Indian captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> was trolled by cricket fans for wearing shorts&nbsp;at the toss for the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI ahead of the four-Test series here.

The opening day of the four-day non-first class match against an understrength representative side was washed out by torrential rain.

The picture of Virat Kohli and&nbsp;CA XI captain Sam Whiteman, which was captured during the toss, was tweeted&nbsp;by the official handle of BCCI.

Soon after that fans&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;Kohli for wearing shorts in the 'gentleman's game' and called it&nbsp;disrespectful.

Here is the BCCI's post:

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CA XI have won the toss and will field first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/J8fb8BJp8x">pic.twitter.com/J8fb8BJp8x</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1067909541377978370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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See how the Twitter users commented on this:

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Watching Virat Kohli going out to toss with shorts is nothing but disgraceful. I remember the legendary late ML Jaisimha in full whites when he became coach of Hyderabad team. He always felt one should respect the game. Period
— N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/dassport_TT/status/1068146588118204416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This @imVkohli bad attitude is showing no any respect for game and their legacy why @bcci @icc @accessonline n other cricket members think about this. Where is #sunilgavaskar who taunted in #Aisacup to Pakistani player for their cap??? What @imVkohli is showing," a twitter handle that goes by the name @VeeG48 wrote.

Another wrote, "Disgraceful and disrespectful... There was time captains used to wear Blazers during toss.... This behavior is absolutely unpardonable...."

The Virat Kohli-led tourists suffered a mini-collapse towards the end, losing their last five wickets for 11 runs to be dismissed for 358, but will be pleased to have got so much time in the middle for their top and middle orders.

India's 19-year-old opening batsman Prithvi Shaw caught the eye with a sparkling 66, hitting 11 boundaries in his 69-ball knock.

While few fans came in support of the skipper.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a> what was the point to raise the issue of virat kohli wearing shorts during toss time Firstly its unofficial game and its a practice match at that time he might be not aware also whether he is wearing shorts or full pants stop raising small issue
— Parth Dhanesha (@18gazerparth) <a href="https://twitter.com/18gazerparth/status/1068146119727816704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Test series begins in Adelaide on December 6, with further matches in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney over the following month.

Indian captain Virat Kohli was trolled by cricket fans for wearing shorts at the toss for the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI ahead of the four-Test series here.

Indian captain Virat Kohli was trolled by cricket fans for wearing shorts at the toss for the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI ahead of the four-Test series here. The opening day of the four-day non-first class match against an understrength representative side was washed out by torrential rain. The picture of Virat Kohli and CA XI captain Sam Whiteman, which was captured during the toss, was tweeted by the official handle of BCCI. Soon after that fans criticised Kohli for wearing shorts in the 'gentleman's game' and called it disrespectful. Here is the BCCI's post: CA XI have won the toss and will field first #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/J8fb8BJp8x — BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2018 × See how the Twitter users commented on this: Watching Virat Kohli going out to toss with shorts is nothing but disgraceful. I remember the legendary late ML Jaisimha in full whites when he became coach of Hyderabad team. He always felt one should respect the game. Period — N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) November 29, 2018 × "This @imVkohli bad attitude is showing no any respect for game and their legacy why @bcci @icc @accessonline n other cricket members think about this. Where is #sunilgavaskar who taunted in #Aisacup to Pakistani player for their cap??? What @imVkohli is showing," a twitter handle that goes by the name @VeeG48 wrote. Another wrote, "Disgraceful and disrespectful... There was time captains used to wear Blazers during toss.... This behavior is absolutely unpardonable...." The Virat Kohli-led tourists suffered a mini-collapse towards the end, losing their last five wickets for 11 runs to be dismissed for 358, but will be pleased to have got so much time in the middle for their top and middle orders. India's 19-year-old opening batsman Prithvi Shaw caught the eye with a sparkling 66, hitting 11 boundaries in his 69-ball knock. While few fans came in support of the skipper. @sanjaymanjrekar what was the point to raise the issue of virat kohli wearing shorts during toss time Firstly its unofficial game and its a practice match at that time he might be not aware also whether he is wearing shorts or full pants stop raising small issue — Parth Dhanesha (@18gazerparth) November 29, 2018 × The Test series begins in Adelaide on December 6, with further matches in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney over the following month.

