After Rohit Sharma's brilliant century and&nbsp;Yuzvendra Chahal's four-wicket haul, India are off to a winning start in the Cricket World Cup 2019 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-south-africa-by-six-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-224756">after defeating South Africa by six wickets</a>.&nbsp;

After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa posted a below-par 227 for nine in their 50 overs as&nbsp;Chahal returned figures of 4-51 following a superb opening burst from seamer Jasprit Bumrah (2-35).&nbsp;

While chasing, India lost opener Shikhar Dhawan early, after that skipper Virat Kohli fell for 18 runs.&nbsp;

While Virat's wicket was a treat to watch as South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock took a sensational catch to dismiss Indian skipper.

De Kock was airborne as he flew towards first slip to grab the ball, which flew off Kohli's edge from a rising delivery by paceman Andile Phehlukwayo.

Kohli returned to the pavilion to stunned silence from a large crowd dominated by Indian fans.

It is the first time that Kohli has not started the World Cup with a century after reaching triple figures in his first matches of the 2011 and 2015 editions.

Watch the video:

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Take a bow Quinton De Kock. 
An absolute stunner..✌🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/e9Nn3YQQLC">pic.twitter.com/e9Nn3YQQLC</a>
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The stunning effort from De Kock went in vain as India won the contest but it can be in the race of catch of the tournament.&nbsp;

After Rohit Sharma's brilliant century and Yuzvendra Chahal's four-wicket haul, India are off to a winning start in the Cricket World Cup 2019 after defeating South Africa by six wickets.

After Rohit Sharma's brilliant century and Yuzvendra Chahal's four-wicket haul, India are off to a winning start in the Cricket World Cup 2019 after defeating South Africa by six wickets. After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa posted a below-par 227 for nine in their 50 overs as Chahal returned figures of 4-51 following a superb opening burst from seamer Jasprit Bumrah (2-35). While chasing, India lost opener Shikhar Dhawan early, after that skipper Virat Kohli fell for 18 runs. While Virat's wicket was a treat to watch as South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock took a sensational catch to dismiss Indian skipper. De Kock was airborne as he flew towards first slip to grab the ball, which flew off Kohli's edge from a rising delivery by paceman Andile Phehlukwayo. Kohli returned to the pavilion to stunned silence from a large crowd dominated by Indian fans. It is the first time that Kohli has not started the World Cup with a century after reaching triple figures in his first matches of the 2011 and 2015 editions. Watch the video: Take a bow Quinton De Kock. An absolute stunner..✌🏼#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/e9Nn3YQQLC — Saad javed (@saadjaved882) June 5, 2019 × The stunning effort from De Kock went in vain as India won the contest but it can be in the race of catch of the tournament.

Watch: Quinton de Kock's stunning catch that dismissed India's Virat Kohli in World Cup

Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-players-in-india-vs-south-africa-world-cup-clash-224311">South Africa today at Southampton</a>.&nbsp;

All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-virat-kohlis-pre-match-press-conference-ahead-of-world-cup-match-against-south-africa-224395">Also Read: Major takeaways from Kohli's pre-match press conference ahead of South Africa encounter</a>

South Africa, on the other hand, have had a disappointing start in the World Cup, losing both matches they have played so far. They lost to hosts England by 104 runs, then slipped to a 21-run loss to Bangladesh on Sunday. &nbsp;

It couldn't get worse for captain Faf du Plessis after star pacers Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi suffered injuries. &nbsp;

Ngidi will back in the squad within the next 10 days but legendary fast bowler Steyn has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from a&nbsp;shoulder injury.&nbsp;

India, however, are fresh and are all geared up for their campaign opener. &nbsp;

India will be&nbsp;starting their campaign late but skipper Virat Kohli termed it as team's "advantage" as the players are well aware of the conditions and pitch&nbsp;behaviour.&nbsp;

Conditions:&nbsp;

The forecast suggests that Southampton will be cloudy and there could be light showers but chances of a downpour are very less. However, it had rained here a day earlier, so the Indian cricket fans will be keeping their fingers crossed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Overall, the conditions suggest that it is going to be a batting-friendly match, similar to what we have seen in the last ODI contest at this venue&nbsp;between England and Pakistan in which 734 runs were scored in 100 overs.&nbsp;

Head-to-head:&nbsp;

India and South Africa's ODI rivalry has a long history considering the number of matches they have played together. &nbsp;

Both the team have played a total of 83 ODI matches, India have won 34 and South Africa has emerged victorious in 46 games.&nbsp;

Three matches have ended without any result.&nbsp;

In World Cups, both the teams have met four times and South Africa have won thrice. &nbsp;

But since 2012, India has defeated South Africa in all five ICC events (not bilateral series) they have played which includes the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy, in 2012 and 2014 World T20 and in the 2015 World Cup.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa today at Southampton. All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time.

Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa today at Southampton. All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time. Also Read: Major takeaways from Kohli's pre-match press conference ahead of South Africa encounter South Africa, on the other hand, have had a disappointing start in the World Cup, losing both matches they have played so far. They lost to hosts England by 104 runs, then slipped to a 21-run loss to Bangladesh on Sunday. It couldn't get worse for captain Faf du Plessis after star pacers Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi suffered injuries. Ngidi will back in the squad within the next 10 days but legendary fast bowler Steyn has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from a shoulder injury. India, however, are fresh and are all geared up for their campaign opener. India will be starting their campaign late but skipper Virat Kohli termed it as team's "advantage" as the players are well aware of the conditions and pitch behaviour. Conditions: The forecast suggests that Southampton will be cloudy and there could be light showers but chances of a downpour are very less. However, it had rained here a day earlier, so the Indian cricket fans will be keeping their fingers crossed. Overall, the conditions suggest that it is going to be a batting-friendly match, similar to what we have seen in the last ODI contest at this venue between England and Pakistan in which 734 runs were scored in 100 overs. Head-to-head: India and South Africa's ODI rivalry has a long history considering the number of matches they have played together. Both the team have played a total of 83 ODI matches, India have won 34 and South Africa has emerged victorious in 46 games. Three matches have ended without any result. In World Cups, both the teams have met four times and South Africa have won thrice. But since 2012, India has defeated South Africa in all five ICC events (not bilateral series) they have played which includes the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy, in 2012 and 2014 World T20 and in the 2015 World Cup.

World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli's India begins campaign against 'stunned' South Africa

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a tribute to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-virat-kohlis-pre-match-press-conference-ahead-of-world-cup-match-against-south-africa-224395">Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli</a> ahead of India's World Cup opener match against South Africa.&nbsp;

Virat is currently the number one batsman in One-Day International format as per the ICC's ranking.&nbsp;

ICC shared a picture of Virat Kohli sitting on a throne, wearing a king's crown and holding cricket bat in his right hand and a ball in the left.&nbsp;

In the painting-like image, Kohli is wearing Indian cricket jersey with a king's&nbsp;fur coat.&nbsp;

See the image:

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👑<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/cGY12LaV3H">pic.twitter.com/cGY12LaV3H</a>
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India captain Virat Kohli said that even with two South African pacers--Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi--ruled out of the match on Wednesday, the Proteas would be a "very dangerous side" on their day and would not like to take the opponent lightly.&nbsp;

We need to approach the game focusing on our strengths, said Kohli.&nbsp;

India are set to open its 50-over campaign against Faf du Plessis-led side on June 5 at the Rose Bowl.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a tribute to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli ahead of India's World Cup opener match against South Africa. Virat is currently the number one batsman in One-Day International format as per the ICC's ranking.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a tribute to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli ahead of India's World Cup opener match against South Africa. Virat is currently the number one batsman in One-Day International format as per the ICC's ranking. ICC shared a picture of Virat Kohli sitting on a throne, wearing a king's crown and holding cricket bat in his right hand and a ball in the left. In the painting-like image, Kohli is wearing Indian cricket jersey with a king's fur coat. See the image: 👑#TeamIndia#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/cGY12LaV3H — ICC (@ICC) June 5, 2019 × India captain Virat Kohli said that even with two South African pacers--Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi--ruled out of the match on Wednesday, the Proteas would be a "very dangerous side" on their day and would not like to take the opponent lightly. We need to approach the game focusing on our strengths, said Kohli. India are set to open its 50-over campaign against Faf du Plessis-led side on June 5 at the Rose Bowl.

'King Kohli': ICC's tribute to Virat Kohli ahead of India's World Cup opener

World Cup: Indian team attends practice session ahead of South Africa challenge

There is something about ICC World Cups where inevitably the relationship between Indian media and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-and-team-attends-practice-session-ahead-of-south-africa-challenge-224017">the national team</a> becomes frosty.&nbsp;

It wasn't great during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the start seemed to have been on a discordant note during this edition as well after the Indian media contingent decided to boycott an interaction session with net bowlers Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed.&nbsp;

With two days left for India's first game against South Africa, it was expected that at least coach Ravi Shastri or a senior player or support staff would address the media as it has been the norm in any bilateral series with skipper Virat Kohli coming on the pre-match day.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-undergoes-doping-test-224018">Jasprit Bumrah undergoes doping test</a>

However, to everyone's disbelief, Indian team's media manager informed the waiting journalists that since Chahar and Avesh are going back on Tuesday (Khaleel is staying back), it was felt that they should get an opportunity to interact with the media.&nbsp;

Livid with decision, senior members of the fraternity protested vehemently to this outrageous idea and he was told that if the team wants to cancel the session, they are free to do so as it is unfair both for the media as well as the two youngsters, who don't have any authority to answer team related queries.&nbsp;

When asked why no player or support staff was made available, the media manager said that it was done since India haven't started its World Cup campaign yet.&nbsp;

The logic didn't seem convincing as it has never happened two days before a marquee event. It seemed more like a case where the Indian media was being told that you have to make do with whatever we make available for you.&nbsp;

This seemed to be in complete contrast with the relationship that the jumbo Bangladeshi media share with their 'Tigers' or even the handful of Pakistani journalists with their players.&nbsp;

Many were reminded of the 2015 World Cup, when there was a complete gag on media save pre and post-match days and skipper Dhoni would come for every post-match interaction instead of day's performer, who would be interviewed by the official BCCI website.&nbsp;

There is something about ICC World Cups where inevitably the relationship between Indian media and the national team becomes frosty. It wasn't great during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the start seemed to have been on a discordant note during this edition as well after the Indian media contingent decided to boycott an interaction session with net bowlers Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed.

There is something about ICC World Cups where inevitably the relationship between Indian media and the national team becomes frosty. It wasn't great during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the start seemed to have been on a discordant note during this edition as well after the Indian media contingent decided to boycott an interaction session with net bowlers Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed. With two days left for India's first game against South Africa, it was expected that at least coach Ravi Shastri or a senior player or support staff would address the media as it has been the norm in any bilateral series with skipper Virat Kohli coming on the pre-match day. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah undergoes doping test However, to everyone's disbelief, Indian team's media manager informed the waiting journalists that since Chahar and Avesh are going back on Tuesday (Khaleel is staying back), it was felt that they should get an opportunity to interact with the media. Livid with decision, senior members of the fraternity protested vehemently to this outrageous idea and he was told that if the team wants to cancel the session, they are free to do so as it is unfair both for the media as well as the two youngsters, who don't have any authority to answer team related queries. When asked why no player or support staff was made available, the media manager said that it was done since India haven't started its World Cup campaign yet. The logic didn't seem convincing as it has never happened two days before a marquee event. It seemed more like a case where the Indian media was being told that you have to make do with whatever we make available for you. This seemed to be in complete contrast with the relationship that the jumbo Bangladeshi media share with their 'Tigers' or even the handful of Pakistani journalists with their players. Many were reminded of the 2015 World Cup, when there was a complete gag on media save pre and post-match days and skipper Dhoni would come for every post-match interaction instead of day's performer, who would be interviewed by the official BCCI website.

Cricket World Cup 2019: Media boycotts interaction session with Indian cricket team

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that he feels bad for the South African pacer&nbsp;Dale&nbsp;Steyn, who&nbsp;has been ruled&nbsp;out after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.&nbsp;

Ahead of India's first World Cup match against South Africa, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-expect-century-but-my-focus-is-on-victory-says-virat-kohli-ahead-of-south-africa-clash-224280">Virat Kohli addressed a press conference</a> and talked about India's plans ahead.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;Steyn ouster,&nbsp;Kohli said, "I feel really bad for Dale. He looked really happy. He was bowling really well and then suddenly we found out that he was not going to be able to continue."

