<p>Ahead of the match 31 of IPL 2021, on Monday (September 20), between Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Eoin Morgan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), former Indian opener and Punjab Kings' (PBKS) batting coach Wasim Jaffer has broken the internet with his extremely hilarious post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaffer often shares his players to watch out for ahead of every IPL game, or during Team India's encounters, and this time around as well, his tweet went viral as he shared a rather unusual post; depicting his two players to watch out during the match 31, which will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's what he tweeted-</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Looking forward to seeing these two tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/pecF2DKYEr">pic.twitter.com/pecF2DKYEr</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1439824244918009864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While many thought the Jaffer was pointing out at 'GOATs' Kohli and AB de Villiers, he later clarified that his tweet was for the RCB captain and KKR's Dinesh Karthik. He wrote, "It is indeed Goat VK and Shirt DK"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="nl">It is indeed Goat VK and Shirt DK</p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1439914793205305347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>'GOAT' Kohli is set to become the first&nbsp;player to feature in 200 matches in one T20 tournament on Monday evening,&nbsp;whereas DK will like to make a vital contribution for KKR as a finisher and keeper in match 31. He was last seen as a commentator during the India tour of United Kingdom recently, where his analysis and multi-colour shirts became a huge hit on social media platforms.</p>


Ahead of the match 31 of IPL 2021, on Monday (September 20), between Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Eoin Morgan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), former Indian opener and Punjab Kings' (PBKS) batting coach Wasim Jaffer has broken the internet with his extremely hilarious post.

Ahead of the match 31 of IPL 2021, on Monday (September 20), between Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Eoin Morgan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), former Indian opener and Punjab Kings' (PBKS) batting coach Wasim Jaffer has broken the internet with his extremely hilarious post. Jaffer often shares his players to watch out for ahead of every IPL game, or during Team India's encounters, and this time around as well, his tweet went viral as he shared a rather unusual post; depicting his two players to watch out during the match 31, which will be held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Here's what he tweeted- Looking forward to seeing these two tonight. #KKRvRCB #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/pecF2DKYEr — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 20, 2021 × While many thought the Jaffer was pointing out at 'GOATs' Kohli and AB de Villiers, he later clarified that his tweet was for the RCB captain and KKR's Dinesh Karthik. He wrote, "It is indeed Goat VK and Shirt DK" It is indeed Goat VK and Shirt DK — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 20, 2021 × 'GOAT' Kohli is set to become the first player to feature in 200 matches in one T20 tournament on Monday evening, whereas DK will like to make a vital contribution for KKR as a finisher and keeper in match 31. He was last seen as a commentator during the India tour of United Kingdom recently, where his analysis and multi-colour shirts became a huge hit on social media platforms.

IPL 2021: Wasim Jaffer leaves netizens ROFL as he shares his players to watch out for RCB vs KKR clash

<p><strong>Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore </strong>(RCB) will be up against two-time champions the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 31 of the IPL 2021 edition of the UAE leg. Both sides are coming into this encounter with contrasting runs so far in the 14th edition.</p>

<p>While RCB find themselves at the third position, with 5 wins from 7 encounters, KKR are languishing at the seventh position with only 2 wins from 7 games. In their face-off during the first leg in India, the Bengaluru franchise romped past KKR by 38 runs in Chennai with Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers being the top-performers.</p>

<p>There are some big names which will feature in match 31 such as Kohli, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Yuzvendra Chahal, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, etc. Overall, an enthralling battle seems on the cards as two heavyweight teams are set to lock horns at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Where is the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p><strong>What time does the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin?</strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 7:30 PM IST on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders?</strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between PBKS vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be up against two-time champions the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 31 of the IPL 2021 edition of the UAE leg.

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be up against two-time champions the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 31 of the IPL 2021 edition of the UAE leg. Both sides are coming into this encounter with contrasting runs so far in the 14th edition. While RCB find themselves at the third position, with 5 wins from 7 encounters, KKR are languishing at the seventh position with only 2 wins from 7 games. In their face-off during the first leg in India, the Bengaluru franchise romped past KKR by 38 runs in Chennai with Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers being the top-performers. There are some big names which will feature in match 31 such as Kohli, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Yuzvendra Chahal, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, etc. Overall, an enthralling battle seems on the cards as two heavyweight teams are set to lock horns at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 7:30 PM IST on Monday. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between PBKS vs RCB will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, RCB vs KKR, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders?

<p>IPL 2021's second and final leg commenced on September 19 (Sunday) as the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on the Rohit Sharma-less Mumbai Indians (MI), in match 30, and defeated them by 20 runs in Dubai. The action will now move onto Abu Dhabi as the Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) versus Eoin Morgan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 31 on Monday evening (September 20).</p>

<p>Currently, the 2016 runners-up RCB find themselves in a much-better position in the points table, occupying the third position with 5 wins from 7 encounters. On the other hand, the two-time champions KKR are languishing at the seventh position and are in a do-or-die situation where they have to make every match count.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-virat-kohlis-decision-to-quit-rcb-captain-after-ipl-2021-414407/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ahead of match 31, here's everything you need to know about the pitch report,&nbsp;weather and probable playing XI:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Weather and pitch report: </strong>A hot and humid evening is set to greet the players from both the dens. KKR will feel more at home in Abu Dhabi, winning five out of their seven matches at the venue during IPL 2020.&nbsp;Bowlers can expect some help from the surface as a modest-scoring thriller looks on cards in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p><strong>Predicted Playing XIs for RCB vs KKR</strong></p>

<p><strong>KKR Probable XI: </strong>Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan (c), Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi/Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy</p>

<p><br />
<strong>RCB Probable XI: </strong>Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed/Mohammed Azharuddeen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-to-step-down-as-rcb-captain-after-ipl-2021-414253"><strong>Virat Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021</strong></a></p>

<p>With Kohli set to step down as the RCB captain post the ongoing season, the Bengaluru franchise will be eager to start the second and final leg with a bang. It is another good chance for them to win their maiden title and give a proper send-off to their outgoing skipper. For that to happen, RCB will have to start with a bang versus KKR.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


IPL 2021's second and final leg commenced on September 19 (Sunday) as the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on the Rohit Sharma-less Mumbai Indians (MI), in match 30, and defeated them by 20 runs in Dubai.

IPL 2021's second and final leg commenced on September 19 (Sunday) as the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on the Rohit Sharma-less Mumbai Indians (MI), in match 30, and defeated them by 20 runs in Dubai. The action will now move onto Abu Dhabi as the Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) versus Eoin Morgan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 31 on Monday evening (September 20). Currently, the 2016 runners-up RCB find themselves in a much-better position in the points table, occupying the third position with 5 wins from 7 encounters. On the other hand, the two-time champions KKR are languishing at the seventh position and are in a do-or-die situation where they have to make every match count. × Ahead of match 31, here's everything you need to know about the pitch report, weather and probable playing XI: Weather and pitch report: A hot and humid evening is set to greet the players from both the dens. KKR will feel more at home in Abu Dhabi, winning five out of their seven matches at the venue during IPL 2020. Bowlers can expect some help from the surface as a modest-scoring thriller looks on cards in Abu Dhabi. Predicted Playing XIs for RCB vs KKR KKR Probable XI: Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan (c), Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi/Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy RCB Probable XI: Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed/Mohammed Azharuddeen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal ALSO READ | Virat Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021 With Kohli set to step down as the RCB captain post the ongoing season, the Bengaluru franchise will be eager to start the second and final leg with a bang. It is another good chance for them to win their maiden title and give a proper send-off to their outgoing skipper. For that to happen, RCB will have to start with a bang versus KKR.

IPL 2021, RCB vs KKR: Pitch report, weather and probable playing XIs for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders match

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India passed the international home season 2021-22 at the Apex Council meeting on Monday. India will play New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa. While the home season kicks off with the T20I against New Zealand on November 17 in Jaipur, it will end with the T20I against South Africa in the national capital on June 19. The India-New Zealand series will get underway with the opening T20I in Jaipur on November 17, followed by games in Ranchi and Kolkata on November 19 and 21.</p>

<p>The two Test matches will be played in Kanpur (November 25 to 29) and Mumbai (December 3 to 7).The India-West Indies series will kickstart with the ODIs and the opening game will be played in Ahmedabad on February 6. The second and third games will be played on February 9 and 12 in Jaipur and Kolkata. This will be followed by the T20Is with the opening game being played on February 15 in Cuttack. The second and third games will be played on February 18 and 20 in Vizag and Trivandrum.</p>

<p>The India-Sri Lanka series gets underway with two Tests in Bengaluru (Feb 25 to Mar 1) and Mohali (March 5 to 9). There will be three T20Is played after that with games in Mohali (March 13), Dharamshala (March 15) and Lucknow (March 18).This will be followed by a five-match T20I series between India and South Africa. The games will be played in Chennai (June 9), Bengaluru (June 12), Nagpur (June 14), Rajkot (June 17) and Delhi (June 19). The Apex Council also decided that the decision to organize U-16 tournaments will be taken post the Under 19 tournaments and taking into account the COVID-19 situation.</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India passed the international home season 2021-22 at the Apex Council meeting on Monday. India will play New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India passed the international home season 2021-22 at the Apex Council meeting on Monday. India will play New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa. While the home season kicks off with the T20I against New Zealand on November 17 in Jaipur, it will end with the T20I against South Africa in the national capital on June 19. The India-New Zealand series will get underway with the opening T20I in Jaipur on November 17, followed by games in Ranchi and Kolkata on November 19 and 21. The two Test matches will be played in Kanpur (November 25 to 29) and Mumbai (December 3 to 7).The India-West Indies series will kickstart with the ODIs and the opening game will be played in Ahmedabad on February 6. The second and third games will be played on February 9 and 12 in Jaipur and Kolkata. This will be followed by the T20Is with the opening game being played on February 15 in Cuttack. The second and third games will be played on February 18 and 20 in Vizag and Trivandrum. The India-Sri Lanka series gets underway with two Tests in Bengaluru (Feb 25 to Mar 1) and Mohali (March 5 to 9). There will be three T20Is played after that with games in Mohali (March 13), Dharamshala (March 15) and Lucknow (March 18).This will be followed by a five-match T20I series between India and South Africa. The games will be played in Chennai (June 9), Bengaluru (June 12), Nagpur (June 14), Rajkot (June 17) and Delhi (June 19). The Apex Council also decided that the decision to organize U-16 tournaments will be taken post the Under 19 tournaments and taking into account the COVID-19 situation.

