<p>After Shubman Gill's dismissal, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara's 85-run partnership tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, after Pujara's wicket, skipper Virat Kohli came on the crease to contribute but ended up following Cheteshwar after being clean bowled. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-indian-fans-return-to-chepauk-to-cheer-for-virat-and-co-363314" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Indian fans return to Chepauk to cheer for Virat and co.</a></p>

<p>Moeen Ali tempted Kohli to play the cover drive, but the ball went on to crash on the top of the centre stump as India was lowered to 86 for 3. Kohli was in disbelief as he stood there checking with non-striker Rohit Sharma and the umpires if the ball had hit the stumps because the commentators on air questioned if the stumps had been disturbed by the wicket-keeper’s gloves.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s a slo-mo of Virat Kohli’s wicket bowled by Moeen Ali <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/LASYLwiiR1">pic.twitter.com/LASYLwiiR1</a></p>
— AmirCXN (@cxn_amir) <a href="https://twitter.com/cxn_amir/status/1360476087340331009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ali's classic off-break delivery shocked the fans present at the MA Chidambaram too. This was Indian captain Virat Kohli's 11th duck in Test cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/way-to-go-batting-legend-vivian-richards-bats-for-freedomfortibet-363321" hreflang="en">'Way to go': Batting legend Vivian Richards bats for #FreedomForTibet</a></p>

<p>However, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma's 70-run stand helped India go past 150 runs at the loss of three wickets. Rohit Sharma went on to score his 7th Test century after 9 innings (15 Months).</p>

<p>Virat Kohli opted to bat after winning the toss. Virat and Co. currently trail 0-1 in the four-match series, and a loss in the second Test will rule the side out of the qualification race for the final of the World Test Championship.</p>


After Shubman Gill's dismissal, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara's 85-run partnership tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, after Pujara's wicket, skipper Virat Kohli came on the crease to contribute but ended up following Cheteshwar after being clean bowled.

After Shubman Gill's dismissal, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara's 85-run partnership tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, after Pujara's wicket, skipper Virat Kohli came on the crease to contribute but ended up following Cheteshwar after being clean bowled. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Indian fans return to Chepauk to cheer for Virat and co. Moeen Ali tempted Kohli to play the cover drive, but the ball went on to crash on the top of the centre stump as India was lowered to 86 for 3. Kohli was in disbelief as he stood there checking with non-striker Rohit Sharma and the umpires if the ball had hit the stumps because the commentators on air questioned if the stumps had been disturbed by the wicket-keeper’s gloves. Here’s a slo-mo of Virat Kohli’s wicket bowled by Moeen Ali #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/LASYLwiiR1 — AmirCXN (@cxn_amir) February 13, 2021 × Ali's classic off-break delivery shocked the fans present at the MA Chidambaram too. This was Indian captain Virat Kohli's 11th duck in Test cricket. ALSO SEE: 'Way to go': Batting legend Vivian Richards bats for #FreedomForTibet However, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma's 70-run stand helped India go past 150 runs at the loss of three wickets. Rohit Sharma went on to score his 7th Test century after 9 innings (15 Months). Virat Kohli opted to bat after winning the toss. Virat and Co. currently trail 0-1 in the four-match series, and a loss in the second Test will rule the side out of the qualification race for the final of the World Test Championship.

Watch: Ball of the century? Virat Kohli left stunned by Moeen Ali ripper

<p>India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said that the MA Chidambaram Stadium wicket for the second Test against England is a completely different from the one used for the first Test and will turn from Day One.<br />
<br />
"It (pitch) will be completely different. I am sure it will turn from day number one but again as I said before the first Test match, we will have to wait and see how it plays in the first session and then take it from there. We have to forget what happened in the first Test match and focus on this and play good cricket. We know these conditions very well. We have to put our best foot forward tomorrow and play as a team," said Rahane while speaking to the media on the eve of the second Test.<br />
<br />
While the first Test -- which England won by 227 runs -- was played on a red soil pitch, the second Test will be played on a pitch which is a mixture of black and red soil. The surface has a topping of black soil. It has also not been watered because the gap between the first two Tests was just three days and with black soil retaining more water, the pitch wouldn`t have dried.<br />
<br />
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had packed off its curator after the first Test following complaints from Indian cricketers like Ishant Sharma that it was flat on the first two days, even though there was huge praise for the pitch that lasted five days.<br />
<br />
The pitch for the second Test has been prepared under the supervision of the Indian team management and it is no surprise that Rahane is saying that it would turn from Day One.<br />
<br />
"Wickets are different, we need to adjust. We have played plenty of cricket in Chennai. We are (playing) back-to-back Tests at one venue for the first time," said Rahane upon being asked about the challenge of playing back-to-back Test matches at the same venue.<br />
<br />
He, however, refused to confirm the playing XI or even the 12.<br />
<br />
"Everyone is in the mix. Good thing is that (left-arm spinner) Axar (Patel) is fit. I am not going to tell you who will play tomorrow but Axar is fit to play. All our spinners are very good. Given a chance they will do well," he added.<br />
<br />
Rahane also defended skipper Virat Kohli, saying that he remains the only captain of the team.<br />
<br />
"Sometimes it happens, there is no such energy. But it doesn`t mean that change in captaincy will happen. Sometimes body language can be down especially (the way it was panning out) in the first two days," said Rahane.<br />
<br />
He also spoke on Indians dropping too many catches and bowling no-balls in the first Test, saying that the team members are working hard on it.<br />
<br />
"There will be incidents where catches are dropped? we need to practice hard, especially close-in catching which is very important in India. Sometimes these things happen. No one drops intentionally. Guys are working hard. They all are disappointed what happened in the last game about the no-balls, they are working hard (to ensure the mistakes aren`t repeated)."</p>


India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said that the MA Chidambaram Stadium wicket for the second Test against England is a completely different from the one used for the first Test and will turn from Day One.

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said that the MA Chidambaram Stadium wicket for the second Test against England is a completely different from the one used for the first Test and will turn from Day One. "It (pitch) will be completely different. I am sure it will turn from day number one but again as I said before the first Test match, we will have to wait and see how it plays in the first session and then take it from there. We have to forget what happened in the first Test match and focus on this and play good cricket. We know these conditions very well. We have to put our best foot forward tomorrow and play as a team," said Rahane while speaking to the media on the eve of the second Test. While the first Test -- which England won by 227 runs -- was played on a red soil pitch, the second Test will be played on a pitch which is a mixture of black and red soil. The surface has a topping of black soil. It has also not been watered because the gap between the first two Tests was just three days and with black soil retaining more water, the pitch wouldn`t have dried. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had packed off its curator after the first Test following complaints from Indian cricketers like Ishant Sharma that it was flat on the first two days, even though there was huge praise for the pitch that lasted five days. The pitch for the second Test has been prepared under the supervision of the Indian team management and it is no surprise that Rahane is saying that it would turn from Day One. "Wickets are different, we need to adjust. We have played plenty of cricket in Chennai. We are (playing) back-to-back Tests at one venue for the first time," said Rahane upon being asked about the challenge of playing back-to-back Test matches at the same venue. He, however, refused to confirm the playing XI or even the 12. "Everyone is in the mix. Good thing is that (left-arm spinner) Axar (Patel) is fit. I am not going to tell you who will play tomorrow but Axar is fit to play. All our spinners are very good. Given a chance they will do well," he added. Rahane also defended skipper Virat Kohli, saying that he remains the only captain of the team. "Sometimes it happens, there is no such energy. But it doesn`t mean that change in captaincy will happen. Sometimes body language can be down especially (the way it was panning out) in the first two days," said Rahane. He also spoke on Indians dropping too many catches and bowling no-balls in the first Test, saying that the team members are working hard on it. "There will be incidents where catches are dropped? we need to practice hard, especially close-in catching which is very important in India. Sometimes these things happen. No one drops intentionally. Guys are working hard. They all are disappointed what happened in the last game about the no-balls, they are working hard (to ensure the mistakes aren`t repeated)."

I'm sure the pitch for 2nd Test will turn from Day One: Rahane

<p>Team India's crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first test match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has raised a lot of questions like the exclusion of the Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI, India's batting form and to top it all, Virat Kohli's captaincy. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-india-skipper-virat-kohli-slips-to-fifth-spot-as-joe-root-enters-top-3-362638" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3</a></p>

<p>After the match ended, here's what Kohli said: “I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash, were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure. Having said that, it was a slow wicket and not helping the bowlers which made it easy for the batsmen to rotate strike and get into the game,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.</p>

<p>“That's a fair assessment (the fourth and fifth bowlers not being up to the mark). You need your bowling unit to step up and create pressure on the opposition. We didn't achieve that in this game which is fine, lack of execution is acceptable but to understand our mindset was right is very important for us. I think we did well in the second innings with the ball and put pressure on them. With the bat as well, we left a few things to be desired and analysed as batsmen with the kind of decisions we took. We are always learning as a side and evolving as a side and Test cricket is tough. England were ready for that grind and probably better equipped than us."</p>

<p><img alt="ddd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4b31d44-268c-4606-ba7f-bd6fd5c65f58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_53.jpg" /></p>

<p>Better equipped? Well, Indian team has top-ranked bowlers, and batsmen, who were motivated after a brilliant end to the Australia series. Our batsmen have faced the toughest bowling attack (Australia's) but failed to defend or attack the English bowlers at home turf. Hats off to Anderson though! At the age of 38, he is ageing like fine wine. Ask Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane after those scorching reverse-swinging deliveries. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Has 'King Kohli' lost too many battles to hold his position? Last four test matches under Kohli's leadership have resulted in a loss. 2-0 whitewash against New Zealand, India's Adelaide loss (Where Virat and Co. were bundled out in 36 runs), and now the loss in Chennai against Joe Root's England. Has Virat Kohli's luck run out? From being the most successful captain to the current situation. I feel so! &nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team to 33 wins, including the team's first-ever win Down Under. &nbsp;However, Team India under Kohli has also suffered 14 defeats and 10 draws. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Team's first defeat in Chennai since 1999 has&nbsp;ended India’s 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. Many cricketing experts and fans (including me) believe that Kohli's career as the captain could end. I feel that Virat Kohli should now focus on his career as the batsman as he looks in too much pressure when he comes out to bat. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In my opinion, tosses do determine the course of the match and Kohli, clearly, is unlucky when it comes to it. Let's not forget IPL 2019, where Kohli famously gestured saying that he lost his ninth toss in 12 matches. His record of tosses has been really poor, although that's not in his hands. I feel the toss played a major role in the loss against England. I have been a fan of Virat Kohli, the batsman! He seems fearless and a major threat to the opposition. But in recent years, it feels as if the pressure of captaincy has got to him. The last century Virat scored was back in November 2019. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He has proved his calibre as India's Test captain, but it seems like the time has come to pass on the mantle. Dhoni surprised everyone when he decided to retire from Tests after a poor show in back-to-back series. However, I would not want Virat to retire, in fact, revive his career as the prolific batsman.</p>

<p>Talks of multiple captains in Team India have been doing rounds for some time now. Rohit Sharma for T20Is, Virat Kohli for ODIs and Ajinkya Rahane for Test. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="xc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ebdfdc8-1dd7-47ca-ad5d-2ebdb9ce0596" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_47.jpg" /></p>

<p>Agreed, Virat Kohli brought aggression and passion to the Indian team under his captaincy, but Indian players need a much more relaxed leader. Despite being at a losing stage in Australia, Team India bounced back with an amateur playing XI with patience and much-needed resilience.</p>

<p>The playing XI choices under Kohli have been somewhat questionable. From including out of form Shaw for the Adelaide Test to omitting much-experienced Kuldeep Yadav for much inexperienced (in international stage) Shahbaz Nadeem, who failed to leave an impact in the match. Washington Sundar could also be criticised for his bowling in the first match, but his strong knock in the second innings justified his place in the playing XI. Sundar has proved himself from the very first Test (in Australia). With Jadeja's injury, India are definitely on back-foot! But Yadav could have done much better than Nadeem! &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Kohli said that there were "no regrets" for choosing Nadeem over Yadav. &nbsp;</p>

<p>I am a Virat Kohli FAN! I am! But I feel the series will be the litmus test for Virat Kohli's calibre as a captain. He has had a prolific record in Test cricket as the captain, but it is definitely deteriorating and I don't want him to ruin his record.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I will end my piece with a line from Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight, "You either die a HERO, or live long enough to see yourself become the Villain!"</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


Team India's crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first test match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has raised a lot of questions like the exclusion of the Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI, India's batting form and to top it all, Virat Kohli's captaincy.

