 7, 2021 × #AfgvsNZ Indians motivating Afganistan be like - Come on Afganistan, whole India is behind you aaj ka match jeet gaye to SF me jagah pakki pic.twitter.com/Fzoe4aVXgt — Rishcastic (@Rishcastic_meme) November 7, 2021 × #AfgvsNZ #t20worldcup2021 Indian Cricket Fans on their way to support #Afghanistan@Memes_Raj pic.twitter.com/I9LXe53fBl — Rohit sahu (@whokumarrohit) November 6, 2021 × #IndianCricketTeam #AfgvsNZ #MemeContest @T20WorldCup Indians convincing Afghanistan that New Zealand is an easy opponents to defeat: pic.twitter.com/EPZ55UZQ6d — Aman Singh (@Aman_for_memes) November 6, 2021 × Situation right now:😂😂😂 #AfgvsNZ pic.twitter.com/NQdIOgG6Nb — Memes_bybadshah (@memesbybadshah) November 6, 2021 × During the match, Afghanistan captain Mohammed Nabi won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand. Afghanistan made one change with Mujeeb ur Rahman coming in place of Sharafuddin while New Zealand fielded an unchanged playing XI. Afghanistan: Mohammed Nabi (c), Hazratullah Zazai, Ahmed Shahzad, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq, Rashid Khan, Hamid Hasan, Rahamnaullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb ur Rahman. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway (w), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

'Whole of India would be praying': Memes galore as support pours in for Afghanistan against New Zealand

<p>Indian captain Virat Kohli has turned 33 on Friday (November 5). The right-hander remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and the cricketing fraternity has extended their warm wishes for the superstar cricketer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli made his international debut in 2008. While he did produce moments of brilliance and was part of the MS Dhoni-led Indian team's victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, his rise became evident in world cricket since early 2012. He became the vice-captain of the limited-overs setup post his memorable 183 versus Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup and also won hearts for his aggressive approach versus the Australians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-coach-rahul-dravid-suggests-who-should-become-indias-next-white-ball-captain-reports-426706"><strong>New coach Rahul Dravid suggests who should become India's next white-ball captain: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>He led India for the first time in mid-2013 and took over as the Test captain in early 2015. Under him, India have been the No. 1 ranked side in the annual rankings for five successive years and were the runners-up in the inaugural WTC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli's limited-overs success is also inspiring as he averages over 50 in ODIs (59.07) and T20Is (52.01). In 2018, he became the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs whereas he also returned with the Player-of-the-Tournament awards in the last two T20 WCs, in 2014 and 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rohit-sharmas-special-praise-for-virat-kohli-says-his-hunger-for-success-is-just-unbelievable-426461"><strong>Watch: Rohit Sharma's special praise for Virat Kohli, says 'his hunger for success is just unbelievable'</strong></a></p>

<p>Kohli is also the leading run-getter in T20Is (3,225 runs). Overall, he has 70 international tons (43 in ODIs, 27 in Tests), third-most overall. Overall, he has 23,159 runs at the highest level.</p>

<p>As a captain, Kohli has led India to the 2017 Champions Trophy final and 2019 ODI WC semi-finals.&nbsp;Currently, he is leading the Men in Blue for the last time in the shortest format in the T20 WC 2021 edition, in the UAE. He will also be seen on the field on his 33rd birthday as India play Scotland in their penultimate group stage clash in the Super 12 round, on Friday evening at Dubai International Cricket Stadium Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will hope for a big win and Kohli to anchor the innings as well as marshal his troops emphatically to keep the one-time winners alive in the race for the semi-finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about his personal life, the superstar cricketer is married to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma and the couple have a 9-month old daughter named Vamika. They are also with the cricketer in India's bio-bubble for the T20 WC in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We wish Virat Kohli more success with bat and as captain going forward.</p>


Indian captain Virat Kohli has turned 33 on Friday (November 5). The right-hander remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and the cricketing fraternity has extended their warm wishes for the superstar cricketer.

Indian captain Virat Kohli has turned 33 on Friday (November 5). The right-hander remains the poster boy of Indian cricket and the cricketing fraternity has extended their warm wishes for the superstar cricketer. Kohli made his international debut in 2008. While he did produce moments of brilliance and was part of the MS Dhoni-led Indian team's victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, his rise became evident in world cricket since early 2012. He became the vice-captain of the limited-overs setup post his memorable 183 versus Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup and also won hearts for his aggressive approach versus the Australians. ALSO READ | New coach Rahul Dravid suggests who should become India's next white-ball captain: Reports He led India for the first time in mid-2013 and took over as the Test captain in early 2015. Under him, India have been the No. 1 ranked side in the annual rankings for five successive years and were the runners-up in the inaugural WTC. Kohli's limited-overs success is also inspiring as he averages over 50 in ODIs (59.07) and T20Is (52.01). In 2018, he became the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs whereas he also returned with the Player-of-the-Tournament awards in the last two T20 WCs, in 2014 and 2016. ALSO READ | Watch: Rohit Sharma's special praise for Virat Kohli, says 'his hunger for success is just unbelievable' Kohli is also the leading run-getter in T20Is (3,225 runs). Overall, he has 70 international tons (43 in ODIs, 27 in Tests), third-most overall. Overall, he has 23,159 runs at the highest level. As a captain, Kohli has led India to the 2017 Champions Trophy final and 2019 ODI WC semi-finals. Currently, he is leading the Men in Blue for the last time in the shortest format in the T20 WC 2021 edition, in the UAE. He will also be seen on the field on his 33rd birthday as India play Scotland in their penultimate group stage clash in the Super 12 round, on Friday evening at Dubai International Cricket Stadium Dubai. India will hope for a big win and Kohli to anchor the innings as well as marshal his troops emphatically to keep the one-time winners alive in the race for the semi-finals. Talking about his personal life, the superstar cricketer is married to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma and the couple have a 9-month old daughter named Vamika. They are also with the cricketer in India's bio-bubble for the T20 WC in the UAE. We wish Virat Kohli more success with bat and as captain going forward.

Happy Birthday, skipper: Indian captain Virat Kohli turns 33

<p>On Friday (November 5), Virat Kohli turned 33. The Indian captain is a superstar in world cricket and the whole cricketing fraternity has wished him on his special day. Playing for Team India since 2008, the right-hander remains the poster boy of Indian cricket for his consistency across formats, batting skills, captaincy and aggressive approach. Hence, his birthday remains a huge moment to celebrate for his avid fans worldwide.</p>

<p>Kohli made his international debut in 2008. While he did produce some good performances and was part of India's victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, he became a household name since early 2012. To date, Kohli has 23,159 international runs, including 70 centuries. In addition, he has most runs in T20Is and IPL (3,225 and 6,283 runs respectively), was the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (achieved in 2018) and has an average of over 50 in ODIs and T20Is.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-grooves-to-iconic-bollywood-song-during-india-afghanistan-t20-wc-tie-426983">WATCH: Virat Kohli grooves to iconic Bollywood song during India-Afghanistan T20 WC tie</a></strong></p>

<p>Under Kohli, India have also achieved sizeable success across formats. He led India to Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, bilateral ODI series wins in South Africa and New Zealand, T20I series triumph in England, 2017 Champions Trophy final, 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals and to the inaugural WTC final this year. While he hasn't led India to an ICC title so far, his efforts and overall records as Team India captain cannot be overlooked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many of his former teammates and active players wished him on his 33rd birthday, his ladylove and wife Anushka Sharma also posted a heartfelt post for him on Instagram. She wrote, "No filter needed, for this photo and the way you lead your life. Your core is made of honesty and guts of steel. Courage that pales doubt into oblivion. I know no one who can pick themselves up from a dark place like you can. You grow better in every way because you hold on to nothing in you as permanent and are fearless. I know we are not ones to talk to each other through social media like this but sometimes I just want to scream and tell the world what an amazing man you are &nbsp;Fortunate are those who really truly know you. Thank you for making everything brighter and more beautiful&nbsp;<br />
Oh, and Happy Birthday cuteness!!"</p>

<p>To this, Kohli also reacted in an adorable manner and wrote, "You are my strength. You are my guiding force. Grateful to god everyday for us being together my love. I love you".</p>

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<img alt="Kohli reacts to Anushka's bday wishes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d650744-31c9-4415-90cc-90d059b9f7e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Vkk.PNG" /></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happy-birthday-skipper-indian-captain-virat-kohli-turns-33-426825">Happy Birthday, skipper: Indian captain Virat Kohli turns 33</a></strong></p>

<p>Kohli is currently leading India in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, which will be his last assignment as Team India's T20I captain. Anushka and their nine-month old daughter Vamika are also present with Virat in the UAE, being a part of India's bio-bubble.</p>

<p>India have also taken on Scotland on Kohli's birthday and the national side will be eager to give their captain a perfect birthday gift.&nbsp;The Men in Blue need to win both their remaining games convincingly and also hope for other results to favour them in order&nbsp;to qualify for the semi-finals. So far, India only have one win from three games in the T20 WC.</p>


On Friday (November 5), Virat Kohli turned 33. The Indian captain is a superstar in world cricket and the whole cricketing fraternity has wished him on his special day.

On Friday (November 5), Virat Kohli turned 33. The Indian captain is a superstar in world cricket and the whole cricketing fraternity has wished him on his special day. Playing for Team India since 2008, the right-hander remains the poster boy of Indian cricket for his consistency across formats, batting skills, captaincy and aggressive approach. Hence, his birthday remains a huge moment to celebrate for his avid fans worldwide. Kohli made his international debut in 2008. While he did produce some good performances and was part of India's victorious 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, he became a household name since early 2012. To date, Kohli has 23,159 international runs, including 70 centuries. In addition, he has most runs in T20Is and IPL (3,225 and 6,283 runs respectively), was the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (achieved in 2018) and has an average of over 50 in ODIs and T20Is. ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli grooves to iconic Bollywood song during India-Afghanistan T20 WC tie Under Kohli, India have also achieved sizeable success across formats. He led India to Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, bilateral ODI series wins in South Africa and New Zealand, T20I series triumph in England, 2017 Champions Trophy final, 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals and to the inaugural WTC final this year. While he hasn't led India to an ICC title so far, his efforts and overall records as Team India captain cannot be overlooked. As many of his former teammates and active players wished him on his 33rd birthday, his ladylove and wife Anushka Sharma also posted a heartfelt post for him on Instagram. She wrote, "No filter needed, for this photo and the way you lead your life. Your core is made of honesty and guts of steel. Courage that pales doubt into oblivion. I know no one who can pick themselves up from a dark place like you can. You grow better in every way because you hold on to nothing in you as permanent and are fearless. I know we are not ones to talk to each other through social media like this but sometimes I just want to scream and tell the world what an amazing man you are Fortunate are those who really truly know you. Thank you for making everything brighter and more beautiful Oh, and Happy Birthday cuteness!!" To this, Kohli also reacted in an adorable manner and wrote, "You are my strength. You are my guiding force. Grateful to god everyday for us being together my love. I love you". View this post on Instagram A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) × ALSO READ | Happy Birthday, skipper: Indian captain Virat Kohli turns 33 Kohli is currently leading India in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, which will be his last assignment as Team India's T20I captain. Anushka and their nine-month old daughter Vamika are also present with Virat in the UAE, being a part of India's bio-bubble. India have also taken on Scotland on Kohli's birthday and the national side will be eager to give their captain a perfect birthday gift. The Men in Blue need to win both their remaining games convincingly and also hope for other results to favour them in order to qualify for the semi-finals. So far, India only have one win from three games in the T20 WC.