"I feel bad for him because he has been a friend for a very long time. He is a motivated guy. He has been very happy to come back and play for South Africa," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"He has been doing very well. He still has the hunger and passion, but those niggles and injuries are just not going his way," Kohli said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can understand his frustration about those injuries. I wish him a speedy recovery," said the skipper.&nbsp;

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Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaleSteyn62</a> - Our Skipper <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> wishes you a speedy recovery 👌💪💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/VcbBWveObw">pic.twitter.com/VcbBWveObw</a>
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The legendary pacer has been replaced by left-arm paceman Beuran Hendricks in South Africa's squad for the rest of the tournament.&nbsp;

Hendricks&nbsp;made his ODI debut in January this year against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that he feels bad for the South African pacer Dale Steyn, who has been ruled out after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that he feels bad for the South African pacer Dale Steyn, who has been ruled out after failing to recover from a shoulder injury. Ahead of India's first World Cup match against South Africa, Virat Kohli addressed a press conference and talked about India's plans ahead. On Steyn ouster, Kohli said, "I feel really bad for Dale. He looked really happy. He was bowling really well and then suddenly we found out that he was not going to be able to continue." "I feel bad for him because he has been a friend for a very long time. He is a motivated guy. He has been very happy to come back and play for South Africa," he added. "He has been doing very well. He still has the hunger and passion, but those niggles and injuries are just not going his way," Kohli said. "I can understand his frustration about those injuries. I wish him a speedy recovery," said the skipper. Hey @DaleSteyn62 - Our Skipper @imVkohli wishes you a speedy recovery 👌💪💪 #TeamIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/VcbBWveObw — BCCI (@BCCI) June 4, 2019 × The legendary pacer has been replaced by left-arm paceman Beuran Hendricks in South Africa's squad for the rest of the tournament. Hendricks made his ODI debut in January this year against Pakistan.

I feel really bad for Dale Steyn, says Virat Kohli on South African pacer's ouster

Key players in India vs South Africa World Cup clash

Indian cricket captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday&nbsp;at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium.&nbsp;

Virat answered several questions asked by the reporters regarding Team India's planning for the World Cup tournament.&nbsp;

Virat said that the World Cup 2019 will be challenging because of its format as the tournament is round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages.&nbsp;

During the press conference, Virat said, "When you perform for long, expectations are there. You have to accept that."&nbsp;

"Whenever I go out to bat, people expect hundreds. My focus is on making the team win. 100, 60, 40 whatever it is," &nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

Virat also said, "South Africa is a very dangerous side on their day and even with replacements they would be a strong side. We don't take anyone lightly. We need to approach the game focusing on our strengths."

Kohli also talked about Dale Steyn absence as he has been ruled out after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli says his side must "maintain respect" for South Africa despite their injury crisis.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> addresses the media on the eve of our first game against South Africa at Southampton <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/yupDksTeJ6">pic.twitter.com/yupDksTeJ6</a>
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South African another pacer Lungi Ngidi limped off in the last match against Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Virat said that despite the injury concerns Kagiso Rabada remains a threat for the Indian team although he added that Team India is prepared to face the pacer.&nbsp;

Virat also mentioned that the atmosphere in the dressing room is good and the team's spirit is great.&nbsp;

Kohli said that the&nbsp;team has learnt from the mistakes of the 2017 Champions Trophy when they lost to arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.&nbsp;

"The lessons from the Champions Trophy -- is to play the cricket we know how to play. In the final, the better side won. We have plugged the gaps. We brought in wrist spinners to take wickets in the middle overs. We are a stronger side than Champions Trophy side," he told reporters.&nbsp;

"The first week has been gradual progress. A couple of lopsided games, a couple of one-sided games. There is a lot to learn about composure. The teams that are more composed have better chances of winning games, have better chances of handling pressure," the Indian skipper expressed.&nbsp;

"We need to bring our experience into play to make better decisions tomorrow. The team that can handle pressure better will win the tournament," he added.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium. Virat answered several questions asked by the reporters regarding Team India's planning for the World Cup tournament. Virat said that the World Cup 2019 will be challenging because of its format as the tournament is round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages. During the press conference, Virat said, "When you perform for long, expectations are there. You have to accept that." "Whenever I go out to bat, people expect hundreds. My focus is on making the team win. 100, 60, 40 whatever it is," he added. Virat also said, "South Africa is a very dangerous side on their day and even with replacements they would be a strong side. We don't take anyone lightly. We need to approach the game focusing on our strengths." Kohli also talked about Dale Steyn absence as he has been ruled out after failing to recover from a shoulder injury. Indian skipper Virat Kohli says his side must "maintain respect" for South Africa despite their injury crisis. #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli addresses the media on the eve of our first game against South Africa at Southampton #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/yupDksTeJ6 — BCCI (@BCCI) June 4, 2019 × South African another pacer Lungi Ngidi limped off in the last match against Bangladesh. Virat said that despite the injury concerns Kagiso Rabada remains a threat for the Indian team although he added that Team India is prepared to face the pacer. Virat also mentioned that the atmosphere in the dressing room is good and the team's spirit is great. Kohli said that the team has learnt from the mistakes of the 2017 Champions Trophy when they lost to arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. "The lessons from the Champions Trophy -- is to play the cricket we know how to play. In the final, the better side won. We have plugged the gaps. We brought in wrist spinners to take wickets in the middle overs. We are a stronger side than Champions Trophy side," he told reporters. "The first week has been gradual progress. A couple of lopsided games, a couple of one-sided games. There is a lot to learn about composure. The teams that are more composed have better chances of winning games, have better chances of handling pressure," the Indian skipper expressed. "We need to bring our experience into play to make better decisions tomorrow. The team that can handle pressure better will win the tournament," he added.

People expect century but my focus is on victory, says Virat Kohli ahead of South Africa clash

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sec-probes-siemens-ge-philips-in-alleged-china-medical-equipment-scheme-report-224228">US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report</a>

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">Donald Trump promises UK PM Theresa May 'very substantial' trade deal after Brexit</a>

US President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-expect-century-but-my-focus-is-on-victory-says-virat-kohli-ahead-of-south-africa-clash-224280">People expect century but my focus is on victory, says Virat Kohli ahead of South Africa clash</a>

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium.&nbsp;

Virat answered several questions asked by the reporters regarding Team India's planning for the World Cup tournament.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-holds-meetings-on-jammu-and-kashmir-delimitation-discussed-224193">Amit Shah holds meetings on Jammu and Kashmir, delimitation discussed</a>

Amit Shah has hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellites-spy-planes-roped-in-to-locate-indian-air-forces-missing-an-32-aircraft-224202">Satellites, spy planes roped in to locate Indian Air Force's missing AN-32 aircraft</a>

ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Donald Trump promises UK PM Theresa May 'very substantial' trade deal after Brexit US President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests. People expect century but my focus is on victory, says Virat Kohli ahead of South Africa clash Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed a press conference a day before team's first match against South Africa on Wednesday at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium. Virat answered several questions asked by the reporters regarding Team India's planning for the World Cup tournament. Amit Shah holds meetings on Jammu and Kashmir, delimitation discussed Amit Shah has hit the ground running in the very first week of taking over as India’s Home Minister. He has held a slew of review meetings, mostly on internal security and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Satellites, spy planes roped in to locate Indian Air Force's missing AN-32 aircraft ISRO satellites and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service to locate the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft which went missing Monday afternoon with 13 IAF personnel on board.

News brief: Big stories of the day

List of challenges Team India faced ahead of World Cup campaign opener

Bangladesh will play a series in India for the first time when they tour the neighbouring nation in November for three T20s and two Tests.

In a first, the BCCI on Monday announced the schedule of the entire home season which will comprise five Tests, nine ODIs and 12 T20s.&nbsp;

The three Tests against South Africa in October and two against Bangladesh will be part of the inaugural World Test Championship that begins after the 2019 World Cup.

The season will begin with South Africa arriving for three T20s and as many Tests starting September 15.&nbsp; 
What is noticeable in the entire schedule is India will not be playing a full-series comprising Tests, T20s and ODIs in one go. And that means that South Africa will return to play three ODIs in March 2020.&nbsp;

The series against Bangladesh will begin with the first T20 in Delhi. The two Tests will be played in Indore (November 14-18) and Kolkata (November 22-26).&nbsp;

Bangladesh had toured India for the first time in 2017 when they played a one-off Test in Hyderabad. They will also be one of the six sides India will play in the nine-team World Test Championship. The ICC has already made it clear that India and Pakistan will not be facing each other in the first cycle, unless they both make the final.&nbsp;

After Bangladesh's departure in the last week of November, India will face the West Indies in three T20s and as many ODIs starting December 6. The following month will see Zimbabwe touring India for three T20s between January 5-10.&nbsp;

Four days later, India play Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series. The BCCI and Cricket Australia had serious differences over the scheduling of the series but the Indian cricket board eventually had its way.&nbsp;

The home season will conclude in March with South Africa's ODI tour of India.&nbsp;

The complete breakdown of the home series fixtures:

Freedom Trophy - 2019 against South Africa:&nbsp; 
1st T20I: September 15, Dharamsala&nbsp; 
2nd T20I: September 18, Mohali 
3rd T20I: September 22, Bengaluru 
1st Test: October 2-6, Vizag 
2nd Test: October 10-14, Ranchi 
3rd Test: October 19-23, Pune

Bangladesh's Tour of India - 2019:&nbsp; 
1st T20I: November 3, Delhi 
2nd T20I: November 7, Rajkot 
3rd T20I: November 10, Nagpur 
1st Test: November 14-18, Indore 
2nd Test: November 22-26, Kolkata

West Indies' Tour of India - 2019:&nbsp; 
1st T20I: December 6, Mumbai 
2nd T20I: December 8, Thiruvananthapuram 
3rd T20I: December 11, Hyderabad 
1st ODI: December 15, Chennai 
2nd ODI: December 18, Vizag 
3rd ODI: December 22, Cuttack

Zimbabwe's Tour of India - 2020:&nbsp; 
1st T20I: January 5, Guwahati 
2nd T20I: January 7, Indore 
3rd T20I: January 10, Pune

Australia's Tour of India - 2020:&nbsp; 
1st ODI: January 14, Mumbai 
2nd ODI: January 17, Rajkot 
3rd ODI: January 19, Bengaluru.

Bangladesh will play a series in India for the first time when they tour the neighbouring nation in November for three T20s and two Tests. In a first, the BCCI on Monday announced the schedule of the entire home season which will comprise five Tests, nine ODIs and 12 T20s.

Bangladesh will play a series in India for the first time when they tour the neighbouring nation in November for three T20s and two Tests. In a first, the BCCI on Monday announced the schedule of the entire home season which will comprise five Tests, nine ODIs and 12 T20s. The three Tests against South Africa in October and two against Bangladesh will be part of the inaugural World Test Championship that begins after the 2019 World Cup. The season will begin with South Africa arriving for three T20s and as many Tests starting September 15. What is noticeable in the entire schedule is India will not be playing a full-series comprising Tests, T20s and ODIs in one go. And that means that South Africa will return to play three ODIs in March 2020. The series against Bangladesh will begin with the first T20 in Delhi. The two Tests will be played in Indore (November 14-18) and Kolkata (November 22-26). Bangladesh had toured India for the first time in 2017 when they played a one-off Test in Hyderabad. They will also be one of the six sides India will play in the nine-team World Test Championship. The ICC has already made it clear that India and Pakistan will not be facing each other in the first cycle, unless they both make the final. After Bangladesh's departure in the last week of November, India will face the West Indies in three T20s and as many ODIs starting December 6. The following month will see Zimbabwe touring India for three T20s between January 5-10. Four days later, India play Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series. The BCCI and Cricket Australia had serious differences over the scheduling of the series but the Indian cricket board eventually had its way. The home season will conclude in March with South Africa's ODI tour of India. The complete breakdown of the home series fixtures: Freedom Trophy - 2019 against South Africa: 1st T20I: September 15, Dharamsala 2nd T20I: September 18, Mohali 3rd T20I: September 22, Bengaluru 1st Test: October 2-6, Vizag 2nd Test: October 10-14, Ranchi 3rd Test: October 19-23, Pune Bangladesh's Tour of India - 2019: 1st T20I: November 3, Delhi 2nd T20I: November 7, Rajkot 3rd T20I: November 10, Nagpur 1st Test: November 14-18, Indore 2nd Test: November 22-26, Kolkata West Indies' Tour of India - 2019: 1st T20I: December 6, Mumbai 2nd T20I: December 8, Thiruvananthapuram 3rd T20I: December 11, Hyderabad 1st ODI: December 15, Chennai 2nd ODI: December 18, Vizag 3rd ODI: December 22, Cuttack Zimbabwe's Tour of India - 2020: 1st T20I: January 5, Guwahati 2nd T20I: January 7, Indore 3rd T20I: January 10, Pune Australia's Tour of India - 2020: 1st ODI: January 14, Mumbai 2nd ODI: January 17, Rajkot 3rd ODI: January 19, Bengaluru.