Team India's crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first test match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has raised a lot of questions like the exclusion of the Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI, India's batting form and to top it all, Virat Kohli's captaincy. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3 After the match ended, here's what Kohli said: “I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash, were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure. Having said that, it was a slow wicket and not helping the bowlers which made it easy for the batsmen to rotate strike and get into the game,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. “That's a fair assessment (the fourth and fifth bowlers not being up to the mark). You need your bowling unit to step up and create pressure on the opposition. We didn't achieve that in this game which is fine, lack of execution is acceptable but to understand our mindset was right is very important for us. I think we did well in the second innings with the ball and put pressure on them. With the bat as well, we left a few things to be desired and analysed as batsmen with the kind of decisions we took. We are always learning as a side and evolving as a side and Test cricket is tough. England were ready for that grind and probably better equipped than us." Better equipped? Well, Indian team has top-ranked bowlers, and batsmen, who were motivated after a brilliant end to the Australia series. Our batsmen have faced the toughest bowling attack (Australia's) but failed to defend or attack the English bowlers at home turf. Hats off to Anderson though! At the age of 38, he is ageing like fine wine. Ask Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane after those scorching reverse-swinging deliveries. Has 'King Kohli' lost too many battles to hold his position? Last four test matches under Kohli's leadership have resulted in a loss. 2-0 whitewash against New Zealand, India's Adelaide loss (Where Virat and Co. were bundled out in 36 runs), and now the loss in Chennai against Joe Root's England. Has Virat Kohli's luck run out? From being the most successful captain to the current situation. I feel so! Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team to 33 wins, including the team's first-ever win Down Under. However, Team India under Kohli has also suffered 14 defeats and 10 draws. Team's first defeat in Chennai since 1999 has ended India’s 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. Many cricketing experts and fans (including me) believe that Kohli's career as the captain could end. I feel that Virat Kohli should now focus on his career as the batsman as he looks in too much pressure when he comes out to bat. In my opinion, tosses do determine the course of the match and Kohli, clearly, is unlucky when it comes to it. Let's not forget IPL 2019, where Kohli famously gestured saying that he lost his ninth toss in 12 matches. His record of tosses has been really poor, although that's not in his hands. I feel the toss played a major role in the loss against England. I have been a fan of Virat Kohli, the batsman! He seems fearless and a major threat to the opposition. But in recent years, it feels as if the pressure of captaincy has got to him. The last century Virat scored was back in November 2019. He has proved his calibre as India's Test captain, but it seems like the time has come to pass on the mantle. Dhoni surprised everyone when he decided to retire from Tests after a poor show in back-to-back series. However, I would not want Virat to retire, in fact, revive his career as the prolific batsman. Talks of multiple captains in Team India have been doing rounds for some time now. Rohit Sharma for T20Is, Virat Kohli for ODIs and Ajinkya Rahane for Test. Agreed, Virat Kohli brought aggression and passion to the Indian team under his captaincy, but Indian players need a much more relaxed leader. Despite being at a losing stage in Australia, Team India bounced back with an amateur playing XI with patience and much-needed resilience. The playing XI choices under Kohli have been somewhat questionable. From including out of form Shaw for the Adelaide Test to omitting much-experienced Kuldeep Yadav for much inexperienced (in international stage) Shahbaz Nadeem, who failed to leave an impact in the match. Washington Sundar could also be criticised for his bowling in the first match, but his strong knock in the second innings justified his place in the playing XI. Sundar has proved himself from the very first Test (in Australia). With Jadeja's injury, India are definitely on back-foot! But Yadav could have done much better than Nadeem! However, Kohli said that there were "no regrets" for choosing Nadeem over Yadav. I am a Virat Kohli FAN! I am! But I feel the series will be the litmus test for Virat Kohli's calibre as a captain. He has had a prolific record in Test cricket as the captain, but it is definitely deteriorating and I don't want him to ruin his record. I will end my piece with a line from Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight, "You either die a HERO, or live long enough to see yourself become the Villain!" (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: No centuries, no victories, time up for Virat Kohli the captain? 

<p>Olympic medalist Yohan Black took to social media to express his admiration towards the Indian cricket team and skipper Virat Kohli and his captaincy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-live-streams-india-vs-england-chennai-test-at-wedding-venue-photograph-goes-viral-362460" hreflang="en">Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral</a><br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Jamaican sprinter, who won gold at the 100 m at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever commented after India were thrashed by England in the first Test match at Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What I really love about Team India is that Virat Kohli doesn't find any excuses. That's what I really love about his captaincy, he took the blame for everything. He said the bowlers didn't find the right areas, the batsmen were not as consistent. He said 'we got to go back to the drawing board and come back'. And that's what I love about Virat Kohli and his captaincy," Blake said in a video uploaded on his Instagram.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what test cricket 🏏 is all about. <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ECB_cricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECB_cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MichaelVaughan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/root66?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@root66</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmy9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmy9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/testcricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#testcricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a>. <a href="https://t.co/z6ZpbCQAh6">pic.twitter.com/z6ZpbCQAh6</a></p>
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) <a href="https://twitter.com/YohanBlake/status/1359214263659884548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-factor-held-england-back-from-early-declaration-joe-root-362495" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root</a></p>

<p>The sprinter went on to talk about Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who played well in the first Test despite the loss and lauded Pujara's spoils during the Australia tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And also, what stood out for me was Shubman Gill, he's a wonderful batsman. Of course, Rishabh Pant is excellent. Not every time he's going to put on a show but he's excellent for the game of Test cricket. That's why I love Test cricket, it mentally tests you. (Cheteshwar) Pujara in Australia showed that wonderful fight and that's what I love to see," Blake said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-tweets-in-hindi-reminds-fans-of-his-warning-following-chennai-test-362478" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test</a></p>

<p>"Test cricket is absolutely the best. The second Test should be interesting, India was 1-0 down in Australia, they are 1-0 down at their home ground now. The second Test, I'm looking forward to it."</p>


Olympic medalist Yohan Black took to social media to express his admiration towards the Indian cricket team and skipper Virat Kohli and his captaincy. ALSO READ: Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral The Jamaican sprinter, who won gold at the 100 m at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever commented after India were thrashed by England in the first Test match at Chennai.

Olympic medalist Yohan Black took to social media to express his admiration towards the Indian cricket team and skipper Virat Kohli and his captaincy. ALSO READ: Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral The Jamaican sprinter, who won gold at the 100 m at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever commented after India were thrashed by England in the first Test match at Chennai. "What I really love about Team India is that Virat Kohli doesn't find any excuses. That's what I really love about his captaincy, he took the blame for everything. He said the bowlers didn't find the right areas, the batsmen were not as consistent. He said 'we got to go back to the drawing board and come back'. And that's what I love about Virat Kohli and his captaincy," Blake said in a video uploaded on his Instagram. This is what test cricket 🏏 is all about. @BCCI @ECB_cricket @SkyCricket @MichaelVaughan @root66 @imVkohli @jimmy9 @RealShubmanGill @RishabhPant17 @cheteshwar1 #testcricket #Cricket #INDvsENG. pic.twitter.com/z6ZpbCQAh6 — Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 9, 2021 × ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root The sprinter went on to talk about Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who played well in the first Test despite the loss and lauded Pujara's spoils during the Australia tour. "And also, what stood out for me was Shubman Gill, he's a wonderful batsman. Of course, Rishabh Pant is excellent. Not every time he's going to put on a show but he's excellent for the game of Test cricket. That's why I love Test cricket, it mentally tests you. (Cheteshwar) Pujara in Australia showed that wonderful fight and that's what I love to see," Blake said. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test "Test cricket is absolutely the best. The second Test should be interesting, India was 1-0 down in Australia, they are 1-0 down at their home ground now. The second Test, I'm looking forward to it."

WATCH: Olympic medalist Yohan Blake praises Indian cricket team and Virat Kohli

<p>Skipper Virat Kohli has slipped to number five in the &nbsp;ICC Test rankings as England captain Joe Root enters the top three spot. The International Cricket Council released the updated rankings after India's loss to England in the first Test at Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-and-ive-virat-kohli-gives-his-insight-on-rahanes-performance-in-chennai-test-362586" hreflang="en">'Ajinkya and I’ve..': Virat Kohli gives his insight on Rahane's performance in Chennai Test</a></p>

<p>Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson topped the rankings with 919 test batting rating points, and Australia's Steve Smith held the second spot. Joe Root entered the third spot after his magnificent double ton in the first Test against India. The Briton jumped two ranks and currently has 883rankings in his pocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aussie young gun Marnus Labuschagne slipped to the fourth rank in the ICC Test rankings with 878 rating points.</p>

<p>Pakistan skipper &nbsp;Babar Azam also slipped to the sixth rank with 760 points&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara demoted to the seventh rank with 754 points. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>CURRENT RANKINGS:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kane Williamson &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NZ &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 919<br />
2 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Steve Smith &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;AUS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;891<br />
3 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Joe Root&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ENG &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;883<br />
4 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Marnus Labuschagne &nbsp; AUS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 878<br />
5 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Virat Kohli&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;IND&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;852<br />
6 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Babar Azam&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PAK&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 760<br />
7 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cheteshwar Pujara&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;IND&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;754<br />
8 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Henry Nicholls&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NZ&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;747<br />
9 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Ben Stokes&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ENG&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 746<br />
10 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;David Warner&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;AUS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 724</strong></p>

<p>Team India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Chennai. England are 1-0 up in the four-match Test series against India. Virat and Co. need to win the remaining three matches or draw one and win two to seal a berth in the finals of World Test Championship.&nbsp;</p>


Skipper Virat Kohli has slipped to number five in the ICC Test rankings as England captain Joe Root enters the top three spot. The International Cricket Council released the updated rankings after India's loss to England in the first Test at Chennai.