'You are my guiding force' - Virat Kohli reacts as wife Anushka Sharma wishes him on his 33rd birthday

<p>Rahul Dravid, on Wednesday (November 3), was announced as the new Team India head coach, who will take over from Ravi Shastri post the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Many believed Dravid was the ideal candidate to replace Shastri -- who took over as India's coach since mid-2017 -- and the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian cricket board managed to convince <em>The Wall</em> for the top job, after reports initially claimed that Dravid wasn't willing to&nbsp;stay away from his young family for so long with coaching duties.</p>

<p>Dravid has served Indian cricket brilliantly since his international debut. Apart from his 13,288 runs in Tests and 10,889 ODI runs, he performed various roles for the national side during his playing days; i.e. serving as a part-time wicketkeeper, finisher or middle-order batter in ODIs, opener and captain. Since his retirement, Dravid has groomed India's young talents as U-19 and A team's coach before taking over as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head, in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>Thus, many have their eyes on Dravid in his new role as India's head coach. Ahead of the start of his tenure, former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has made a&nbsp;special request for the BCCI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brilliant-captain-to-excellent-mentor-selfless-rahul-dravid-continues-to-serve-indian-cricket-426721"><strong>Brilliant captain to excellent mentor: Selfless Rahul Dravid continues to serve Indian cricket</strong></a></p>

<p>Jadeja told Cricbuzz, "If there's a role model of discipline and dedication, it's Rahul Dravid. You want a lot of things from a coach but discipline and dedication are probably the two prime things. It will be interesting to see who will make the next T20 captain - Rahul Dravid or [the selectors]. There's no doubt in his praise but when someone becomes an Indian coach, if you don't let him work or don't use his vision then it's all redundant, anyone can be a coach in that way.</p>

<p>"So if you have brought Rahul Dravid, the biggest name, then at least go with his vision. This is my request to the board... If a man like Rahul Dravid has joined then please, please move alongside his vision, understanding and dedication, don't tell him how to run the team," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-coach-rahul-dravid-suggests-who-should-become-indias-next-white-ball-captain-reports-426706"><strong>New coach Rahul Dravid suggests who should become India's next white-ball captain: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>Amid huge expectations, Dravid will be hoping to fulfill the country's wish of guiding Team India to their first-ever ICC title since 2013, i.e. if they return without the trophy in the ongoing T20 WC. As of now, Kohli-led India have a very small chance to proceed to the semi-finals from their group (Pool B).</p>


Rahul Dravid, on Wednesday (November 3), was announced as the new Team India head coach, who will take over from Ravi Shastri post the T20 World Cup 2021 edition.

Rahul Dravid, on Wednesday (November 3), was announced as the new Team India head coach, who will take over from Ravi Shastri post the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Many believed Dravid was the ideal candidate to replace Shastri -- who took over as India's coach since mid-2017 -- and the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian cricket board managed to convince The Wall for the top job, after reports initially claimed that Dravid wasn't willing to stay away from his young family for so long with coaching duties. Dravid has served Indian cricket brilliantly since his international debut. Apart from his 13,288 runs in Tests and 10,889 ODI runs, he performed various roles for the national side during his playing days; i.e. serving as a part-time wicketkeeper, finisher or middle-order batter in ODIs, opener and captain. Since his retirement, Dravid has groomed India's young talents as U-19 and A team's coach before taking over as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head, in Bengaluru. Thus, many have their eyes on Dravid in his new role as India's head coach. Ahead of the start of his tenure, former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has made a special request for the BCCI. ALSO READ | Brilliant captain to excellent mentor: Selfless Rahul Dravid continues to serve Indian cricket Jadeja told Cricbuzz, "If there's a role model of discipline and dedication, it's Rahul Dravid. You want a lot of things from a coach but discipline and dedication are probably the two prime things. It will be interesting to see who will make the next T20 captain - Rahul Dravid or [the selectors]. There's no doubt in his praise but when someone becomes an Indian coach, if you don't let him work or don't use his vision then it's all redundant, anyone can be a coach in that way. "So if you have brought Rahul Dravid, the biggest name, then at least go with his vision. This is my request to the board... If a man like Rahul Dravid has joined then please, please move alongside his vision, understanding and dedication, don't tell him how to run the team," he added. ALSO READ | New coach Rahul Dravid suggests who should become India's next white-ball captain: Reports Amid huge expectations, Dravid will be hoping to fulfill the country's wish of guiding Team India to their first-ever ICC title since 2013, i.e. if they return without the trophy in the ongoing T20 WC. As of now, Kohli-led India have a very small chance to proceed to the semi-finals from their group (Pool B).

'Don't tell him...' - Jadeja has a special request for BCCI as Rahul Dravid named India's new head coach

<p>Prior to the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli had dropped a bomb in mid-September when he announced that he will lead India for the last time in the shortest format in the marquee event in the UAE. Under him, India remain alive in the T20 WC but have very slim chances of making it to the semi-finals of the showpiece event as they need to win their remaining two games in the Super 12 round, by big margins, and also hope for other results to favour them.</p>

<p>India are in a tricky position in the Super 12 of the T20 WC after back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures, versus Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively. Irrespective of whether India will progress to the semi-finals or bow out in the group stages, the world cricket is eagerly waiting to see who will succeed Kohli as T20I captain.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sco-t20-world-cup-2021-prediction-who-will-win-todays-match-between-india-and-scotland-426889"><strong>IND vs SCO, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Scotland?</strong></a></p>

<p>In this regard, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag told&nbsp;while responding to a query by a fan on his Facebook Watch show Virugiri Dot Com, "I think there are many candidates for captain but I think Rohit is the best candidate because he has done well as a leader for the Mumbai Indians team in the IPL. He has won the IPL championship five times. So according to me, the next T20 captain of Team India should be Rohit Sharma."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-plays-the-game-religion-doesnt-former-pak-spinner-slams-trolls-for-targetting-shami-virat-kohli-426908"><strong>Players plays the game, religion doesn't: Former Pak spinner slams trolls for targetting Shami, Virat Kohli</strong></a></p>

<p>As per reports, Rohit or Rahul are frontrunners to replace Kohli and become the next Indian captain in T20Is. In addition, the BCCI might also look to replace Kohli and appoint only one white-ball captain, especially if India bow out f the T20 WC in the group stages. The 33-year-old Kohli is, however, very likely to remain Team India's Test captain.</p>


Prior to the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli had dropped a bomb in mid-September when he announced that he will lead India for the last time in the shortest format in the marquee event in the UAE.

Prior to the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli had dropped a bomb in mid-September when he announced that he will lead India for the last time in the shortest format in the marquee event in the UAE. Under him, India remain alive in the T20 WC but have very slim chances of making it to the semi-finals of the showpiece event as they need to win their remaining two games in the Super 12 round, by big margins, and also hope for other results to favour them. India are in a tricky position in the Super 12 of the T20 WC after back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures, versus Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively. Irrespective of whether India will progress to the semi-finals or bow out in the group stages, the world cricket is eagerly waiting to see who will succeed Kohli as T20I captain. ALSO READ | IND vs SCO, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Scotland? In this regard, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag told while responding to a query by a fan on his Facebook Watch show Virugiri Dot Com, "I think there are many candidates for captain but I think Rohit is the best candidate because he has done well as a leader for the Mumbai Indians team in the IPL. He has won the IPL championship five times. So according to me, the next T20 captain of Team India should be Rohit Sharma." ALSO READ | Players plays the game, religion doesn't: Former Pak spinner slams trolls for targetting Shami, Virat Kohli As per reports, Rohit or Rahul are frontrunners to replace Kohli and become the next Indian captain in T20Is. In addition, the BCCI might also look to replace Kohli and appoint only one white-ball captain, especially if India bow out f the T20 WC in the group stages. The 33-year-old Kohli is, however, very likely to remain Team India's Test captain.

Rohit, KL Rahul or Pant? Sehwag suggests who should be India's next T20I captain after Virat Kohli

<p>Team India will face Scotland in match 37 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team will be squaring off with the Scotland cricket team for the second time in T20 WC history. However, the last face-off was during the 2007 T20 WC, when the match got abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled.</p>

<p>India are coming into this game on the back of a 66-run win over Afghanistan. After two flop games, the Men in Blue finally looked in their zone versus the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side. Their batters finally played with a lot of freedom and looked in their comfort zone despite being asked to set up a target. While the pitch was also favouring them, as compared to the ones offered in Dubai, they will like to follow the same approach as Virat Kohli &amp; Co. still need to work on their NRR and attain two big wins in the remaining two encounters for the semi-finals spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happy-birthday-skipper-indian-captain-virat-kohli-turns-33-426825">Happy Birthday, skipper: Indian captain Virat Kohli turns 33</a></strong></p>

<p>Scotland, on the other hand, have been disappointing in the Super 12 round. After a solid start in the warm-up games and the qualifiers, the&nbsp;Kyle Coetzer-led side haven't lived upto expectations with a big defeat versus Afghanistan and two close losses, against Namibia and New Zealand. They will hope to produce their best performance versus India and then sign off on a high against Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-nz-vs-nam-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-new-zealand-vs-namibia-match-426863"><strong>T20 World Cup, NZ vs NAM live streaming: When and where to watch New Zealand vs Namibia match?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for India-Scotland encounter:&nbsp;</strong>The pitch in Dubai has been favouring the chasing side. Both teams will be eager to bat second, with dew also likely to play a part in the evening fixture. However, in the last game New Zealand defeated Scotland at the same venue, batting first (by a slender 16-run margin). Hence, toss will again play a crucial role. India will be eager to bat first and work on their NRR by posting a big score.</p>

<p>While the margin of victory cannot be predicted, India is expected to continue their winning win and keep their slim chances alive of entering the semi-finals.</p>


Team India will face Scotland in match 37 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team will be squaring off with the Scotland cricket team for the second time in T20 WC history.