BCCI announces Team India's home season schedule for 2019/20

Sunil Chhetri-led Indian football team has wished good luck to&nbsp;the Indian cricket team for the World Cup 2019, which is underway in England and Wales.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led side will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5 at Southampton's Rose Bowl.&nbsp;

Apart from Chhetri, veteran defender Sandesh Jhingan, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, players of Indian women football team also extended their wishes.&nbsp;

The likes of Dalima Chhibber and Aditi Chauhan wished the Indian cricket team, which is attending the practice sessions for their campaign opener.&nbsp;

Blue Tigers shared a video compilation of all players, wishing the Indian cricket team good luck.&nbsp;

"I wish our Indian cricket team very well for the World Cup. I’m sure you guys will do very well and bring the cup home," said Jhingan

"I wish you all the very best. We’re pretty sure you will win it for us. Just play with your heart and bring the cup home," said keeper Gurpreet Singh.

The Indian football team is currently touring Thailand to play the King's Cup and will begin its campaign against Curacao on the opening day, which is June 5.&nbsp;

Watch the video:

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As <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a>) gets set for the <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueTigers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueTigers</a> 💙🐯 wish them all the best! 🙌🙌 
 
Go get 'em, boys! 💪👊 <a href="https://t.co/fsfnig1TMm">pic.twitter.com/fsfnig1TMm</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1135421141101600768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to the April 2019 FIFA rankings, India are ranked at 101.&nbsp;

Sunil Chhetri-led Indian football team has wished good luck to the Indian cricket team for the World Cup 2019, which is underway in England and Wales. Virat Kohli-led side will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5 at Southampton's Rose Bowl.

Sunil Chhetri-led Indian football team has wished good luck to the Indian cricket team for the World Cup 2019, which is underway in England and Wales. Virat Kohli-led side will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5 at Southampton's Rose Bowl. Apart from Chhetri, veteran defender Sandesh Jhingan, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, players of Indian women football team also extended their wishes. The likes of Dalima Chhibber and Aditi Chauhan wished the Indian cricket team, which is attending the practice sessions for their campaign opener. Blue Tigers shared a video compilation of all players, wishing the Indian cricket team good luck. "I wish our Indian cricket team very well for the World Cup. I’m sure you guys will do very well and bring the cup home," said Jhingan "I wish you all the very best. We’re pretty sure you will win it for us. Just play with your heart and bring the cup home," said keeper Gurpreet Singh. The Indian football team is currently touring Thailand to play the King's Cup and will begin its campaign against Curacao on the opening day, which is June 5. Watch the video: As @imVkohli's #TeamIndia (@BCCI) gets set for the @ICC #CWC19, the #BlueTigers 💙🐯 wish them all the best! 🙌🙌 Go get 'em, boys! 💪👊 pic.twitter.com/fsfnig1TMm — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 3, 2019 × According to the April 2019 FIFA rankings, India are ranked at 101.

Watch: Indian football team wishes Virat Kohli-led side good luck for World Cup

Indian skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> has made a witty remark on his bowling skills, saying that no one in the team takes his bowling seriously except himself.&nbsp;

In a recent practice session, Kohli was seen bowling in the nets ahead of India's World Cup campaign opener against South Africa on June 5.&nbsp;

Kohli also explained why his teammates do not believe in his bowling and why he has not bowled in international cricket since December 2017.&nbsp;

During an interview, he said, "It was the during the ODI series in Sri Lanka (in 2017) where we had almost won everything, I asked MS (Dhoni) if I could bowl. Just when I was getting ready to roll my arm over, Bumrah (Jasprit) shouted from the boundary and said 'no joking around, it is an international game'."&nbsp;

"No one in the team believes in my bowling but I do," he added.&nbsp;

After that I had back issues and then never bowled (in the middle)," said Kohli to host broadcaster of the World Cup.

Watch Kohli bowling in the nets:

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A little warm-up before hitting the nets for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Skipper <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/OlwbKq0czD">pic.twitter.com/OlwbKq0czD</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1134035787064991744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Talking about his bowling skills, Kohli has taken four wickets in ODIs and as many in T20s.&nbsp;

He has bowled 163 balls in Test cricket but the wickets column remains empty.

During the same interview, Kohli also shared that he used to England's James Anderson's bowling action and shared an anecdote.&nbsp;

"I used to follow James Anderson's action when I was at the academy (in Delhi). Later, when I got to play alongside him, I told him about that story. We both had a good laugh over it," Kohli said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has made a witty remark on his bowling skills, saying that no one in the team takes his bowling seriously except himself. In a recent practice session, Kohli was seen bowling in the nets ahead of India's World Cup campaign opener against South Africa on June 5.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has made a witty remark on his bowling skills, saying that no one in the team takes his bowling seriously except himself. In a recent practice session, Kohli was seen bowling in the nets ahead of India's World Cup campaign opener against South Africa on June 5. Kohli also explained why his teammates do not believe in his bowling and why he has not bowled in international cricket since December 2017. During an interview, he said, "It was the during the ODI series in Sri Lanka (in 2017) where we had almost won everything, I asked MS (Dhoni) if I could bowl. Just when I was getting ready to roll my arm over, Bumrah (Jasprit) shouted from the boundary and said 'no joking around, it is an international game'." "No one in the team believes in my bowling but I do," he added. After that I had back issues and then never bowled (in the middle)," said Kohli to host broadcaster of the World Cup. Watch Kohli bowling in the nets: A little warm-up before hitting the nets for #TeamIndia Skipper @imVkohli.#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/OlwbKq0czD — BCCI (@BCCI) May 30, 2019 × Talking about his bowling skills, Kohli has taken four wickets in ODIs and as many in T20s. He has bowled 163 balls in Test cricket but the wickets column remains empty. During the same interview, Kohli also shared that he used to England's James Anderson's bowling action and shared an anecdote. "I used to follow James Anderson's action when I was at the academy (in Delhi). Later, when I got to play alongside him, I told him about that story. We both had a good laugh over it," Kohli said. (With inputs from agencies)

'No one in the team believes in my bowling,' says Virat Kohli

India were dealt a major injury scare before their World Cup opener against South Africa on Wednesday when skipper Virat Kohli hurt his thumb <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-indian-team-practice-ahead-of-their-campaign-opener-223511">during a training session</a> at the Ageas Bowl here.&nbsp;

Kohli hurt his right thumb during practice on Saturday, prompting physiotherapist Patrick Farhat to attend to the Indian skipper.

Farhat was first seen using magic spray on the injured finger and the applied tap on it.

Later Kohli was seen leaving the field with his thumb dipped in a glass of ice.

The extent of Kohli's injury is still unclear as the Indian team management is yet to come out with an official comment on the matter.

India, one of the favourites for the title, has been hit by injuries in the run up to the World Cup.&nbsp;

While all-rounder Vijay Shankar had to sit out of the warm-up game against New Zealand after hurting his elbow, Kedar Jadhav is still recovering from a shoulder injury he picked up during IPL and missed India's both warm-up games against the Kiwis and Bangladesh.

India were dealt a major injury scare before their World Cup opener against South Africa on Wednesday when skipper Virat Kohli hurt his thumb during a training session at the Ageas Bowl here.

India were dealt a major injury scare before their World Cup opener against South Africa on Wednesday when skipper Virat Kohli hurt his thumb during a training session at the Ageas Bowl here. Kohli hurt his right thumb during practice on Saturday, prompting physiotherapist Patrick Farhat to attend to the Indian skipper. Farhat was first seen using magic spray on the injured finger and the applied tap on it. Later Kohli was seen leaving the field with his thumb dipped in a glass of ice. The extent of Kohli's injury is still unclear as the Indian team management is yet to come out with an official comment on the matter. India, one of the favourites for the title, has been hit by injuries in the run up to the World Cup. While all-rounder Vijay Shankar had to sit out of the warm-up game against New Zealand after hurting his elbow, Kedar Jadhav is still recovering from a shoulder injury he picked up during IPL and missed India's both warm-up games against the Kiwis and Bangladesh.

Injury scare for India, skipper Virat Kohli hurts thumb during training

Ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup campaign</a> opener, Team India was seen honing their fielding skills as&nbsp;Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar practised&nbsp;throws and catch including the skipper Virat Kohli and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni.&nbsp;

The head coach Ravi Shastri gave tips to the players and he was present during the practice sessions&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton.&nbsp;

India will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5.&nbsp;

This was the team's second practice session and it lasted for more than three hours.&nbsp;

Apart from enhancing fielding skills, openers&nbsp;Rohit Sharma and&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan spent time batting in the nets along with KL Rahul, who is almost final to play for India at the number four spot.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya was seen stretching his back due to some issue but later bowled in the nets.

Watch the video:

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Pace and spin in tandem in the nets 💪💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/UUKTPwvV7H">pic.twitter.com/UUKTPwvV7H</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1134760684112306176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Caption this? 📸📸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/1anayWs7Gh">pic.twitter.com/1anayWs7Gh</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1134825444824559616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Also, Kuldeep Yadav also looked in good shape after he missed the first practice session and bowled to Dhoni in the nets.

Ahead of their World Cup campaign opener, Team India was seen honing their fielding skills as Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar practised throws and catch including the skipper Virat Kohli and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni.

Ahead of their World Cup campaign opener, Team India was seen honing their fielding skills as Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar practised throws and catch including the skipper Virat Kohli and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni. The head coach Ravi Shastri gave tips to the players and he was present during the practice sessions at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton. India will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5. This was the team's second practice session and it lasted for more than three hours. Apart from enhancing fielding skills, openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan spent time batting in the nets along with KL Rahul, who is almost final to play for India at the number four spot. Hardik Pandya was seen stretching his back due to some issue but later bowled in the nets. Watch the video: Pace and spin in tandem in the nets 💪💪#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/UUKTPwvV7H — BCCI (@BCCI) June 1, 2019 × Caption this? 📸📸#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/1anayWs7Gh — BCCI (@BCCI) June 1, 2019 × Also, Kuldeep Yadav also looked in good shape after he missed the first practice session and bowled to Dhoni in the nets.

Watch: Indian team practice ahead of their campaign opener

The ICC World Cup 2019 kick-started yesterday and the meme experts have managed to extract some hilarious jokes and memes out of it.

And when it comes to Bollywood, references to popular movies make the memes all the funnier.

Out of all the memes flooding social media, Anil Kapoor shared one such meme on his Twitter handle which will leave you in splits.

The actor, who played the role of Majnu Bhai in the 2007 comedy film 'Welcome,'&nbsp;shared a meme dedicated to his character's epic horse painting, which also featured in the film.

Anil's character Majnu Bhai plays an underworld don in the film and aspires to be a painter.

The meme had the iconic painting hilariously photoshopped in a group photo of all the ten cricket captains of the participating teams in the Cricket World Cup and Queen Elizabeth.

Tagging the director Anees Bazmi, Anil shared the picture and wrote on Twitter, "Majnu Bhai's art has travelled far and wide. This is literally priceless."

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Majnu Bhai’s art has travelled far and wide <a href="https://twitter.com/BazmeeAnees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BazmeeAnees</a>! This is literally priceless! 😂😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/vI04OG5pAZ">pic.twitter.com/vI04OG5pAZ</a>
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnilKapoor/status/1134411844146171904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Well, the meme is indeed priceless! Indian cricket team Captain Virat Kohli shared pictures of the players'&nbsp;meeting with the Queen on his Instagram account yesterday.