Skipper Virat Kohli has slipped to number five in the ICC Test rankings as England captain Joe Root enters the top three spot. The International Cricket Council released the updated rankings after India's loss to England in the first Test at Chennai. ALSO READ: 'Ajinkya and I’ve..': Virat Kohli gives his insight on Rahane's performance in Chennai Test Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson topped the rankings with 919 test batting rating points, and Australia's Steve Smith held the second spot. Joe Root entered the third spot after his magnificent double ton in the first Test against India. The Briton jumped two ranks and currently has 883rankings in his pocket. Aussie young gun Marnus Labuschagne slipped to the fourth rank in the ICC Test rankings with 878 rating points. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam also slipped to the sixth rank with 760 points Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara demoted to the seventh rank with 754 points. CURRENT RANKINGS: 1 Kane Williamson NZ 919 2 Steve Smith AUS 891 3 Joe Root ENG 883 4 Marnus Labuschagne AUS 878 5 Virat Kohli IND 852 6 Babar Azam PAK 760 7 Cheteshwar Pujara IND 754 8 Henry Nicholls NZ 747 9 Ben Stokes ENG 746 10 David Warner AUS 724 Team India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Chennai. England are 1-0 up in the four-match Test series against India. Virat and Co. need to win the remaining three matches or draw one and win two to seal a berth in the finals of World Test Championship.

ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3

<p>Team India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Chennai. Skipper Kohli talked about a lot of things that didn't go in India's favour and which they would like to improve in future.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-and-ive-virat-kohli-gives-his-insight-on-rahanes-performance-in-chennai-test-362586" hreflang="en">'Ajinkya and I’ve..': Virat Kohli gives his insight on Rahane's performance in Chennai Test</a></p>

<p>However, Kohli talked about wicketkeeper Pant and his funny comments behind the stumps. According to Virat, Pant's funny remarks behind the stumps are something that keeps the energy levels going for India.</p>

<p>Pant was heard saying things like My name is Washington and I wanna go DC’ and called out Cheteshwar Pujara as ‘Pujinder’ during the first Test against England.</p>

<p>Speaking about his antics, Kohli said, “He's (Pant) a guy who likes to have fun on the field. That’s his personality and essence. We want him to continue doing that manner because that keeps the boys entertained and conversation out there is very helpful when the situation is tough and the things are not going your way.”</p>

<p>“His personality is very helpful for the team. He brings in a lot of energy and we want him to continue the same way,” the Indian captain added.</p>

<p>England are 1-0 up in the four-match Test series against India. Virat and Co. need to win the remaining three matches or draw one and win two to seal a berth in the finals of World Test Championship.&nbsp;</p>


Team India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Chennai. Skipper Kohli talked about a lot of things that didn't go in India's favour and which they would like to improve in future.

Team India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Chennai. Skipper Kohli talked about a lot of things that didn't go in India's favour and which they would like to improve in future. ALSO READ: 'Ajinkya and I’ve..': Virat Kohli gives his insight on Rahane's performance in Chennai Test However, Kohli talked about wicketkeeper Pant and his funny comments behind the stumps. According to Virat, Pant's funny remarks behind the stumps are something that keeps the energy levels going for India. Pant was heard saying things like My name is Washington and I wanna go DC’ and called out Cheteshwar Pujara as ‘Pujinder’ during the first Test against England. Speaking about his antics, Kohli said, “He's (Pant) a guy who likes to have fun on the field. That’s his personality and essence. We want him to continue doing that manner because that keeps the boys entertained and conversation out there is very helpful when the situation is tough and the things are not going your way.” “His personality is very helpful for the team. He brings in a lot of energy and we want him to continue the same way,” the Indian captain added. England are 1-0 up in the four-match Test series against India. Virat and Co. need to win the remaining three matches or draw one and win two to seal a berth in the finals of World Test Championship.

'His personality is very helpful': Virat Kohli on Rishabh Pant's antics behind the stumps

<p><strong>Team India's playing XI </strong>for the first Test against England left many puzzled as <strong>Kuldeep Yadav</strong>'s name was omitted from the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-creates-new-record-during-fourth-innings-of-chennai-test-362382" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test</a></p>

<p>Due to Axar Patel's knee injury, many cricketing experts felt Kuldeep could be selected for the match, however, Shahbaz Nadeem was chosen instead. Nadeem's inclusion came as a surprise as he was not the part of the original India squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After losing the <strong>first Test to England, Kohli </strong>was asked about the reasons behind not playing Kuldeep in the first Test to which he replied that he does not regret the decision.</p>

<p>"Not really, not at all. When you playing two off-spinners, Kuldeep becomes more or less same kind of spinner taking the ball away," Kohli said at the press conference.</p>

<p><b>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-captaincy-career-could-end-if-india-lose-2nd-test-against-england-monty-panesar-to-wion-362418" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION</a></p>

<p>"We were quite clear on what we wanted to play, what combination we wanted to play. There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision. Moving forward, we will think of combinations, which brings us variety as a bowling attack," he added.</p>

<p>"And not one dimensional, turning away from the bat. These things are very important to bat," Kohli further said.</p>

<p>Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series.</p>


Team India's playing XI for the first Test against England left many puzzled as Kuldeep Yadav's name was omitted from the list. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test Due to Axar Patel's knee injury, many cricketing experts felt Kuldeep could be selected for the match, however, Shahbaz Nadeem was chosen instead.

Team India's playing XI for the first Test against England left many puzzled as Kuldeep Yadav's name was omitted from the list. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test Due to Axar Patel's knee injury, many cricketing experts felt Kuldeep could be selected for the match, however, Shahbaz Nadeem was chosen instead. Nadeem's inclusion came as a surprise as he was not the part of the original India squad. After losing the first Test to England, Kohli was asked about the reasons behind not playing Kuldeep in the first Test to which he replied that he does not regret the decision. "Not really, not at all. When you playing two off-spinners, Kuldeep becomes more or less same kind of spinner taking the ball away," Kohli said at the press conference. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION "We were quite clear on what we wanted to play, what combination we wanted to play. There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision. Moving forward, we will think of combinations, which brings us variety as a bowling attack," he added. "And not one dimensional, turning away from the bat. These things are very important to bat," Kohli further said. Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series.

'There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision': Virat Kohli on Kuldeep Yadav's omission from playing XI

<p class="MsoNormal">India on Tuesday suffered a shocking 227-run defeat against England in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Indian cricket team, who had scripted history in Australia, tasted their first defeat in Chennai since 1999 and the crushing loss brings an end to their 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">After the heavy defeat, Indian skipper Virat Kohli assessed the match as he said the Indian team failed to put pressure with the ball in the first innings while adding that body language of the Indian player needs to improve. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat. It also brings an end to India’s eight-match winning run in home Tests.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-creates-new-record-during-fourth-innings-of-chennai-test-362382" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash, were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure. Having said that, it was a slow wicket and not helping the bowlers which made it easy for the batsmen to rotate strike and get into the game,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just looked like not much happening in it on the first two days. But credit to England, they got stuck in and put up a big total on the board. Our body language and intensity was not up to the mark, second innings we were much better. We were better in the second half of the first innings with the bat, not the first four batters. We have to understand the things that we have done decently in this game and the things that we haven't and as a side we are always looking to improve. England were far more professional and consistent throughout the Test match than we were,” the Indian skipper added.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">India conceded 578 runs in the first innings with the Shahbaz Nadeem and Washington Sundar struggled to bowl tight line and lengths while conceding heavy runs which allowed England to dominate the proceedings in the first two days of the match. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, Kohli said that the Indian team knows how to bounce back while vowing a better body language from the hosts. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“That's a fair assessment (the fourth and fifth bowlers not being up to the mark). You need your bowling unit to step up and create pressure on the opposition. We didn't achieve that in this game which is fine, lack of execution is acceptable but to understand our mindset was right is very important for us. I think we did well in the second innings with the ball and put pressure on them. With the bat as well we left a few things to be desired and analysed as batsmen with the kind of decisions we took. We are always learning as a side and evolving as a side and Test cricket is tough. England were ready for that grind and probably better equipped than us. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“(The toss) Ended being crucial I didn't think it would. We don't want to take anything away from England with the way they played. No excuses. We are a side that accepts our failures and faults and learns from them. One thing is for sure that in the next three matches we are going to give a tough fight and not let things slip away like it did in this Test. We have to start off with good body language and put pressure on the opposition. Understand fields, pace of the pitch and what the bowlers are doing, all those kind of things will be crucial. In the end it is the mindset and we are tying to get that back. We know how to bounce back and will give our best effort in the next game,” Kohli, who scored 11 and 72 in the first Test against England, concluded.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">India will look to bounce back when they take the field for the second Test which will be played at the same venue from February 13.<o:p></o:p></p>


India on Tuesday suffered a shocking 227-run defeat against England in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Indian cricket team, who had scripted history in Australia, tasted their first defeat in Chennai since 1999 and the crushing loss brings an end to their 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests.

India on Tuesday suffered a shocking 227-run defeat against England in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Indian cricket team, who had scripted history in Australia, tasted their first defeat in Chennai since 1999 and the crushing loss brings an end to their 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. After the heavy defeat, Indian skipper Virat Kohli assessed the match as he said the Indian team failed to put pressure with the ball in the first innings while adding that body language of the Indian player needs to improve. England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat. It also brings an end to India’s eight-match winning run in home Tests. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test “I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash, were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure. Having said that, it was a slow wicket and not helping the bowlers which made it easy for the batsmen to rotate strike and get into the game,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation. “Just looked like not much happening in it on the first two days. But credit to England, they got stuck in and put up a big total on the board. Our body language and intensity was not up to the mark, second innings we were much better. We were better in the second half of the first innings with the bat, not the first four batters. We have to understand the things that we have done decently in this game and the things that we haven't and as a side we are always looking to improve. England were far more professional and consistent throughout the Test match than we were,” the Indian skipper added. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket India conceded 578 runs in the first innings with the Shahbaz Nadeem and Washington Sundar struggled to bowl tight line and lengths while conceding heavy runs which allowed England to dominate the proceedings in the first two days of the match. However, Kohli said that the Indian team knows how to bounce back while vowing a better body language from the hosts. “That's a fair assessment (the fourth and fifth bowlers not being up to the mark). You need your bowling unit to step up and create pressure on the opposition. We didn't achieve that in this game which is fine, lack of execution is acceptable but to understand our mindset was right is very important for us. I think we did well in the second innings with the ball and put pressure on them. With the bat as well we left a few things to be desired and analysed as batsmen with the kind of decisions we took. We are always learning as a side and evolving as a side and Test cricket is tough. England were ready for that grind and probably better equipped than us. “(The toss) Ended being crucial I didn't think it would. We don't want to take anything away from England with the way they played. No excuses. We are a side that accepts our failures and faults and learns from them. One thing is for sure that in the next three matches we are going to give a tough fight and not let things slip away like it did in this Test. We have to start off with good body language and put pressure on the opposition. Understand fields, pace of the pitch and what the bowlers are doing, all those kind of things will be crucial. In the end it is the mindset and we are tying to get that back. We know how to bounce back and will give our best effort in the next game,” Kohli, who scored 11 and 72 in the first Test against England, concluded. India will look to bounce back when they take the field for the second Test which will be played at the same venue from February 13.