Team India to play host to New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa in mouth-watering 2022 home season

Virat Kohli announced that he will step down as captain of his Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after IPL 2021

Decoding Virat Kohli's decision to quit RCB captain after IPL 2021

<p>Virat Kohli has decided to step down as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League which is underway in UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me," the official handle of RCB's Twitter account tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli, who took over as RCB skipper full time in 2013, has yet to lead the side to an IPL title. He added, "It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years.</p>

<p>"It wasn't an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise."</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-uae-leg-all-teams-and-their-revised-squad-list-414218">IPL 2021 UAE leg: All teams and their revised squad list</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli to step down from RCB captaincy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a><br />
<br />
“This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me.”: Virat Kohli<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSIdCT8QQM">pic.twitter.com/QSIdCT8QQM</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1439635618846281728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Kohli stepped down as India's T20&nbsp;captain</strong></p>

<p>Recently, Kohli announced that he will step down as India's T20 captain after the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai.&nbsp;Virat wrote, "I feel I need to give myself space to be Full ready to Lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a Batsman moving forward."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the workload, Virat said, "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket."</p>

<p>Kohli of late hasn't been at his peak as a batsman in Tests, a format which he adores. For close to two years now, Kohli hasn't scored a long-form century and made 563 runs at 26.80 in 12 Tests during this period.</p>


Virat Kohli has decided to step down as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League which is underway in UAE.

Virat Kohli has decided to step down as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League which is underway in UAE. "This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me," the official handle of RCB's Twitter account tweeted. Kohli, who took over as RCB skipper full time in 2013, has yet to lead the side to an IPL title. He added, "It has been a great and an inspiring journey, captaining a talented bunch of players in the RCB squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management, coaches, support staff, players, and the entire RCB family, who have been instrumental in the growth of the franchise over the years. "It wasn't an easy decision but one that has been well thought of and in the best interest of this wonderful franchise." IN PICS | IPL 2021 UAE leg: All teams and their revised squad list Virat Kohli to step down from RCB captaincy after #IPL2021 “This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me.”: Virat Kohli#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/QSIdCT8QQM — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 19, 2021 × Kohli stepped down as India's T20 captain Recently, Kohli announced that he will step down as India's T20 captain after the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai. Virat wrote, "I feel I need to give myself space to be Full ready to Lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a Batsman moving forward." Talking about the workload, Virat said, "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket." Kohli of late hasn't been at his peak as a batsman in Tests, a format which he adores. For close to two years now, Kohli hasn't scored a long-form century and made 563 runs at 26.80 in 12 Tests during this period.

Virat Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021

<p>Virat Kohli, the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore opened up on the impact of the latest additions Sri Lanka's Wanidu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera in the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have made changes, we've got a few replacements. Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa who were with us in the first leg, made a decision not to play in the second leg for reasons which are absolutely understandable," Kohli said at the unveiling of the team's blue jersey.</p>

<p>"The replacements we have got for those guys are two players who know these conditions, the conditions in the subcontinent around this time are similar.</p>

<p>"Wanidu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera have played so much cricket in Sri Lanka and know how to play in pitches like these. There skill sets will be of huge help to us.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-head-to-head-record-trivia-stats-and-squads-414016">IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings head to head record, trivia, stats and squads</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-players-who-have-raked-in-big-in-ipl-sports-news-413842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-five-players-to-watch-in-ipl-2021-as-rivalries-are-revived-414049">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Five players to watch in IPL 2021 as rivalries are revived</a></strong></p>

<p>"We haven't spoken at all on what we have missed out on because players have pulled out. We feel stronger, the new additions have given us a new dimension," Kohli added.</p>

<p>The 14th edition of IPL is set to resume with Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19.</p>

<p>RCB are currently placed third in the league table, having won five of their seven matches but the skipper said the team will start the second phase with the same passion and commitment they showed in April-May.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli, the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore opened up on the impact of the latest additions Sri Lanka's Wanidu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera in the squad.

Virat Kohli, the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore opened up on the impact of the latest additions Sri Lanka's Wanidu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera in the squad. "We have made changes, we've got a few replacements. Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa who were with us in the first leg, made a decision not to play in the second leg for reasons which are absolutely understandable," Kohli said at the unveiling of the team's blue jersey. "The replacements we have got for those guys are two players who know these conditions, the conditions in the subcontinent around this time are similar. "Wanidu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera have played so much cricket in Sri Lanka and know how to play in pitches like these. There skill sets will be of huge help to us. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings head to head record, trivia, stats and squads × IN PICS | From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Five players to watch in IPL 2021 as rivalries are revived "We haven't spoken at all on what we have missed out on because players have pulled out. We feel stronger, the new additions have given us a new dimension," Kohli added. The 14th edition of IPL is set to resume with Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19. RCB are currently placed third in the league table, having won five of their seven matches but the skipper said the team will start the second phase with the same passion and commitment they showed in April-May.

IPL 2021: Virat Kohli says Hasaranga and Chameera have provided new dimension to the team

From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Five players to watch in IPL 2021 as rivalries are revived

<p>Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team has "absolutely no regrets" about organising the book launch two days before the Oval Test, an event where apparently no face masks were worn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same book launch was criticised and widely perceived to be the reason for a COVID-19 outbreak that forced the cancellation of the fifth Test against England in Manchester.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have absolutely no regrets because the people I met at that function were fabulous. And it was good for the boys to get out and meet different people rather than constantly being in their rooms," said Shastri in an interview with The Guardian.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-planned-conspiracy-pakistans-interior-minister-reacts-after-new-zealand-abandon-cricket-tour-413923">'A planned conspiracy': Pakistan's interior minister reacts after New Zealand abandon cricket tour</a></strong></p>

<p>Shastri, fielding coach R Sridhar, bowling coach Bharath Arun and physio Nitin Patel were found infected during the Oval Test as they didn't travel with the team during the fourth Test match that India won by 157 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They remained in isolation and when junior physio Yogesh Parmar's test came positive ahead of the fifth Test in Manchester, the game was controversially called off with India leading the series 2-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the cancellation of the fifth Test, critics raised concerns over the book launch, commenting on the same, Shastri said, "At the Oval Test, you were climbing stairs used by 5,000 people. So to point a finger at a book launch?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But I wasn't worried because incubation probably takes weeks. There were about 250 people there and no-one got COVID from that party."</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-zealand-abandon-pakistan-tour-over-security-concerns-heres-what-we-know-so-far-413887">New Zealand abandon Pakistan tour over security concerns: Here's what we know so far</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The ECB and BCCI have mutually decided to call off the fifth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> Test, which was due to begin today.<br />
<br />
Details 👇<a href="https://t.co/MIAkhQodzK">https://t.co/MIAkhQodzK</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1436236468633079809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Talking about his time in isolation, Shastri said: "It was funny because in my 10 days, I didn't have a single symptom barring a little sore throat. I never had any temperature and my oxygen level was 99 per cent all the time.</p>

<p>"I didn't take any medication through 10 days of my isolation, not a single paracetamol. I tell the guys: 'Once you're double jabbed, it's a bloody 10-day flu. That's it'."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-pakistan-security-forces-and-bomb-disposal-squad-monitor-stadium-after-new-zealand-abandon-tour-413811">Watch: Pakistan security forces and bomb disposal squad monitor stadium after New Zealand abandon tour</a></strong></p>

<p>On being asked if he was made the scapegoat in the aftermath of the abandoned Test, Shastri said the truth was otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've not got it at my book launch because it was on the 31st (August) and I tested positive on 3 September. It can't happen in three days. I think I got it in Leeds. England opened up on 19 July and suddenly the hotels were back, lifts were back. No restrictions."</p>

<p>Commenting on the decision to call off the fifth Test, Shastri said he wasn't involved in the decision to not play the Manchester Test while he was isolating in London. He also didn't discuss the matter with the players.</p>

<p>"No. I didn't know who had got it. I didn't know (the junior physio) got it suddenly and tested positive. He physically treated five or six players. I think that's where the issue started. We were aware that the incubation period meant that someone might get it in the middle (of the Test).</p>

<p>"A lot of players had their families there. So it became a situation where you don't know what that player is thinking. He's got a young kid, you know, he's got to think of them. It was a little, I would say, touchy.?</p>


Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team has "absolutely no regrets" about organising the book launch two days before the Oval Test, an event where apparently no face masks were worn.

Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team has "absolutely no regrets" about organising the book launch two days before the Oval Test, an event where apparently no face masks were worn. The same book launch was criticised and widely perceived to be the reason for a COVID-19 outbreak that forced the cancellation of the fifth Test against England in Manchester. "I have absolutely no regrets because the people I met at that function were fabulous. And it was good for the boys to get out and meet different people rather than constantly being in their rooms," said Shastri in an interview with The Guardian. ALSO READ | 'A planned conspiracy': Pakistan's interior minister reacts after New Zealand abandon cricket tour Shastri, fielding coach R Sridhar, bowling coach Bharath Arun and physio Nitin Patel were found infected during the Oval Test as they didn't travel with the team during the fourth Test match that India won by 157 runs. They remained in isolation and when junior physio Yogesh Parmar's test came positive ahead of the fifth Test in Manchester, the game was controversially called off with India leading the series 2-1. After the cancellation of the fifth Test, critics raised concerns over the book launch, commenting on the same, Shastri said, "At the Oval Test, you were climbing stairs used by 5,000 people. So to point a finger at a book launch?" "But I wasn't worried because incubation probably takes weeks. There were about 250 people there and no-one got COVID from that party." IN PICS | New Zealand abandon Pakistan tour over security concerns: Here's what we know so far The ECB and BCCI have mutually decided to call off the fifth #ENGvIND Test, which was due to begin today. Details 👇https://t.co/MIAkhQodzK — ICC (@ICC) September 10, 2021 × Talking about his time in isolation, Shastri said: "It was funny because in my 10 days, I didn't have a single symptom barring a little sore throat. I never had any temperature and my oxygen level was 99 per cent all the time. "I didn't take any medication through 10 days of my isolation, not a single paracetamol. I tell the guys: 'Once you're double jabbed, it's a bloody 10-day flu. That's it'." ALSO READ | Watch: Pakistan security forces and bomb disposal squad monitor stadium after New Zealand abandon tour On being asked if he was made the scapegoat in the aftermath of the abandoned Test, Shastri said the truth was otherwise. "I've not got it at my book launch because it was on the 31st (August) and I tested positive on 3 September. It can't happen in three days. I think I got it in Leeds. England opened up on 19 July and suddenly the hotels were back, lifts were back. No restrictions." Commenting on the decision to call off the fifth Test, Shastri said he wasn't involved in the decision to not play the Manchester Test while he was isolating in London. He also didn't discuss the matter with the players. "No. I didn't know who had got it. I didn't know (the junior physio) got it suddenly and tested positive. He physically treated five or six players. I think that's where the issue started. We were aware that the incubation period meant that someone might get it in the middle (of the Test). "A lot of players had their families there. So it became a situation where you don't know what that player is thinking. He's got a young kid, you know, he's got to think of them. It was a little, I would say, touchy.?