Team India will face Scotland in match 37 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team will be squaring off with the Scotland cricket team for the second time in T20 WC history. However, the last face-off was during the 2007 T20 WC, when the match got abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled. India are coming into this game on the back of a 66-run win over Afghanistan. After two flop games, the Men in Blue finally looked in their zone versus the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side. Their batters finally played with a lot of freedom and looked in their comfort zone despite being asked to set up a target. While the pitch was also favouring them, as compared to the ones offered in Dubai, they will like to follow the same approach as Virat Kohli & Co. still need to work on their NRR and attain two big wins in the remaining two encounters for the semi-finals spot. ALSO READ | Happy Birthday, skipper: Indian captain Virat Kohli turns 33 Scotland, on the other hand, have been disappointing in the Super 12 round. After a solid start in the warm-up games and the qualifiers, the Kyle Coetzer-led side haven't lived upto expectations with a big defeat versus Afghanistan and two close losses, against Namibia and New Zealand. They will hope to produce their best performance versus India and then sign off on a high against Pakistan. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup, NZ vs NAM live streaming: When and where to watch New Zealand vs Namibia match? Match prediction for India-Scotland encounter: The pitch in Dubai has been favouring the chasing side. Both teams will be eager to bat second, with dew also likely to play a part in the evening fixture. However, in the last game New Zealand defeated Scotland at the same venue, batting first (by a slender 16-run margin). Hence, toss will again play a crucial role. India will be eager to bat first and work on their NRR by posting a big score. While the margin of victory cannot be predicted, India is expected to continue their winning win and keep their slim chances alive of entering the semi-finals.

IND vs SCO, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Scotland?

<p>On Wednesday (November 3), the BCCI announced Rahul Dravid as the new head coach of Team India. For the unversed, Ravi Shastri's tenure is set to end post India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE. As Shastri had made it clear that he won't apply for an extension of his contract, the Indian cricket board named Dravid as his successor.</p>

<p>Dravid was touted to take over from Shastri due to his staggering record as India A and the U-19 head coach, from 2016-2019. Moreover, he has also served Indian cricket selflessly as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru post his coaching stint. When he was named as the stand-in coach for India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in mid-2021, speculations were rife that the former Indian captain was in-line to replace Shastri.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/which-theme-park-should-we-take-our-kids-rohit-sharma-spills-the-beans-on-his-conversations-with-r-ashwin-426680">&nbsp;<strong>'Which Theme park should we take our kids' - Rohit Sharma spills the beans on his conversations with R Ashwin</strong></a></p>

<p>Dravid is set to work with Virat Kohli, who will step aside as the T20I captain of the Men in Blue post the World Cup. While Kohli's future as ODI captain can also be discussed, depending on how India fare in the T20 WC, as per&nbsp;<em>The Indian Express</em>, Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI is also eager to rope in a new captain in ODIs. It is expected that the new T20I captain will don the captaincy hat in two formats. While shorter format's vice-captain Rohit Sharma seems to be an ideal choice, plans could change if the board wishes to make a young player as the limited-overs captain.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;<em>The Indian Express,</em>&nbsp;Dravid was asked about the new white-ball captain by the Cricket Advisory Committee during his interview process. In response, he has backed Rohit and KL Rahul for the job, the report mentions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-a-stalwart-of-indian-cricket-rohit-sharma-reacts-as-rahul-dravid-appointed-team-indias-head-coach-426611">&nbsp;'He is a stalwart of Indian cricket' - Rohit Sharma reacts as Rahul Dravid appointed Team India's head coach</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit, who is the most successful IPL captain with 5 titles, has led India in Kohli's absence in the shorter formats. Under him, India won the Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup in 2018. His tactical awareness and calm and composed nature has been lauded by many former cricketers in the past.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see if Kohli loses his captaincy post from the ODI format. Will BCCI name Rohit as the white-ball captain or spring in a surprise by naming Shreyas Iyer, Rahul or Rishabh Pant as the limited-overs skipper? Only time will tell...</p>


On Wednesday (November 3), the BCCI announced Rahul Dravid as the new head coach of Team India. For the unversed, Ravi Shastri's tenure is set to end post India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE.

On Wednesday (November 3), the BCCI announced Rahul Dravid as the new head coach of Team India. For the unversed, Ravi Shastri's tenure is set to end post India's T20 World Cup campaign, in the UAE. As Shastri had made it clear that he won't apply for an extension of his contract, the Indian cricket board named Dravid as his successor. Dravid was touted to take over from Shastri due to his staggering record as India A and the U-19 head coach, from 2016-2019. Moreover, he has also served Indian cricket selflessly as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru post his coaching stint. When he was named as the stand-in coach for India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in mid-2021, speculations were rife that the former Indian captain was in-line to replace Shastri. ALSO READ | 'Which Theme park should we take our kids' - Rohit Sharma spills the beans on his conversations with R Ashwin Dravid is set to work with Virat Kohli, who will step aside as the T20I captain of the Men in Blue post the World Cup. While Kohli's future as ODI captain can also be discussed, depending on how India fare in the T20 WC, as per The Indian Express, Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI is also eager to rope in a new captain in ODIs. It is expected that the new T20I captain will don the captaincy hat in two formats. While shorter format's vice-captain Rohit Sharma seems to be an ideal choice, plans could change if the board wishes to make a young player as the limited-overs captain. As per The Indian Express, Dravid was asked about the new white-ball captain by the Cricket Advisory Committee during his interview process. In response, he has backed Rohit and KL Rahul for the job, the report mentions. ALSO READ | 'He is a stalwart of Indian cricket' - Rohit Sharma reacts as Rahul Dravid appointed Team India's head coach Rohit, who is the most successful IPL captain with 5 titles, has led India in Kohli's absence in the shorter formats. Under him, India won the Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup in 2018. His tactical awareness and calm and composed nature has been lauded by many former cricketers in the past. It will be interesting to see if Kohli loses his captaincy post from the ODI format. Will BCCI name Rohit as the white-ball captain or spring in a surprise by naming Shreyas Iyer, Rahul or Rishabh Pant as the limited-overs skipper? Only time will tell...

New coach Rahul Dravid suggests who should become India's next white-ball captain: Reports

<p>Rahul Dravid, on Wednesday (November 4), was appointed as the Team India head coach by the BCCI. He will take over as the coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Ravi Shastri, post the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Dravid, former Indian captain, was serving as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head and was touted to be the frontrunners to succeed Shastri. He has finally signed a two-year deal as India coach, till the 2023 ODI World Cup.</p>

<p>The announcement was made during India-Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2021 clash, on Wednesday evening (November 3), at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. When Rohit Sharma was told about Dravid's next role in the post-match presentation, the opener lauded the former Indian captain and said, "We were playing the game (against Afghanistan), so I had no idea (about it). Congratulations to him (Rahul Dravid) for coming back in a different capacity in the Indian team, we look forward to work with him."</p>

<p>He added, “He (Dravid) is a stalwart of Indian cricket and it will be nice working with him in future."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-era-begins-netizens-congratulate-rahul-dravid-on-his-appointment-as-indias-head-coach-426544"><strong>'New Era Begins': Netizens congratulate Rahul Dravid on his appointment as India's head coach</strong></a></p>

<p>Dravid remains one of the biggest servants of Indian cricket. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2012, he still contributes to the cricketing development in the country. After retirement, he took over as the India A and U-19 coach from 2016-2019, guiding the U-19 team to 2018 World Cup glory. Since then, he has served as the NCA head, supplying young talents to the national side by grooming them consistently and monitoring the key injured Indian players in the academy, in Bengaluru.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-appointed-as-team-indias-head-coach-set-to-take-over-from-new-zealand-home-series-426491"><strong>Rahul Dravid appointed as Team India's head coach, set to take over from New Zealand home series</strong></a></p>

<p>It is very much likely that Rohit and Rahul will form the captain-coach pair for India in T20Is, as Virat Kohli is set to step away as captain from the shortest format post the ongoing World Cup. While his ODI captaincy will also be discussed depending on India's run in the showpiece event, Kohli is expected to remain the Test captain. Thus, Dravid is most likely to start his tenure as India coach with split captaincy within the national side across formats.</p>


Rahul Dravid, on Wednesday (November 4), was appointed as the Team India head coach by the BCCI. He will take over as the coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Ravi Shastri, post the T20 World Cup 2021 edition.

Rahul Dravid, on Wednesday (November 4), was appointed as the Team India head coach by the BCCI. He will take over as the coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Ravi Shastri, post the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Dravid, former Indian captain, was serving as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head and was touted to be the frontrunners to succeed Shastri. He has finally signed a two-year deal as India coach, till the 2023 ODI World Cup. The announcement was made during India-Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2021 clash, on Wednesday evening (November 3), at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. When Rohit Sharma was told about Dravid's next role in the post-match presentation, the opener lauded the former Indian captain and said, "We were playing the game (against Afghanistan), so I had no idea (about it). Congratulations to him (Rahul Dravid) for coming back in a different capacity in the Indian team, we look forward to work with him." He added, “He (Dravid) is a stalwart of Indian cricket and it will be nice working with him in future." ALSO READ | 'New Era Begins': Netizens congratulate Rahul Dravid on his appointment as India's head coach Dravid remains one of the biggest servants of Indian cricket. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2012, he still contributes to the cricketing development in the country. After retirement, he took over as the India A and U-19 coach from 2016-2019, guiding the U-19 team to 2018 World Cup glory. Since then, he has served as the NCA head, supplying young talents to the national side by grooming them consistently and monitoring the key injured Indian players in the academy, in Bengaluru. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid appointed as Team India's head coach, set to take over from New Zealand home series It is very much likely that Rohit and Rahul will form the captain-coach pair for India in T20Is, as Virat Kohli is set to step away as captain from the shortest format post the ongoing World Cup. While his ODI captaincy will also be discussed depending on India's run in the showpiece event, Kohli is expected to remain the Test captain. Thus, Dravid is most likely to start his tenure as India coach with split captaincy within the national side across formats.