'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England

<p>Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble &nbsp;India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-creates-new-record-during-fourth-innings-of-chennai-test-362382" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test</a></p>

<p>In the presentation after the match, Kohli said that his team could not put enough pressure on visitors with the ball. He said: "I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure."</p>

<p>Kohli went on to&nbsp;talk about the body language of the team and said that it was not "up to the mark" during the first innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had already lost Rohit Sharma when Pujara and Gill came down to bat on Day 5 chasing 381 runs. &nbsp;Despite a good start against the spin, the partnership was broken by a clinical spell by Jack Leach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Kohli and Shubman Gill tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, James Anderson's reverse swing removed to Indian batsmen in one over (Gill and Rahane) putting immense pressure on Indian captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli added the most runs to the scoreboard, he scored 72 runs in 104 balls before getting bowled by Ben Stokes. Gill was the only other batsman to score a half-century before a perfect in-swinger by Anderson crashed the stumps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli tried to hold on to the crease with Ravichandran Ashwin, however, the 50-run stand was broken by Jack Leach.</p>

<p>Leach scalped four wickets and Anderson removed three major batsmen. Bess, Archer, Stokes got a man each.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this win, England go 1-0 in the four-match series against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Stats after India's loss:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>- India's 1st Test defeat in Chennai since 1999</p>

<p>- End of India's 8-match winning streak in home Tests</p>

<p>- End of India's 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests</p>

<p>- 1st Test 5-fer for R Ashwin in a home Test loss (22 fifers)</p>

<p>- 1st home Test defeat for Rohit Sharma (15 Tests)</p>


Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series.

Visitors England registered a mammoth 227-run over hosts as James Anderson and James Leach produced great bowling spells to crumble India's batting order on Day 5 of the first Test, taking a lead of 1-0 in the series. Also read: Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test In the presentation after the match, Kohli said that his team could not put enough pressure on visitors with the ball. He said: "I don't think we put enough pressure on them with the ball in the first half. Collectively as a bowling unit, fast bowlers and Ash were good in the first innings but we also needed to contain a few more runs and create pressure." Kohli went on to talk about the body language of the team and said that it was not "up to the mark" during the first innings. India had already lost Rohit Sharma when Pujara and Gill came down to bat on Day 5 chasing 381 runs. Despite a good start against the spin, the partnership was broken by a clinical spell by Jack Leach. Skipper Kohli and Shubman Gill tried to stabilise the Indian innings. However, James Anderson's reverse swing removed to Indian batsmen in one over (Gill and Rahane) putting immense pressure on Indian captain. Virat Kohli added the most runs to the scoreboard, he scored 72 runs in 104 balls before getting bowled by Ben Stokes. Gill was the only other batsman to score a half-century before a perfect in-swinger by Anderson crashed the stumps. Kohli tried to hold on to the crease with Ravichandran Ashwin, however, the 50-run stand was broken by Jack Leach. Leach scalped four wickets and Anderson removed three major batsmen. Bess, Archer, Stokes got a man each. With this win, England go 1-0 in the four-match series against India. Stats after India's loss: - India's 1st Test defeat in Chennai since 1999 - End of India's 8-match winning streak in home Tests - End of India's 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests - 1st Test 5-fer for R Ashwin in a home Test loss (22 fifers) - 1st home Test defeat for Rohit Sharma (15 Tests)

IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs

<p>Batting stalwart Virat Kohli has added another feather to his hat after becoming the first Indian skipper to score a 4th-innings fifty-plus score at Chennai. He achieved this feat while facing England in the first Test match.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-defeat-south-africa-by-95-runs-win-first-series-against-proteas-since-2003-362160" hreflang="en">Pakistan defeat South Africa by 95 runs, win first series against Proteas since 2003</a></p>

<p>The last captain to score a 50-plus score in fourth innings in Chennai was West Indies' Gary Sobers in 1967. No Indian skipper managed to score over 30 runs in the fourth innings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-shabnim-ismail-named-icc-player-of-the-month-for-january-2021-362132" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021</a></p>

<p>Team India are at the verge of losing the first Test match against England in Chennai and Kohli and Co. are down to 179/8 while chasing a mammoth target of 420 runs. Virat Kohli added the most runs to the scoreboard, he scored 72 runs in 104 balls before getting bowled by Ben Stokes. Gill was the only other batsman to score a half-century before a perfect in-swinger by Anderson crashed the stumps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli tried to hold on to the crease with Ravichandran Ashwin, however, the 50-run stand was broken by Jack Leach, who troubled the Indian batsmen on Day 5.&nbsp;</p>


Batting stalwart Virat Kohli has added another feather to his hat after becoming the first Indian skipper to score a 4th-innings fifty-plus score at Chennai. He achieved this feat while facing England in the first Test match.

Batting stalwart Virat Kohli has added another feather to his hat after becoming the first Indian skipper to score a 4th-innings fifty-plus score at Chennai. He achieved this feat while facing England in the first Test match. ALSO READ: Pakistan defeat South Africa by 95 runs, win first series against Proteas since 2003 The last captain to score a 50-plus score in fourth innings in Chennai was West Indies' Gary Sobers in 1967. No Indian skipper managed to score over 30 runs in the fourth innings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant, Shabnim Ismail named ICC Player of the Month for January 2021 Team India are at the verge of losing the first Test match against England in Chennai and Kohli and Co. are down to 179/8 while chasing a mammoth target of 420 runs. Virat Kohli added the most runs to the scoreboard, he scored 72 runs in 104 balls before getting bowled by Ben Stokes. Gill was the only other batsman to score a half-century before a perfect in-swinger by Anderson crashed the stumps. Kohli tried to hold on to the crease with Ravichandran Ashwin, however, the 50-run stand was broken by Jack Leach, who troubled the Indian batsmen on Day 5.

Ind vs Eng: Virat Kohli creates new record during fourth innings of Chennai Test

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli helping out English counterpart Joe Root with cramps during the first Test won hearts on social media with netizens lauding the sportsmanship.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-englands-bess-scalps-four-as-india-struggles-to-avoid-follow-on-361968" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: England's Bess scalps four as India struggles to avoid the follow-on</a></p>

<p>International Cricket Council (ICC) too praised the gesture by Indian captain and called it a "heartwarming gesture".&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In an Instagram post by the ICC, they captioned it: “When England captain Joe Root was struck by cramps, Virat Kohli was the first to his aid. A heart-warming Spirit of Cricket gesture.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-smith-to-mooney-cricket-australia-announces-its-player-of-year-awards-361820" hreflang="en">From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards!</a></p>

<p>England paceman Stuart Broad was not pleased with ICC's post and took a dig at the international cricket board. “I ran a drink out too, spirit of cricket award?” replied Broad on ICC’s post.</p>

<p><img alt="ss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85291314-128f-4667-96c5-a7dfd6f34e31" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_46.JPG" /></p>

<p>Broad was not included in the playing XI for the first Test against India. England were bowled out for 578 in their first innings against India. Bumrah and Ashwin picked up three wickets each. In reply, India scored 257 runs by the end of Day 3 after losing six wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit, Virat, Rahane fell cheap as India will be on the back foot for the remaining two days. Pant and Pujara tried to revive the innings, however, Cheteshwar's unlucky dismissal put the pressure back on the hosts.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli helping out English counterpart Joe Root with cramps during the first Test won hearts on social media with netizens lauding the sportsmanship.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli helping out English counterpart Joe Root with cramps during the first Test won hearts on social media with netizens lauding the sportsmanship. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: England's Bess scalps four as India struggles to avoid the follow-on International Cricket Council (ICC) too praised the gesture by Indian captain and called it a "heartwarming gesture". View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × In an Instagram post by the ICC, they captioned it: “When England captain Joe Root was struck by cramps, Virat Kohli was the first to his aid. A heart-warming Spirit of Cricket gesture.” ALSO SEE: From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards! England paceman Stuart Broad was not pleased with ICC's post and took a dig at the international cricket board. “I ran a drink out too, spirit of cricket award?” replied Broad on ICC’s post. Broad was not included in the playing XI for the first Test against India. England were bowled out for 578 in their first innings against India. Bumrah and Ashwin picked up three wickets each. In reply, India scored 257 runs by the end of Day 3 after losing six wickets. Rohit, Virat, Rahane fell cheap as India will be on the back foot for the remaining two days. Pant and Pujara tried to revive the innings, however, Cheteshwar's unlucky dismissal put the pressure back on the hosts.

'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root

<p>Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team 33 wins. These wins make him the most successful Test captain for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-skipper-joe-root-becomes-first-batsman-to-score-double-ton-in-100th-test-361769">England's Joe Root becomes first batsman to score double ton in 100th Test</a></p>

<p>Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri, who has been managing the team since 2014, hailed Virat Kohli's evolution as the captain of the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Just seeing the way he has evolved, you knew that there was an uncut diamond there when I took over in 2014, but just to see him evolve… It takes time, everything doesn’t happen in a hurry,” Shastri said on Star Sports show Cricket Live.</p>

<p>“You got to have the ups, the downs, you know, you got to feel the heat, you got to have your successes and failures, to be able to get up and move on in life. I think he has handled that beautifully and I’m sure he will handle fatherhood as well in that similar manner.”</p>

<p>Shastri went to talk about the busy 2021 and suggested a two-week-long break for their players post the upcoming IPL season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You know, this team takes, like I said, pride in performance. They take it one step at a time. Every game is important, every format is important, and you look at it in that way and we’ve got the volume of players. You know, at the moment, the bench strength is there to... for you to accommodate them, across formats," Shastri added.</p>

<p>"So, I think the hunger will be there, you’ll have to perform game after game, but I do believe, you need a break as well, from the international arena. So, I think, hopefully, after this series. Yes, they go into the IPL, but that’s a shorter format, but then again, after the IPL, I think, a couple of weeks off is a must. With these quarantines, these bubbles, it is mentally very, very draining. You're a human at the end of it all."</p>


Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team 33 wins. These wins make him the most successful Test captain for India.

Virat Kohli took over the reins as India's full-time Test captain in 2015, since then he had led the team 33 wins. These wins make him the most successful Test captain for India. ALSO READ: England's Joe Root becomes first batsman to score double ton in 100th Test Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri, who has been managing the team since 2014, hailed Virat Kohli's evolution as the captain of the team. “Just seeing the way he has evolved, you knew that there was an uncut diamond there when I took over in 2014, but just to see him evolve… It takes time, everything doesn’t happen in a hurry,” Shastri said on Star Sports show Cricket Live. “You got to have the ups, the downs, you know, you got to feel the heat, you got to have your successes and failures, to be able to get up and move on in life. I think he has handled that beautifully and I’m sure he will handle fatherhood as well in that similar manner.” Shastri went to talk about the busy 2021 and suggested a two-week-long break for their players post the upcoming IPL season. "You know, this team takes, like I said, pride in performance. They take it one step at a time. Every game is important, every format is important, and you look at it in that way and we’ve got the volume of players. You know, at the moment, the bench strength is there to... for you to accommodate them, across formats," Shastri added. "So, I think the hunger will be there, you’ll have to perform game after game, but I do believe, you need a break as well, from the international arena. So, I think, hopefully, after this series. Yes, they go into the IPL, but that’s a shorter format, but then again, after the IPL, I think, a couple of weeks off is a must. With these quarantines, these bubbles, it is mentally very, very draining. You're a human at the end of it all."