Twitterati troll Virat Kohli for wearing shorts during toss against Australia in warm-up match

Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj in the controversy surrounding her dropping from the World T20 semifinal team, saying a player of her experience should not have been left out of the crucial match.

The 35-year-old Mithali was left out of the World T20 semi-final against England that raised quite a few eyebrows after India's eight-wicket loss. She was dropped despite scoring back-to-back fifties in the group stage of the competition held in the West Indies.

The team management cited cricketing logic -- it did not want to change a winning combination -- behind the move to drop Mithali but former skipper Gavaskar did not agree with that.

"I feel sorry for Mithali. She has a very good point. She has served Indian cricket for 20 years. She scored runs, she won player of the match in both matches (she played at the World T20)," Gavaskar told 'India Today'.

"She was injured for one game but fit for the next game. Just convert this situation into the men's game. If you had a Virat Kohli who was injured for one game and then is fit for the knockout, will you leave him out?&nbsp;

"You have to pick your best player for the knockouts. You needed the experience and expertise of Mithali Raj," he said.

Mithali had written a letter to the BCCI, accusing coach Ramesh Powar and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji, saying the two are biased against her and have tried to "destroy" her.&nbsp;

Gavaskar said it was difficult to comment on Powar's role from a distance but made it clear that the reason given for Mithali's dropping was wrong.

"What happened with Powar. It is very difficult to comment on that from here. But it's difficult to accept whatever the reason was. They said they wanted to stick with the same team, I don't think that's a good enough excuse. You can't drop someone like Mithali Raj," said the former captain.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj in the controversy surrounding her dropping from the World T20 semifinal team, saying a player of her experience should not have been left out of the crucial match.

Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj in the controversy surrounding her dropping from the World T20 semifinal team, saying a player of her experience should not have been left out of the crucial match. The 35-year-old Mithali was left out of the World T20 semi-final against England that raised quite a few eyebrows after India's eight-wicket loss. She was dropped despite scoring back-to-back fifties in the group stage of the competition held in the West Indies. The team management cited cricketing logic -- it did not want to change a winning combination -- behind the move to drop Mithali but former skipper Gavaskar did not agree with that. "I feel sorry for Mithali. She has a very good point. She has served Indian cricket for 20 years. She scored runs, she won player of the match in both matches (she played at the World T20)," Gavaskar told 'India Today'. "She was injured for one game but fit for the next game. Just convert this situation into the men's game. If you had a Virat Kohli who was injured for one game and then is fit for the knockout, will you leave him out? "You have to pick your best player for the knockouts. You needed the experience and expertise of Mithali Raj," he said. Mithali had written a letter to the BCCI, accusing coach Ramesh Powar and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji, saying the two are biased against her and have tried to "destroy" her. Gavaskar said it was difficult to comment on Powar's role from a distance but made it clear that the reason given for Mithali's dropping was wrong. "What happened with Powar. It is very difficult to comment on that from here. But it's difficult to accept whatever the reason was. They said they wanted to stick with the same team, I don't think that's a good enough excuse. You can't drop someone like Mithali Raj," said the former captain.

I feel sorry for Mithali, she has a very good point: Sunil Gavaskar

Being the highest-profile athlete in the world's second most populous country, India cricket captain Virat Kohli has built such a formidable brand across the spectrum that even his occasional brash and indiscrete comments fail to tarnish it.

Watches, cars, sports shoes, motorbikes, clothes, ride services, tires, snacks, health foods, headphones - even toothbrushes -- they have all had the Kohli marketing treatment.

The 30-year-old cricketer with tattooed arms and coiffured hair currently endorses 21 brands including Tissot, Audi, Puma, Uber and Hero, pushing him into the Forbes's 2018 list of the world's 100 highest-paid athletes.

Coming in at No. 83 on the back of his estimated $24 million income over the previous 12 months, Kohli is the world's top-earning cricketer and comes in ahead of other high-profile athletes such as Novak Djokovic and Sergio Aguero.

It is unlikely he would ever be able to challenge the likes of current Forbes' No.1 Floyd Mayweather or No. 2 Lionel Messi due to cricket's appeal being mostly tied to a small batch of predominantly Commonwealth countries.

However, he could soon eclipse Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the highest earning Indian sportsman ever. Former India cricket captain Dhoni earned $31 million in 2015 as he promoted a series of brands.