Ravi Shastri has 'absolutely no regrets' about book launch, says no-one got COVID-19 from that party

<p>On Thursday (September 16), Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to resign from the T20I captaincy post after the forthcoming World Cup in the shortest format. Kohli took to his official Twitter handle to share the news, which has created a huge buzz in the cricketing fraternity and become a huge talking point since then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there were rumours of BCCI contemplating split-captaincy in the Indian cricket for a while, Kohli's decision is believed to be completely his own -- as per a report in Times of India --&nbsp;with no role of the Indian cricket board. "Understanding workload is a very important thing...I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in Test and ODI cricket. I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward," the 32-year-old said in his post.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/Ds7okjhj9J">pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1438478585518456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-lauds-true-asset-virat-kohli-as-he-announces-decision-to-quit-t20i-captaincy-after-world-cup-413664"><strong>BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly lauds 'true asset' Virat Kohli as he announces decision to quit T20I captaincy after World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>As per the report, Rohit Sharma is the frontrunner to succeed Kohli as India's captain in the shortest format post the T20 World Cup in the UAE.&nbsp; "Rohit's records in T20 speak for him. He shares great camaraderie with teammates and Kohli also respects what Sharma brings to the board as captain," TOI quoted a source.</p>

<p>Under Kohli, India enjoyed tremendous success in T20Is, winning away series in England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. The 32-year-old will, however, remain the Test and ODI captain.</p>


On Thursday (September 16), Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to resign from the T20I captaincy post after the forthcoming World Cup in the shortest format.

On Thursday (September 16), Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to resign from the T20I captaincy post after the forthcoming World Cup in the shortest format. Kohli took to his official Twitter handle to share the news, which has created a huge buzz in the cricketing fraternity and become a huge talking point since then. While there were rumours of BCCI contemplating split-captaincy in the Indian cricket for a while, Kohli's decision is believed to be completely his own -- as per a report in Times of India -- with no role of the Indian cricket board. "Understanding workload is a very important thing...I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in Test and ODI cricket. I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward," the 32-year-old said in his post. pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly lauds 'true asset' Virat Kohli as he announces decision to quit T20I captaincy after World Cup As per the report, Rohit Sharma is the frontrunner to succeed Kohli as India's captain in the shortest format post the T20 World Cup in the UAE. "Rohit's records in T20 speak for him. He shares great camaraderie with teammates and Kohli also respects what Sharma brings to the board as captain," TOI quoted a source. Under Kohli, India enjoyed tremendous success in T20Is, winning away series in England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. The 32-year-old will, however, remain the Test and ODI captain.

Virat Kohli's decision to resign as T20I captain completely his own, BCCI had no role to pay: Report

<p>India have had incredible success in Australia in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. During the 2018 tour, Virat Kohli &amp; Co. had a chance to become the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil as Tim Paine-led Aussies didn't have the services of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were serving a one-year international ban for the ball-tampering saga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the duo's absence, Australia had enough firepower in their bowling line-up whereas they also had some reliable batters in the series. Nonetheless, Kohli-led India moved past the Aussies to win the series 2-1 and create history. During the course of the series, Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a scintillating hundred in the second Test, at Perth, but won accolades mainly for his captaincy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the series, when Kohli was preparing to go out and bat, he was wished 'all the best' by a little fan in the stands in the most adorable way. The right-hander didn't disappoint his young fan and responded with a thumbs-up as well. Here's the throwback video from the 2018 series -</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTy3GRQDsJH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTy3GRQDsJH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTy3GRQDsJH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTy3GRQDsJH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cricket bloggers (@_cricblog_)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After the 2018 tour, India once again managed to stun Australia in their own backyard when they played the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy; winning the series 2-1 without Kohli (who left after the series opener). Both sides will meet once again for the next edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but this time it will be held in India in late 2022.</p>


India have had incredible success in Australia in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. During the 2018 tour, Virat Kohli & Co. had a chance to become the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil as Tim Paine-led Aussies didn't have the services of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were serving a one-year international ban for the ball-tampering saga.

India have had incredible success in Australia in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held Down Under. During the 2018 tour, Virat Kohli & Co. had a chance to become the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil as Tim Paine-led Aussies didn't have the services of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were serving a one-year international ban for the ball-tampering saga. Despite the duo's absence, Australia had enough firepower in their bowling line-up whereas they also had some reliable batters in the series. Nonetheless, Kohli-led India moved past the Aussies to win the series 2-1 and create history. During the course of the series, Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a scintillating hundred in the second Test, at Perth, but won accolades mainly for his captaincy. During the series, when Kohli was preparing to go out and bat, he was wished 'all the best' by a little fan in the stands in the most adorable way. The right-hander didn't disappoint his young fan and responded with a thumbs-up as well. Here's the throwback video from the 2018 series - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cricket bloggers (@_cricblog_) × After the 2018 tour, India once again managed to stun Australia in their own backyard when they played the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy; winning the series 2-1 without Kohli (who left after the series opener). Both sides will meet once again for the next edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but this time it will be held in India in late 2022.

Adorable! When Indian skipper Virat Kohli responded to little fan's 'All the best' during Australia Tests in 2018 - watch

<p>Virat Kohli, on Thursday (September 16), dropped a big bomb by announcing his decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the forthcoming World Cup in the UAE. His decision surprised many, especially considering it came before the marquee event, however BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has lavished praise on India's superstar cricketer.</p>

<p>"Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats,” Sourav Ganguly said in a BCCI statement.</p>

<p>“The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap. “We thank Virat for his tremendous performance as the T20I Captain. We wish him all the best for the upcoming World Cup and beyond and hope that he continues to score plenty of runs for India,” added Ganguly.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Kohli surprised one and all with his sudden announcement on Thursday evening. He shared a heartfelt tweet where he wrote -</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/Ds7okjhj9J">pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1438478585518456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-will-succeed-virat-kohli-as-indias-t20i-captain-can-also-become-odi-skipper-with-good-results-madan-lal-413654">Rohit Sharma will succeed Virat Kohli as India's T20I captain, can also become ODI skipper with good results: Madan Lal</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, Kohli will lead India for the last time in the shortest format in the upcoming T20 World Cup, where the one-time winners are placed in Group 2 with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams to join from the qualifiers. Thus, he will be eager to sign off on a high with the coveted title. After him&nbsp;stepping down, vice-captain Rohit Sharma is expected to take over as the captain in the shortest format whereas Kohli will continue to lead in Test and ODI format.</p>


Virat Kohli, on Thursday (September 16), dropped a big bomb by announcing his decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the forthcoming World Cup in the UAE.

Virat Kohli, on Thursday (September 16), dropped a big bomb by announcing his decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the forthcoming World Cup in the UAE. His decision surprised many, especially considering it came before the marquee event, however BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has lavished praise on India's superstar cricketer. "Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats,” Sourav Ganguly said in a BCCI statement. “The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap. “We thank Virat for his tremendous performance as the T20I Captain. We wish him all the best for the upcoming World Cup and beyond and hope that he continues to score plenty of runs for India,” added Ganguly. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Kohli surprised one and all with his sudden announcement on Thursday evening. He shared a heartfelt tweet where he wrote - pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma will succeed Virat Kohli as India's T20I captain, can also become ODI skipper with good results: Madan Lal For the unversed, Kohli will lead India for the last time in the shortest format in the upcoming T20 World Cup, where the one-time winners are placed in Group 2 with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two other teams to join from the qualifiers. Thus, he will be eager to sign off on a high with the coveted title. After him stepping down, vice-captain Rohit Sharma is expected to take over as the captain in the shortest format whereas Kohli will continue to lead in Test and ODI format.

BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly lauds 'true asset' Virat Kohli as he announces decision to quit T20I captaincy after World Cup

<p>On Thursday (September 16), Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to step down as Team India's T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. With his decision, it has started a new discussion as to who will succeed Kohli in the shortest format.</p>

<p>While the 34-year-old Rohit Sharma seems like an obvious successor, who also had 5 IPL titles as Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, some feel BCCI can invest in a young captain with Rohit-Kohli backing and grooming him to the core. However, former cricketer Madan Lal feels Hitman Rohit has emerged as a natural successor and can also become the ODI captain with good results as a T20I skipper.</p>

<p>"I don't think there will be any discussion about someone else's name because I think Rohit Sharma will become T20I captain. His performances in IPL as Mumbai Indians captain has been very good. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has spoken about the roadmap. In that case, Rohit Sharma was the vice-captain, he has a lot of experience having been Kohli's deputy," Madan Lal told AajTak.</p>

<p>He further asserted, "I don't think there will be any discussion on that. But we have to see whether the selectors will discuss a 50-over captain. Till now, Virat Kohli has led well in ODIs and Tests. He hasn't won an ICC title but he has won helped build strong bench strength. It depends on how Rohit Sharma performs. If he does well in T20 World Cup (next year), then there will be a discussion about him in the selection meeting. It is possible that if he produces good results, he can also be made captain of the 50-over format," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/timely-done-or-untimely-virat-kohlis-resignation-as-t20i-captain-after-world-cup-leads-to-more-questions-than-answers-413572"><strong>Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, Kohli will still lead India in the T20 World Cup. However, Rohit is likely to take over from thereon and will start his journey as a T20I captain in the New Zealand home series, which will be held soon after the showpiece event.</p>


On Thursday (September 16), Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to step down as Team India's T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE.

On Thursday (September 16), Virat Kohli dropped a bomb by announcing his decision to step down as Team India's T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. With his decision, it has started a new discussion as to who will succeed Kohli in the shortest format. While the 34-year-old Rohit Sharma seems like an obvious successor, who also had 5 IPL titles as Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, some feel BCCI can invest in a young captain with Rohit-Kohli backing and grooming him to the core. However, former cricketer Madan Lal feels Hitman Rohit has emerged as a natural successor and can also become the ODI captain with good results as a T20I skipper. "I don't think there will be any discussion about someone else's name because I think Rohit Sharma will become T20I captain. His performances in IPL as Mumbai Indians captain has been very good. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has spoken about the roadmap. In that case, Rohit Sharma was the vice-captain, he has a lot of experience having been Kohli's deputy," Madan Lal told AajTak. He further asserted, "I don't think there will be any discussion on that. But we have to see whether the selectors will discuss a 50-over captain. Till now, Virat Kohli has led well in ODIs and Tests. He hasn't won an ICC title but he has won helped build strong bench strength. It depends on how Rohit Sharma performs. If he does well in T20 World Cup (next year), then there will be a discussion about him in the selection meeting. It is possible that if he produces good results, he can also be made captain of the 50-over format," he added. ALSO READ | Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers For the unversed, Kohli will still lead India in the T20 World Cup. However, Rohit is likely to take over from thereon and will start his journey as a T20I captain in the New Zealand home series, which will be held soon after the showpiece event.