'Just seeing the way he has evolved': Ravi Shastri hails Virat Kohli as the captain

<p>Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was 'astonished' when Shabaz Nadeem was picked ahead of Kuldeep Yadav as Axar Patel was ruled out of the first Test against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-was-a-little-bit-surprised-vvs-laxman-on-indias-tactic-after-tea-on-day-1-361728" hreflang="en">'I was a little bit surprised': VVS Laxman on India's tactic after Tea on Day 1</a></p>

<p>"It was astonishing for me to see Kuldeep Yadav not get a chance in Team India's playing XI despite him being in the squad. I can understand that since Axar Patel is injured, Shahbaz Nadeem came in as a like-for-like replacement. But it doesn't make sense to play two off-spinners in Chennai," Harbhajan told Sports Tak.</p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja is out of the first two Tests due to the wrist injury, whereas, Sundar was just one test old, which meant Kuldeep was the favourite to be picked. Yadav has been benched for some time now. The spinner was not picked in the Australia tour despite a string of injuries in the Indian squad. In Yadav's last Test appearance he picked up a five-wicket haul in his last Test appearance in Sydney against Australia.</p>

<p>"Kuldeep Yadav's presence would have added a bit of variety to this Indian bowling attack. In the last two Tests that Kuldeep Yadav played, he had picked up five-wicket hauls. So I am completely baffled by his exclusion," Harbhajan asserted.</p>

<p>"This is also not a great sign for his confidence because it demoralizes you even further when you are a part of the squad but still can't make it to the playing XI."</p>

<p>Shahbaz Nadeem managed to pick up a crucial wicket of Ben Stokes, who smashed 82 runs in 114 runs.&nbsp;</p>


Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was 'astonished' when Shabaz Nadeem was picked ahead of Kuldeep Yadav as Axar Patel was ruled out of the first Test against England.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was 'astonished' when Shabaz Nadeem was picked ahead of Kuldeep Yadav as Axar Patel was ruled out of the first Test against England. ALSO READ: 'I was a little bit surprised': VVS Laxman on India's tactic after Tea on Day 1 "It was astonishing for me to see Kuldeep Yadav not get a chance in Team India's playing XI despite him being in the squad. I can understand that since Axar Patel is injured, Shahbaz Nadeem came in as a like-for-like replacement. But it doesn't make sense to play two off-spinners in Chennai," Harbhajan told Sports Tak. Ravindra Jadeja is out of the first two Tests due to the wrist injury, whereas, Sundar was just one test old, which meant Kuldeep was the favourite to be picked. Yadav has been benched for some time now. The spinner was not picked in the Australia tour despite a string of injuries in the Indian squad. In Yadav's last Test appearance he picked up a five-wicket haul in his last Test appearance in Sydney against Australia. "Kuldeep Yadav's presence would have added a bit of variety to this Indian bowling attack. In the last two Tests that Kuldeep Yadav played, he had picked up five-wicket hauls. So I am completely baffled by his exclusion," Harbhajan asserted. "This is also not a great sign for his confidence because it demoralizes you even further when you are a part of the squad but still can't make it to the playing XI." Shahbaz Nadeem managed to pick up a crucial wicket of Ben Stokes, who smashed 82 runs in 114 runs.

'Not a great sign for his confidence': Harbhajan Singh on Kuldeep Yadav's omission

<p>England captain Joe Root`s third consecutive Test century (128 batting) and his 200-run stand for the third wicket with opener Dom Sibley helped the visitors reach 263 for three wickets at stumps on the first day of their first Test against India at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.<br />
<br />
Root became the ninth batsman to slam a century in his 100th Test.<br />
<br />
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Sibley on 87 off the last ball of the day to help India end it on a positive note for themselves. However, Sibley and Root`s partnership, coupled with a 63-run opening stand between the former and Rory Burns helped England take the upper hand on the first day of the Test.<br />
<br />
England won the toss and chose to bat at the Chepauk Stadium. India opted to play three spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Nadeem along with two fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Bumrah.<br />
<br />
Burns and Sibley almost saw England through to lunch without losing a wicket in an attritional first session of the match. However, Ashwin got the breakthrough for the hosts as Burns mistimed a reverse sweep off the spinner. The ball lobed up into the air and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant completed a simple catch.<br />
<br />
Just two overs later, Bumrah dismissed Dan Lawrence, who came in at one down, on a duck to force Root to walk in for the last over of the session.<br />
<br />
Root and Sibley then ensured that England did not lose a wicket in the next session and almost repeated that in the final session of the day. However, Bumrah trapped Sibley in front of his leg stump with a delivery that was pitched high. The umpire raised his finger and Sibley reviewed the decision, only for it to be confirmed by the replays. The umpires called stumps with the fall of that wicket.<br />
<br />
Root walked back to the pavilion having scored his 20th Test century. He had scored 186 and 228 in England`s last two Tests against Sri Lanka. He has hit 14 fours and one six thus far in the innings.<br />
<br />
Brief scores: England 263/3 (Joe Root 128 batting, Dom Sibley 87; Jasprit Bumrah 2/40) vs India.</p>


England captain Joe Root`s third consecutive Test century (128 batting) and his 200-run stand for the third wicket with opener Dom Sibley helped the visitors reach 263 for three wickets at stumps on the first day of their first Test against India at the M.

England captain Joe Root`s third consecutive Test century (128 batting) and his 200-run stand for the third wicket with opener Dom Sibley helped the visitors reach 263 for three wickets at stumps on the first day of their first Test against India at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Root became the ninth batsman to slam a century in his 100th Test. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Sibley on 87 off the last ball of the day to help India end it on a positive note for themselves. However, Sibley and Root`s partnership, coupled with a 63-run opening stand between the former and Rory Burns helped England take the upper hand on the first day of the Test. England won the toss and chose to bat at the Chepauk Stadium. India opted to play three spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Nadeem along with two fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Bumrah. Burns and Sibley almost saw England through to lunch without losing a wicket in an attritional first session of the match. However, Ashwin got the breakthrough for the hosts as Burns mistimed a reverse sweep off the spinner. The ball lobed up into the air and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant completed a simple catch. Just two overs later, Bumrah dismissed Dan Lawrence, who came in at one down, on a duck to force Root to walk in for the last over of the session. Root and Sibley then ensured that England did not lose a wicket in the next session and almost repeated that in the final session of the day. However, Bumrah trapped Sibley in front of his leg stump with a delivery that was pitched high. The umpire raised his finger and Sibley reviewed the decision, only for it to be confirmed by the replays. The umpires called stumps with the fall of that wicket. Root walked back to the pavilion having scored his 20th Test century. He had scored 186 and 228 in England`s last two Tests against Sri Lanka. He has hit 14 fours and one six thus far in the innings. Brief scores: England 263/3 (Joe Root 128 batting, Dom Sibley 87; Jasprit Bumrah 2/40) vs India.

Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 1: Root scores 3rd consecutive ton, England take upper hand

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli held a virtual press conference ahead of the four-match Test series against England. While talking about strategies and game plan against England, he talked about fatherhood and still being connected with&nbsp;the team despite not being physically present with them during the recently concluded Australia series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-to-start-in-first-test-against-england-confirms-virat-kohli-361331" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli</a></p>

<p>During the conference, Virat Kohli talked about becoming a father and said that it was the "greatest moment" of his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Becoming a father has been the greatest moment of my life. I can't compare it to a series win. But the connection to the team doesn't go away even if I'm not there. We are invariably connected and I was watching all the action," said Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli had left the squad for paternity leave after a humiliating loss against the Australians in the first Test in Adelaide. Many cricketing experts believed that Team India were in for a whitewash against the mighty Australians&nbsp;due to&nbsp;Kohli's departure. However, Team India, led by Ajinkya Rahane, bounced back and went on to seal a historic win against the Australians. They also ended Australia's 32-year long dominance at the Gabba, Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat talked about the Gabba Test and said: "I was actually watching Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur's partnership at Brisbane on my phone just before the doctor called me in."</p>

<p>Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well as India won the series 2-1. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian team will have an optional practice session before the match starts on Friday in Chennai. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India last lost a home Test series back in 2012 – against England – and will look to continue their domination on home soil.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli held a virtual press conference ahead of the four-match Test series against England. While talking about strategies and game plan against England, he talked about fatherhood and still being connected with the team despite not being physically present with them during the recently concluded Australia series.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli held a virtual press conference ahead of the four-match Test series against England. While talking about strategies and game plan against England, he talked about fatherhood and still being connected with the team despite not being physically present with them during the recently concluded Australia series. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli During the conference, Virat Kohli talked about becoming a father and said that it was the "greatest moment" of his life. "Becoming a father has been the greatest moment of my life. I can't compare it to a series win. But the connection to the team doesn't go away even if I'm not there. We are invariably connected and I was watching all the action," said Virat Kohli. Kohli had left the squad for paternity leave after a humiliating loss against the Australians in the first Test in Adelaide. Many cricketing experts believed that Team India were in for a whitewash against the mighty Australians due to Kohli's departure. However, Team India, led by Ajinkya Rahane, bounced back and went on to seal a historic win against the Australians. They also ended Australia's 32-year long dominance at the Gabba, Brisbane. Virat talked about the Gabba Test and said: "I was actually watching Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur's partnership at Brisbane on my phone just before the doctor called me in." Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well as India won the series 2-1. Meanwhile, the Indian team will have an optional practice session before the match starts on Friday in Chennai. India last lost a home Test series back in 2012 – against England – and will look to continue their domination on home soil.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli reveals the greatest moment of his life

<p>India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said the ongoing farmers' protest against new agriculture laws has come up for discussion in his team meeting where everyone has "expressed what they had to".</p>

<p>Kohli, speaking online to the media ahead of the first Test against England here, did not divulge the details of the "brief" conversation on the matter. "Like any issue present in the country, we do talk about it and everyone had expressed what they had to," Kohli said when asked about the agitation that has been going on for over two months.</p>

<p>"That's about it. We briefly spoke about it in the team meeting and we carried on discussing the team and game plans," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-to-start-in-first-test-against-england-confirms-virat-kohli-361331" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday, Kohli was among a host of Indian cricket stars, including the iconic Sachin Tendulkar who urged for unity in the country after some international celebrities like US pop star Rihanna called attention to the plight of the agitating farmers on social media.</p>

<p>"Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together," he had tweeted. India and England will lock horns in a four-match Test series starting Friday.</p>

<p>Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at Delhi's borders for over two months demanding that the three new farm laws be repealed. Farmer groups have alleged that these laws, which allow farmers to sell their produce directly to a buyer, will end the traditional mandi system and the guarantee of a Minimum Support Price for their crops. The government has rejected these apprehensions as misplaced.</p>


India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said the ongoing farmers' protest against new agriculture laws has come up for discussion in his team meeting where everyone has "expressed what they had to".

India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said the ongoing farmers' protest against new agriculture laws has come up for discussion in his team meeting where everyone has "expressed what they had to". Kohli, speaking online to the media ahead of the first Test against England here, did not divulge the details of the "brief" conversation on the matter. "Like any issue present in the country, we do talk about it and everyone had expressed what they had to," Kohli said when asked about the agitation that has been going on for over two months. "That's about it. We briefly spoke about it in the team meeting and we carried on discussing the team and game plans," he added. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli On Wednesday, Kohli was among a host of Indian cricket stars, including the iconic Sachin Tendulkar who urged for unity in the country after some international celebrities like US pop star Rihanna called attention to the plight of the agitating farmers on social media. "Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together," he had tweeted. India and England will lock horns in a four-match Test series starting Friday. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at Delhi's borders for over two months demanding that the three new farm laws be repealed. Farmer groups have alleged that these laws, which allow farmers to sell their produce directly to a buyer, will end the traditional mandi system and the guarantee of a Minimum Support Price for their crops. The government has rejected these apprehensions as misplaced.