'He is a stalwart of Indian cricket' - Rohit Sharma reacts as Rahul Dravid appointed Team India's head coach

<p>Team India are among the top three sides in ICC T20I rankings. The one-time winners were touted to be one of the contenders at the start of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. However, the Men in Blue have fell flat in both their games in the Super 12 round and are on the brink of an early elimination from the marquee tournament.</p>

<p>India's star-studded line-up comprises KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, captain Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. However, none of them have made a mark in the two encounters. Moreover, they have a strong support staff, comprising MS Dhoni as team mentor, head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, batting coach Vikram Rathour and fielding coach R Sridhar. Despite having such big names, India have been unimpressive in the T20 WC.</p>

<p>Ahead of India's fixture versus the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 2), the former Indian cricketer Maninder Singh feels there is too much confusion within Team India due to the presence of some big names in the team management and the leadership group. He told TOI, "You plan things, you just don't go and start hitting out. You don't change the batting order. Rohit Sharma has got runs at number one, opening position, most of the time and he was sent at No. 3. It showed he was prevented from facing Trent Boult. This is not a very good sign. Kohli, who scored most runs at number 3, came to bat number 4. I just felt that there was a lot of confusion. With Dhoni the mentor and Shastri the coach, there was so much khichdi in the dressing room."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-should-be-gavaskar-unimpressed-with-jasprit-bumrahs-bubble-fatigue-remark-post-nz-loss-426435"><strong>'Nobody should be.....': Gavaskar unimpressed with Jasprit Bumrah's bubble-fatigue remark post NZ loss</strong></a></p>

<p>India need to win their remaining three games, by big margins, and hope for other results to favour them in order to reach the semi-finals of the mega event. Kohli &amp; Co.'s leftover games are against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. Will they make it to the last four? Only time will tell...</p>


Team India are among the top three sides in ICC T20I rankings. The one-time winners were touted to be one of the contenders at the start of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE.

Team India are among the top three sides in ICC T20I rankings. The one-time winners were touted to be one of the contenders at the start of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. However, the Men in Blue have fell flat in both their games in the Super 12 round and are on the brink of an early elimination from the marquee tournament. India's star-studded line-up comprises KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, captain Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. However, none of them have made a mark in the two encounters. Moreover, they have a strong support staff, comprising MS Dhoni as team mentor, head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, batting coach Vikram Rathour and fielding coach R Sridhar. Despite having such big names, India have been unimpressive in the T20 WC. Ahead of India's fixture versus the Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 2), the former Indian cricketer Maninder Singh feels there is too much confusion within Team India due to the presence of some big names in the team management and the leadership group. He told TOI, "You plan things, you just don't go and start hitting out. You don't change the batting order. Rohit Sharma has got runs at number one, opening position, most of the time and he was sent at No. 3. It showed he was prevented from facing Trent Boult. This is not a very good sign. Kohli, who scored most runs at number 3, came to bat number 4. I just felt that there was a lot of confusion. With Dhoni the mentor and Shastri the coach, there was so much khichdi in the dressing room." ALSO READ | 'Nobody should be.....': Gavaskar unimpressed with Jasprit Bumrah's bubble-fatigue remark post NZ loss India need to win their remaining three games, by big margins, and hope for other results to favour them in order to reach the semi-finals of the mega event. Kohli & Co.'s leftover games are against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. Will they make it to the last four? Only time will tell...

Former cricketer feels too much 'confusion' in Team India with mentor MS Dhoni and head coach Shastri

<p>Team India will face Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan in their third encounter of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Men in Blue will have to raise their game in order to keep themselves alive in the competition as another defeat will surely end their campaign in the marquee tournament.</p>

<p>The Virat Kohli-led side have been a pale shadow of themselves with back-to-back defeats in their two encounters so far. Kohli &amp; Co. went down to their arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets in their tournament-opener whereas Kane Williamson-led New Zealand thrashed the one-time winners by eight wickets in their following match. On the other hand, Afghanistan have been a far-better side, having two wins from three encounters. They thrashed Namibia and Scotland whereas lost a close match to Pakistan. With them being serious contenders for the semi-finals, the Afghan side will also like to be on their toes with two big games coming up -- versus India and New Zealand, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-ind-vs-afg-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-afghanistan-match-426357"><strong>T20 World Cup, IND vs AFG live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Afghanistan match?</strong></a></p>

<p>Both India and Afghanistan have met twice in T20 WC history. India won on both occasions, in 2010 and 2012 editions. However, given how India are faring and how much Afghanistan have improved, things will be pretty tough for the 2007 winners.</p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for India vs Afghanistan face-off:&nbsp;</strong>India will be turning up at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi for the first time in this&nbsp;T20 WC. They will find it tough to adjust to the surfaces here, after playing New Zealand in Dubai only a couple of days ago. Normally, the track offers something to the pacers but run-making isn't very difficult. Expect a 155-plus scoring encounter with chasing side to hold the edge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-r-ashwin-or-rahul-chahar-for-varun-chakravarthy-predicting-indias-xi-for-afghanistan-clash-426344">T20 WC: R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar for Varun Chakravarthy? Predicting India's XI for Afghanistan clash</a></strong></p>

<p>Afghanistan took a brave call to bat first versus Pakistan, given how much they trust their spinners to strangle oppositions. Will they repeat the same versus India, who also have their own reservations in setting up a target.</p>


Team India will face Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan in their third encounter of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Men in Blue will have to raise their game in order to keep themselves alive in the competition as another defeat will surely end their campaign in the marquee tournament.

Team India will face Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan in their third encounter of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Men in Blue will have to raise their game in order to keep themselves alive in the competition as another defeat will surely end their campaign in the marquee tournament. The Virat Kohli-led side have been a pale shadow of themselves with back-to-back defeats in their two encounters so far. Kohli & Co. went down to their arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets in their tournament-opener whereas Kane Williamson-led New Zealand thrashed the one-time winners by eight wickets in their following match. On the other hand, Afghanistan have been a far-better side, having two wins from three encounters. They thrashed Namibia and Scotland whereas lost a close match to Pakistan. With them being serious contenders for the semi-finals, the Afghan side will also like to be on their toes with two big games coming up -- versus India and New Zealand, respectively. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup, IND vs AFG live streaming: When and where to watch India vs Afghanistan match? Both India and Afghanistan have met twice in T20 WC history. India won on both occasions, in 2010 and 2012 editions. However, given how India are faring and how much Afghanistan have improved, things will be pretty tough for the 2007 winners. Match prediction for India vs Afghanistan face-off: India will be turning up at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi for the first time in this T20 WC. They will find it tough to adjust to the surfaces here, after playing New Zealand in Dubai only a couple of days ago. Normally, the track offers something to the pacers but run-making isn't very difficult. Expect a 155-plus scoring encounter with chasing side to hold the edge. ALSO READ | T20 WC: R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar for Varun Chakravarthy? Predicting India's XI for Afghanistan clash Afghanistan took a brave call to bat first versus Pakistan, given how much they trust their spinners to strangle oppositions. Will they repeat the same versus India, who also have their own reservations in setting up a target.

IND vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between India and Afghanistan?

<p>Team India were termed as one of the strongest contenders for the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Virat Kohli-led side won the two warm-up encounters with ease but have fallen apart since then to lose both their matches in the Super 12 round so far. After being thrashed by Pakistan and New Zealand, the Men in Blue are starring on the brink of an early elimination and need to get their act together if they want to remain alive in the semi-finals race.</p>

<p>The next challenge for Team India is against Afghanistan. The Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side have been impressive so far in the showpiece event. They won and lost a game each in the warm-up round and now have two wins from three encounters in the Super 12. If they win their remaining two games, versus India and New Zealand respectively, they will qualify for the semi-finals as they already have a superior net run-rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For India, they are once again dealing with problems of plenty and have failed to manage their resources wisely. The move to drop down Rohit Sharma to No. 3 in order to accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top, versus the Black Caps, was heavily criticised. Their batters have to get used to the surfaces in the UAE and need to work on their sluggish strike-rates. On the other hand, the one-time winners will also need to tweak their bowling line-up in the game versus Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-wins-hearts-as-they-congratulate-namibia-on-their-inspiring-t20-wc-journey-watch-426316"><strong>Pakistan wins hearts as they congratulate Namibia on their inspiring T20 WC journey - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Predicting India's XI versus Afghanistan: </strong>Rohit is expected to return to the top with KL Rahul as his opening partner. Ishan Kishan can take the No. 3 spot, followed by Captain Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja. In the bowling department, it will be interesting to see if India replace Varun Chakravarthy with either R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar. Calls for Ashwin's inclusion is gaining momentum and he might be handy versus the Afghanistan line-up.</p>

<p>India can go ahead with Ashwin/Chahar/Chakravarthy whereas Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami can form the pace unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's possible XI versus Afghanistan:</strong> Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin/Rahul Chahar/Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami</p>


Team India were termed as one of the strongest contenders for the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Virat Kohli-led side won the two warm-up encounters with ease but have fallen apart since then to lose both their matches in the Super 12 round so far.

Team India were termed as one of the strongest contenders for the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. The Virat Kohli-led side won the two warm-up encounters with ease but have fallen apart since then to lose both their matches in the Super 12 round so far. After being thrashed by Pakistan and New Zealand, the Men in Blue are starring on the brink of an early elimination and need to get their act together if they want to remain alive in the semi-finals race. The next challenge for Team India is against Afghanistan. The Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side have been impressive so far in the showpiece event. They won and lost a game each in the warm-up round and now have two wins from three encounters in the Super 12. If they win their remaining two games, versus India and New Zealand respectively, they will qualify for the semi-finals as they already have a superior net run-rate. For India, they are once again dealing with problems of plenty and have failed to manage their resources wisely. The move to drop down Rohit Sharma to No. 3 in order to accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top, versus the Black Caps, was heavily criticised. Their batters have to get used to the surfaces in the UAE and need to work on their sluggish strike-rates. On the other hand, the one-time winners will also need to tweak their bowling line-up in the game versus Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Pakistan wins hearts as they congratulate Namibia on their inspiring T20 WC journey - WATCH Predicting India's XI versus Afghanistan: Rohit is expected to return to the top with KL Rahul as his opening partner. Ishan Kishan can take the No. 3 spot, followed by Captain Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja. In the bowling department, it will be interesting to see if India replace Varun Chakravarthy with either R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar. Calls for Ashwin's inclusion is gaining momentum and he might be handy versus the Afghanistan line-up. India can go ahead with Ashwin/Chahar/Chakravarthy whereas Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami can form the pace unit. India's possible XI versus Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin/Rahul Chahar/Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami

T20 WC: R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar for Varun Chakravarthy? Predicting India's XI for Afghanistan clash

<p>Eoin Morgan-led England have been on a roll in Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. With three wins on the trot, the 2016 runners-up met Sri Lanka in their penultimate match in the Super 12 on Monday evening (November 1). While they were stretched to an extend by the inexperienced Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka, Morgan-led England emerged on top&nbsp; by 26 runs at Sharjah.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, England were in a spot of bother as they were reduced to 35 for 3 with vice-captain Jos Buttler and an out-of-form skipper Morgan in the middle. The pair commenced the repair work as Buttler returned with an unbeaten 101 whereas Morgan spent considerable time in the middle, scoring 40 off 36 balls. Later, the Islanders did put up a fight -- despite being 76/5 at one stage -- in their 164-run chase before being all-out for 137 in 19 overs.</p>