Rohit Sharma will succeed Virat Kohli as India's T20I captain, can also become ODI skipper with good results: Madan Lal

<p>As Virat Kohli announced his decision to step down from the role of India’s T20 captain after the T20 World Cup in UAE, wife Anushka Sharma reacted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing Virat’s statement on her timeline, Anushka Sharma dropped a red heart emoji with the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Virat Kohli's post reads: "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward."</p>

<p><img alt="anushka sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a94447d7-84a9-4559-8e93-a9ae76d90942" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-52_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>"Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability," he also said.</p>

<p>Currently, Anushka Sharma is in Dubai with Virat Kohli, who will compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 that resumes on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>


As Virat Kohli announced his decision to step down from the role of India’s T20 captain after the T20 World Cup in UAE, wife Anushka Sharma reacted. Sharing Virat’s statement on her timeline, Anushka Sharma dropped a red heart emoji with the post.

As Virat Kohli announced his decision to step down from the role of India’s T20 captain after the T20 World Cup in UAE, wife Anushka Sharma reacted. Sharing Virat’s statement on her timeline, Anushka Sharma dropped a red heart emoji with the post. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli's post reads: "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward." "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability," he also said. Currently, Anushka Sharma is in Dubai with Virat Kohli, who will compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 that resumes on Sunday.

Anushka Sharma's reaction to Virat Kohli stepping down as T20 captain is all-hearts

<p>Virat Kohli announced his decision to resign as India's T20I captain after the forthcoming World Cup in the shortest format, to be held in the UAE from October 17. While his decision surprised many in the cricketing fraternity, the 32-year-old Kohli has revealed that he wants to get rid of some responsibilities and concentrate on his batting, while leading the national side in Test and ODIs.</p>

<p>Irfan Pathan, India's former all-rounder, reacted to the development and has a valid question up his sleeves. While Pathan lauded Kohli for his leadership in T20Is -- leading India to away series wins in New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia -- the cricketer-turned-commentator questioned the timing of his decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The timing of the announcement has definitely surprised me because you normally take such calls after a tournament. I wonder what will happen if we go to win the T20 World Cup,” said the former India all-rounder.</p>

<p>“He has been a wonderful leader and we have seen what he can do in Test cricket in terms of leadership. There will obviously be questions of him not winning ICC tournaments, but I am sure he has taken the decision after a lot of thought. It is not an easy decision for anyone, but I hope that for the legacy of Virat, we win this World Cup. I hope he can finish it in style by winning the title,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-decision-to-resign-as-t20i-captain-completely-his-own-bcci-had-no-role-to-pay-report-413700"><strong>Virat Kohli's decision to resign as T20I captain completely his own, BCCI had no role to pay: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Kohli will lead the Men in Blue for the last time in the shortest format in the upcoming mega event, where the one-time winners will start their campaign on October 24 versus Pakistan. India are in Group 2, along with the Men in Green, New Zealand, Afghanistan with two more teams set to join from the qualifiers.</p>

<p>Will Kohli lead India to their second T20 WC title and sign off as a captain in the shortest format on a high? Only time will tell...</p>


Virat Kohli announced his decision to resign as India's T20I captain after the forthcoming World Cup in the shortest format, to be held in the UAE from October 17.

Virat Kohli announced his decision to resign as India's T20I captain after the forthcoming World Cup in the shortest format, to be held in the UAE from October 17. While his decision surprised many in the cricketing fraternity, the 32-year-old Kohli has revealed that he wants to get rid of some responsibilities and concentrate on his batting, while leading the national side in Test and ODIs. Irfan Pathan, India's former all-rounder, reacted to the development and has a valid question up his sleeves. While Pathan lauded Kohli for his leadership in T20Is -- leading India to away series wins in New Zealand, England, South Africa, Australia -- the cricketer-turned-commentator questioned the timing of his decision. "The timing of the announcement has definitely surprised me because you normally take such calls after a tournament. I wonder what will happen if we go to win the T20 World Cup,” said the former India all-rounder. “He has been a wonderful leader and we have seen what he can do in Test cricket in terms of leadership. There will obviously be questions of him not winning ICC tournaments, but I am sure he has taken the decision after a lot of thought. It is not an easy decision for anyone, but I hope that for the legacy of Virat, we win this World Cup. I hope he can finish it in style by winning the title,” he added. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's decision to resign as T20I captain completely his own, BCCI had no role to pay: Report Kohli will lead the Men in Blue for the last time in the shortest format in the upcoming mega event, where the one-time winners will start their campaign on October 24 versus Pakistan. India are in Group 2, along with the Men in Green, New Zealand, Afghanistan with two more teams set to join from the qualifiers. Will Kohli lead India to their second T20 WC title and sign off as a captain in the shortest format on a high? Only time will tell...

Irfan Pathan asks a valid question as Virat Kohli set to resign as T20 captain after World Cup

<p>The India-England Tests proved to a high-voltage affair and the five-match series was set for a terrific finale, at Old Trafford, Manchester, when the tour got cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp. With the majority of India's support staff testing positive for Covid-19, India couldn't field an XI for the fifth and final Test and had to back out at the last moment.</p>

<p>Despite being 2-1 up in the series, Kohli &amp; Co. were heavily criticised for their decision to cancel the tour ahead of the final Test, with many saying that the players didn't want to jeopardise IPL 14's UAE leg. Since then, not many cricketers have opened up on what happened in Manchester and the circumstances which led to the visitors cancelling the tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shardul Thakur has now finally broken his silence and told in an interview with Indian Express, "I heard someone whispering about it and the general feeling was what will happen next. As the match was on, everyone was focused on the game. It was the first time we were without our main support staff."</p>

<p>"They used to call us at the end of the day. I spoke to Bharat Arun Sir, he spoke about what kind of line and length I can bowl. If they had any points they used to tell us after the game," he further explained.</p>

<p>"We were worried about what will happen, who will be infected since Parmar had treated everyone. We didn’t know how things would go ahead because tracking this infection is next to impossible. The next four-five days were vulnerable for us because there was fear that it could happen to me or it could happen to anyone. Everyone was worried about their and their family’s health," the pacer added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anything-can-happen-at-any-time-virat-kohli-opens-up-about-fifth-test-being-cancelled-412917"><strong>'Anything can happen at any time': Virat Kohli opens up about fifth Test being cancelled</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, India's head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar had contracted the virus, after which physios Nitin Patel and Yogesh Parmar also tested positive; prompting Team India to back out before the final Test despite them having a chance to win their first-ever Tests on English soil after 2007.</p>

<p>As of now, ICC is yet to decide on the fate of the final Test at Manchester. It might be played next year during India's white-ball tour of England, as a continuation of the 2021 series or a one-off Test. The final decision remains awaited.</p>


The India-England Tests proved to a high-voltage affair and the five-match series was set for a terrific finale, at Old Trafford, Manchester, when the tour got cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp.

The India-England Tests proved to a high-voltage affair and the five-match series was set for a terrific finale, at Old Trafford, Manchester, when the tour got cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp. With the majority of India's support staff testing positive for Covid-19, India couldn't field an XI for the fifth and final Test and had to back out at the last moment. Despite being 2-1 up in the series, Kohli & Co. were heavily criticised for their decision to cancel the tour ahead of the final Test, with many saying that the players didn't want to jeopardise IPL 14's UAE leg. Since then, not many cricketers have opened up on what happened in Manchester and the circumstances which led to the visitors cancelling the tour. Shardul Thakur has now finally broken his silence and told in an interview with Indian Express, "I heard someone whispering about it and the general feeling was what will happen next. As the match was on, everyone was focused on the game. It was the first time we were without our main support staff." "They used to call us at the end of the day. I spoke to Bharat Arun Sir, he spoke about what kind of line and length I can bowl. If they had any points they used to tell us after the game," he further explained. "We were worried about what will happen, who will be infected since Parmar had treated everyone. We didn’t know how things would go ahead because tracking this infection is next to impossible. The next four-five days were vulnerable for us because there was fear that it could happen to me or it could happen to anyone. Everyone was worried about their and their family’s health," the pacer added. ALSO READ | 'Anything can happen at any time': Virat Kohli opens up about fifth Test being cancelled For the unversed, India's head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar had contracted the virus, after which physios Nitin Patel and Yogesh Parmar also tested positive; prompting Team India to back out before the final Test despite them having a chance to win their first-ever Tests on English soil after 2007. As of now, ICC is yet to decide on the fate of the final Test at Manchester. It might be played next year during India's white-ball tour of England, as a continuation of the 2021 series or a one-off Test. The final decision remains awaited.

Shardul Thakur reacts as Team India draw criticism for cancelled Manchester Test vs England

<p>Virat Kohli's decision to step down as Team India's T20 captain after the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai has been labelled as "unselfish" by former England skipper Michael Vaughan. On Thursday (September 15), Virat announced that he is stepping down as skipper of the Indian Twenty20 after the World Cup. Virat said that he has "given everything to the Team" as T20 captain and will continue to do so as a batsman moving forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on Virat's post on Instagram, Vaughan wrote, "Well Done... that's a very unselfish decision and also one which will give you some nice space to hopefully relax a little away from all the pressures."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The T20 World Cup will get underway from October 17, with the final to be played in Dubai on November 14. India and Pakistan will be locking horns on October 24 in a group-stage encounter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/timely-done-or-untimely-virat-kohlis-resignation-as-t20i-captain-after-world-cup-leads-to-more-questions-than-answers-413572">Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f954288-7027-47e0-8e2e-429dae33cc12" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/virat.PNG" /></p>

<p>If we talk about Kohli's numbers in T20Is, he captained India in 45 matches with the side winning 27 out of those. India only lost 14 T20Is under Kohli captaincy while two games were tied and two matches had no results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat wrote, "I feel I need to give myself space to be Full ready to Lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a Batsman moving forward."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team," Kohli further added in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-hardik-pandya-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-412928">Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the workload, Virat said, "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket."</p>

<p>Kohli said he arrived at his decision after discussing with head coach Ravi Shastri and opening batsman Rohit Sharma. "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," said Kohli.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli's decision to step down as Team India's T20 captain after the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai has been labelled as "unselfish" by former England skipper Michael Vaughan.

Virat Kohli's decision to step down as Team India's T20 captain after the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai has been labelled as "unselfish" by former England skipper Michael Vaughan. On Thursday (September 15), Virat announced that he is stepping down as skipper of the Indian Twenty20 after the World Cup. Virat said that he has "given everything to the Team" as T20 captain and will continue to do so as a batsman moving forward. Commenting on Virat's post on Instagram, Vaughan wrote, "Well Done... that's a very unselfish decision and also one which will give you some nice space to hopefully relax a little away from all the pressures." The T20 World Cup will get underway from October 17, with the final to be played in Dubai on November 14. India and Pakistan will be locking horns on October 24 in a group-stage encounter. ALSO READ | Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers If we talk about Kohli's numbers in T20Is, he captained India in 45 matches with the side winning 27 out of those. India only lost 14 T20Is under Kohli captaincy while two games were tied and two matches had no results. Virat wrote, "I feel I need to give myself space to be Full ready to Lead the Indian team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a Batsman moving forward." "I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team," Kohli further added in the statement. IN PICS | Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols Talking about the workload, Virat said, "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket." Kohli said he arrived at his decision after discussing with head coach Ravi Shastri and opening batsman Rohit Sharma. "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," said Kohli.