We briefly discussed it in team meeting: Virat Kohli on farmers' protest

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72fddfbd-bb37-4738-8f01-6facf79c16de}{93}" paraid="2011070845" >Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday confirmed that Rishabh Pant will start the first Test against England as the wicket-keeper of the side.&nbsp;India&nbsp;have&nbsp;over the past couple of&nbsp;home&nbsp;seasons have preferred&nbsp;Wriddhiman Saha over Pant as the specialist wicket-keeper&nbsp;due to the former being one of the finest with the gloves.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3548f0f2-b515-491a-8e2b-cd7c6fa99ed9}{164}" paraid="691781848" >However,&nbsp;Pant's&nbsp;recent exploits and heroic knocks against Australia&nbsp;have helped the southpaw regain his place in the playing XI when it comes to home Test matches. Interestingly,&nbsp;Pant's&nbsp;last home Test was back in 2018, against the West Indies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3682cf9-6625-47c6-ab78-5e0851dd2443}{123}" paraid="1776388425" >Kohli, lauding&nbsp;Pant's&nbsp;impact against Australia, said that the 23-year-old is in a good headspace and they want to continue with him. The Indian skipper added that the entire&nbsp;Indian team is happy to see Pant flourish.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f3c13f0e-1c1c-4e7f-a996-c15c475039b5}{251}" paraid="881321484" >Pant was India's highest run-scorer in the recently concluded series against Australia despite missing the Adelaide Test. The southpaw accumulated 274 runs in five innings at an average of&nbsp;68.50.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f3c13f0e-1c1c-4e7f-a996-c15c475039b5}{251}" paraid="881321484" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/3-spinners-and-2-pacers-team-indias-predicted-playing-xi-vs-england-for-1st-test-361313" hreflang="en">3 spinners and 2 pacers? Team India's predicted playing XI vs England for 1st Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72fddfbd-bb37-4738-8f01-6facf79c16de}{102}" paraid="1965813625" >"Yes, Rishabh (Pant) will start tomorrow. He had a massive impact in Australia and is in a good headspace and we want to continue with him. He's come along nicely after the IPL and he's worked hard in his fitness and his game. We were very happy to see him flourish,” said Kohli in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the first Test against India in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{53da06cf-4799-4251-8309-ffe02fc7d2c5}{204}" paraid="1920377312" >Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well&nbsp;as India won the series 2-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3ac7a9c6-db44-4d06-9c30-518359a20f8c}{121}" paraid="822870713" >Rahane has always lauded Kohli for his leadership qualities and on&nbsp;Wednesday, said that he is happy taking a back seat as Kohli is back leading the team. Praising Rahane for his splendid leadership qualities which he showed in the series against Australia, Kohli said that&nbsp;everyone in the team only wants India to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3ac7a9c6-db44-4d06-9c30-518359a20f8c}{121}" paraid="822870713" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-tops-celebrity-brand-valuation-study-for-fourth-consecutive-year-361275" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand valuation study for fourth consecutive year</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{53da06cf-4799-4251-8309-ffe02fc7d2c5}{231}" paraid="814440325" >"The fact that Jinks (Rahane) mentioned what he did because the relationship between us and the whole team is one of trust: we only want India to win. He fulfilled his role with flying&nbsp;colours&nbsp;in Australia," Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3fdfaae-ba9a-4a25-9c3c-f8a9e946f184}{249}" paraid="540410669" >Meanwhile, the Indian team will have an optional practice session before the match starts on Friday in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{df10fa58-e9ed-4d2d-8a65-33f976a4c8c1}{247}" paraid="2055422355" >India last lost a home Test series back in 2012 – against England – and will look to continue their domination on home soil.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday confirmed that Rishabh Pant will start the first Test against England as the wicket-keeper of the side. India have over the past couple of home seasons have preferred Wriddhiman Saha over Pant as the specialist wicket-keeper due to the former being one of the finest with the gloves.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday confirmed that Rishabh Pant will start the first Test against England as the wicket-keeper of the side. India have over the past couple of home seasons have preferred Wriddhiman Saha over Pant as the specialist wicket-keeper due to the former being one of the finest with the gloves. However, Pant's recent exploits and heroic knocks against Australia have helped the southpaw regain his place in the playing XI when it comes to home Test matches. Interestingly, Pant's last home Test was back in 2018, against the West Indies. Kohli, lauding Pant's impact against Australia, said that the 23-year-old is in a good headspace and they want to continue with him. The Indian skipper added that the entire Indian team is happy to see Pant flourish. Pant was India's highest run-scorer in the recently concluded series against Australia despite missing the Adelaide Test. The southpaw accumulated 274 runs in five innings at an average of 68.50. ALSO READ: 3 spinners and 2 pacers? Team India's predicted playing XI vs England for 1st Test "Yes, Rishabh (Pant) will start tomorrow. He had a massive impact in Australia and is in a good headspace and we want to continue with him. He's come along nicely after the IPL and he's worked hard in his fitness and his game. We were very happy to see him flourish,” said Kohli in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the first Test against India in Chennai. Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well as India won the series 2-1. Rahane has always lauded Kohli for his leadership qualities and on Wednesday, said that he is happy taking a back seat as Kohli is back leading the team. Praising Rahane for his splendid leadership qualities which he showed in the series against Australia, Kohli said that everyone in the team only wants India to win. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand valuation study for fourth consecutive year "The fact that Jinks (Rahane) mentioned what he did because the relationship between us and the whole team is one of trust: we only want India to win. He fulfilled his role with flying colours in Australia," Kohli said. Meanwhile, the Indian team will have an optional practice session before the match starts on Friday in Chennai. India last lost a home Test series back in 2012 – against England – and will look to continue their domination on home soil.

Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aea2275c-c733-4c60-a01d-ddfaf124d31d}{112}" paraid="1708964096" >India and England are set to kick-start the four-Test series with the opener scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Friday. Both India and England are&nbsp;heading into the series on the back of a series wins against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively. While the series promises to be a cracking contest with both England and India boasting some world-class players, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the clash of giants.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{04911975-4254-42a0-b124-4266db6804b0}{120}" paraid="1228705904" >India have almost a fully-fit squad with a couple of players missing the Test series due to injuries suffered in the tour of Australia. The likes of Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are missing but the hosts still boast a strong squad which might&nbsp;lead to selection headaches in the Indian camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b45a94f3-4555-400f-9f03-5f276071b56d}{198}" paraid="289392912" >While the batting order looks almost set with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, all eyes will be on the bowling combination of the Indian attack as the match will be played in Chennai, which has assisted spinners&nbsp;over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b45a94f3-4555-400f-9f03-5f276071b56d}{198}" paraid="289392912" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-tops-celebrity-brand-valuation-study-for-fourth-consecutive-year-361275" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand valuation study for fourth consecutive year</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{60a0fd30-9131-46bd-ba84-11dc7e79adb4}{62}" paraid="221762626" >However, with two back-to-back Test matches scheduled and a debutant curator V Ramesh Kumar taking charge of the proceedings, the MA Chidambaram Stadium could&nbsp;play equal field for both pacers and spinners early on. But India&nbsp;are&nbsp;likely to go with three spinners given England's recent struggle against spin bowling.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aea2275c-c733-4c60-a01d-ddfaf124d31d}{121}" paraid="669156173" >India last lost a home Test series back in the year 2012 – against England – and has since lost only one Test match, in 2016, on home soil. Given India's sheer domination at home, the Virat Kohli-led outfit starts as heavy&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to not only win the first Test but also to win the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aea2275c-c733-4c60-a01d-ddfaf124d31d}{121}" paraid="669156173" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-zak-crawley-ruled-out-of-first-two-tests-vs-india-361246" hreflang="en">England's Zak Crawley ruled out of first two Tests vs India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{75b7efa7-fc42-4186-82b8-7e34a034cba9}{155}" paraid="1252191090" ><strong>India predicted playing XI:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit&nbsp;Sharma,&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill, Cheteshwar&nbsp;Pujara, Virat&nbsp;Kohli,&nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Axar&nbsp;Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Ishant Sharma&nbsp;</p>


India and England are set to kick-start the four-Test series with the opener scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Friday. Both India and England are heading into the series on the back of a series wins against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively.

India and England are set to kick-start the four-Test series with the opener scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Friday. Both India and England are heading into the series on the back of a series wins against Australia and Sri Lanka respectively. While the series promises to be a cracking contest with both England and India boasting some world-class players, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the clash of giants. India have almost a fully-fit squad with a couple of players missing the Test series due to injuries suffered in the tour of Australia. The likes of Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are missing but the hosts still boast a strong squad which might lead to selection headaches in the Indian camp. While the batting order looks almost set with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, all eyes will be on the bowling combination of the Indian attack as the match will be played in Chennai, which has assisted spinners over the years. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand valuation study for fourth consecutive year However, with two back-to-back Test matches scheduled and a debutant curator V Ramesh Kumar taking charge of the proceedings, the MA Chidambaram Stadium could play equal field for both pacers and spinners early on. But India are likely to go with three spinners given England's recent struggle against spin bowling. India last lost a home Test series back in the year 2012 – against England – and has since lost only one Test match, in 2016, on home soil. Given India's sheer domination at home, the Virat Kohli-led outfit starts as heavy favourites to not only win the first Test but also to win the series. ALSO READ: England's Zak Crawley ruled out of first two Tests vs India India predicted playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma

3 spinners and 2 pacers? Team India's predicted playing XI vs England for 1st Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{81a2dd29-5978-454d-acdf-ca2cd1c72a8e}{200}" paraid="1954839387" >The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli has been ranked the most valuable celebrity for the fourth year on the bounce. Kohli's brand valuation remained at&nbsp;$237.7 million despite the&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, according to the Celebrity Brand Valuation Study 2020 released by Duff &amp; Phelps.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{46fee58b-454f-49e9-ae8a-8a92fa1a769d}{33}" paraid="1742679192" >While the top 10 list is dominated by Bollywood stars, Kohli remains atop the standings and clear of others in the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{421825ac-2685-4a53-91b2-dc679640cabc}{65}" paraid="184662213" >Managing director of Duff &amp; Phelps said that while established celebrities continue to dominate the rankings, millennials with massive social media presence have left a mark in the rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{421825ac-2685-4a53-91b2-dc679640cabc}{65}" paraid="184662213" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8b15416f-0613-4552-9a6a-07a6932e0aa6}{69}" paraid="1415590326" >“While established celebrities continue to dominate our rankings, notable millennials with a strong social media presence continue to climb the ladder. Ayushmann&nbsp;Khurrana, Tiger Shroff and Rohit Sharma all jumped a few spots to grab the No. 6, No. 15 and No. 17 spots, respectively. Further, Kartik Aaryan debuts on our list at No. 20. These rising millennial celebrities were in greater demand during the pandemic owing to their popularity among the youth,” said Aviral Jain, Managing Director, Duff &amp; Phelps.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb273575-15ea-4ab7-ba76-b3273ce71a43}{115}" paraid="1920536572" >Duff &amp; Phelps conducted a recent survey and released key findings from the sixth edition&nbsp;of its Celebrity Brand Valuation Study 2020: “Embracing the New Normal.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d76763d6-141e-46e8-b1ed-25e8dc4905a0}{118}" paraid="314749402" >The report ranks India's most powerful celebrity brands based on brand value. It is taken from endorsement portfolio and social media presence. With the year 2020 hit by COVID-19, the study examined the impact of the pandemic on both brand value rankings and endorsement space.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d76763d6-141e-46e8-b1ed-25e8dc4905a0}{118}" paraid="314749402" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/farmers-are-integral-part-of-our-country-virat-kohli-ajinkya-rahane-urge-indians-to-stay-united-361166" hreflang="en">'Farmers are integral part of our country': Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane urge Indians to stay united</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{663d0d66-7295-4228-a38e-d8b24195de58}{217}" paraid="555907872" >According to the study, there is a reduction in marketing and advertising budget due to the pandemic. The lockdown also impacted the endorsement done by the top 20 celebrities in the year 2020. The number of endorsements declined by a noteworthy 3.5 per cent to 357&nbsp;in 2020.&nbsp;“Overall the brand value of the top 20 celebrities in 2020 saw a dip by about 5 per cent compared to 2020 due to pandemic and stood at about $1 billion,” the Duff &amp; Phelps study pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2eea67b-a95b-42c5-8721-3664f38a9b8f}{130}" paraid="738692707" >The film industry was hit the hardest during the pandemic but for the sporting world, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a major event that ensured the rise of sports celebrities, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>