<p>Courtesy this win, England have consolidated their position in Pool A and are pretty much in the semi-finals of the showpiece event. With the victory, Morgan also became the most successful T20I captain, surpassing MS Dhoni and Asghar Afghan. The left-hander had a good game, scoring some runs before the knockouts and marshalling his troops brilliantly.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-breaks-ms-dhonis-record-to-become-most-successful-captain-in-t20is-426070"><strong>Eoin Morgan breaks MS Dhoni's record to become most successful captain in T20Is</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Most successful captain in T20Is:</strong></p>

<p>Eoin Morgan (43 wins)</p>

<p>MS Dhoni (42 wins)</p>

<p>Asghar Afghan (42 wins)</p>

<p>As Morgan became the most successful T20I captain, his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate and India's veteran finisher Dinesh Karthik lavished praise on him. He tweeted saying, "M S DHONI is to India what EOIN MORGAN is to England&nbsp; Well led&nbsp;@Eoin16 . Brilliant yesterday . The team to beat this World T20 is&nbsp;@ECB_cricket"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">M S DHONI is to India what EOIN MORGAN is to England<br />
<br />
Well led <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> . Brilliant yesterday . The team to beat this World T20 is <a href="https://twitter.com/ECB_cricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECB_cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldT20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1455414907571105797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni has been one of the greatest captains in world cricket. He led India to all three ICC titles and is known for his calm and composed nature as well being a shrewd tactician. Morgan has also been hailed for the way he manages his troops. He led&nbsp;England to the 2019 ODI World Cup title. Moreover, England also ended as the semi-finals in the 2017 Champions Trophy and runners-up in the 2016 T20 WC under Morgan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-seen-captaincy-potential-in-virat-kohli-says-danish-kaneria-as-india-near-elimination-in-t20-wc-426089"><strong>Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>After the Sri Lanka win, Morgan said at the post-match presentation, "I am incredibly proud of everything we have done tonight. The guys had to fight incredibly hard. I can't fault our guys tonight. I thought Jos Buttler played one off his best-ever innings in an England shirt. It was incredible to be at the other end and watch. He is one of the best in the game and it's a privilege to have him in our team. All-round fielding effort was good. We are delighted with the four wins."</p>


Eoin Morgan-led England have been on a roll in Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. With three wins on the trot, the 2016 runners-up met Sri Lanka in their penultimate match in the Super 12 on Monday evening (November 1).

Eoin Morgan-led England have been on a roll in Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. With three wins on the trot, the 2016 runners-up met Sri Lanka in their penultimate match in the Super 12 on Monday evening (November 1). While they were stretched to an extend by the inexperienced Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka, Morgan-led England emerged on top by 26 runs at Sharjah. Being asked to bat first, England were in a spot of bother as they were reduced to 35 for 3 with vice-captain Jos Buttler and an out-of-form skipper Morgan in the middle. The pair commenced the repair work as Buttler returned with an unbeaten 101 whereas Morgan spent considerable time in the middle, scoring 40 off 36 balls. Later, the Islanders did put up a fight -- despite being 76/5 at one stage -- in their 164-run chase before being all-out for 137 in 19 overs. Courtesy this win, England have consolidated their position in Pool A and are pretty much in the semi-finals of the showpiece event. With the victory, Morgan also became the most successful T20I captain, surpassing MS Dhoni and Asghar Afghan. The left-hander had a good game, scoring some runs before the knockouts and marshalling his troops brilliantly. ALSO READ | Eoin Morgan breaks MS Dhoni's record to become most successful captain in T20Is Most successful captain in T20Is: Eoin Morgan (43 wins) MS Dhoni (42 wins) Asghar Afghan (42 wins) As Morgan became the most successful T20I captain, his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate and India's veteran finisher Dinesh Karthik lavished praise on him. He tweeted saying, "M S DHONI is to India what EOIN MORGAN is to England Well led @Eoin16 . Brilliant yesterday . The team to beat this World T20 is @ECB_cricket" M S DHONI is to India what EOIN MORGAN is to England Well led @Eoin16 . Brilliant yesterday . The team to beat this World T20 is @ECB_cricket #WorldT20 #CricketTwitter — DK (@DineshKarthik) November 2, 2021 × Dhoni has been one of the greatest captains in world cricket. He led India to all three ICC titles and is known for his calm and composed nature as well being a shrewd tactician. Morgan has also been hailed for the way he manages his troops. He led England to the 2019 ODI World Cup title. Moreover, England also ended as the semi-finals in the 2017 Champions Trophy and runners-up in the 2016 T20 WC under Morgan. ALSO READ | Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC After the Sri Lanka win, Morgan said at the post-match presentation, "I am incredibly proud of everything we have done tonight. The guys had to fight incredibly hard. I can't fault our guys tonight. I thought Jos Buttler played one off his best-ever innings in an England shirt. It was incredible to be at the other end and watch. He is one of the best in the game and it's a privilege to have him in our team. All-round fielding effort was good. We are delighted with the four wins."

'Dhoni is to India what Morgan...' - DK praises KKR teammate, feels England is team to beat in T20 WC

<p>India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets in their second game in the Super 12 round, in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Playing their second match after a gap of seven days, at the same venue -- i.e. the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai -- many believed Virat Kohli-led Team India will manage to beat the Black Caps and get back to winning ways. However, they lost their second game on the trot, after losing to Pakistan by ten wickets in their tournament-opener.</p>

<p>While nothing clicked for India versus the Kiwis, the move to demote Rohit Sharma to the No. 3 position was heavily criticised. Ahead of India's upcoming match versus Afghanistan, batting coach Vikram Rathour has opened up on the move and revealed that vice-captain Rohit was part of the decision-making which demoted him down the order.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-set-to-lose-odi-captaincy-as-india-on-verge-of-early-exit-in-t20-world-cup-reports-426160"><strong>Virat Kohli set to lose ODI captaincy as India on verge of early exit in T20 World Cup: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>Rathour told the reporters on Tuesday (November 2), "Suryakumar Yadav was having some back spasm. He was not fit enough for the match. The whole management took the call to send Ishan as an opener and, of course, Rohit was part of the decision,” Rathour told reporters.</p>

<p>“Ishan has done well as an opener in the IPL as well as in the practice matches, that’s why he has been sent as an opener,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-to-lead-india-in-t20is-against-new-zealand-hardik-bhuvneshwar-likely-to-be-dropped-report-426155"><strong>Rohit to lead India in T20Is against New Zealand; Hardik, Bhuvneshwar likely to be dropped - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Rohit returned for a 14-ball 14 whereas Ishan managed only a mere 4 runs versus the Black Caps at Dubai. As a result, India posted a paltry 110/7 and failed to defend the total as Kane Williamson-led Kiwis won the game by eight wickets, with 33 balls to spare.</p>

<p>Kohli &amp; Co. need to win against Afghanistan to remain alive in the race for the semi-finals. For now, the one-time winners are in contention mathematically but their chances are bleak with back-to-back defeats.</p>


India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets in their second game in the Super 12 round, in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Playing their second match after a gap of seven days, at the same venue -- i.

India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets in their second game in the Super 12 round, in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition. Playing their second match after a gap of seven days, at the same venue -- i.e. the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai -- many believed Virat Kohli-led Team India will manage to beat the Black Caps and get back to winning ways. However, they lost their second game on the trot, after losing to Pakistan by ten wickets in their tournament-opener. While nothing clicked for India versus the Kiwis, the move to demote Rohit Sharma to the No. 3 position was heavily criticised. Ahead of India's upcoming match versus Afghanistan, batting coach Vikram Rathour has opened up on the move and revealed that vice-captain Rohit was part of the decision-making which demoted him down the order. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to lose ODI captaincy as India on verge of early exit in T20 World Cup: Reports Rathour told the reporters on Tuesday (November 2), "Suryakumar Yadav was having some back spasm. He was not fit enough for the match. The whole management took the call to send Ishan as an opener and, of course, Rohit was part of the decision,” Rathour told reporters. “Ishan has done well as an opener in the IPL as well as in the practice matches, that’s why he has been sent as an opener,” he added. ALSO READ | Rohit to lead India in T20Is against New Zealand; Hardik, Bhuvneshwar likely to be dropped - Report Rohit returned for a 14-ball 14 whereas Ishan managed only a mere 4 runs versus the Black Caps at Dubai. As a result, India posted a paltry 110/7 and failed to defend the total as Kane Williamson-led Kiwis won the game by eight wickets, with 33 balls to spare. Kohli & Co. need to win against Afghanistan to remain alive in the race for the semi-finals. For now, the one-time winners are in contention mathematically but their chances are bleak with back-to-back defeats.

T20 WC: Vikram Rathour reveals Rohit Sharma was part of Virat Kohli & Co.'s decision to demote him vs NZ

<p>Virat Kohli-led Team India are on the brink of early elimination in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After the Men in Blue lost their Super 12 opening fixture versus Pakistan, they were also thrashed by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets as the one-time winners have a tough task to enter the semi-finals in the showpiece event.</p>

<p>Captain Kohli isn't having the best of times at present. While a lot was said when he announced his decision to resign as the T20I captain before the ongoing World Cup, many hoped that he would sign off on a high and finally win his first-ever ICC title as Team India's captain. Nonetheless, India's campaign so far has been disastrous, to say the least.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-to-lead-india-in-t20is-against-new-zealand-hardik-bhuvneshwar-likely-to-be-dropped-report-426155"><strong>Rohit to lead India in T20Is against New Zealand; Hardik, Bhuvneshwar likely to be dropped - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Now, reports suggest that Kohli might lose ODI captaincy. As per a report in PTI, the BCCI might discuss Kohli's ODI captaincy future.&nbsp;In addition, it will make more sense to have one player as the white-ball captain rather than splitting captaincy in shorter formats.</p>

<p>The report further states that since India have only three 50-over games in the current home season, with all the encounters against West Indies in February. Hence, the Indian cricket board is looking to stitch a two-year master-plan&nbsp;heading into the 2023 World Cup.</p>

<p>For the unversed, India have an ODI series in South Africa. It will be interesting to see&nbsp;whether Kohli would voluntarily step down from the 50-over captaincy or if he will wait for the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI to ask him to vacate the top post. In all likelihood, his leadership days in shorter formats are numbered given how things are shaping up for India in the T20 WC.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-seen-captaincy-potential-in-virat-kohli-says-danish-kaneria-as-india-near-elimination-in-t20-wc-426089"><strong>Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>India are set to go through a transition process post the T20 WC. As of now, Rohit Sharma looks like the strongest contender to take up white-ball captaincy whereas Rahul Dravid is more or less confirmed to replace Ravi Shastri as India's head coach.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Team India are on the brink of early elimination in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After the Men in Blue lost their Super 12 opening fixture versus Pakistan, they were also thrashed by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets as the one-time winners have a tough task to enter the semi-finals in the showpiece event.