Check out the original picture: Meanwhile, the netizens were having a field day by making `Kohinoor` diamond jokes.

The fans created memes and asked Virat to bring back the 'Kohinoor Hira'&nbsp;from the Buckingham Palace in England.

'Welcome`, which hit the theatres on December 21, 2007, also starred Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif and Mallika Sherawat, Feroz Khan and Paresh Rawal.

The film is&nbsp;a laugh riot and tells the story of a man (Akshay) who falls in love with a beautiful woman (Katrina) but later discovers that her brothers (Nana and Anil) are gangsters.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

The ICC World Cup 2019 kick-started yesterday and the meme experts have managed to extract some hilarious jokes and memes out of it. And when it comes to Bollywood, references to popular movies make the memes all the funnier.

The ICC World Cup 2019 kick-started yesterday and the meme experts have managed to extract some hilarious jokes and memes out of it. And when it comes to Bollywood, references to popular movies make the memes all the funnier. Out of all the memes flooding social media, Anil Kapoor shared one such meme on his Twitter handle which will leave you in splits. The actor, who played the role of Majnu Bhai in the 2007 comedy film 'Welcome,' shared a meme dedicated to his character's epic horse painting, which also featured in the film. Anil's character Majnu Bhai plays an underworld don in the film and aspires to be a painter. The meme had the iconic painting hilariously photoshopped in a group photo of all the ten cricket captains of the participating teams in the Cricket World Cup and Queen Elizabeth. Tagging the director Anees Bazmi, Anil shared the picture and wrote on Twitter, "Majnu Bhai's art has travelled far and wide. This is literally priceless." Majnu Bhai’s art has travelled far and wide @BazmeeAnees! This is literally priceless! 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/vI04OG5pAZ — Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) May 31, 2019 × Well, the meme is indeed priceless! Indian cricket team Captain Virat Kohli shared pictures of the players' meeting with the Queen on his Instagram account yesterday. Check out the original picture: Meanwhile, the netizens were having a field day by making `Kohinoor` diamond jokes. The fans created memes and asked Virat to bring back the 'Kohinoor Hira' from the Buckingham Palace in England. 'Welcome`, which hit the theatres on December 21, 2007, also starred Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif and Mallika Sherawat, Feroz Khan and Paresh Rawal. The film is a laugh riot and tells the story of a man (Akshay) who falls in love with a beautiful woman (Katrina) but later discovers that her brothers (Nana and Anil) are gangsters.

Actor Anil Kapoor turns Virat Kohli's group picture into a hilarious meme

In the opening match of the World Cup today, South African opener <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africas-hashim-amla-is-hungrier-than-ever-before-ahead-of-world-cup-2019-220954&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQr_P718LiAhXo_XMBHQ7iDngQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0moMfXMOJ0TJycudxG3Buu">Hashim Amla</a> will aim to break Indian skipper Virat Kohli's long-standing ODI record of fastest 8,000 runs.

Amla is just 90 runs away from the mark and if he is able to achieve this feat against hosts England in the World Cup opener, he will replace Kohli at the top spot in the list of fastest batsmen to score 8000 runs in ODI format.

Kohli earned the accolade in 175 innings while Amla has played 171 innings in his ODI career, so far.

If Amla clocks the mammoth score, he will also better Kohli's record by three innings.

Amla currently holds the record for being the fastest batsman to go past 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs.

Whenever he goes past the 8000 ODI runs mark, he will become the fourth Proteas batsmen to do so.

Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Herschelle Gibbs are the other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-theres-a-lot-more-bigger-things-than-winning-and-losing-cricket-games-says-faf-du-plessis-222584">South African</a> batsmen to have cruised past the benchmark.

Kallis scored 11,550 runs in the ODI format whereas de Villiers and Gibbs scored 9427 and 8094 runs respectively in the ODI format.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/off-form-hashim-amla-makes-south-africa-world-cup-squad-211566&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQr_P718LiAhXo_XMBHQ7iDngQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1MbM2TC2z6o3xR8aKENITj">Amla</a> is also on the verge of achieving another feat as he is 37 runs away from becoming the second South African batsman to score 1000 ODI runs against England.

Kallis is the only other Proteas player who has managed the score against England.

Watch:&nbsp;Jamie Alter's report from ground zero ahead of the opening match between England and South Africa

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/six-players-to-watch-out-for-in-opening-clash-between-england-vs-south-africa-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-222213">South Africa takes on the hosts England</a> in the opening match of the World Cup today at the Oval in London.&nbsp;

In the opening match of the World Cup today, South African opener Hashim Amla will aim to break Indian skipper Virat Kohli's long-standing ODI record of fastest 8,000 runs.

In the opening match of the World Cup today, South African opener Hashim Amla will aim to break Indian skipper Virat Kohli's long-standing ODI record of fastest 8,000 runs. Amla is just 90 runs away from the mark and if he is able to achieve this feat against hosts England in the World Cup opener, he will replace Kohli at the top spot in the list of fastest batsmen to score 8000 runs in ODI format. Kohli earned the accolade in 175 innings while Amla has played 171 innings in his ODI career, so far. If Amla clocks the mammoth score, he will also better Kohli's record by three innings. Amla currently holds the record for being the fastest batsman to go past 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs. Whenever he goes past the 8000 ODI runs mark, he will become the fourth Proteas batsmen to do so. Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Herschelle Gibbs are the other South African batsmen to have cruised past the benchmark. Kallis scored 11,550 runs in the ODI format whereas de Villiers and Gibbs scored 9427 and 8094 runs respectively in the ODI format. Amla is also on the verge of achieving another feat as he is 37 runs away from becoming the second South African batsman to score 1000 ODI runs against England. Kallis is the only other Proteas player who has managed the score against England. Watch: Jamie Alter's report from ground zero ahead of the opening match between England and South Africa × South Africa takes on the hosts England in the opening match of the World Cup today at the Oval in London.

Hashim Amla just 90 runs away from breaking Virat Kohli's ODI record

Cricket legend <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-ethics-officer-dismisses-conflict-of-interest-charge-against-sachin-tendulkar-222194&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwip-IPe1MLiAhUSfSsKHdG9B60QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vhevCGHXTyPprW2BV34tb">Sachin Tendulkar</a> will make his debut as an on-air expert in the ICC ODI World Cup, starting Thursday in the United Kingdom.

The Master Blaster will take his place in the commentary box ahead of the tournament opener between hosts England and South Africa.

Tendulkar joins an illustrious panel of experts in the pre-show on Star Sports.

He will have his own segment 'Sachin Opens Again'.

Tendulkar has scored 2,278 runs in the six editions of the World Cup that he has appeared in.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old, who has represented India in six World Cups, holds the record for scoring the highest number of runs in a single edition of the World Cup, scoring 673 in 2003.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-says-jasprit-bumrah-is-the-best-bowler-at-this-stage-218294&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwip-IPe1MLiAhUSfSsKHdG9B60QFjAEegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ip3bPE-mYlXaNowbhJCwR">Tendulkar </a>scored 2,278 runs in the six editions of the World Cup he played.&nbsp;

Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f1057d2-a373-4e54-9713-00b99df3a6c7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_8.jpg" />
India opens its campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will make his debut as an on-air expert in the ICC ODI World Cup, starting Thursday in the United Kingdom. The Master Blaster will take his place in the commentary box ahead of the tournament opener between hosts England and South Africa.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will make his debut as an on-air expert in the ICC ODI World Cup, starting Thursday in the United Kingdom. The Master Blaster will take his place in the commentary box ahead of the tournament opener between hosts England and South Africa. Tendulkar joins an illustrious panel of experts in the pre-show on Star Sports. He will have his own segment 'Sachin Opens Again'. Tendulkar has scored 2,278 runs in the six editions of the World Cup that he has appeared in. The 46-year-old, who has represented India in six World Cups, holds the record for scoring the highest number of runs in a single edition of the World Cup, scoring 673 in 2003. Tendulkar scored 2,278 runs in the six editions of the World Cup he played. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: India opens its campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

'Sachin Opens Again' at the World Cup, this time as a commentator

Cricket World Cup 2019: Will Virat Kohli recreate Kapil's magic of 1983 at Lord's after 36 years?

Renowned wax museum Madame Tussauds on Wednesday unveiled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahuls-batting-at-no-4-is-big-positive-not-worried-about-dhawan-rohits-form-says-virat-kohli-222438">India captain Virat Kohli's</a> statue at Lord's Cricket Ground here to mark the launch of the ICC World Cup.

The wax statue of one of the world's leading batsmen will be on display at Madame Tussauds from Thursday until July 15,&nbsp;remaining at the museum for the duration of the World Cup.

Steve Davies, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said,&nbsp;"Cricket fever is set to sweep the nation in the coming weeks so what better way to unveil our new figure of Virat Kohli than with the help of our neighbours at Lord's.''

"We hope that cricket fans will enjoy not only watching their hero on the pitch but taking to the crease with him here at Madame Tussauds London," Davies added.

Pictured for the first time at the iconic Lord's, the statue is dressed in the official Indian kit as well as shoes and gloves donated by the sportsman himself.

From Thursday onwards, Kohli will sit alongside legends such as Usain Bolt, Sir Mo Farah and fellow Indian cricket star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-opens-again-at-the-world-cup-this-time-as-a-commentator-222677">Sachin Tendulkar</a>.

Tarah Cunynghame, Head of Retail &amp; Tours at Lord's Cricket Ground, said,&nbsp;"Lord's is the perfect backdrop to reveal this fantastic figure of Virat Kohli on the eve of the Cricket World Cup.

The anticipation of the exciting summer of cricket has already started, with thousands of visitors coming to the Ground and enjoying a tour of Lord's and around the MCC Museum.

"The figure of the famous batsman will delight any cricket fans visiting Madame Tussauds London," Davies said.

Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52b03f5f-145d-4fd4-8f78-c76e330a1214" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_9.jpg" />

India opens their&nbsp;campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

Renowned wax museum Madame Tussauds on Wednesday unveiled India captain Virat Kohli's statue at Lord's Cricket Ground here to mark the launch of the ICC World Cup.

Renowned wax museum Madame Tussauds on Wednesday unveiled India captain Virat Kohli's statue at Lord's Cricket Ground here to mark the launch of the ICC World Cup. The wax statue of one of the world's leading batsmen will be on display at Madame Tussauds from Thursday until July 15, remaining at the museum for the duration of the World Cup. Steve Davies, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said, "Cricket fever is set to sweep the nation in the coming weeks so what better way to unveil our new figure of Virat Kohli than with the help of our neighbours at Lord's.'' "We hope that cricket fans will enjoy not only watching their hero on the pitch but taking to the crease with him here at Madame Tussauds London," Davies added. Pictured for the first time at the iconic Lord's, the statue is dressed in the official Indian kit as well as shoes and gloves donated by the sportsman himself. From Thursday onwards, Kohli will sit alongside legends such as Usain Bolt, Sir Mo Farah and fellow Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar. Tarah Cunynghame, Head of Retail & Tours at Lord's Cricket Ground, said, "Lord's is the perfect backdrop to reveal this fantastic figure of Virat Kohli on the eve of the Cricket World Cup. The anticipation of the exciting summer of cricket has already started, with thousands of visitors coming to the Ground and enjoying a tour of Lord's and around the MCC Museum. "The figure of the famous batsman will delight any cricket fans visiting Madame Tussauds London," Davies said. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: India opens their campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

Virat Kohli's wax statue unveiled at Lord's to mark ICC World Cup launch

On the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">Cricket World Cup 2019</a>, all the skippers of the participating countries met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London.&nbsp;

The tournament is hosted by England and Wales is scheduled to take place between from May 30 to July 14.&nbsp;

The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages.