Michael Vaughan calls Virat Kohli's decision to step down as India's T20I captain 'unselfish'

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-given-everything-to-team-virat-kohli-to-step-down-as-indias-t20-captain-after-t20-world-cup-in-uae-413552">Virat Kohli</a> has stunned the whole cricketing fraternity by announcing his decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the upcoming World Cup in UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (September 16), the 32-year-old tweeted, "I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team."</p>

<p>"I couldn't have done it without them - the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches, and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward."</p>

<p>"Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability."</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-hardik-pandya-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-412928">Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">🇮🇳 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Ds7okjhj9J">pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1438478585518456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While talks were rife that Kohli should step down as limited-overs captain or at least get rid of the responsibilities from the shortest version due to his inability to lead India to an ICC title since taking over fully in early 2017, the criticism always seemed a bit harsh. After all, 'a captain is only as good as the team'. However, talks intensified after India lost the WTC final in mid-2021.</p>

<p>Moreover, Kohli's form across formats hasn't been at a level his fan clubs are used to.&nbsp;The maverick cricketer has set supremely high standards courtesy of his unmatched zeal for success, jaw-dropping consistency, strong will and fitness. Keeping all this in mind, his recent dip in form has become a topic of debate worldwide. For the unversed, his last international ton came in late 2019.</p>

<p>To add to it, cricket in COVID-19 times hasn't been easy, to say the least. Bio-bubble life, strict quarantine rules, being away from family for months or staying confined with them on tours has affected someone as mentally strong as Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some may say that Kohli's decision was long due, his timing does trigger some panic among the Team India fans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-tour-of-new-zealand-pushed-to-late-2022-amid-cramped-schedule-due-to-covid-19-report-413454">India's tour of New Zealand pushed to late 2022 amid cramped schedule due to Covid-19: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>As the current all-format skipper has made it clear that he won't leave captaincy duties before the T20 World Cup -- which is praiseworthy -- a section of fans are already wondering if the timing of the decision can create adverse consequences. Here are some&nbsp;glaring questions which arises after Kohli's recent decision:&nbsp;</p>

<p>1) Could Kohli have announced his decision after the world cup, irrespective of India's campaign?&nbsp;</p>

<p>2) Clash of views? With Rohit Sharma very likely to succeed Kohli, he will want more say in decision-making even during the World cup. The leadership group already stars Kohli, Ravi Shastri (head coach) and MS Dhoni (team mentor). While Rohit was anyway going to be a part of crucial decisions, will he have a larger say, leading to varied opinions?&nbsp;</p>

<p>3) What if Kohli manages to lead India to the coveted title? Will he reconsider? Given that the superstar cricketer remains firm on his stance at all times, it is highly unlikely. But, it can lead to more talks regarding the timing of his decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For now, Indian fans have to believe that there is proper communication among the senior team management. However, India's T20 World Cup performance will now be measured more closely. If&nbsp;the Men in Blue fail to win the trophy, the timing of Kohli's latest decision might raise eyebrows; leading to his naysayers having plenty to scrutinise.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli has stunned the whole cricketing fraternity by announcing his decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the upcoming World Cup in UAE. On Thursday (September 16), the 32-year-old tweeted, "I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability.

Virat Kohli has stunned the whole cricketing fraternity by announcing his decision to step down as India's T20I captain after the upcoming World Cup in UAE. On Thursday (September 16), the 32-year-old tweeted, "I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team." "I couldn't have done it without them - the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches, and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward." "Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability." IN PICS | Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols 🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 × While talks were rife that Kohli should step down as limited-overs captain or at least get rid of the responsibilities from the shortest version due to his inability to lead India to an ICC title since taking over fully in early 2017, the criticism always seemed a bit harsh. After all, 'a captain is only as good as the team'. However, talks intensified after India lost the WTC final in mid-2021. Moreover, Kohli's form across formats hasn't been at a level his fan clubs are used to. The maverick cricketer has set supremely high standards courtesy of his unmatched zeal for success, jaw-dropping consistency, strong will and fitness. Keeping all this in mind, his recent dip in form has become a topic of debate worldwide. For the unversed, his last international ton came in late 2019. To add to it, cricket in COVID-19 times hasn't been easy, to say the least. Bio-bubble life, strict quarantine rules, being away from family for months or staying confined with them on tours has affected someone as mentally strong as Kohli. While some may say that Kohli's decision was long due, his timing does trigger some panic among the Team India fans. ALSO READ | India's tour of New Zealand pushed to late 2022 amid cramped schedule due to Covid-19: Report As the current all-format skipper has made it clear that he won't leave captaincy duties before the T20 World Cup -- which is praiseworthy -- a section of fans are already wondering if the timing of the decision can create adverse consequences. Here are some glaring questions which arises after Kohli's recent decision: 1) Could Kohli have announced his decision after the world cup, irrespective of India's campaign? 2) Clash of views? With Rohit Sharma very likely to succeed Kohli, he will want more say in decision-making even during the World cup. The leadership group already stars Kohli, Ravi Shastri (head coach) and MS Dhoni (team mentor). While Rohit was anyway going to be a part of crucial decisions, will he have a larger say, leading to varied opinions? 3) What if Kohli manages to lead India to the coveted title? Will he reconsider? Given that the superstar cricketer remains firm on his stance at all times, it is highly unlikely. But, it can lead to more talks regarding the timing of his decision. For now, Indian fans have to believe that there is proper communication among the senior team management. However, India's T20 World Cup performance will now be measured more closely. If the Men in Blue fail to win the trophy, the timing of Kohli's latest decision might raise eyebrows; leading to his naysayers having plenty to scrutinise.

Timely done or untimely? Virat Kohli's resignation as T20I captain after World Cup leads to more questions than answers

<p>Team India's tour of New Zealand has now been pushed to late 2022 due to the cramped cricketing schedule. The Kane Williamson-led Black Caps were set to host India over the summer but the tour has been postponed and will now be held after the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, the WTC finalists India and New Zealand were set to lock horns in a 3-ODI series, a part of the ODI World Cup Super League for the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the calendar congestion -- with many series or tours still being postponed or cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis -- has meant that the tour had to be pushed ahead. A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) spokesperson has confirmed the development while talking to stuff.co.nz.</p>

<p>Thus, the Kiwis will now be hosting Bangladesh, The Netherlands, and South Africa this season.&nbsp; “We’ve got to be mindful of players coming back from a long winter and we’ve got to give them time at home as well,” NZC chief executive David White had told Stuff.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, while the tour has been postponed, there is no obstacle to India's home series versus New Zealand, which will be held this year after the T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli-led India will play hosts to the Blackcaps in November for two Tests and three T20Is.</p>

<p>India last toured New Zealand just before the Covid-19 crisis took over worldwide. Back then, Kohli &amp; Co. whitewashed New Zealand in the 5 T20Is, but were clean swept in the preceding three ODIs and two Tests.</p>


Team India's tour of New Zealand has now been pushed to late 2022 due to the cramped cricketing schedule. The Kane Williamson-led Black Caps were set to host India over the summer but the tour has been postponed and will now be held after the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia.

Team India's tour of New Zealand has now been pushed to late 2022 due to the cramped cricketing schedule. The Kane Williamson-led Black Caps were set to host India over the summer but the tour has been postponed and will now be held after the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia. For the unversed, the WTC finalists India and New Zealand were set to lock horns in a 3-ODI series, a part of the ODI World Cup Super League for the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the calendar congestion -- with many series or tours still being postponed or cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis -- has meant that the tour had to be pushed ahead. A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) spokesperson has confirmed the development while talking to stuff.co.nz. Thus, the Kiwis will now be hosting Bangladesh, The Netherlands, and South Africa this season. “We’ve got to be mindful of players coming back from a long winter and we’ve got to give them time at home as well,” NZC chief executive David White had told Stuff. Nonetheless, while the tour has been postponed, there is no obstacle to India's home series versus New Zealand, which will be held this year after the T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli-led India will play hosts to the Blackcaps in November for two Tests and three T20Is. India last toured New Zealand just before the Covid-19 crisis took over worldwide. Back then, Kohli & Co. whitewashed New Zealand in the 5 T20Is, but were clean swept in the preceding three ODIs and two Tests.

India's tour of New Zealand pushed to late 2022 amid cramped schedule due to Covid-19: Report

<p>Virat Kohli's batting struggles have been known to world cricket by now. The 32-year-old Kohli hasn't scored an international ton since late 2019. Since then, the Indian captain has crossed the fifty-run mark on several occasions across formats, but&nbsp;he hasn't converted any of them into a daddy hundred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid his dip in form, many former cricketers and experts are of the opinion that it is time to see split-captaincy in Team India, with Kohli making way for Rohit Sharma in the shorter formats and rediscovering his form overall. However, former Indian skipper Kapil Dev feels Kohli's lean phase isn't due to captaincy pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For all these years, when he was scoring runs, no one said anything about captaincy affecting Virat's batting and now suddenly, there are opinions when there's been a little up and down in his graph. When he scored those double centuries and so many hundreds, wasn't there pressure then? It means that his captaincy should not be the focus. Instead, look at his ability," Kapil said on 'Uncut'.</p>

<p>"The graph has surely gone up and down but for how long? Age 28 to 32 is the time when you really blossom. He is now experienced and mature. If he returns to his old form, Virat will not only score a century or double ton; he will give you 300. He is so much mature now and there is no shortage of fitness when it comes to Kohli. He just needs to identify himself and look to score big," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ms-dhonis-inclusion-as-mentor-is-huge-boost-to-virat-kohli-and-finishers-in-t20-world-cup-squad-manoj-tiwary-412018"><strong>EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite much success in bilateral series across formats, Captain Kohli is facing the heat for not leading India to any ICC title since taking over as full-time captain in early 2017. In addition, his scratchy form hasn't helped his case in recent times. If he can lead India to the T20 World Cup title, courtesy some sparking performances with the bat, Kohli will silence his critics in style.</p>


Virat Kohli's batting struggles have been known to world cricket by now. The 32-year-old Kohli hasn't scored an international ton since late 2019. Since then, the Indian captain has crossed the fifty-run mark on several occasions across formats, but he hasn't converted any of them into a daddy hundred.