Virat Kohli-led Team India are on the brink of early elimination in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After the Men in Blue lost their Super 12 opening fixture versus Pakistan, they were also thrashed by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets as the one-time winners have a tough task to enter the semi-finals in the showpiece event. Captain Kohli isn't having the best of times at present. While a lot was said when he announced his decision to resign as the T20I captain before the ongoing World Cup, many hoped that he would sign off on a high and finally win his first-ever ICC title as Team India's captain. Nonetheless, India's campaign so far has been disastrous, to say the least. ALSO READ | Rohit to lead India in T20Is against New Zealand; Hardik, Bhuvneshwar likely to be dropped - Report Now, reports suggest that Kohli might lose ODI captaincy. As per a report in PTI, the BCCI might discuss Kohli's ODI captaincy future. In addition, it will make more sense to have one player as the white-ball captain rather than splitting captaincy in shorter formats. The report further states that since India have only three 50-over games in the current home season, with all the encounters against West Indies in February. Hence, the Indian cricket board is looking to stitch a two-year master-plan heading into the 2023 World Cup. For the unversed, India have an ODI series in South Africa. It will be interesting to see whether Kohli would voluntarily step down from the 50-over captaincy or if he will wait for the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI to ask him to vacate the top post. In all likelihood, his leadership days in shorter formats are numbered given how things are shaping up for India in the T20 WC. ALSO READ | Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC India are set to go through a transition process post the T20 WC. As of now, Rohit Sharma looks like the strongest contender to take up white-ball captaincy whereas Rahul Dravid is more or less confirmed to replace Ravi Shastri as India's head coach.

Virat Kohli set to lose ODI captaincy as India on verge of early exit in T20 World Cup: Reports

<p>India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets to go down in their second successive game in the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup, being held in the UAE. After Pakistan stunned India and produced a master class performance to thrash them, India were expected to come hard at the Black Caps, however, they surrendered to the Kiwis by eight wickets to head towards a possible early elimination in the mega event.</p>

<p>While nothing clicked for India, from the coin toss to posting 110/7 and losing by eight wickets, Virat Kohli-led team management were slammed left, right and centre as they demoted vice-captain Rohit Sharma to No. 3, in order to accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top. It is interesting to note that Ishan was roped in the playing XI for Suryakumar Yadav, who normally bats at No. 3 or 4.</p>

<p>As India shuffled their batting line-up, to only manage 110 for 7 and lose convincingly, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag compared Rohit's demotion to some glaring mistakes committed by Rahul Dravid-led Team India during their forgettable 2007 ODI World Cup campaign.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sending-jasprit-bumrah-wasnt-right-md-azharuddin-feels-ravi-shastri-should-have-come-for-post-match-pc-426136"><strong>Sending Jasprit Bumrah wasn't right: Md Azharuddin feels Ravi Shastri should have come for post-match PC</strong></a></p>

<p>Sehwag said on Cricbuzz, "In the 2007 World Cup, we had made two mistakes. When we were chasing so well - we won 17 consecutive matches while chasing - but when the World Cup arrived, our coach said 'no, we need batting practice'. I said 'let us win 2 matches first and then we will have 6 matches to improve our batting. But he said 'No'.</p>

<p>"The second mistake was that when the opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly were performing so well, so why was that broken? Why was it said that if Tendulkar bats in the middle order, you can control it?"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-seen-captaincy-potential-in-virat-kohli-says-danish-kaneria-as-india-near-elimination-in-t20-wc-426089"><strong>Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>"We had already had three players to control - Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni. Why did you need a fourth one? Sachin batted at No. 4 and see what happened. When teams change strategy, that is when they play badly. When there is a proven formula, there is no need to change it. That is the best example I can give," he pointed out.</p>

<p>After India's second successive defeat, Kohli &amp; Co. are starring on the brink of early elimination in the T20 WC. They will next face Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan and need to win to remain alive in the competition. The Men in Blue require some big wins in the remaining games and will also have to hope for other results to favour them if they have to progress ahead in the showpiece event.</p>


India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets to go down in their second successive game in the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup, being held in the UAE. After Pakistan stunned India and produced a master class performance to thrash them, India were expected to come hard at the Black Caps, however, they surrendered to the Kiwis by eight wickets to head towards a possible early elimination in the mega event.

India lost to New Zealand by eight wickets to go down in their second successive game in the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup, being held in the UAE. After Pakistan stunned India and produced a master class performance to thrash them, India were expected to come hard at the Black Caps, however, they surrendered to the Kiwis by eight wickets to head towards a possible early elimination in the mega event. While nothing clicked for India, from the coin toss to posting 110/7 and losing by eight wickets, Virat Kohli-led team management were slammed left, right and centre as they demoted vice-captain Rohit Sharma to No. 3, in order to accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top. It is interesting to note that Ishan was roped in the playing XI for Suryakumar Yadav, who normally bats at No. 3 or 4. As India shuffled their batting line-up, to only manage 110 for 7 and lose convincingly, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag compared Rohit's demotion to some glaring mistakes committed by Rahul Dravid-led Team India during their forgettable 2007 ODI World Cup campaign. ALSO READ | Sending Jasprit Bumrah wasn't right: Md Azharuddin feels Ravi Shastri should have come for post-match PC Sehwag said on Cricbuzz, "In the 2007 World Cup, we had made two mistakes. When we were chasing so well - we won 17 consecutive matches while chasing - but when the World Cup arrived, our coach said 'no, we need batting practice'. I said 'let us win 2 matches first and then we will have 6 matches to improve our batting. But he said 'No'. "The second mistake was that when the opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly were performing so well, so why was that broken? Why was it said that if Tendulkar bats in the middle order, you can control it?" ALSO READ | Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC "We had already had three players to control - Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni. Why did you need a fourth one? Sachin batted at No. 4 and see what happened. When teams change strategy, that is when they play badly. When there is a proven formula, there is no need to change it. That is the best example I can give," he pointed out. After India's second successive defeat, Kohli & Co. are starring on the brink of early elimination in the T20 WC. They will next face Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan and need to win to remain alive in the competition. The Men in Blue require some big wins in the remaining games and will also have to hope for other results to favour them if they have to progress ahead in the showpiece event.

'Sachin batted at No. 4': Virender Sehwag compares Rohit's demotion against NZ to India's mistakes in 2007 WC

<p>India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, after going down to Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31). After having lost to Pakistan in their opening fixture, by ten wickets, the Virat Kohli-led side were expected to comeback in style and beat the Kiwis. However, India are now on the brink of elimination after losing two consecutive ties by big margins.</p>

<p>After the encounter, Jasprit Bumrah came for the post-match press conference from Team India. While Kohli had come out for the post-match presser after India were thrashed by Pakistan, the 32-year-old chose to skip the post-match meeting after the New Zealand game as Bumrah answered the questions. While the speedster was firm in his replies, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels head coach Ravi Shastri should've come for the post-match press conference, if not Kohli.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youll-have-to-face-the-nation-md-azharuddin-slams-virat-kohli-for-skipping-presser-after-nz-loss-425910"><strong>You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss</strong></a></p>

<p>"In my view the coach should have come for the press conference. If Virat Kohli doesn't want to attend the press conference, that's fine. But, Ravi (Shastri) bhai should've attended the press conference," Azharuddin said during a discussion on ABP News.</p>

<p>"You can't just attend press conferences after victories, you must give an explanation for defeats too. Sending Bumrah for the press conference was not right. Either the captain or the coach should have come for the presser or someone from the coaching staff," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-seen-captaincy-potential-in-virat-kohli-says-danish-kaneria-as-india-near-elimination-in-t20-wc-426089"><strong>Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>"If you lose a game or two, there's nothing to be ashamed of. But the captain or the coach must come and explain to the nation why the team lost. How can you expect Bumrah to answer these questions? If you are ready to face the media when the team wins then you should also step forward when your team is going through a rough phase," Azharuddin asserted.</p>

<p>India have their back against the wall in the T20 WC. They need to win their remaining games by big margins and hope for some other results to favour them in order to enter the semi-finals. The Men in Blue will now face Afghanistan on Wednesday (November 3) at Abu Dhabi and another defeat will end their campaign in the marquee tournament.</p>

<p>India's group, i.e. Pool B, is topped by Pakistan, who are followed by Afghanistan, New Zealand, Namibia. Kohli &amp; Co. and Scotland occupy the bottom-two spots, respectively.</p>


India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, after going down to Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31).

India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, after going down to Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31). After having lost to Pakistan in their opening fixture, by ten wickets, the Virat Kohli-led side were expected to comeback in style and beat the Kiwis. However, India are now on the brink of elimination after losing two consecutive ties by big margins. After the encounter, Jasprit Bumrah came for the post-match press conference from Team India. While Kohli had come out for the post-match presser after India were thrashed by Pakistan, the 32-year-old chose to skip the post-match meeting after the New Zealand game as Bumrah answered the questions. While the speedster was firm in his replies, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels head coach Ravi Shastri should've come for the post-match press conference, if not Kohli. ALSO READ | You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss "In my view the coach should have come for the press conference. If Virat Kohli doesn't want to attend the press conference, that's fine. But, Ravi (Shastri) bhai should've attended the press conference," Azharuddin said during a discussion on ABP News. "You can't just attend press conferences after victories, you must give an explanation for defeats too. Sending Bumrah for the press conference was not right. Either the captain or the coach should have come for the presser or someone from the coaching staff," he added. ALSO READ | Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC "If you lose a game or two, there's nothing to be ashamed of. But the captain or the coach must come and explain to the nation why the team lost. How can you expect Bumrah to answer these questions? If you are ready to face the media when the team wins then you should also step forward when your team is going through a rough phase," Azharuddin asserted. India have their back against the wall in the T20 WC. They need to win their remaining games by big margins and hope for some other results to favour them in order to enter the semi-finals. The Men in Blue will now face Afghanistan on Wednesday (November 3) at Abu Dhabi and another defeat will end their campaign in the marquee tournament. India's group, i.e. Pool B, is topped by Pakistan, who are followed by Afghanistan, New Zealand, Namibia. Kohli & Co. and Scotland occupy the bottom-two spots, respectively.