Just after the visit, the opening ceremony held at the London Mall next to the Buckingham Palace and from Viv Richards to Anil Kumble, many cricketing legends attended the ceremony.&nbsp;

Team Pakistan was represented by Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai.&nbsp;

During the ceremony, a unique 60-second challenge was played&nbsp;in which all teams were given one minute to score the maximum runs.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the captains' meeting with the Queen. "The 10 #CWC19 Captains with the Queen," BCCI captioned one of the photos on Twitter.&nbsp;

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The 10 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> Captains with the Queen. <a href="https://t.co/cT42NfuPCv">pic.twitter.com/cT42NfuPCv</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1133783155574550529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Captains including <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> met Her Majesty and His Royal Highness before joining a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. <a href="https://t.co/AjS5eZBrVH">pic.twitter.com/AjS5eZBrVH</a>
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1133764856178446336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch:&nbsp;Queen and Harry joke with world cricket captains

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England takes on South Africa in the opening match of the World cup today at the Oval in London.&nbsp;

On the eve of Cricket World Cup 2019, all the skippers of the participating countries met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London. The tournament is hosted by England and Wales is scheduled to take place between from May 30 to July 14.

On the eve of Cricket World Cup 2019, all the skippers of the participating countries met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London. The tournament is hosted by England and Wales is scheduled to take place between from May 30 to July 14. The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages. Just after the visit, the opening ceremony held at the London Mall next to the Buckingham Palace and from Viv Richards to Anil Kumble, many cricketing legends attended the ceremony. Team Pakistan was represented by Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai. During the ceremony, a unique 60-second challenge was played in which all teams were given one minute to score the maximum runs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the captains' meeting with the Queen. "The 10 #CWC19 Captains with the Queen," BCCI captioned one of the photos on Twitter. The 10 #CWC19 Captains with the Queen. pic.twitter.com/cT42NfuPCv — BCCI (@BCCI) May 29, 2019 × Captains including @Eoin16 and @imVkohli met Her Majesty and His Royal Highness before joining a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/AjS5eZBrVH — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 29, 2019 × Watch: Queen and Harry joke with world cricket captains × England takes on South Africa in the opening match of the World cup today at the Oval in London.

Captains meet Queen Elizabeth before the commencement of Cricket World Cup 2019

Skipper Virat Kohli, who is happy with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-answers-indias-number-four-conundrum-for-world-cup-with-cardiff-ton-222429">KL Rahul</a>'s timely hundred at No 4 slot is not overtly worried about Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma's patchy form in the two World Cup warm-up games ahead of the tournament proper.&nbsp;

The skipper gave enough indications that Rahul has sealed his spot at No 4 with a 99-ball-108 against Bangladesh in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-kl-rahul-hit-tons-as-india-beat-bangladesh-in-world-cup-warm-up-222416">final warm-up game which India won by 95 runs</a>.

"The biggest positive from today was the way KL (Rahul) batted at No. 4. Everyone else know their roles. It is important that he gets the runs as he is such a class player," Kohli said of Rahul who hit a 99-ball 108, after India's big win in their final World Cup warm-up game.

"MS (Dhoni) and Hardik were superb as well," he added. Dhoni also scored a hundred -- a 78-ball 113 -- while Hardik Pandya contributed 21 from 11 deliveries down the order.&nbsp;

The two senior openers, however, didn't get the kind of practice that they would have ideally liked before the first game against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton.

Dhawan had scores of 1 and 2 while Rahit scored 2 and 19 against New Zealand and Bangladesh respectively.

"We have had two good challenges in the two games while batting first. Shikhar and Rohit are quality players, they become stars in ICC events. Ideally, we would have liked to chase today. I understand if guys don't get going right away in this format. In warm-up games, at times, you don't get the motivation especially because the amount of cricket that we play. But I am glad with what we got out of these two games," Kohli came in defence of the opening duo.&nbsp;

He also praised the wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal for picking six wickets amongst themselves.&nbsp;

"We were challenged by their batsmen as well but we bowled well and our spinners got wickets too. Bumrah got us the breakthrough and Chahal and Kuldeep got us six wickets," Kohli said.&nbsp;

He said in the World Cup matches the ball might turn a bit in the second half and swing and seam would be important in the first fifteen overs. He said most of the teams winning the toss would want to chase.&nbsp;

In warm-up games, often the side fielding second finds it a bit of a drag in the final overs like it happened against Bangladesh where the outcome was clear by the 35th over but match went on till the last over.&nbsp;

"The last 15 overs could be challenging on the field, especially when the game is not interesting and you have to go through the motions. But once the tournament starts nobody would find all these things long, which is what you expect from a world class tournament like the World Cup."&nbsp;

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said, "We have spent fours weeks here. So, a few players have some niggles.&nbsp;

"Looks alright (about his fitness), but we need to look after our bowlers. Our top-order is scoring some runs. Soumya batted well, Liton and Mushfiq did a good job. Overall, the top-order batsmen need to understand their role."

Skipper Virat Kohli, who is happy with KL Rahul's timely hundred at No 4 slot is not overtly worried about Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma's patchy form in the two World Cup warm-up games ahead of the tournament proper.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who is happy with KL Rahul's timely hundred at No 4 slot is not overtly worried about Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma's patchy form in the two World Cup warm-up games ahead of the tournament proper. The skipper gave enough indications that Rahul has sealed his spot at No 4 with a 99-ball-108 against Bangladesh in the final warm-up game which India won by 95 runs. "The biggest positive from today was the way KL (Rahul) batted at No. 4. Everyone else know their roles. It is important that he gets the runs as he is such a class player," Kohli said of Rahul who hit a 99-ball 108, after India's big win in their final World Cup warm-up game. "MS (Dhoni) and Hardik were superb as well," he added. Dhoni also scored a hundred -- a 78-ball 113 -- while Hardik Pandya contributed 21 from 11 deliveries down the order. The two senior openers, however, didn't get the kind of practice that they would have ideally liked before the first game against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton. Dhawan had scores of 1 and 2 while Rahit scored 2 and 19 against New Zealand and Bangladesh respectively. "We have had two good challenges in the two games while batting first. Shikhar and Rohit are quality players, they become stars in ICC events. Ideally, we would have liked to chase today. I understand if guys don't get going right away in this format. In warm-up games, at times, you don't get the motivation especially because the amount of cricket that we play. But I am glad with what we got out of these two games," Kohli came in defence of the opening duo. He also praised the wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal for picking six wickets amongst themselves. "We were challenged by their batsmen as well but we bowled well and our spinners got wickets too. Bumrah got us the breakthrough and Chahal and Kuldeep got us six wickets," Kohli said. He said in the World Cup matches the ball might turn a bit in the second half and swing and seam would be important in the first fifteen overs. He said most of the teams winning the toss would want to chase. In warm-up games, often the side fielding second finds it a bit of a drag in the final overs like it happened against Bangladesh where the outcome was clear by the 35th over but match went on till the last over. "The last 15 overs could be challenging on the field, especially when the game is not interesting and you have to go through the motions. But once the tournament starts nobody would find all these things long, which is what you expect from a world class tournament like the World Cup." Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said, "We have spent fours weeks here. So, a few players have some niggles. "Looks alright (about his fitness), but we need to look after our bowlers. Our top-order is scoring some runs. Soumya batted well, Liton and Mushfiq did a good job. Overall, the top-order batsmen need to understand their role."

KL Rahul's batting at No 4 is big positive, not worried about Dhawan, Rohit's form, says Virat Kohli

India eased to a 95-run victory over Bangladesh in their final World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday after centuries from Lokesh Rahul and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped them post a mammoth total of 359.

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first but, despite removing openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cheaply, they failed to take advantage of bowler-friendly conditions in the morning session in Cardiff.

Indian skipper <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammad-saifuddin-dismisses-virat-kohli-with-a-stunning-yorker-in-warm-up-match-222319&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjB9arZ_7_iAhWg73MBHaTtBg8QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vcvyZuVlyuGvxono7scX6">Virat Kohli</a> scored 47 off 46 balls with five boundaries before Rahul and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-coach-ravi-shastri-on-ms-dhonis-presence-and-tough-english-conditions-220420&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZgbuw_7_iAhVGOSsKHQ9sChYQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QLJj6_Zf7KWeSM3YKt_o7">Dhoni </a>added 164 runs in a fifth-wicket stand.

The partnership came to an end with the dismissal of Rahul, who finished with 108 off 99 balls with 12 fours and four sixes.

Rahul made the squad as a back-up opener but he is also competing for the number four spot alongside all-rounder Vijay Shankar and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik.

"The biggest positive from today was the way KL batted at number four. He is such a class player,"&nbsp;Kohli said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tendulkar-says-ms-dhoni-best-suited-at-no-5-for-india-at-the-icc-cricket-world-cup-220855&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZgbuw_7_iAhVGOSsKHQ9sChYQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3dH6cn6nWXT8DNcdAxm6PV">Former captain Dhoni</a> reached his century off 73 balls and went on to score 113 before losing his wicket to left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the final over.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya made a 21-run cameo to take the total to 359-7.

Bangladesh openers Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar made a steady start to the run chase before they were rattled by Jasprit Bumrah's double strike in the 10th over.

Sarkar was caught behind for 25 and Shakib perished to a perfect yorker for a first-ball duck.

Das (73) and Mushfiqur Rahim (90) offered some resistance with a 120-run partnership for the third wicket but they failed to step up the scoring rate against India's wrist spinning duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs.

Das was dismissed by Chahal in the 32nd over, triggering a batting collapse as Bangladesh went from 169-2 to 216-8.

Both Chahal and Yadav finished with three wickets each as Bangladesh were bowled out for 264.

Kohli was pleased with his bowling unit ahead of their tournament opener against South Africa on June 5.

"Bumrah got us the breakthrough and Chahal and Kuldeep got us six wickets," he said.

"In the second half (in the coming matches), the ball might turn a little bit but initially the ball will swing and seam, which will be the most important phase," Kohli said.

India eased to a 95-run victory over Bangladesh in their final World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday after centuries from Lokesh Rahul and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped them post a mammoth total of 359.

India eased to a 95-run victory over Bangladesh in their final World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday after centuries from Lokesh Rahul and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped them post a mammoth total of 359. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first but, despite removing openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cheaply, they failed to take advantage of bowler-friendly conditions in the morning session in Cardiff. Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored 47 off 46 balls with five boundaries before Rahul and Dhoni added 164 runs in a fifth-wicket stand. The partnership came to an end with the dismissal of Rahul, who finished with 108 off 99 balls with 12 fours and four sixes. Rahul made the squad as a back-up opener but he is also competing for the number four spot alongside all-rounder Vijay Shankar and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik. "The biggest positive from today was the way KL batted at number four. He is such a class player," Kohli said. Former captain Dhoni reached his century off 73 balls and went on to score 113 before losing his wicket to left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the final over. All-rounder Hardik Pandya made a 21-run cameo to take the total to 359-7. Bangladesh openers Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar made a steady start to the run chase before they were rattled by Jasprit Bumrah's double strike in the 10th over. Sarkar was caught behind for 25 and Shakib perished to a perfect yorker for a first-ball duck. Das (73) and Mushfiqur Rahim (90) offered some resistance with a 120-run partnership for the third wicket but they failed to step up the scoring rate against India's wrist spinning duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs. Das was dismissed by Chahal in the 32nd over, triggering a batting collapse as Bangladesh went from 169-2 to 216-8. Both Chahal and Yadav finished with three wickets each as Bangladesh were bowled out for 264. Kohli was pleased with his bowling unit ahead of their tournament opener against South Africa on June 5. "Bumrah got us the breakthrough and Chahal and Kuldeep got us six wickets," he said. "In the second half (in the coming matches), the ball might turn a little bit but initially the ball will swing and seam, which will be the most important phase," Kohli said.

MS Dhoni, KL Rahul hit tons as India beat Bangladesh in World Cup warm-up

Sachin Tendulkar believes the quality of India's batting is sufficient to make up for the deficiency of left-handed batsmen in the lineup, the cricketing great told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a>.

A left-right batting competition is of significant value in modern one-day internationals but two-time champions India&nbsp;have only one frontline southpaw in opener Shikhar Dhawan.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could make that two if he is picked in the playing side, but Tendulkar is confident the team have enough firepower to overcome the shortage of left-handed batsmen.

"Ideally left-right combination is something which disturbs the bowler's line and length and also the captain has to readjust his fielding," Tendulkar, 46, said in an interview ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England on Thursday.

"But if you have good quality batters, which we do, then it really doesn't matter whether it is a left-hand right-hand combination. We have some solid batters who can deliver the punch."