Virat Kohli's batting struggles have been known to world cricket by now. The 32-year-old Kohli hasn't scored an international ton since late 2019. Since then, the Indian captain has crossed the fifty-run mark on several occasions across formats, but he hasn't converted any of them into a daddy hundred. Amid his dip in form, many former cricketers and experts are of the opinion that it is time to see split-captaincy in Team India, with Kohli making way for Rohit Sharma in the shorter formats and rediscovering his form overall. However, former Indian skipper Kapil Dev feels Kohli's lean phase isn't due to captaincy pressure. "For all these years, when he was scoring runs, no one said anything about captaincy affecting Virat's batting and now suddenly, there are opinions when there's been a little up and down in his graph. When he scored those double centuries and so many hundreds, wasn't there pressure then? It means that his captaincy should not be the focus. Instead, look at his ability," Kapil said on 'Uncut'. "The graph has surely gone up and down but for how long? Age 28 to 32 is the time when you really blossom. He is now experienced and mature. If he returns to his old form, Virat will not only score a century or double ton; he will give you 300. He is so much mature now and there is no shortage of fitness when it comes to Kohli. He just needs to identify himself and look to score big," he added. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary Despite much success in bilateral series across formats, Captain Kohli is facing the heat for not leading India to any ICC title since taking over as full-time captain in early 2017. In addition, his scratchy form hasn't helped his case in recent times. If he can lead India to the T20 World Cup title, courtesy some sparking performances with the bat, Kohli will silence his critics in style.

Virat Kohli's dip in form isn't because of captaincy pressure, feels former skipper Kapil Dev

<p>The cricketing fraternity is eagerly waiting for the commencement of the upcoming T20 World Cup, to be held in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion. While there is still a month left for the marquee event to kick off, there is plenty of excitement among the ardent cricket fans to see some top teams compete against each other for the biggest title in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about India, the Virat Kohli-led team is placed in Group 2, along with arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and will be joined by two more teams from the qualifiers. Being the No. 2 ranked side in the format, Kohli &amp; Co. are one of the strongest contenders to return with the title. However, they will have to start well as they face Babar Azam-led Pakistan in their opening encounter, on October 24 at Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the marquee clash, Gautam Gambhir -- who was an integral part of MS Dhoni-led India's victorious campaign in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 -- shared his India XI versus the Men in Green, while speaking on Star Sports' show Follow the Blues.</p>

<p>Gambhir's XI comprises KL Rahul, vice-captain Rohit Sharma as openers with Captain Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav filling the top four. Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar comprise Gambhir's lower-order whereas Varun Chakravarthy is the lone-spinner along with pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah as the pacers (along with Hardik and Bhuvi). However, the former Indian opener's XI had no place for R Ashwin.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-rohit-sharmas-backing-led-to-r-ashwins-inclusion-in-virat-kohli-led-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-reports-412041"><strong>How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, Ashwin has been named in India's 15-man squad for the mega event whereas Dhoni will join the team as the mentor for the big-ticket tournament.</p>

<p><strong>Gautam Gambhir's playing XI for Pakistan fixture:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah</p>


The cricketing fraternity is eagerly waiting for the commencement of the upcoming T20 World Cup, to be held in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion. While there is still a month left for the marquee event to kick off, there is plenty of excitement among the ardent cricket fans to see some top teams compete against each other for the biggest title in the shortest format of the game.

The cricketing fraternity is eagerly waiting for the commencement of the upcoming T20 World Cup, to be held in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion. While there is still a month left for the marquee event to kick off, there is plenty of excitement among the ardent cricket fans to see some top teams compete against each other for the biggest title in the shortest format of the game. Talking about India, the Virat Kohli-led team is placed in Group 2, along with arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and will be joined by two more teams from the qualifiers. Being the No. 2 ranked side in the format, Kohli & Co. are one of the strongest contenders to return with the title. However, they will have to start well as they face Babar Azam-led Pakistan in their opening encounter, on October 24 at Dubai. Ahead of the marquee clash, Gautam Gambhir -- who was an integral part of MS Dhoni-led India's victorious campaign in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 -- shared his India XI versus the Men in Green, while speaking on Star Sports' show Follow the Blues. Gambhir's XI comprises KL Rahul, vice-captain Rohit Sharma as openers with Captain Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav filling the top four. Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar comprise Gambhir's lower-order whereas Varun Chakravarthy is the lone-spinner along with pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah as the pacers (along with Hardik and Bhuvi). However, the former Indian opener's XI had no place for R Ashwin. ALSO READ | How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports For the unversed, Ashwin has been named in India's 15-man squad for the mega event whereas Dhoni will join the team as the mentor for the big-ticket tournament. Gautam Gambhir's playing XI for Pakistan fixture: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

T20 World Cup: Varun Chakravarthy pips R Ashwin in Gautam Gambhir's India XI for marquee face-off vs Pakistan

<p>Virat Kohli-led India were on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series on English soil, after a gap of 14 years,&nbsp;when the fifth and final Test got cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp. Now, the cricketers have joined their respective franchises as IPL 2021's second and final leg is set to commence from September 19 in the UAE.</p>

<p>While Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will miss some of their key players in the final leg, they will hope to resume the season on a good note and win their first-ever IPL title. Currently, they are at the third spot in the points table. For them to do well and go the distance, Captain Kohli will have to score consistently. For the unversed, the 32-year-old Kohli hasn't been at his usual best since late 2019. While he hasn't scored an international ton since November 2019, he has registered fifty-plus scores across formats but hasn't been able to convert them into daddy hundreds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in the first phase of IPL 14, Kohli amassed 198 runs in 7 matches at a strike-rate of 121.47, with one half-century. While he did some find form in the last two Tests versus England recently, it will be tough for him to adapt to the T20 format from Test cricket.</p>

<p>In this regard, Gautam Gambhir told on Star Sports' show 'Game Plan', "See there’s going to be a challenge for Virat and there’s going to be a huge challenge for AB de Villiers as well because he will be coming into the tournament without playing any cricket at all. Virat Kohli will have to adjust really quickly because there’ll be hardly any time for him to get used to it. From the five-Test-match series to the T20 format, and AB as well, because these guys need to get runs if they have to have a chance to first qualify for the playoffs and then probably go on to win the title."</p>

<p>RCB will resume their campaign in the final leg versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), on September 20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>Will Kohli rediscover his form and take RCB to their first-ever IPL title? Only time will tell...</p>


Virat Kohli-led India were on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series on English soil, after a gap of 14 years, when the fifth and final Test got cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp.

Virat Kohli-led India were on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series on English soil, after a gap of 14 years, when the fifth and final Test got cancelled in the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the Indian camp. Now, the cricketers have joined their respective franchises as IPL 2021's second and final leg is set to commence from September 19 in the UAE. While Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will miss some of their key players in the final leg, they will hope to resume the season on a good note and win their first-ever IPL title. Currently, they are at the third spot in the points table. For them to do well and go the distance, Captain Kohli will have to score consistently. For the unversed, the 32-year-old Kohli hasn't been at his usual best since late 2019. While he hasn't scored an international ton since November 2019, he has registered fifty-plus scores across formats but hasn't been able to convert them into daddy hundreds. Even in the first phase of IPL 14, Kohli amassed 198 runs in 7 matches at a strike-rate of 121.47, with one half-century. While he did some find form in the last two Tests versus England recently, it will be tough for him to adapt to the T20 format from Test cricket. In this regard, Gautam Gambhir told on Star Sports' show 'Game Plan', "See there’s going to be a challenge for Virat and there’s going to be a huge challenge for AB de Villiers as well because he will be coming into the tournament without playing any cricket at all. Virat Kohli will have to adjust really quickly because there’ll be hardly any time for him to get used to it. From the five-Test-match series to the T20 format, and AB as well, because these guys need to get runs if they have to have a chance to first qualify for the playoffs and then probably go on to win the title." RCB will resume their campaign in the final leg versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), on September 20 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Will Kohli rediscover his form and take RCB to their first-ever IPL title? Only time will tell...

'Virat Kohli will have to...' - Gautam Gambhir makes bold claim on RCB captain's form ahead of IPL 2021 UAE leg

Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about the fifth Test against England being cancelled due to fears of COVID-19. Several Indian players, including Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, &nbsp;have travelled to UAE for the upcoming IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/matthew-hayden-and-vernon-philander-join-pakistan-teams-coaching-staff-412901" hreflang="en">Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander join Pakistan team's coaching staff</a></p>

<p>“Unfortunate that we had to end up here early, but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain. Anything can happen at any time," Kohli said in the ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ series on RCB Digital Media Platforms.</p>

<p>RCB skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Mohammed Siraj arrived in UAE on Sunday after the IPL franchise&nbsp;arranged a chartered flight from Manchester to Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hopefully, we're able to maintain a good, strong, and secure environment, and have a quality IPL. It's going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and then for the Indian team at the T20 World Cup,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli also spoke about the new additions to the team and said, "I've been in touch with everyone. We've had discussions over the last month or so, a little longer than that with the replacements, who's coming and who's not.</p>

<p>"Eventually, we ended up replacing our key players with some top-quality cricketers. Our key players will be missed, and they are a part of the family, but the people coming in as well have great skill sets, especially for these conditions. So, I'm very excited to see them, with the whole group at practice and certainly very excited to resume a very good season that started last time around."</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore will resume their IPL 2021 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Abu Dhabi.</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about the fifth Test against England being cancelled due to fears of COVID-19. Several Indian players, including Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, have travelled to UAE for the upcoming IPL.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about the fifth Test against England being cancelled due to fears of COVID-19. Several Indian players, including Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, have travelled to UAE for the upcoming IPL. ALSO READ: Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander join Pakistan team's coaching staff “Unfortunate that we had to end up here early, but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain. Anything can happen at any time," Kohli said in the ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ series on RCB Digital Media Platforms. RCB skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Mohammed Siraj arrived in UAE on Sunday after the IPL franchise arranged a chartered flight from Manchester to Dubai. "Hopefully, we're able to maintain a good, strong, and secure environment, and have a quality IPL. It's going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and then for the Indian team at the T20 World Cup,” he said. Kohli also spoke about the new additions to the team and said, "I've been in touch with everyone. We've had discussions over the last month or so, a little longer than that with the replacements, who's coming and who's not. "Eventually, we ended up replacing our key players with some top-quality cricketers. Our key players will be missed, and they are a part of the family, but the people coming in as well have great skill sets, especially for these conditions. So, I'm very excited to see them, with the whole group at practice and certainly very excited to resume a very good season that started last time around." Royal Challengers Bangalore will resume their IPL 2021 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Abu Dhabi.