The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli has been ranked the most valuable celebrity for the fourth year on the bounce. Kohli's brand valuation remained at $237.

The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli has been ranked the most valuable celebrity for the fourth year on the bounce. Kohli's brand valuation remained at $237.7 million despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Celebrity Brand Valuation Study 2020 released by Duff & Phelps. While the top 10 list is dominated by Bollywood stars, Kohli remains atop the standings and clear of others in the list. Managing director of Duff & Phelps said that while established celebrities continue to dominate the rankings, millennials with massive social media presence have left a mark in the rankings. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners “While established celebrities continue to dominate our rankings, notable millennials with a strong social media presence continue to climb the ladder. Ayushmann Khurrana, Tiger Shroff and Rohit Sharma all jumped a few spots to grab the No. 6, No. 15 and No. 17 spots, respectively. Further, Kartik Aaryan debuts on our list at No. 20. These rising millennial celebrities were in greater demand during the pandemic owing to their popularity among the youth,” said Aviral Jain, Managing Director, Duff & Phelps. Duff & Phelps conducted a recent survey and released key findings from the sixth edition of its Celebrity Brand Valuation Study 2020: “Embracing the New Normal.” The report ranks India's most powerful celebrity brands based on brand value. It is taken from endorsement portfolio and social media presence. With the year 2020 hit by COVID-19, the study examined the impact of the pandemic on both brand value rankings and endorsement space. ALSO READ: 'Farmers are integral part of our country': Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane urge Indians to stay united According to the study, there is a reduction in marketing and advertising budget due to the pandemic. The lockdown also impacted the endorsement done by the top 20 celebrities in the year 2020. The number of endorsements declined by a noteworthy 3.5 per cent to 357 in 2020. “Overall the brand value of the top 20 celebrities in 2020 saw a dip by about 5 per cent compared to 2020 due to pandemic and stood at about $1 billion,” the Duff & Phelps study pointed out. The film industry was hit the hardest during the pandemic but for the sporting world, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a major event that ensured the rise of sports celebrities, according to the report.

Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand valuation study for fourth consecutive year

<p>Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday took to social media and urged fans to not fall for any false propaganda. Virat's tweet comes amid the social media outrage in response to posts by international personalities like Rihanna and Greta Thunberg extended their support for the ongoing farmers protest in India. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lets-remain-united-sachin-tendulkar-urges-people-to-not-fall-for-propaganda-amid-farmers-protest-361115" hreflang="en">Let's remain united: Sachin Tendulkar urges people to not fall for propaganda amid farmers protest</a></p>

<p>Kohli said: "Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together. #IndiaTogether"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaTogether</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1357016154108166144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement following the comments made by Rihanna and Thunberg on social media platform Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MEA, in a statement, said that a minute section of farmers from parts of the country has some reservation about the farm reforms. The statement added that there is need for a proper understanding of the issue before jumping the ship about the ongoing farmers protest.</p>

<p>India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane also took to Twitter and wrote: "There’s no issue that cannot be resolved if we stand together as one. Let’s remain united and work towards resolving our internal issues #IndiaTogether"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There’s no issue that cannot be resolved if we stand together as one. Let’s remain united and work towards resolving our internal issues <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaTogether</a></p>
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1357021947570253831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former India legend Sachin Tendulkar also tweeted regarding the matter and said that the "External forces can be spectators but not participants".</p>

<p>"India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised. External forces can be spectators but not participants. Indians know India and should decide for India. Let's remain united as a nation. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda," Tendulkar tweeted on Wednesday. &nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday took to social media and urged fans to not fall for any false propaganda. Virat's tweet comes amid the social media outrage in response to posts by international personalities like Rihanna and Greta Thunberg extended their support for the ongoing farmers protest in India.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday took to social media and urged fans to not fall for any false propaganda. Virat's tweet comes amid the social media outrage in response to posts by international personalities like Rihanna and Greta Thunberg extended their support for the ongoing farmers protest in India. ALSO READ: Let's remain united: Sachin Tendulkar urges people to not fall for propaganda amid farmers protest Kohli said: "Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together. #IndiaTogether" Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together. #IndiaTogether — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 3, 2021 × Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement following the comments made by Rihanna and Thunberg on social media platform Twitter. The MEA, in a statement, said that a minute section of farmers from parts of the country has some reservation about the farm reforms. The statement added that there is need for a proper understanding of the issue before jumping the ship about the ongoing farmers protest. India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane also took to Twitter and wrote: "There’s no issue that cannot be resolved if we stand together as one. Let’s remain united and work towards resolving our internal issues #IndiaTogether" There’s no issue that cannot be resolved if we stand together as one. Let’s remain united and work towards resolving our internal issues #IndiaTogether — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) February 3, 2021 × Former India legend Sachin Tendulkar also tweeted regarding the matter and said that the "External forces can be spectators but not participants". "India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised. External forces can be spectators but not participants. Indians know India and should decide for India. Let's remain united as a nation. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda," Tendulkar tweeted on Wednesday.

'Farmers are integral part of our country': Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane urge Indians to stay united

<p>On Monday, weeks after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anushka-sharma-and-virat-kohli-blessed-with-baby-girl-356017"> welcoming her first child</a>, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared the first glimpse of her and Virat Kohli's daughter on Instagram. In the post, Anushka spoke of the various emotions she has undergone in the past few weeks ever since the birth of the little one. The actress also revealed the newborn's name. Virat and Anushka have decided to name their daughter Vamika.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Thanking fans for their good wishes, Anushka wrote, "We have lived together with love, presence and gratitude as a way of life but this little one , Vamika has taken it to a whole new level ! Tears , laughter , worry , bliss - emotions that have been experienced in a span of minutes sometimes !"<br />
<br />
Like every new mother, Anushka admitted that sleep has become a rare thing her life, "Sleep is elusive but our hearts are SO full. Thanking you all for your wishes , prayers and good energy," the actress added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The adorable photo has Virat and Anushka lovingly smiling at their little one. The photograph only shows Anushka holding the baby, and does not reveal the face.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-of-virat-kohli-anushka-sharmas-romance-as-they-become-parents-323419">Timeline of Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma's romance as they become parents</a></strong><br />
<br />
Anushka and Virat welcomed their first child on January 11 and a day later<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-anushka-sharma-virat-kohli-appeal-to-paparazzi-we-want-to-protect-the-privacy-of-our-child-356428"> requested the media to not click any photo</a> of their daughter as they wanted to maintain her privacy. "As parents, we have a simple request to make to you. We want to protect the privacy of our child and we need your help and support,” a statement issued by the couple read.&nbsp;</p>


On Monday, weeks after welcoming her first child, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared the first glimpse of her and Virat Kohli's daughter on Instagram. In the post, Anushka spoke of the various emotions she has undergone in the past few weeks ever since the birth of the little one.

On Monday, weeks after welcoming her first child, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared the first glimpse of her and Virat Kohli's daughter on Instagram. In the post, Anushka spoke of the various emotions she has undergone in the past few weeks ever since the birth of the little one. The actress also revealed the newborn's name. Virat and Anushka have decided to name their daughter Vamika. Thanking fans for their good wishes, Anushka wrote, "We have lived together with love, presence and gratitude as a way of life but this little one , Vamika has taken it to a whole new level ! Tears , laughter , worry , bliss - emotions that have been experienced in a span of minutes sometimes !" Like every new mother, Anushka admitted that sleep has become a rare thing her life, "Sleep is elusive but our hearts are SO full. Thanking you all for your wishes , prayers and good energy," the actress added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) × The adorable photo has Virat and Anushka lovingly smiling at their little one. The photograph only shows Anushka holding the baby, and does not reveal the face. In pics: Timeline of Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma's romance as they become parents Anushka and Virat welcomed their first child on January 11 and a day later requested the media to not click any photo of their daughter as they wanted to maintain her privacy. "As parents, we have a simple request to make to you. We want to protect the privacy of our child and we need your help and support,” a statement issued by the couple read.

Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli share the first picture of their daughter, reveal her unique name