With the experienced partnership of Rohit Sharma and Dhawan locked in as openers and captain Virat Kohli coming in at first drop, the 1983 and 2011 champions have a top order the rival of any in the game.

But they will go into this year's World Cup with a soft underbelly having failed to settle on a number four, with KL Rahul the favourite to fill the position after his century in Tuesday's practice match against Bangladesh.

Following next in the batting order will be veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose 341 ODI appearances makes him the most experienced player at this year's World Cup.

India's 2011 World Cup winning captain is considered the best finisher in contemporary cricket and his inputs from behind the stumps would be as important, said Tendulkar.

"It's important that someone who's standing behind the wickets has played for such a long time and has also led India and is in the best possible position to figure out what's happening off the surface," Tendulkar said.

"Whether the ball is stopping, bouncing, or skidding, whatever it is, he knows exactly how the ball is coming and he knows where the gaps are and how to close those gaps. His contribution and inputs are always going to be important.

"Other keepers also try and do the same thing but MS's experience is going to count a lot."

India boast of world's top-ranked ODI bowler in quick Jasprit Bumrah while wristspinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also feature in the top 10.

Tendulkar, who remains the only cricketer to score 100 centuries across formats, played six consecutive World Cups from 1992 and holds the records for most runs and centuries in the tournament's history.

He is confident India have a "complete" bowling attack to win their third 50-over title.

"We have someone like Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) who swings the ball, (Mohammed) Shami who is skiddy off the pitch, Bumrah who is the number one bowler in the world in this format," said Tendulkar, a member of India's 2011 World Cup triumph at home.

"We have someone like Chahal and Kuldeep who are wristspinners. So there is variety also in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja can keep things tight.

"And we have supporting bowlers in Hardik (Pandya), Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav. So all in all a well-balanced bowling attack I would say."

2019 Edition

The World Cup returns to the 10-team format to maintain quality of the competition after featuring 14 in each of the last two editions.

The decision was criticised by former players and associate nations, who are upset at being denied the chance to rub shoulders with the top sides of the world.

"Ideally if it's called the World Cup then the world should be participating. We need to find ways to engage more teams yet keep that standard of playing high," Tendulkar said.

"It's not going to happen overnight. We need to find ways to do that. I will love to see more than 10 teams participating but also at the same time not compromise on the standard of playing.

"It's going to be a lengthy process. Lesser teams should get more exposure to get ready for big tournaments."

India suffered the ignominy of being eliminated in the opening round of the tournament in 2007 while 2019 hosts England met the same fate last time the showpiece event was held in Australia and New Zealand four years back.

But this year's format -- which will see all teams playing each other with the top four advancing to the semi-finals -- will ensure teams have a shot at redemption, according to Tendulkar.

"This format still gives you a chance to come back. You are not out even before you wake up," Tendulkar said.

Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd483eb7-56fe-42b5-9175-3d50880474cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_6.jpg" />
"Sometimes it can be harsh. Since this is the World Cup, one would want to get another chance. If it's a bad day then you have time to recover and this format allows you to recover."

Sachin Tendulkar believes the quality of India's batting is sufficient to make up for the deficiency of left-handed batsmen in the lineup, the cricketing great told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar believes the quality of India's batting is sufficient to make up for the deficiency of left-handed batsmen in the lineup, the cricketing great told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the World Cup. A left-right batting competition is of significant value in modern one-day internationals but two-time champions India have only one frontline southpaw in opener Shikhar Dhawan. Spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could make that two if he is picked in the playing side, but Tendulkar is confident the team have enough firepower to overcome the shortage of left-handed batsmen. "Ideally left-right combination is something which disturbs the bowler's line and length and also the captain has to readjust his fielding," Tendulkar, 46, said in an interview ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England on Thursday. "But if you have good quality batters, which we do, then it really doesn't matter whether it is a left-hand right-hand combination. We have some solid batters who can deliver the punch." With the experienced partnership of Rohit Sharma and Dhawan locked in as openers and captain Virat Kohli coming in at first drop, the 1983 and 2011 champions have a top order the rival of any in the game. But they will go into this year's World Cup with a soft underbelly having failed to settle on a number four, with KL Rahul the favourite to fill the position after his century in Tuesday's practice match against Bangladesh. Following next in the batting order will be veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose 341 ODI appearances makes him the most experienced player at this year's World Cup. India's 2011 World Cup winning captain is considered the best finisher in contemporary cricket and his inputs from behind the stumps would be as important, said Tendulkar. "It's important that someone who's standing behind the wickets has played for such a long time and has also led India and is in the best possible position to figure out what's happening off the surface," Tendulkar said. "Whether the ball is stopping, bouncing, or skidding, whatever it is, he knows exactly how the ball is coming and he knows where the gaps are and how to close those gaps. His contribution and inputs are always going to be important. "Other keepers also try and do the same thing but MS's experience is going to count a lot." India boast of world's top-ranked ODI bowler in quick Jasprit Bumrah while wristspinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also feature in the top 10. Tendulkar, who remains the only cricketer to score 100 centuries across formats, played six consecutive World Cups from 1992 and holds the records for most runs and centuries in the tournament's history. He is confident India have a "complete" bowling attack to win their third 50-over title. "We have someone like Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) who swings the ball, (Mohammed) Shami who is skiddy off the pitch, Bumrah who is the number one bowler in the world in this format," said Tendulkar, a member of India's 2011 World Cup triumph at home. "We have someone like Chahal and Kuldeep who are wristspinners. So there is variety also in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja can keep things tight. "And we have supporting bowlers in Hardik (Pandya), Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav. So all in all a well-balanced bowling attack I would say." 2019 Edition The World Cup returns to the 10-team format to maintain quality of the competition after featuring 14 in each of the last two editions. The decision was criticised by former players and associate nations, who are upset at being denied the chance to rub shoulders with the top sides of the world. "Ideally if it's called the World Cup then the world should be participating. We need to find ways to engage more teams yet keep that standard of playing high," Tendulkar said. "It's not going to happen overnight. We need to find ways to do that. I will love to see more than 10 teams participating but also at the same time not compromise on the standard of playing. "It's going to be a lengthy process. Lesser teams should get more exposure to get ready for big tournaments." India suffered the ignominy of being eliminated in the opening round of the tournament in 2007 while 2019 hosts England met the same fate last time the showpiece event was held in Australia and New Zealand four years back. But this year's format -- which will see all teams playing each other with the top four advancing to the semi-finals -- will ensure teams have a shot at redemption, according to Tendulkar. "This format still gives you a chance to come back. You are not out even before you wake up," Tendulkar said. Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: "Sometimes it can be harsh. Since this is the World Cup, one would want to get another chance. If it's a bad day then you have time to recover and this format allows you to recover."

Southpaw shortage not a concern for India's batting: Sachin Tendulkar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-kl-rahul-hit-tons-as-india-beat-bangladesh-in-world-cup-warm-up-222416">KL Rahul's century</a> in Tuesday's warm-up match against Bangladesh suggested he could be the answer to India's search for a reliable number four batsman at the World Cup but the right-hander says he is happy to bat anywhere.

Two-time champions India continue to fret over the problematic batting position after a number of candidates failed their auditions in the buildup to the World Cup.

Chief selector MSK Prasad had made it clear that all-rounder Vijay Shankar was the first choice for the spot while Rahul, generally an opening batsman, was another option.

Batting at number four, Rahul managed only six in Saturday's warm-up match against New Zealand but followed it up with 108 off 99 balls in their 95-run victory in Cardiff.

Rahul's assured innings, which included 12 boundaries and four sixes, seems to have sealed the deal with Indian captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammad-saifuddin-dismisses-virat-kohli-with-a-stunning-yorker-in-warm-up-match-222319">Virat Kohli</a> saying his contribution was the "biggest positive" from the game.

Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3b2740-508d-4294-9381-5e07fe915b6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_3.jpg" />
"I'm really happy with how I've bounced back and this gives me lots of confidence," Rahul told reporters after the game.

"Where I play is not for me to decide. It's a team game and you need to be flexible. You need to be ready to bat, whatever role you are given, you have to take what is thrown at you," Rahul said.

Rahul built a 164-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who scored a century of his own, to give India a commanding total of 359.

"(Dhoni) just dominated the spinners and is striking the ball so well. It's a great sign for us and it's just a pleasure to watch him from the other end when he is playing like that," Rahul added.

India begin their quest for a third World Cup title on June 5 when they take on South Africa at The Rose Bowl. 
&nbsp;

KL Rahul's century in Tuesday's warm-up match against Bangladesh suggested he could be the answer to India's search for a reliable number four batsman at the World Cup but the right-hander says he is happy to bat anywhere.

KL Rahul's century in Tuesday's warm-up match against Bangladesh suggested he could be the answer to India's search for a reliable number four batsman at the World Cup but the right-hander says he is happy to bat anywhere. Two-time champions India continue to fret over the problematic batting position after a number of candidates failed their auditions in the buildup to the World Cup. Chief selector MSK Prasad had made it clear that all-rounder Vijay Shankar was the first choice for the spot while Rahul, generally an opening batsman, was another option. Batting at number four, Rahul managed only six in Saturday's warm-up match against New Zealand but followed it up with 108 off 99 balls in their 95-run victory in Cardiff. Rahul's assured innings, which included 12 boundaries and four sixes, seems to have sealed the deal with Indian captain Virat Kohli saying his contribution was the "biggest positive" from the game. Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: "I'm really happy with how I've bounced back and this gives me lots of confidence," Rahul told reporters after the game. "Where I play is not for me to decide. It's a team game and you need to be flexible. You need to be ready to bat, whatever role you are given, you have to take what is thrown at you," Rahul said. Rahul built a 164-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who scored a century of his own, to give India a commanding total of 359. "(Dhoni) just dominated the spinners and is striking the ball so well. It's a great sign for us and it's just a pleasure to watch him from the other end when he is playing like that," Rahul added. India begin their quest for a third World Cup title on June 5 when they take on South Africa at The Rose Bowl.

KL Rahul answers India's number four conundrum for World Cup with Cardiff ton

Before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indias-plans-for-cricket-world-cup-2019-220402">Indian team captain Virat Kohli</a> said that there ain't a&nbsp;bigger motivation that Indian Army after the former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath had motivated the Indian cricketers to play the World Cup this year for the armed forces.&nbsp;

On being asked in this regard, Kohli said, "You get motivation from several sources. There's no bigger motivation than the Indian Army.

"If you want to dedicate it to the army, there can't be anything better," Kohli added.&nbsp;

"If we go in with that motivation that we can do something for the Army, you will see a different level of passion coming out of us. But that also depends on a lot of other factors. Every individual has a different motivation while playing in the World Cup.

"I think if everyone keeps the Indian Army in mind then we will get an extra boost from it," Virat Kohli added.&nbsp;

Indian will play two&nbsp;warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 25 and May 28 respectively before&nbsp;starting their campaign against South Africa on June 5.&nbsp;

Recently, during the India-Australia series, the Indian cricket team paid tribute to Indian Army in the third ODI match&nbsp;after the ghastly Pulwama attack that killed over&nbsp;40 CRPF soldiers.&nbsp;

They also decided to contribute their match fees from that game to the National Defence Fund.&nbsp;

Even in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2019,&nbsp;BCCI's contributed the entire budget earmarked for the league's opening ceremony to the funds of the Indian armed forces and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The BCCI has contributed a sum of Rs 20 crore.

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Despite the fourth-place-batsman conundrum, the Indian team boast of a strong batting unit in the presence of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan along with Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow.&nbsp;

Before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, Indian team captain Virat Kohli said that there ain't a bigger motivation that Indian Army after the former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath had motivated the Indian cricketers to play the World Cup this year for the armed forces.