'Anything can happen at any time': Virat Kohli opens up about fifth Test being cancelled

<p>BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with MS Dhoni being named as the team mentor for the marquee tournament in the UAE. The showpiece event will kick off in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion, on October 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As India remain without an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue will be desperate to win their second T20 World Cup title. Under Kohli, India have remained a powerhouse across formats and even performed well in the last three ICC tournaments. However, they haven't returned as champions. Hence, the Indian cricket board has once again relied on Dhoni to work closely with the team as a mentor and help them end their ICC-title drought.</p>

<p>While many of the former cricketers have reacted to Dhoni's appointment as the team mentor, Ajay Jadeja also joined the bandwagon. However, he is surprised by the decision of Dhoni's addition and told during a discussion on Sony Sports, "It is impossible for me to understand. I am thinking for two days about what could be the thinking. I am not talking of MS Dhoni, the understanding he has or how useful he can be, I am not going towards that. It was like you sent Ravindra ahead of Ajinkya, the person thinks why it has been done. I am surprised. There is no fan bigger than me of MS Dhoni. I believe MS Dhoni was the first captain who made the next captain before leaving or they used to always keep changing whenever they wanted."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ms-dhonis-inclusion-as-mentor-is-huge-boost-to-virat-kohli-and-finishers-in-t20-world-cup-squad-manoj-tiwary-412018"><strong>EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary</strong></a></p>

<p>"When you made and left and that player has taken that team to a different level, there is a coach who has taken the team to World No.1, what happened overnight that a mentor was required? That thinking is surprising me a little," he questioned the decision-making.</p>

<p>For the unversed, Dhoni has accepted to play the role of a mentor for Team India only for the upcoming ICC event. Currently, he is gearing up for the second and final leg of IPL 14, to kick off from September 19.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with MS Dhoni being named as the team mentor for the marquee tournament in the UAE.

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with MS Dhoni being named as the team mentor for the marquee tournament in the UAE. The showpiece event will kick off in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion, on October 17. As India remain without an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue will be desperate to win their second T20 World Cup title. Under Kohli, India have remained a powerhouse across formats and even performed well in the last three ICC tournaments. However, they haven't returned as champions. Hence, the Indian cricket board has once again relied on Dhoni to work closely with the team as a mentor and help them end their ICC-title drought. While many of the former cricketers have reacted to Dhoni's appointment as the team mentor, Ajay Jadeja also joined the bandwagon. However, he is surprised by the decision of Dhoni's addition and told during a discussion on Sony Sports, "It is impossible for me to understand. I am thinking for two days about what could be the thinking. I am not talking of MS Dhoni, the understanding he has or how useful he can be, I am not going towards that. It was like you sent Ravindra ahead of Ajinkya, the person thinks why it has been done. I am surprised. There is no fan bigger than me of MS Dhoni. I believe MS Dhoni was the first captain who made the next captain before leaving or they used to always keep changing whenever they wanted." ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary "When you made and left and that player has taken that team to a different level, there is a coach who has taken the team to World No.1, what happened overnight that a mentor was required? That thinking is surprising me a little," he questioned the decision-making. For the unversed, Dhoni has accepted to play the role of a mentor for Team India only for the upcoming ICC event. Currently, he is gearing up for the second and final leg of IPL 14, to kick off from September 19.

What happened overnight that a mentor was required? Ajay Jadeja on MS Dhoni's new role in Team India for T20 World Cup

<p>There was a report which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anything-can-happen-at-any-time-virat-kohli-opens-up-about-fifth-test-being-cancelled-412917" hreflang="en">'Anything can happen at any time': Virat Kohli opens up about fifth Test being cancelled</a></p>

<p>A report by the Times of India said that Kohli had discussed with Rohit and will be stepping down after the ICC T20 World Cup. However, the BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE.</p>

<p>Now, BCCI's secretary Jay Shah has also dismissed the reports. While speaking to Cricbuzz, he said: "There is no such proposal and the team is led by Virat and we are backing him."</p>

<p>Since India failed to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales, Kohli's captaincy has been under the scanner especially in the shorter formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the 32-year-old has led India in two ICC events in white-ball cricket but the Men in Blue returned without a trophy despite playing very well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Split captaincy debate surfaced once again after Kohli &amp; Co. failed to win the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand, in mid-June in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Back then, many thought Kohli can give up limited-overs captaincy and take the team further ahead in the purest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>


There was a report which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision.

There was a report which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision. ALSO READ: 'Anything can happen at any time': Virat Kohli opens up about fifth Test being cancelled A report by the Times of India said that Kohli had discussed with Rohit and will be stepping down after the ICC T20 World Cup. However, the BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE. Now, BCCI's secretary Jay Shah has also dismissed the reports. While speaking to Cricbuzz, he said: "There is no such proposal and the team is led by Virat and we are backing him." Since India failed to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales, Kohli's captaincy has been under the scanner especially in the shorter formats. So far, the 32-year-old has led India in two ICC events in white-ball cricket but the Men in Blue returned without a trophy despite playing very well. Split captaincy debate surfaced once again after Kohli & Co. failed to win the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand, in mid-June in Southampton. Back then, many thought Kohli can give up limited-overs captaincy and take the team further ahead in the purest format of the game.

'Team is led by Virat Kohli and we are backing him': Jay Shah on captaincy rumours

<p>Split captaincy has been a topic of debate in Team India, especially after Virat Kohli failed to guide the Men in Blue to the ODI World Cup title in 2019. After India failed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well, talks were rife that Kohli should be relieved of captaincy in the limited-overs format for him to focus on his batting across all forms of the game and take the Test side forward.</p>

<p>Ahead of the T20 World Cup, there are reports that suggest Kohli is willing to give up captaincy in white-ball format to his deputy Rohit Sharma. "Virat himself will make the announcement. He is of the view that he needs to concentrate on his batting and go back to becoming what he’s always been — the best batsman in the world,” TOI quoted sources as saying.</p>

<p>"Captaincy in 3 formats affecting Virat’s batting. We realise spin-masters will be at work, giving their own twists to these developments. That’s the reason BCCI is planning this well in advance. In the end, Virat and Rohit are on the same page. If he had to ever take over as white-ball captain, that time is now. And it’s going to be a win-win for the Indian team because the two senior cricketers are so well in tune with each other,” the source added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-there-an-alleged-rift-between-virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-ravi-shastri-breaks-his-silence-410083"><strong>Was there an alleged rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? Ravi Shastri breaks his silence</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, Kohli's limited-overs captaincy has been under the scanner for sometime now. He led India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of 2019 ODI World Cup, but the national side returned without a title in the two marquee events. Moreover, Rohit's superior record as an IPL captain (leading Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL trophies) have always seen many former cricketers favouring him over Kohli as captain in the shorter formats.</p>


Split captaincy has been a topic of debate in Team India, especially after Virat Kohli failed to guide the Men in Blue to the ODI World Cup title in 2019. After India failed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well, talks were rife that Kohli should be relieved of captaincy in the limited-overs format for him to focus on his batting across all forms of the game and take the Test side forward.

Split captaincy has been a topic of debate in Team India, especially after Virat Kohli failed to guide the Men in Blue to the ODI World Cup title in 2019. After India failed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well, talks were rife that Kohli should be relieved of captaincy in the limited-overs format for him to focus on his batting across all forms of the game and take the Test side forward. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, there are reports that suggest Kohli is willing to give up captaincy in white-ball format to his deputy Rohit Sharma. "Virat himself will make the announcement. He is of the view that he needs to concentrate on his batting and go back to becoming what he’s always been — the best batsman in the world,” TOI quoted sources as saying. "Captaincy in 3 formats affecting Virat’s batting. We realise spin-masters will be at work, giving their own twists to these developments. That’s the reason BCCI is planning this well in advance. In the end, Virat and Rohit are on the same page. If he had to ever take over as white-ball captain, that time is now. And it’s going to be a win-win for the Indian team because the two senior cricketers are so well in tune with each other,” the source added. ALSO READ | Was there an alleged rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? Ravi Shastri breaks his silence For the unversed, Kohli's limited-overs captaincy has been under the scanner for sometime now. He led India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of 2019 ODI World Cup, but the national side returned without a title in the two marquee events. Moreover, Rohit's superior record as an IPL captain (leading Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL trophies) have always seen many former cricketers favouring him over Kohli as captain in the shorter formats.

Rohit Sharma likely to replace Virat Kohli as Team India's limited-overs captain post T20 World Cup: Reports

<p>On Monday (September 13), BCCI treasurer Arun&nbsp;Dhumal has dismissed all rumours of Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's white-ball captain from Virat Kohli. The BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE.</p>

<p>There was a report, in Times of India, which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision. However, Dhumal reacted to the rumours and has put an end to the speculations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is all rubbish. Nothing (as) such is happening. This is all what you guys (media) are talking about. BCCI has not met or discussed anything on this issue (split captaincy)," Dhumal told IANS. "Virat will remain as the captain (of all formats),"&nbsp;the BCCI treasurer was quoted as saying by IANS.</p>

<p>Since India failed to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales, Kohli's captaincy has been under the scanner especially in the shorter formats. So far, the 32-year-old has led India in two ICC events in white-ball cricket but the Men in Blue returned without a trophy despite playing very well. Split captaincy debate surfaced once again after Kohli &amp; Co. failed to win the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand, in mid-June in Southampton. Back then, many thought Kohli can give up limited-overs captaincy and take the team further ahead in the purest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Dhumal has completely denied all reports of Rohit to serve as captain in the white-ball formats, the topic might once again gain precedence if Kohli fails to guide India to the title in the upcoming T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


On Monday (September 13), BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has dismissed all rumours of Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's white-ball captain from Virat Kohli. The BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE.