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{74fe4326-5cfc-4c3d-a677-4f42d79e56b0}{98}" paraid="1353234818" >Virat Kohli will be back in action with the Indian skipper returning back to the squad for the full-fledged home series against England. Kohli had missed&nbsp;the last three Tests against Australia on paternity leave, to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli has always enjoyed batting against England and the swashbuckling batsman will be eyeing twin records when he takes the field for the four-Test series, starting February 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{74fe4326-5cfc-4c3d-a677-4f42d79e56b0}{107}" paraid="339316635" >Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar holds the record of scoring most runs at home against England and Kohli is 489 runs away from achieving the iconic feat. While Kohli is currently sixth in the list with 843 runs from 9 home matches against England, Gavaskar accumulated 1331 runs in 22 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{85edb847-9e69-4256-bce7-45ebb5000e7d}{106}" paraid="614405441" >After Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath (1022 runs in 17 matches),&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar (960 runs in 15 matches), Vijay Manjrekar (885 runs in 11 matches) and ML Jaisimha (843&nbsp;runs in 10 matches) are head of Kohli in the list but the Indian skipper, with his run-scoring record against England, is&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;to topple the greats and take the&nbsp;numero&nbsp;uno spot.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{85edb847-9e69-4256-bce7-45ebb5000e7d}{106}" paraid="614405441" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-players-look-bit-scared-under-virat-kohli-opines-lee-360608" hreflang="en">Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{167}" paraid="952450856" >Most runs scored&nbsp;vs&nbsp;England in home Test&nbsp;matches:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{185}" paraid="516757573" >Sunil Gavaskar - 1331 runs in 22 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{194}" paraid="44451991" >Gundappa Viswanath - 1022 runs in 17 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{203}" paraid="989914069" >Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar - 960 runs in 15 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{212}" paraid="1287714626" >Vijay Manjrekar - 885 runs in 11 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{221}" paraid="552494605" >ML Jaisimha - 843 runs in 10 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{230}" paraid="656048026" ><em><strong>Virat Kohli - 843 runs in 9 matches&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{239}" paraid="1255401048" >Cheteshwar Pujara - 839 runs in 9 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{239}" paraid="1255401048" ><img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06a54f9f-eb67-4ad0-8568-613891859b71" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1834P9.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{248}" paraid="1878331264" >Kohli will also look to break Ricky Ponting's record of scoring most centuries as captain in home Test matches. While Ponting had scored 11 centuries and 3555 runs as captain in home Tests, Kohli has 10 records and 2699 runs.&nbsp;Currently, Kohli is locked with Greg Chappell, Steve Smith with 10 centuries in home Tests as a captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{248}" paraid="1878331264" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-want-to-be-part-of-pujara-confident-of-playing-in-ipl-360384" hreflang="en">'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{88fa032b-872e-4b3f-9a1e-81eb4a6ef9b6}{104}" paraid="1923951398" >Most&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;as captain in home Test&nbsp;matches:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3653ce7c-be71-433f-a9ec-85465040516f}{47}" paraid="141214416" >Ricky Ponting - 11&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 39 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3653ce7c-be71-433f-a9ec-85465040516f}{56}" paraid="1002392919" >Greg Chappell - 10&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 33 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3653ce7c-be71-433f-a9ec-85465040516f}{65}" paraid="1076513166" ><strong><em>Virat Kohli - 10&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 26 matches&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3653ce7c-be71-433f-a9ec-85465040516f}{74}" paraid="599225230" >Steve Smith - 10&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 20 matches&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3653ce7c-be71-433f-a9ec-85465040516f}{83}" paraid="1958121481" >Don Bradman - 9&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 15 matches&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli will be back in action with the Indian skipper returning back to the squad for the full-fledged home series against England. Kohli had missed the last three Tests against Australia on paternity leave, to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma.

Virat Kohli will be back in action with the Indian skipper returning back to the squad for the full-fledged home series against England. Kohli had missed the last three Tests against Australia on paternity leave, to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli has always enjoyed batting against England and the swashbuckling batsman will be eyeing twin records when he takes the field for the four-Test series, starting February 5. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar holds the record of scoring most runs at home against England and Kohli is 489 runs away from achieving the iconic feat. While Kohli is currently sixth in the list with 843 runs from 9 home matches against England, Gavaskar accumulated 1331 runs in 22 matches. After Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath (1022 runs in 17 matches), Sachin Tendulkar (960 runs in 15 matches), Vijay Manjrekar (885 runs in 11 matches) and ML Jaisimha (843 runs in 10 matches) are head of Kohli in the list but the Indian skipper, with his run-scoring record against England, is favourite to topple the greats and take the numero uno spot. ALSO READ: Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee Most runs scored vs England in home Test matches: Sunil Gavaskar - 1331 runs in 22 matches Gundappa Viswanath - 1022 runs in 17 matches Sachin Tendulkar - 960 runs in 15 matches Vijay Manjrekar - 885 runs in 11 matches ML Jaisimha - 843 runs in 10 matches Virat Kohli - 843 runs in 9 matches Cheteshwar Pujara - 839 runs in 9 matches Kohli will also look to break Ricky Ponting's record of scoring most centuries as captain in home Test matches. While Ponting had scored 11 centuries and 3555 runs as captain in home Tests, Kohli has 10 records and 2699 runs. Currently, Kohli is locked with Greg Chappell, Steve Smith with 10 centuries in home Tests as a captain. ALSO READ: 'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL Most centuries as captain in home Test matches: Ricky Ponting - 11 centuries in 39 matches Greg Chappell - 10 centuries in 33 matches Virat Kohli - 10 centuries in 26 matches Steve Smith - 10 centuries in 20 matches Don Bradman - 9 centuries in 15 matches

IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli on verge of shattering twin records against England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4015ff31-2532-45c1-80ee-4b3c92854451}{22}" paraid="1860064155" >Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{becb2384-5fc2-4b10-ae30-206c0ef10335}{206}" paraid="178493749" >Rahane took over the charge in Kohli’s absence in the last three Test against Australia and led the visitors to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under. Kohli had missed the last three Tests versus Australia due to paternity leave.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e8438e4a-5209-4d9d-908d-7eeb5e1b05d6}{226}" paraid="847762007" >Rahane led a bruised and battered Indian outfit, lacking experience, to wins in Melbourne and Brisbane as he became the second Indian captain after Kohli to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e8438e4a-5209-4d9d-908d-7eeb5e1b05d6}{226}" paraid="847762007" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/union-budget-2021-nirmala-sitharaman-recalls-team-indias-historic-gabba-win-in-australia-360577" hreflang="en">Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cbf59b63-6b88-4c4c-9dfb-ba020a1e0dc3}{228}" paraid="1590525085" >Kohli had left the Indian team after the series opener in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. However, the Indian skipper will be back in the upcoming four-Test series against England starting February 5.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6bb35c5b-1793-47f2-9b2f-ba73811737c7}{23}" paraid="1997622436" >"Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{06386ef7-b408-4d7e-9839-b4056846e82a}{122}" paraid="1073664178" >"They're almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane," Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{06386ef7-b408-4d7e-9839-b4056846e82a}{122}" paraid="1073664178" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jos-buttler-ready-for-wicket-keeping-challenge-on-indias-pitches-360298" hreflang="en">England's Jos Buttler ready for wicket keeping 'challenge' on India's pitches</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{06386ef7-b408-4d7e-9839-b4056846e82a}{140}" paraid="1304466458" >"Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I'm not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell," Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6bb35c5b-1793-47f2-9b2f-ba73811737c7}{58}" paraid="299094460" >India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. India and England will play four Test, five T20Is and three ODIs.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team. Rahane took over the charge in Kohli’s absence in the last three Test against Australia and led the visitors to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under. Kohli had missed the last three Tests versus Australia due to paternity leave. Rahane led a bruised and battered Indian outfit, lacking experience, to wins in Melbourne and Brisbane as he became the second Indian captain after Kohli to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. ALSO READ: Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia Kohli had left the Indian team after the series opener in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. However, the Indian skipper will be back in the upcoming four-Test series against England starting February 5. "Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team. "They're almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane," Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said. ALSO READ: England's Jos Buttler ready for wicket keeping 'challenge' on India's pitches "Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I'm not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell," Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added. India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. India and England will play four Test, five T20Is and three ODIs.

Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Ajinkya Rahane and Co. for their historic Test series win against Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-want-to-be-part-of-pujara-confident-of-playing-in-ipl-360384" hreflang="en">'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL</a></p>

<p>During PM Modi's radio show 'Mann ki Baat', he congratulated the Indian team for their hard work and teamwork in the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back gloriously and won the series in Australia. Our team's hard work and teamwork was inspiring," PM Modi said during 'Mann Ki Baat'.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">इस महीने, क्रिकेट पिच से भी बहुत अच्छी खबर मिली | हमारी क्रिकेट टीम ने शुरुआती दिक्कतों के बाद, शानदार वापसी करते हुए ऑस्ट्रेलिया में सीरीज जीती | हमारे खिलाड़ियों का hard work और teamwork प्रेरित करने वाला है : PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1355751135533907968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thanked PM Modi for his words of appreciation and encouragement.</p>

<p>“Thank you Shri @narendramodi ji for your appreciation and words of encouragement. #TeamIndia will do everything possible to keep the tricolour flying high. @imVkohli @ajinkyarahane88 @RaviShastriOfc @RishabhPant17 @Jaspritbumrah93 @ImRo45 @JayShah @SGanguly99 @ThakurArunS,” BCCI tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji for your appreciation and words of encouragement. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> will do everything possible to keep the tricolour 🇮🇳 flying high. <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaviShastriOfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThakurArunS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThakurArunS</a> <a href="https://t.co/fceD3bgO09">https://t.co/fceD3bgO09</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1355776598264356866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian captain Virat Kohli shared the tweet with a tricolour emoji.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/jGez2Na675">https://t.co/jGez2Na675</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1355791729526378500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ajinkya Rahane, who led India in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli and guided the team to 2-1 win, also took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude.</p>

<p>“Thank you for your words of encouragement Shri @narendramodi Ji. It’s always an honour to represent our country, we hope to continue inspiring more Indians as we move forward.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for your words of encouragement Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji 🙏 It’s always an honour to represent our country, we hope to continue inspiring more Indians as we move forward 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/8vxfrU3N4v">https://t.co/8vxfrU3N4v</a></p>
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1355807239194300421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ravichandran Ashwin also thanked the Prime Minister. He said: “Thank you so much sir.”</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Ajinkya Rahane and Co. for their historic Test series win against Australia. ALSO READ: 'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL During PM Modi's radio show 'Mann ki Baat', he congratulated the Indian team for their hard work and teamwork in the series.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Ajinkya Rahane and Co. for their historic Test series win against Australia. ALSO READ: 'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL During PM Modi's radio show 'Mann ki Baat', he congratulated the Indian team for their hard work and teamwork in the series. “This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back gloriously and won the series in Australia. Our team's hard work and teamwork was inspiring," PM Modi said during 'Mann Ki Baat'. इस महीने, क्रिकेट पिच से भी बहुत अच्छी खबर मिली | हमारी क्रिकेट टीम ने शुरुआती दिक्कतों के बाद, शानदार वापसी करते हुए ऑस्ट्रेलिया में सीरीज जीती | हमारे खिलाड़ियों का hard work और teamwork प्रेरित करने वाला है : PM @narendramodi #MannKiBaat — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 31, 2021 × The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thanked PM Modi for his words of appreciation and encouragement. “Thank you Shri @narendramodi ji for your appreciation and words of encouragement. #TeamIndia will do everything possible to keep the tricolour flying high. @imVkohli @ajinkyarahane88 @RaviShastriOfc @RishabhPant17 @Jaspritbumrah93 @ImRo45 @JayShah @SGanguly99 @ThakurArunS,” BCCI tweeted. Thank you Shri @narendramodi ji for your appreciation and words of encouragement. #TeamIndia will do everything possible to keep the tricolour 🇮🇳 flying high. @imVkohli @ajinkyarahane88 @RaviShastriOfc @RishabhPant17 @Jaspritbumrah93 @ImRo45 @JayShah @SGanguly99 @ThakurArunS https://t.co/fceD3bgO09 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 31, 2021 × Indian captain Virat Kohli shared the tweet with a tricolour emoji. 🇮🇳 https://t.co/jGez2Na675 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 31, 2021 × Ajinkya Rahane, who led India in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli and guided the team to 2-1 win, also took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude. “Thank you for your words of encouragement Shri @narendramodi Ji. It’s always an honour to represent our country, we hope to continue inspiring more Indians as we move forward.” Thank you for your words of encouragement Shri @narendramodi Ji 🙏 It’s always an honour to represent our country, we hope to continue inspiring more Indians as we move forward 🇮🇳 https://t.co/8vxfrU3N4v — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) January 31, 2021 × Ravichandran Ashwin also thanked the Prime Minister. He said: “Thank you so much sir.”

'Team's hard work was inspiring’: PM Narendra Modi praises Team India for historic win in Australia

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