Before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, Indian team captain Virat Kohli said that there ain't a bigger motivation that Indian Army after the former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath had motivated the Indian cricketers to play the World Cup this year for the armed forces. On being asked in this regard, Kohli said, "You get motivation from several sources. There's no bigger motivation than the Indian Army. "If you want to dedicate it to the army, there can't be anything better," Kohli added. "If we go in with that motivation that we can do something for the Army, you will see a different level of passion coming out of us. But that also depends on a lot of other factors. Every individual has a different motivation while playing in the World Cup. "I think if everyone keeps the Indian Army in mind then we will get an extra boost from it," Virat Kohli added. Indian will play two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 25 and May 28 respectively before starting their campaign against South Africa on June 5. Recently, during the India-Australia series, the Indian cricket team paid tribute to Indian Army in the third ODI match after the ghastly Pulwama attack that killed over 40 CRPF soldiers. They also decided to contribute their match fees from that game to the National Defence Fund. Even in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2019, BCCI's contributed the entire budget earmarked for the league's opening ceremony to the funds of the Indian armed forces and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The BCCI has contributed a sum of Rs 20 crore. × Despite the fourth-place-batsman conundrum, the Indian team boast of a strong batting unit in the presence of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan along with Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow.

'There's no bigger motivation than Indian Army,' says Virat Kohli ahead of Cricket World Cup 2019

India captain&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli said on Thursday it was a "big compliment" to be a target wicket for England newcomer Jofra Archer at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">upcoming World Cup</a>.

Barbados-born fast bowler Archer, who has impressed in the Indian Premier League, was included in England's 15-man squad for the tournament despite having played just three one-day internationals.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Sussex quick, capable of bowling at 90 miles-an-hour (145 kmh), celebrated his inclusion by setting his sights on dismissing Kohli, long one of the world's leading batsmen, during the competition. &nbsp;

"I'd quite like to get&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli out because I wasn't able to in the IPL," Archer, who only qualified for England in March, told Sky Sports.

Kohli, who had been told of Archer's comments at a captains' press conference in London on Thursday, said: "That's news to me, news to Morgs (England skipper Eoin Morgan) as well. I don't really focus on these things.

"I take a lot of pride in performing well for the team and making a big impact on each game I play, so if Jofra said that it's a big compliment as he himself is a world-class bowler."

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'Intimidating'

Kohli added: "And the way he has come through in the IPL over the last couple of years, I have seen him and he's played all around the world and done well so there's a good reason why he's been fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World Cup.

"I think he's going to be the X-factor because he has all the skill-sets and he's very different from anyone else.

"He can generate a lot of pace, which can be intimidating, and you don't really expect that from his run-up."

England have climbed to the top of the ODI rankings since their humiliating group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup and are threatening the smash the 500-run barrier, once considered all but impossible in 50 overs.

But Kohli predicted that some World Cup matches would be low-scoring affairs.&nbsp;

"They (England) seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else," he said. "They smash it from ball one and for the full 50 overs."

"It could be pretty high scoring, but 260-270 is going to be as difficult to get as chasing 370, 380 in a World Cup," he added.

"When you get closer to the knockout phase that is going to bring greater pressure and no-one is going to go gung-ho from ball one," he said.

"Generally teams will find a way but I see pressure playing a massive role."

England launch the World Cup against South Africa at The Oval on May 30.

With all 10 teams playing each other in the group phase, England are scheduled to play India at Edgbaston on June 30.

India captain Virat Kohli said on Thursday it was a "big compliment" to be a target wicket for England newcomer Jofra Archer at the upcoming World Cup. Barbados-born fast bowler Archer, who has impressed in the Indian Premier League, was included in England's 15-man squad for the tournament despite having played just three one-day internationals.

India captain Virat Kohli said on Thursday it was a "big compliment" to be a target wicket for England newcomer Jofra Archer at the upcoming World Cup. Barbados-born fast bowler Archer, who has impressed in the Indian Premier League, was included in England's 15-man squad for the tournament despite having played just three one-day internationals. The 24-year-old Sussex quick, capable of bowling at 90 miles-an-hour (145 kmh), celebrated his inclusion by setting his sights on dismissing Kohli, long one of the world's leading batsmen, during the competition. "I'd quite like to get Virat Kohli out because I wasn't able to in the IPL," Archer, who only qualified for England in March, told Sky Sports. Kohli, who had been told of Archer's comments at a captains' press conference in London on Thursday, said: "That's news to me, news to Morgs (England skipper Eoin Morgan) as well. I don't really focus on these things. "I take a lot of pride in performing well for the team and making a big impact on each game I play, so if Jofra said that it's a big compliment as he himself is a world-class bowler." × 'Intimidating' Kohli added: "And the way he has come through in the IPL over the last couple of years, I have seen him and he's played all around the world and done well so there's a good reason why he's been fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World Cup. "I think he's going to be the X-factor because he has all the skill-sets and he's very different from anyone else. "He can generate a lot of pace, which can be intimidating, and you don't really expect that from his run-up." England have climbed to the top of the ODI rankings since their humiliating group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup and are threatening the smash the 500-run barrier, once considered all but impossible in 50 overs. But Kohli predicted that some World Cup matches would be low-scoring affairs. "They (England) seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else," he said. "They smash it from ball one and for the full 50 overs." "It could be pretty high scoring, but 260-270 is going to be as difficult to get as chasing 370, 380 in a World Cup," he added. "When you get closer to the knockout phase that is going to bring greater pressure and no-one is going to go gung-ho from ball one," he said. "Generally teams will find a way but I see pressure playing a massive role." England launch the World Cup against South Africa at The Oval on May 30. With all 10 teams playing each other in the group phase, England are scheduled to play India at Edgbaston on June 30.

Virat Kohli honoured to be World Cup target for 'X-factor' Jofra Archer

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-coach-ravi-shastri-on-ms-dhonis-presence-and-tough-english-conditions-220420">India </a>need to space out their experienced batsmen at the World Cup in England and veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni is best suited at number five, according to batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

Skipper Virat Kohli joins openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma to complete India's stable top three while all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-i-prepare-myself-for-world-cup-will-be-real-challenge-for-me-vijay-shankar-219589">Vijay Shankar</a> is set to bat at number four in the earlier games.

Having Dhoni, whose 341 ODI appearances makes him the most experienced player at this year's World Cup, at number five would ensure the former India captain could nudge along before exploding in the final overs, believes <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-says-jasprit-bumrah-is-the-best-bowler-at-this-stage-218294&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQi-bjhbHiAhXM_XMBHT6qBvAQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2F5wk0k7uAwWI_lkpFFqMM">Tendulkar</a>.

"My personal opinion is Dhoni should be batting (at) five," Tendulkar, part of the Dhoni-led squad who won the 2011 World Cup on home soil, told ESPNcricinfo.

"I still don't know what the team combination would be, but if you are going Rohit and Shikhar as openers, to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indias-plans-for-cricket-world-cup-2019-220402">Virat at No. 3</a> and whoever at No. 4 then Dhoni could be No. 5. Then Hardik Pandya, an explosive player, follows them'', Tendulkar said.

"That way the experienced batsmen are well spaced out and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-needs-ms-dhoni-in-2019-world-cup-says-sunil-gavaskar-174415&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV4u2DhrHiAhWKPo8KHdLkDsU4ChAWMAN6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mpLLYAel5FcZKB5KiPtPD">Dhoni </a>can stretch the game towards the end where he himself can be explosive along with Hardik. From No 5-8 you are looking at finishers, who stay till the end and soak in that pressure. I feel we are well equipped to do that", he added.

Dhawan is the lone left-hander in India's strong batting lineup and Tendulkar said the opener must bat deep into the matches to help dominate the bowlers, especially the leg-spinners.

"A left-right combination always helps because that means the bowler has to adjust his line every now and then and the (bowling) captain has also to keep thinking," said Tendulkar, who remains the only cricketer with 100 international centuries against his name'', Sachin said.

"And if there is a partnership, the job becomes even tougher. So, yes, it is important for a left-hander to be there to put pressure on the legspinner or for that matter any bowler", Sachin added.

England's home series against Pakistan has convinced Tendulkar that it would be a high-scoring World Cup played on flat tracks and with two new balls which negate reverse swing.

"I believe if you have quality spinners to bowl in the middle overs they would end up picking wickets'', Tendulkar said.

"It is all about bowling in partnerships - if quality bowlers could bowl in tandem and create pressure on the batting line-up, that is one way of countering all these factors (that) I feel are not in favour of the bowlers", Tendulkar concluded.

India need to space out their experienced batsmen at the World Cup in England and veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni is best suited at number five, according to batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

India need to space out their experienced batsmen at the World Cup in England and veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni is best suited at number five, according to batting great Sachin Tendulkar. Skipper Virat Kohli joins openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma to complete India's stable top three while all-rounder Vijay Shankar is set to bat at number four in the earlier games. Having Dhoni, whose 341 ODI appearances makes him the most experienced player at this year's World Cup, at number five would ensure the former India captain could nudge along before exploding in the final overs, believes Tendulkar. "My personal opinion is Dhoni should be batting (at) five," Tendulkar, part of the Dhoni-led squad who won the 2011 World Cup on home soil, told ESPNcricinfo. "I still don't know what the team combination would be, but if you are going Rohit and Shikhar as openers, to Virat at No. 3 and whoever at No. 4 then Dhoni could be No. 5. Then Hardik Pandya, an explosive player, follows them'', Tendulkar said. "That way the experienced batsmen are well spaced out and Dhoni can stretch the game towards the end where he himself can be explosive along with Hardik. From No 5-8 you are looking at finishers, who stay till the end and soak in that pressure. I feel we are well equipped to do that", he added. Dhawan is the lone left-hander in India's strong batting lineup and Tendulkar said the opener must bat deep into the matches to help dominate the bowlers, especially the leg-spinners. "A left-right combination always helps because that means the bowler has to adjust his line every now and then and the (bowling) captain has also to keep thinking," said Tendulkar, who remains the only cricketer with 100 international centuries against his name'', Sachin said. "And if there is a partnership, the job becomes even tougher. So, yes, it is important for a left-hander to be there to put pressure on the legspinner or for that matter any bowler", Sachin added. England's home series against Pakistan has convinced Tendulkar that it would be a high-scoring World Cup played on flat tracks and with two new balls which negate reverse swing. "I believe if you have quality spinners to bowl in the middle overs they would end up picking wickets'', Tendulkar said. "It is all about bowling in partnerships - if quality bowlers could bowl in tandem and create pressure on the batting line-up, that is one way of countering all these factors (that) I feel are not in favour of the bowlers", Tendulkar concluded.

Sachin Tendulkar says, MS Dhoni best suited at No 5 for India at the Cricket World Cup 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-coach-ravi-shastri-on-ms-dhonis-presence-and-tough-english-conditions-220420">Team India</a> has&nbsp;arrived in London to participate in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the team and staff on Twitter with a caption, reading, "Touchdown London #TeamIndia".

Ahead of the World Cup, warm-up matches will take place.

Each team will get an opportunity to play two games.

India will face New Zealand on May 25 in its first warm-up followed by a match against Bangladesh on May 28.

At a pre-departure press conference held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theres-no-bigger-motivation-than-indian-army-virat-kohli-ahead-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-220427">Kohli </a>opined that they are entering in the tournament with a balanced and a strong side.

"We are going into the World Cup as a balanced and strong side. You saw in the IPL as well. All the players in the squad are in great form and playing really well. I think from that point of view, we just expect ourselves to play the best cricket we can," the Indian captain said.

All the 10 teams will face each other in a Round Robin format.

Calling it the most challenging World Cup, Kohli said, "It`s the most challenging one of all three that I've been part of because of the format. Looking at the strength of all the sides as well. If you look at Afghanistan from 2015 to now, they are completely different side. Any team can upset anyone on their given day. That's one thing we have in our mind."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Touchdown London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWihuGrnjw">pic.twitter.com/mWihuGrnjw</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1131178032729862144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Following is India's&nbsp;15-man squad: 

Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Kartik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami.

India will kick-off its World Cup campaign against South Africa at Hampshire Bowl. Southampton on June 5.

Team India has arrived in London to participate in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the team and staff on Twitter with a caption, reading, "Touchdown London #TeamIndia".