Sending Jasprit Bumrah wasn't right: Md Azharuddin feels Ravi Shastri should have come for post-match PC

<p>Virat Kohli-led Team India are on the brink of elimination in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE. While the Men in Blue have lost both their games in the Super 12 round by huge margins, they remain in contention mathematically but need a monstrous effort to enter the last four.</p>

<p>As of now, the fight for the last four looks very much like a lost battle for the one-time winners. Ahead of their must-win clash versus Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 3) at Abu Dhabi, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made heads turn with his views on Captain Kohli.</p>

<p>Speaking on India's debacle in the T20 WC, Kaneria said on his Youtube channel, "There are a lot of reasons. The first one is Virat Kohli - he has been an unsuccessful captain. He made wrong team selections for the WTC final. Until he was there in Australia, India lost and then Ajinkya Rahane became the captain and led his team to a win. No doubt Virat Kohli is a big player but I have never seen captaincy potential in him. He has a lot of aggression but the decision-making ability as a captain is missing in him."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-makes-shocking-claim-theres-divide-in-indian-team-one-camp-with-virat-kohli-other-against-426048"><strong>Shoaib Akhtar makes shocking claim: There's divide in Indian team, one camp with Virat Kohli, other against</strong></a></p>

<p>"Another reason is Ravi Shastri who has just disappeared. It seems as though he feels 'My time is up, the World Cup is the last in my tenure. I won't be there post this. So whatever happens let it happen' and he too has stepped aside. I won't blame MS Dhoni too much since he has just come into the side. Yet, he was part of the management and cricket involves all the 11 players as well as the management. So everybody is responsible. It's not an individual sport but a team sport so the entire team is responsible."</p>

<p>"I cannot understand this conflict - Virat Kohli opens for RCB and stated that he will open in the World Cup as well. Once the World Cup comes closer he says that there aren't better openers than KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma and they will open. Then where did Ishan Kishan come from during the New Zealand game? No doubt Rohit Sharma is the vice-captain but they ended up feeling that Trent Boult is ahead of him so they should try something different. They would be assuming that Rohit and Rahul will come out to open so if we sent Ishan Kishan to open their plans would flop,"&nbsp;added Kaneria.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-didnt-trust-rohit-sharma-against-trent-boult-sunil-gavaskar-baffled-by-hitmans-demotion-vs-nz-425962"><strong>'India didn't trust Rohit Sharma against Trent Boult' - Sunil Gavaskar baffled by Hitman's demotion vs NZ</strong></a></p>

<p>With back-to-back defeats, Kohli is under serious pressure to keep India alive in the T20 WC. The national side lost their opening fixture to Pakistan by 10 wickets and were hammered by New Zealand, by 8 wickets, as they will now step on the field to take on a competitive Afghanistan line-up, who have two wins from three games and also boost of a healthy net run-rate.</p>

<p>Another loss will end India's campaign in the T20 WC, which will be Kohli's last tournament as the Men in Blue's T20I captain.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Team India are on the brink of elimination in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE. While the Men in Blue have lost both their games in the Super 12 round by huge margins, they remain in contention mathematically but need a monstrous effort to enter the last four.

Virat Kohli-led Team India are on the brink of elimination in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE. While the Men in Blue have lost both their games in the Super 12 round by huge margins, they remain in contention mathematically but need a monstrous effort to enter the last four. As of now, the fight for the last four looks very much like a lost battle for the one-time winners. Ahead of their must-win clash versus Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 3) at Abu Dhabi, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made heads turn with his views on Captain Kohli. Speaking on India's debacle in the T20 WC, Kaneria said on his Youtube channel, "There are a lot of reasons. The first one is Virat Kohli - he has been an unsuccessful captain. He made wrong team selections for the WTC final. Until he was there in Australia, India lost and then Ajinkya Rahane became the captain and led his team to a win. No doubt Virat Kohli is a big player but I have never seen captaincy potential in him. He has a lot of aggression but the decision-making ability as a captain is missing in him." ALSO READ | Shoaib Akhtar makes shocking claim: There's divide in Indian team, one camp with Virat Kohli, other against "Another reason is Ravi Shastri who has just disappeared. It seems as though he feels 'My time is up, the World Cup is the last in my tenure. I won't be there post this. So whatever happens let it happen' and he too has stepped aside. I won't blame MS Dhoni too much since he has just come into the side. Yet, he was part of the management and cricket involves all the 11 players as well as the management. So everybody is responsible. It's not an individual sport but a team sport so the entire team is responsible." "I cannot understand this conflict - Virat Kohli opens for RCB and stated that he will open in the World Cup as well. Once the World Cup comes closer he says that there aren't better openers than KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma and they will open. Then where did Ishan Kishan come from during the New Zealand game? No doubt Rohit Sharma is the vice-captain but they ended up feeling that Trent Boult is ahead of him so they should try something different. They would be assuming that Rohit and Rahul will come out to open so if we sent Ishan Kishan to open their plans would flop," added Kaneria. ALSO READ | 'India didn't trust Rohit Sharma against Trent Boult' - Sunil Gavaskar baffled by Hitman's demotion vs NZ With back-to-back defeats, Kohli is under serious pressure to keep India alive in the T20 WC. The national side lost their opening fixture to Pakistan by 10 wickets and were hammered by New Zealand, by 8 wickets, as they will now step on the field to take on a competitive Afghanistan line-up, who have two wins from three games and also boost of a healthy net run-rate. Another loss will end India's campaign in the T20 WC, which will be Kohli's last tournament as the Men in Blue's T20I captain.

Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC

<p>Team India squared off with New Zealand in their second Super 12 encounter in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After losing to Babar Azam-led Pakistan by ten wickets, the pressure was on Virat Kohli &amp; Co. to bounce back and keep themselves alive in the semi-finals race.</p>

<p>However, the one-time winners India fell flat in their face-off versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, on Sunday evening (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Being asked to bat first, the Men in Blue were restricted to 110/7, courtesy Trent Boult's 3-fer and Ish Sodhi's 2 for 17. In reply, the Black Caps completed the run-chase with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare.</p>

<p>With another heavy defeat, India are on the brink of elimination. While nothing has clicked for India in the main draw of the competition so far, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar has lashed out at Kohli &amp; Co. for demoting vice-captain Rohit Sharma to No. 3, to accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/your-biggest-match-winner-aakash-chopra-slams-virat-kohli-led-india-for-rohit-sharmas-demotion-425944"><strong>'Your biggest match-winner...' - Aakash Chopra slams Virat Kohli-led India for Rohit Sharma's demotion</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar&nbsp;said, "Ishan Kishan is a hit-or-miss player and it is better if a batsman like him walks in No.4 or No.5. He could then play according to the situation of the game. Now what has happened is that Rohit Sharma has been told that we don't trust you to face the left-arm fast bowling of Trent Boult."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you do that to a player who has been playing at a position for so many years, he himself will think that maybe he doesn't have the ability. If Ishan Kishan had made 70-odd runs we would have applauded. But when the ploy doesn't work, you are going to be criticised," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/high-time-bcci-looks-into-scheduling-former-india-captain-comes-in-support-of-underfire-virat-kohli-co-425931"><strong>High time BCCI looks into scheduling: Former India captain comes in support of underfire Virat Kohli &amp; Co.</strong></a></p>

<p>"I don't know if it is a fear of failure but I know that whatever changes they made to the batting order today did not work. Rohit Sharma is such a great batsman and he has been sent in at No.3. Kohli himself, who has made so many runs at No.3 demotes himself to No.4. A young player like Ishan Kishan has been given the responsibility of opening the batting," Gavaskar signed off.</p>

<p>India's big guns with both the bat and ball haven't clicked in the tournament so far. They will face Afghanistan on Wednesday (November 3) and have to win to remain alive in the semi-finals race by a whisker. As of now, India already are on the cusp of an early exit.</p>


Team India squared off with New Zealand in their second Super 12 encounter in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After losing to Babar Azam-led Pakistan by ten wickets, the pressure was on Virat Kohli & Co.

Team India squared off with New Zealand in their second Super 12 encounter in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. After losing to Babar Azam-led Pakistan by ten wickets, the pressure was on Virat Kohli & Co. to bounce back and keep themselves alive in the semi-finals race. However, the one-time winners India fell flat in their face-off versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, on Sunday evening (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Being asked to bat first, the Men in Blue were restricted to 110/7, courtesy Trent Boult's 3-fer and Ish Sodhi's 2 for 17. In reply, the Black Caps completed the run-chase with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare. With another heavy defeat, India are on the brink of elimination. While nothing has clicked for India in the main draw of the competition so far, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar has lashed out at Kohli & Co. for demoting vice-captain Rohit Sharma to No. 3, to accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top. ALSO READ | 'Your biggest match-winner...' - Aakash Chopra slams Virat Kohli-led India for Rohit Sharma's demotion Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said, "Ishan Kishan is a hit-or-miss player and it is better if a batsman like him walks in No.4 or No.5. He could then play according to the situation of the game. Now what has happened is that Rohit Sharma has been told that we don't trust you to face the left-arm fast bowling of Trent Boult." "If you do that to a player who has been playing at a position for so many years, he himself will think that maybe he doesn't have the ability. If Ishan Kishan had made 70-odd runs we would have applauded. But when the ploy doesn't work, you are going to be criticised," he added. ALSO READ | High time BCCI looks into scheduling: Former India captain comes in support of underfire Virat Kohli & Co. "I don't know if it is a fear of failure but I know that whatever changes they made to the batting order today did not work. Rohit Sharma is such a great batsman and he has been sent in at No.3. Kohli himself, who has made so many runs at No.3 demotes himself to No.4. A young player like Ishan Kishan has been given the responsibility of opening the batting," Gavaskar signed off. India's big guns with both the bat and ball haven't clicked in the tournament so far. They will face Afghanistan on Wednesday (November 3) and have to win to remain alive in the semi-finals race by a whisker. As of now, India already are on the cusp of an early exit.

'India didn't trust Rohit Sharma against Trent Boult' - Sunil Gavaskar baffled by Hitman's demotion vs NZ

<p>India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, after going down to New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31). Playing their second game, at the same venue i.e. the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, the Men in Blue fell like nine pins as they managed only a paltry 110/7 in 20 overs -- being asked to bat first -- before the Kiwis completed the run-chase with 33 balls to spare.</p>

<p>While nothing clicked for Team India, the move to demote their biggest match-opener Rohit Sharma, at No. 3, and accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top raised quite a few eyebrows. Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has slammed Virat Kohli &amp; Co. to shift Hitman to the No. 3 position after the drubbing versus the Black Caps.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-looked-jaded-dilip-vengsarkar-slams-kohli-co-feels-r-ashwins-snub-is-a-matter-of-investigation-425929"><strong>India looked jaded: Dilip Vengsarkar slams Kohli &amp; Co., feels R Ashwin's snub is a 'matter of investigation'</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined, "You played Ishan Kishan because Suryakumar Yadav was not fit and made him open. In order to play the left-right combination, you made your biggest match-winner come down in the order. You changed your set batting order (1,2,3) after just one loss and that is fundamentally wrong. I don’t think that can be justified."</p>

<p>"This thing (opening with Kishan) in turn exposed the selection procedure. The team you had picked had only one extra batsman. The team had several spinners but only one extra batter and that too an opener. If a middle-order batter gets unfit, you are left with no option but to play that opener. That throws the batting line-up out of order. The team already had three openers (Rohit, KL Rahul, Kishan). Even Sky could have opened but there were no middle-order batters as back-up. This was a two-way problem and just dismantling the opening combination was not the right thing to do. India's hands were tied in the end," he stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youll-have-to-face-the-nation-md-azharuddin-slams-virat-kohli-for-skipping-presser-after-nz-loss-425910"><strong>You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss</strong></a></p>

<p>After the loss against the NZ, India are on the brink of elimination. They need to win versus the Afghanistan cricket team, on Wednesday (November 3), to stay alive in the semi-finals race. Another defeat will end their campaign versus the Men in Blue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, nothing has clicked for Team India. Their mainstays with the bat have struggled for runs, the bowlers haven't looked daunting (although they didn't have much to defend versus the Kiwis) whereas the team selection and tactics have also been questionable.</p>


India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, after going down to New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31).