On Monday (September 13), BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has dismissed all rumours of Rohit Sharma set to take over as India's white-ball captain from Virat Kohli. The BCCI treasurer has made it clear that Hitman won't take over as the captain in the shorter formats post the T20 World Cup, in the UAE. There was a report, in Times of India, which claimed that Kohli is willing to step down from the top spot in the limited-overs format and has already informed the team management and Rohit about his decision. However, Dhumal reacted to the rumours and has put an end to the speculations. "This is all rubbish. Nothing (as) such is happening. This is all what you guys (media) are talking about. BCCI has not met or discussed anything on this issue (split captaincy)," Dhumal told IANS. "Virat will remain as the captain (of all formats)," the BCCI treasurer was quoted as saying by IANS. Since India failed to win the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales, Kohli's captaincy has been under the scanner especially in the shorter formats. So far, the 32-year-old has led India in two ICC events in white-ball cricket but the Men in Blue returned without a trophy despite playing very well. Split captaincy debate surfaced once again after Kohli & Co. failed to win the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand, in mid-June in Southampton. Back then, many thought Kohli can give up limited-overs captaincy and take the team further ahead in the purest format of the game. While Dhumal has completely denied all reports of Rohit to serve as captain in the white-ball formats, the topic might once again gain precedence if Kohli fails to guide India to the title in the upcoming T20 World Cup. (With inputs from agencies)

Virat Kohli will remain captain: BCCI treasurer dismisses rumours of Rohit Sharma taking over as India's limited-overs skipper

<p>Several former England cricketers like Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison have openly criticised the IPL schedule being the reason behind Indian cricketers' decision to not take the field that resulted in the fifth Test being cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-test-skipper-paine-to-undergo-surgery-on-tuesday-expects-to-return-to-training-in-oct-412765" hreflang="en">Australia Test skipper Paine to undergo surgery on Tuesday, expects to return to training in Oct</a></p>

<p>Now, former England cricketer David Gower has claimed what had happened between Indian captain Virat Kohli and the BCCI a day before the final Test between India and England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Wow! No one, least of all I, saw that coming. It leads us into unprecedented territories. I mean I know other matches have been abandoned… sometimes a few balls bowled and various other circumstances but to have the thing called off at the last moment – Virat Kohli e-mailed the BCCI at midnight the day before – the whole sequence of events needs explaining a little bit better," Gower told Cricket.com</p>

<p>"I was up there on the first morning on my way to watch Day 1 to enjoy some cricket, talk to people about the game to talk about the hospitality. But by the time I got there, of course, the situation had rather changed."</p>

<p>Several Indian stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already arrived in UAE for the upcoming Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The worrying thing for me is this: If the IPL was so very closely linked to this, then that to me is very disappointing because… I mean sound old, crusty, but for all those people like me and dare I say, Virat… the last time he was in England, he made a big point about how important Test match cricket is to him… So, for all of us who like Test cricket and value it as the best part of the game, to see a Test abandoned like this was tragic," Gower added.</p>

<p>"Over the next days and week, more things would emerge. One or two things we haven't heard so far might come out to the public ears. But it does seem by the way that the Indian players have high-tailed out of town so quickly, already in the UAE preparing for the IPL. Maybe you can argue that it is sensible given the circumstances. It gives them the best chance to be part of it. But maybe that suggests that the IPL and cancellation were linked. There were some private things said between the Indian team and Indian board."</p>


Several former England cricketers like Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison have openly criticised the IPL schedule being the reason behind Indian cricketers' decision to not take the field that resulted in the fifth Test being cancelled.

Several former England cricketers like Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison have openly criticised the IPL schedule being the reason behind Indian cricketers' decision to not take the field that resulted in the fifth Test being cancelled. ALSO READ: Australia Test skipper Paine to undergo surgery on Tuesday, expects to return to training in Oct Now, former England cricketer David Gower has claimed what had happened between Indian captain Virat Kohli and the BCCI a day before the final Test between India and England. "Wow! No one, least of all I, saw that coming. It leads us into unprecedented territories. I mean I know other matches have been abandoned… sometimes a few balls bowled and various other circumstances but to have the thing called off at the last moment – Virat Kohli e-mailed the BCCI at midnight the day before – the whole sequence of events needs explaining a little bit better," Gower told Cricket.com "I was up there on the first morning on my way to watch Day 1 to enjoy some cricket, talk to people about the game to talk about the hospitality. But by the time I got there, of course, the situation had rather changed." Several Indian stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already arrived in UAE for the upcoming Indian Premier League. "The worrying thing for me is this: If the IPL was so very closely linked to this, then that to me is very disappointing because… I mean sound old, crusty, but for all those people like me and dare I say, Virat… the last time he was in England, he made a big point about how important Test match cricket is to him… So, for all of us who like Test cricket and value it as the best part of the game, to see a Test abandoned like this was tragic," Gower added. "Over the next days and week, more things would emerge. One or two things we haven't heard so far might come out to the public ears. But it does seem by the way that the Indian players have high-tailed out of town so quickly, already in the UAE preparing for the IPL. Maybe you can argue that it is sensible given the circumstances. It gives them the best chance to be part of it. But maybe that suggests that the IPL and cancellation were linked. There were some private things said between the Indian team and Indian board."

'Virat Kohli e-mailed the BCCI at midnight the day before 5th Test', says former England cricketer

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore Virat Kohli reached Dubai on Sunday (September 12) ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League 2021, soon after that his wife, the popular Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared some sweet pictures from the flight and also from the hotel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-delhi-capitals-lineup-even-stronger-as-shreyas-iyer-is-back-says-shikhar-dhawan-412599">IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals lineup even stronger as Shreyas Iyer is back, says Shikhar Dhawan</a></strong></p>

<p>Anushka took to her Instagram stories to share a couple of photos, bidding farewell to the UK and saying hello to UAE. In the first pic, which was posted from the plane, the Bollywood star wrote, "Adios UK, you've been great, as always." In the next image, she wrote, "We are here!".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>See pictures here:</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Anushka Sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ab9d2a3-8eec-407e-9e25-185d19b12656" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Anushka%20Sharma.PNG" /></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Anushka Sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7654dea4-00d5-4da9-9d4d-1a0212275bad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/anush.PNG" /></p>

<p><img alt="Anushka Sharma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c949c436-a2d5-4a08-b751-6fe27cd012e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/anu.PNG" /></p>

<p>RCB skipper Virat and pacer Mohammed Siraj arrived in Dubai on Sunday and the duo will now undergo six-day mandatory quarantine before joining the team bubble.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The news you've all been waiting for: King Kohli and Miyan Magic have joined the team in Dubai," the official handle of RCB tweeted on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-praises-virat-kohli-but-feels-indias-batting-not-as-strong-as-dravid-ganguly-laxman-tendulkar-sehwag-412587">Shane Warne praises Virat Kohli but feels India's batting not as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The news you’ve all been waiting for: King Kohli and Miyan Magic have joined the team in Dubai. 🤩<br />
<br />
Bring on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a>. 💪🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZNH1CxhAg3">pic.twitter.com/ZNH1CxhAg3</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1436953732051189761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Both&nbsp;the players were in Manchester for India vs England five-match Test series but after the deciding fifth contest was dramatically cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns in the Indian camp, players who were there started to fly to UAE for the second leg of IPL 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 14th season of the IPL, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 situation in India, will resume on September 19 with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore Virat Kohli reached Dubai on Sunday (September 12) ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League 2021, soon after that his wife, the popular Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared some sweet pictures from the flight and also from the hotel.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Virat Kohli reached Dubai on Sunday (September 12) ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League 2021, soon after that his wife, the popular Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared some sweet pictures from the flight and also from the hotel. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals lineup even stronger as Shreyas Iyer is back, says Shikhar Dhawan Anushka took to her Instagram stories to share a couple of photos, bidding farewell to the UK and saying hello to UAE. In the first pic, which was posted from the plane, the Bollywood star wrote, "Adios UK, you've been great, as always." In the next image, she wrote, "We are here!". See pictures here: RCB skipper Virat and pacer Mohammed Siraj arrived in Dubai on Sunday and the duo will now undergo six-day mandatory quarantine before joining the team bubble. "The news you've all been waiting for: King Kohli and Miyan Magic have joined the team in Dubai," the official handle of RCB tweeted on Sunday. ALSO READ | Shane Warne praises Virat Kohli but feels India's batting not as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag The news you’ve all been waiting for: King Kohli and Miyan Magic have joined the team in Dubai. 🤩 Bring on #IPL2021. 💪🏻#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/ZNH1CxhAg3 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 12, 2021 × Both the players were in Manchester for India vs England five-match Test series but after the deciding fifth contest was dramatically cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns in the Indian camp, players who were there started to fly to UAE for the second leg of IPL 2021. The 14th season of the IPL, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 situation in India, will resume on September 19 with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

IPL 2021: Anushka Sharma shares sweet images after arriving in Dubai with Virat Kohli - see pics

<p>Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne praised the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and called him one of the "best batsmen" on the planet because of his career achievements, especially in the long format of cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spin legend also heaped praises on India's bowling attack, mentioning the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. He feels that the batting lineup is good but not as strong as the one featuring former cricketers Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warne, who played plenty of international cricket against India's 'Fab Five', said on the YouTube channel of Sky Sports, "Their batting is nowhere near as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/important-for-us-to-start-ipl-phase-2-on-a-high-note-delhi-capitals-dhawan-412523">Important for us to start IPL phase-2 on a high note: Delhi Capitals' Dhawan</a></strong></p>

<p>"Virat Kohli is one of the best batsmen on the planet, if not the best across all forms, but when you see that top five of Sehwag, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, Tendulkar, that isn't bad. I don't think you can say that it's the best batting Indian side," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two standout players, and I think Rishabh Pant will be a superstar down the track. But I think it is their fast bowlers that have elevated India to be able to win in all conditions and not just in India," Warne said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virat-kohli-mohammed-siraj-arrive-in-dubai-to-undergo-six-day-quarantine-412524">IPL 2021: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj arrive in Dubai, to undergo six-day quarantine</a></strong></p>

<p>Shane Warne talked about India's performance during India vs England Test series which unfortunately didn't conclude as expected after the fifth and deciding Test in Manchester was dramatically cancelled on Friday just over two hours before the scheduled start because of COVID-19 concerns in the tourists' camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India were 2-1 up in the five-match contest after a 157-run win in the fourth Test at the Oval and were bidding to complete a notable double just months after winning a series in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI said it had offered to reschedule the game, adding: "Both the boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match."&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne praised the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and called him one of the "best batsmen" on the planet because of his career achievements, especially in the long format of cricket.

Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne praised the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and called him one of the "best batsmen" on the planet because of his career achievements, especially in the long format of cricket. The spin legend also heaped praises on India's bowling attack, mentioning the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. He feels that the batting lineup is good but not as strong as the one featuring former cricketers Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Warne, who played plenty of international cricket against India's 'Fab Five', said on the YouTube channel of Sky Sports, "Their batting is nowhere near as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag." ALSO READ | Important for us to start IPL phase-2 on a high note: Delhi Capitals' Dhawan "Virat Kohli is one of the best batsmen on the planet, if not the best across all forms, but when you see that top five of Sehwag, Ganguly, Dravid, Laxman, Tendulkar, that isn't bad. I don't think you can say that it's the best batting Indian side," he added. "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two standout players, and I think Rishabh Pant will be a superstar down the track. But I think it is their fast bowlers that have elevated India to be able to win in all conditions and not just in India," Warne said. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj arrive in Dubai, to undergo six-day quarantine Shane Warne talked about India's performance during India vs England Test series which unfortunately didn't conclude as expected after the fifth and deciding Test in Manchester was dramatically cancelled on Friday just over two hours before the scheduled start because of COVID-19 concerns in the tourists' camp. India were 2-1 up in the five-match contest after a 157-run win in the fourth Test at the Oval and were bidding to complete a notable double just months after winning a series in Australia. The BCCI said it had offered to reschedule the game, adding: "Both the boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match."

Shane Warne praises Virat Kohli but feels India's batting not as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag

virat-kohli

Virat Kohli, News on Virat Kohli, stories on Virat Kohli, articles on Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli stories at Wion, Virat Kohli news, Virat Kohli latest news

virat kohli