Team India has arrived in London to participate in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the team and staff on Twitter with a caption, reading, "Touchdown London #TeamIndia". Ahead of the World Cup, warm-up matches will take place. Each team will get an opportunity to play two games. India will face New Zealand on May 25 in its first warm-up followed by a match against Bangladesh on May 28. At a pre-departure press conference held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday, Kohli opined that they are entering in the tournament with a balanced and a strong side. "We are going into the World Cup as a balanced and strong side. You saw in the IPL as well. All the players in the squad are in great form and playing really well. I think from that point of view, we just expect ourselves to play the best cricket we can," the Indian captain said. All the 10 teams will face each other in a Round Robin format. Calling it the most challenging World Cup, Kohli said, "It`s the most challenging one of all three that I've been part of because of the format. Looking at the strength of all the sides as well. If you look at Afghanistan from 2015 to now, they are completely different side. Any team can upset anyone on their given day. That's one thing we have in our mind." Touchdown London #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/mWihuGrnjw — BCCI (@BCCI) May 22, 2019 × Following is India's 15-man squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Kartik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami. India will kick-off its World Cup campaign against South Africa at Hampshire Bowl. Southampton on June 5.

Team India arrives in London ahead of the ICC World Cup

Stacking up staggering numbers with monotonic regularity may have become a day job for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indias-plans-for-cricket-world-cup-2019-220402">Virat Kohli</a>, but he can in "no way" win a World Cup without support from his teammates, feels <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-says-jasprit-bumrah-is-the-best-bowler-at-this-stage-218294">Sachin Tendulkar</a>.

In an exclusive interview with the PTI, Tendulkar spoke about a range of topics including Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal's role, the contentious No. 4 slot and how flat pitches in England are taking bowlers out of the equation.

"I think you will always have a couple of individuals stepping up every game but without team support, you can't do much. Just because of one individual, you can't win a tournament. No way. Unless others chip in at every crucial stage. If that doesn't happen, there will be a disappointment," Tendulkar said when asked if Kohli will carry the same burden as he did, specifically during 1996, 1999 and 2003 editions.

Tendulkar is hardly worried that India doesn't have a settled No. 4, saying the slot can be kept flexible as per requirement and match situation.

"I think we have batsmen, who can do the job. Number four is just a number and it can be adjusted. I particularly don't see No 4 as a problem. Our boys have played enough cricket to know their roles whether it is No 4, 6 or 8. Situational awareness is the key," the world's highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs said.

However, Tendulkar is not entirely happy with how the balance of ODIs is skewed towards batsmen, taking bowlers out of the equation in white ball cricket with every passing day.

"It's become one-sided with the introduction of two new balls and flat pitches have made lives of bowlers much more difficult. One team is scoring 350 and the other is chasing down inside 45 overs," Tendulkar said in reference to recent England versus Pakistan series where bowlers had a nightmarish time.

What Tendulkar finds even more disappointing is that reverse swing had been taken out of the equation with two new balls.

"The ball is staying hard. I mean when was the last time you saw a reverse swing in ODIs?" questioned the iconic batsman.

"When we played and there was one new ball, it would start reversing from 28th or 30th over. Some teams could get it to reverse even earlier. At the death, the ball would go soft, even get discoloured. These were challenges that batsmen faced. But now the ball remains hard and the bats are getting better," lamented Tendulkar, who played six World Cups.

Quality of the balls (white kookaburra in question) has also become a factor, felt Tendulkar, who sees no lateral movement on flat tracks to challenge the batsmen.

What's the solution then? He responded,&nbsp;"I think some thought needs to go into this. Either prepare helpful tracks if you have two new balls so that there is some help up front. Or else go back to the old one new ball system which aids reverse swing. Whatever but do something for the bowlers."

According to him, wrist spinners are the one breed of bowlers who will do well, and India have two in Kuldeep and Chahal.

The Australians read the duo quite well during the home series in India but the maestro said that it won't matter much in England.

"Let's understand this. There are a number of bowlers who have been read well by batters but yet they end up getting a lot of wickets. So Kuldeep and Chahal shouldn't be too worried about Australia series," he said, adding both will play a massive role during the middle overs.

"Agreed the Aussies read them well but does that mean they wouldn't be committing mistakes or can't be forced to commit mistakes."

For Tendulkar, the perfect example was Muttiah Muralitharan.

"Murali basically bowled two deliveries - traditional off-breaks and doosra. It's not that batsmen never read Murali but he still ended up getting wickets," the 46-year-old said.

"There is a thing called error in judgement and that can happen with best of batsmen. You may think the ball would turn four inches but there is eight-inch turn. The distance between middling the ball and edging it is a mere deviation of fewer than two inches. Even when you know that an outswinger had been bowled, you still edge it," he said.

What Tendulkar liked about the composition of the World Cup-bound India team is the blend of youth and experience.

"There is a good balance in the side. We have a number of guys with 8-10 years of experience and at the same time, we have talented youngsters like Kuldeep, Rahul, Chahal, Hardik (Pandya) and Jasprit (Bumrah) with a couple of years of international cricket. So it's a perfect blend with all the makings of a wonderful team. I rate our chances very high," concluded Tendulkar.&nbsp;

Stacking up staggering numbers with monotonic regularity may have become a day job for Virat Kohli, but he can in "no way" win a World Cup without support from his teammates, feels Sachin Tendulkar.

Stacking up staggering numbers with monotonic regularity may have become a day job for Virat Kohli, but he can in "no way" win a World Cup without support from his teammates, feels Sachin Tendulkar. In an exclusive interview with the PTI, Tendulkar spoke about a range of topics including Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal's role, the contentious No. 4 slot and how flat pitches in England are taking bowlers out of the equation. "I think you will always have a couple of individuals stepping up every game but without team support, you can't do much. Just because of one individual, you can't win a tournament. No way. Unless others chip in at every crucial stage. If that doesn't happen, there will be a disappointment," Tendulkar said when asked if Kohli will carry the same burden as he did, specifically during 1996, 1999 and 2003 editions. Tendulkar is hardly worried that India doesn't have a settled No. 4, saying the slot can be kept flexible as per requirement and match situation. "I think we have batsmen, who can do the job. Number four is just a number and it can be adjusted. I particularly don't see No 4 as a problem. Our boys have played enough cricket to know their roles whether it is No 4, 6 or 8. Situational awareness is the key," the world's highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs said. However, Tendulkar is not entirely happy with how the balance of ODIs is skewed towards batsmen, taking bowlers out of the equation in white ball cricket with every passing day. "It's become one-sided with the introduction of two new balls and flat pitches have made lives of bowlers much more difficult. One team is scoring 350 and the other is chasing down inside 45 overs," Tendulkar said in reference to recent England versus Pakistan series where bowlers had a nightmarish time. What Tendulkar finds even more disappointing is that reverse swing had been taken out of the equation with two new balls. "The ball is staying hard. I mean when was the last time you saw a reverse swing in ODIs?" questioned the iconic batsman. "When we played and there was one new ball, it would start reversing from 28th or 30th over. Some teams could get it to reverse even earlier. At the death, the ball would go soft, even get discoloured. These were challenges that batsmen faced. But now the ball remains hard and the bats are getting better," lamented Tendulkar, who played six World Cups. Quality of the balls (white kookaburra in question) has also become a factor, felt Tendulkar, who sees no lateral movement on flat tracks to challenge the batsmen. What's the solution then? He responded, "I think some thought needs to go into this. Either prepare helpful tracks if you have two new balls so that there is some help up front. Or else go back to the old one new ball system which aids reverse swing. Whatever but do something for the bowlers." According to him, wrist spinners are the one breed of bowlers who will do well, and India have two in Kuldeep and Chahal. The Australians read the duo quite well during the home series in India but the maestro said that it won't matter much in England. "Let's understand this. There are a number of bowlers who have been read well by batters but yet they end up getting a lot of wickets. So Kuldeep and Chahal shouldn't be too worried about Australia series," he said, adding both will play a massive role during the middle overs. "Agreed the Aussies read them well but does that mean they wouldn't be committing mistakes or can't be forced to commit mistakes." For Tendulkar, the perfect example was Muttiah Muralitharan. "Murali basically bowled two deliveries - traditional off-breaks and doosra. It's not that batsmen never read Murali but he still ended up getting wickets," the 46-year-old said. "There is a thing called error in judgement and that can happen with best of batsmen. You may think the ball would turn four inches but there is eight-inch turn. The distance between middling the ball and edging it is a mere deviation of fewer than two inches. Even when you know that an outswinger had been bowled, you still edge it," he said. What Tendulkar liked about the composition of the World Cup-bound India team is the blend of youth and experience. "There is a good balance in the side. We have a number of guys with 8-10 years of experience and at the same time, we have talented youngsters like Kuldeep, Rahul, Chahal, Hardik (Pandya) and Jasprit (Bumrah) with a couple of years of international cricket. So it's a perfect blend with all the makings of a wonderful team. I rate our chances very high," concluded Tendulkar.

Virat alone can't win World Cup, others will need to step up: Sachin Tendulkar 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-world-cup-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-211495#india-211481">Indian cricket team</a> captain Virat Kohli and the head coach Ravi Shastri addressed a press conference before leaving for the World Cup,&nbsp;which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.&nbsp;

During the press conference, Kohli said, "Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued."

"I think the only expectation we have is to play really good cricket and that's been our focus," Kohli added.&nbsp;

"The team has been together for past four-five years and bowled together as unit. All players complement each other and can adjust accordingly," said Kohli on the Indian squad.&nbsp;

The skipper also reflected his thoughts on England's pitches.&nbsp;

"Our mantra is to be flexible in the last 10 overs, pitches are going to be flat but overcast conditions will also have to be taken into consideration. It will also depend on venue to venue, so you have to be prepared for that and be flexible," Kohli said.&nbsp;

On the other hand, coach Ravi Shastri said, "World Cup might be a stage but the stage is to be enjoyed, if we play to our potential then the Cup might be back here."

On the changed format of the World Cup, Shastri said, "Format is also challenging, the gap between team is also very close. It's a very strong competition. It will be fantastic. The plus side is you have nine games."

"It's a strong competition, even Bangladesh and Afghanistan are much stronger than in 2015," Shastri added.&nbsp;

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On MS Dhoni, Shastri said, "He has a massive role. There is no one better than him in this format especially in those little moments which can change the game. He will be a big player in this World Cup."

Indian will play two&nbsp;warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 25 and May 28 respectively before&nbsp;starting their campaign against South Africa on June 6.&nbsp;

Despite the fourth-place-batsman conundrum, the Indian team boast of a strong batting unit in the presence of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan along with Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow.&nbsp;

<img alt="Team Indian World Cup squad" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a623d9f-9a07-49c1-add9-b2b2f70210eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India%2011.jpg" />

The BCCI Selection Committee added KL Rahul and Vijay Shankar and it is expected that they might be considered for the number four spot.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik are the two wicketkeepers the management has picked.&nbsp;

Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are the three all-rounders of Team India.&nbsp;

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the three crucial pacers for the side. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal were included as specialist spinners.&nbsp;

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and the head coach Ravi Shastri addressed a press conference before leaving for the World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and the head coach Ravi Shastri addressed a press conference before leaving for the World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30. During the press conference, Kohli said, "Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued." "I think the only expectation we have is to play really good cricket and that's been our focus," Kohli added. "The team has been together for past four-five years and bowled together as unit. All players complement each other and can adjust accordingly," said Kohli on the Indian squad. The skipper also reflected his thoughts on England's pitches. "Our mantra is to be flexible in the last 10 overs, pitches are going to be flat but overcast conditions will also have to be taken into consideration. It will also depend on venue to venue, so you have to be prepared for that and be flexible," Kohli said. On the other hand, coach Ravi Shastri said, "World Cup might be a stage but the stage is to be enjoyed, if we play to our potential then the Cup might be back here." On the changed format of the World Cup, Shastri said, "Format is also challenging, the gap between team is also very close. It's a very strong competition. It will be fantastic. The plus side is you have nine games." "It's a strong competition, even Bangladesh and Afghanistan are much stronger than in 2015," Shastri added. × On MS Dhoni, Shastri said, "He has a massive role. There is no one better than him in this format especially in those little moments which can change the game. He will be a big player in this World Cup." Indian will play two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 25 and May 28 respectively before starting their campaign against South Africa on June 6. Despite the fourth-place-batsman conundrum, the Indian team boast of a strong batting unit in the presence of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan along with Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow. The BCCI Selection Committee added KL Rahul and Vijay Shankar and it is expected that they might be considered for the number four spot. MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik are the two wicketkeepers the management has picked. Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are the three all-rounders of Team India. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the three crucial pacers for the side. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal were included as specialist spinners.

Virat Kohli: No fatigue due to IPL, World Cup conditions not a challenge

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