India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, after going down to New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31). Playing their second game, at the same venue i.e. the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, the Men in Blue fell like nine pins as they managed only a paltry 110/7 in 20 overs -- being asked to bat first -- before the Kiwis completed the run-chase with 33 balls to spare. While nothing clicked for Team India, the move to demote their biggest match-opener Rohit Sharma, at No. 3, and accommodate Ishan Kishan at the top raised quite a few eyebrows. Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has slammed Virat Kohli & Co. to shift Hitman to the No. 3 position after the drubbing versus the Black Caps. ALSO READ | India looked jaded: Dilip Vengsarkar slams Kohli & Co., feels R Ashwin's snub is a 'matter of investigation' Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined, "You played Ishan Kishan because Suryakumar Yadav was not fit and made him open. In order to play the left-right combination, you made your biggest match-winner come down in the order. You changed your set batting order (1,2,3) after just one loss and that is fundamentally wrong. I don’t think that can be justified." "This thing (opening with Kishan) in turn exposed the selection procedure. The team you had picked had only one extra batsman. The team had several spinners but only one extra batter and that too an opener. If a middle-order batter gets unfit, you are left with no option but to play that opener. That throws the batting line-up out of order. The team already had three openers (Rohit, KL Rahul, Kishan). Even Sky could have opened but there were no middle-order batters as back-up. This was a two-way problem and just dismantling the opening combination was not the right thing to do. India's hands were tied in the end," he stated. ALSO READ | You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss After the loss against the NZ, India are on the brink of elimination. They need to win versus the Afghanistan cricket team, on Wednesday (November 3), to stay alive in the semi-finals race. Another defeat will end their campaign versus the Men in Blue. So far, nothing has clicked for Team India. Their mainstays with the bat have struggled for runs, the bowlers haven't looked daunting (although they didn't have much to defend versus the Kiwis) whereas the team selection and tactics have also been questionable.

'Your biggest match-winner...' - Aakash Chopra slams Virat Kohli-led India for Rohit Sharma's demotion

<p>Virat Kohli-led India lost to New Zealand by 8&nbsp;wickets in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. After losing their first-ever ICC game to arch-rivals Pakistan, with a 10-wicket defeat, India were expected to come out all guns blazing versus the Black Caps, however, the Kiwis dominated India in all departments to push them on the brink of an early elimination.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, India batters struggled and posted a paltry 110/7 in 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand finished the run-chase with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare to keep themselves in the semi-finals race. With another defeat, questions are being raised over Team India's poor body language, witnessed versus the Kiwis, poor tactics and ordinary batting performances.</p>

<p>The Men in Blue is a star-studded line-up, comprising Captain Kohli, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, etc., however, they have faltered in two games on the trot without posing any threat. While India are being slammed left, right and centre, former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkant has defended the one-time winners.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youll-have-to-face-the-nation-md-azharuddin-slams-virat-kohli-for-skipping-presser-after-nz-loss-425910"><strong>You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss</strong></a></p>

<p>“I totally back the players, mental fatigue is a real thing and it's high time @BCCI looks into their scheduling and make sure they take care of all the players, I back the Indian players and its high time we take care of them!” Srikkanth wrote on Monday on his official Twitter profile.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I totally back the players, mental fatigue is a real thing and it's high time <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> looks into their scheduling and make sure they take care of all the players, I back the Indian players and itd high time we take care of them!</p>
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisSrikkanth/status/1455101398262054915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sometimes-you-need-a-break-jasprit-bumrah-feels-bubble-fatigue-behind-team-indias-t20-wc-struggles-425804"><strong>'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles</strong></a></p>

<p>At the post-match press conference, Jasprit Bumrah also opined on the bubble-fatigure and told reporters, "Absolutely, sometimes you need a break. You miss your family. You've been on the road for six months. So all of that sometimes play on the back of your mind. But when you're on the field, you don't think of all those things .. Obviously staying in a bubble and staying away from your family for such a long period of time does play a role."</p>

<p>"The BCCI also tried their best to make us feel comfortable .. It's a difficult time. There's a pandemic going on, so we try to adapt but sometimes bubble fatigue, mental fatigue also creeps in."</p>

<p>For the unversed, India have been on the road since mid-May, 2021. They went to the United Kingdom -- for the WTC final and five Tests versus England -- before turning up for their respective IPL franchises in this year's edition's final leg in the UAE. Soon after the IPL 14 final leg, India shifted their focus towards the T20 WC; resulting in players' lagging behind in energy and depicting poor body language.</p>


Virat Kohli-led India lost to New Zealand by 8 wickets in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Virat Kohli-led India lost to New Zealand by 8 wickets in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. After losing their first-ever ICC game to arch-rivals Pakistan, with a 10-wicket defeat, India were expected to come out all guns blazing versus the Black Caps, however, the Kiwis dominated India in all departments to push them on the brink of an early elimination. Being asked to bat first, India batters struggled and posted a paltry 110/7 in 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand finished the run-chase with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare to keep themselves in the semi-finals race. With another defeat, questions are being raised over Team India's poor body language, witnessed versus the Kiwis, poor tactics and ordinary batting performances. The Men in Blue is a star-studded line-up, comprising Captain Kohli, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, etc., however, they have faltered in two games on the trot without posing any threat. While India are being slammed left, right and centre, former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkant has defended the one-time winners. ALSO READ | You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss “I totally back the players, mental fatigue is a real thing and it's high time @BCCI looks into their scheduling and make sure they take care of all the players, I back the Indian players and its high time we take care of them!” Srikkanth wrote on Monday on his official Twitter profile. I totally back the players, mental fatigue is a real thing and it's high time @BCCI looks into their scheduling and make sure they take care of all the players, I back the Indian players and itd high time we take care of them! — Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) November 1, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles At the post-match press conference, Jasprit Bumrah also opined on the bubble-fatigure and told reporters, "Absolutely, sometimes you need a break. You miss your family. You've been on the road for six months. So all of that sometimes play on the back of your mind. But when you're on the field, you don't think of all those things .. Obviously staying in a bubble and staying away from your family for such a long period of time does play a role." "The BCCI also tried their best to make us feel comfortable .. It's a difficult time. There's a pandemic going on, so we try to adapt but sometimes bubble fatigue, mental fatigue also creeps in." For the unversed, India have been on the road since mid-May, 2021. They went to the United Kingdom -- for the WTC final and five Tests versus England -- before turning up for their respective IPL franchises in this year's edition's final leg in the UAE. Soon after the IPL 14 final leg, India shifted their focus towards the T20 WC; resulting in players' lagging behind in energy and depicting poor body language.

High time BCCI looks into scheduling: Former India captain comes in support of underfire Virat Kohli & Co.

<p>India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in match 28 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). Both sides were in a tough spot after losing their respective Super 12 opening fixtures and had to win to progress ahead. In the marquee face-off, Virat Kohli-led Team India were thrashed by the Kiwis as the Black Caps maintained their ICC dominance versus the Men in Blue.</p>

<p>While the one-time winners India aren't out of contention for the semi-finals spot, they surely have their back against the wall at the moment with two successive losses. After Trent Boult's 3-fer and Ish Sodhi's 2 for 17 restricted India to 110/7, the Kiwis chased down the score with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare. Courtesy this win, New Zealand have once again shown that they have the knack of beating big teams in ICC events despite not being termed as one of the strongest contenders in showpiece events.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-be-a-miracle-to-see-them-qualify-shahid-afridi-predicts-indias-fortunes-after-nz-loss-in-t20-wc-425850"><strong>Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>Former England captain Michael Vaughan has lavished praise on the underrated Kiwis. After the India clash, Vaughan wrote on Twitter, "No one will admit it including themselves as they are so humble but #NZ are pound for pound the best all format Cricket team in the World at the moment …"</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No one will admit it including themselves as they are so humble but <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZ</a> are pound for pound the best all format Cricket team in the World at the moment … <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fact?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fact</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1454856694304059393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sometimes-you-need-a-break-jasprit-bumrah-feels-bubble-fatigue-behind-team-indias-t20-wc-struggles-425804"><strong>'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, New Zealand are the No. 1 ranked side in Tests and ODIs and occupy the fourth spot in ICC T20I rankings. They have appeared in the ODI World Cup final on successive editions, in 2015 and 2019, won the inaugural edition of the ICC Test Championship whereas were also the semi-finalists in the 2016 T20 WC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>How far will the Black Caps go this time around? Only time will tell...</p>


India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in match 28 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). Both sides were in a tough spot after losing their respective Super 12 opening fixtures and had to win to progress ahead.

India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in match 28 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). Both sides were in a tough spot after losing their respective Super 12 opening fixtures and had to win to progress ahead. In the marquee face-off, Virat Kohli-led Team India were thrashed by the Kiwis as the Black Caps maintained their ICC dominance versus the Men in Blue. While the one-time winners India aren't out of contention for the semi-finals spot, they surely have their back against the wall at the moment with two successive losses. After Trent Boult's 3-fer and Ish Sodhi's 2 for 17 restricted India to 110/7, the Kiwis chased down the score with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare. Courtesy this win, New Zealand have once again shown that they have the knack of beating big teams in ICC events despite not being termed as one of the strongest contenders in showpiece events. ALSO READ | Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC Former England captain Michael Vaughan has lavished praise on the underrated Kiwis. After the India clash, Vaughan wrote on Twitter, "No one will admit it including themselves as they are so humble but #NZ are pound for pound the best all format Cricket team in the World at the moment …" No one will admit it including themselves as they are so humble but #NZ are pound for pound the best all format Cricket team in the World at the moment … #Fact #T20WorldCup — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 31, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles For the unversed, New Zealand are the No. 1 ranked side in Tests and ODIs and occupy the fourth spot in ICC T20I rankings. They have appeared in the ODI World Cup final on successive editions, in 2015 and 2019, won the inaugural edition of the ICC Test Championship whereas were also the semi-finalists in the 2016 T20 WC. How far will the Black Caps go this time around? Only time will tell...

'Best all-format team' - Michael Vaughan lavishes huge praise on New Zealand after India win in T20 WC

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