His success off the pitch is matched by his prowess on it.

A prolific scorer of runs, on Sunday he produced a match-winning innings to help India to victory over Australia and his performances have ensured he enjoys rock star status in the cricket-mad country of 1.3 billion.

He wed actress Anushka Sharma last year to create a marriage between cricket and Bollywood, India's two biggest obsessions, helping give him a 'family man' image that can appeal to a middle-class audience - and harness its spending power.

That does not mean he has lost traction with India's youth.

"The youth of the country - and more than half of India's population are under 25 - can identify themselves with the man living their dream," said Kohli biographer Vijay Lokapally.

Kohli has a strong social media presence with over 37 million fans on Facebook and is followed by more than 25 million on Instagram and 27.1 million on Twitter.

"He speaks his mind, takes stands, interacts on social media - all of it goes well with his fans," Lokapally said, describing Kohli as "complete theatre".

Prepared to shock

His sponsors have had a bumpy ride at times.

When a cricket fan recently described Kohli, the world's top-ranked Test batsman, as "overrated" and said he would rather watch Australian and English batsmen than "these Indians", Kohli responded with both barrels.

"You should go and live somewhere else, you know," he said in a video posted on his personal telephone app, which he uses to interact with fans and sell merchandise.

"Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country..."

Kohli later said he was "all for freedom of choice" and while the episode burnished his reputation as being touchy about criticism it did little to damage his brand.

Quite the opposite, said Tuhin Mishra, managing director of sports marketing firm Baseline Ventures.

"Such frankness can actually boost the brand, provided it aligns with the brand's message," said Mishra, whose firm manages other Indian cricketers including Ravindra Jadeja and Prithvi Shaw.

"After all, brands also want to be seen as patriotic

"Sports and Bollywood stars usually avoid controversies, but fans want their icons to have a voice," he added.

Cornerstone Sport &amp; Entertainment, the company which represents Kohli, declined to discuss his endorsements and sponsorships.

According to Forbes, $20 million of his total comes from endorsements and $4 million from salary and so-called "winnings", which would include prize money.

Kohli's earnings could continue to increase thanks to India's strong growth - it is the fastest growing large economy in the world and that should mean many more marketing dollars - and the obsessive interest in cricket here and across the Indian diaspora.

He has smoothed out some of his rough edges. He does not endorse soft drinks or skin-lightening cream anymore, advocates a healthy lifestyle, and comes across as a family man and a leader.

He fights for salary hikes for his players, demands that players' partners be allowed on tours, and seeks to influence who is appointed team coach.

Mishra of Baseline Ventures said Kohli's appeal had evolved.

"As an aggressive youngster, he was attractive to certain brands then. As married, mature and responsible captain of the team, he is attractive to another set of brands now," he said.

Being the highest-profile athlete in the world's second most populous country, India cricket captain Virat Kohli has built such a formidable brand across the spectrum that even his occasional brash and indiscrete comments fail to tarnish it.

Being the highest-profile athlete in the world's second most populous country, India cricket captain Virat Kohli has built such a formidable brand across the spectrum that even his occasional brash and indiscrete comments fail to tarnish it. Watches, cars, sports shoes, motorbikes, clothes, ride services, tires, snacks, health foods, headphones - even toothbrushes -- they have all had the Kohli marketing treatment. The 30-year-old cricketer with tattooed arms and coiffured hair currently endorses 21 brands including Tissot, Audi, Puma, Uber and Hero, pushing him into the Forbes's 2018 list of the world's 100 highest-paid athletes. Coming in at No. 83 on the back of his estimated $24 million income over the previous 12 months, Kohli is the world's top-earning cricketer and comes in ahead of other high-profile athletes such as Novak Djokovic and Sergio Aguero. It is unlikely he would ever be able to challenge the likes of current Forbes' No.1 Floyd Mayweather or No. 2 Lionel Messi due to cricket's appeal being mostly tied to a small batch of predominantly Commonwealth countries. However, he could soon eclipse Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the highest earning Indian sportsman ever. Former India cricket captain Dhoni earned $31 million in 2015 as he promoted a series of brands. His success off the pitch is matched by his prowess on it. A prolific scorer of runs, on Sunday he produced a match-winning innings to help India to victory over Australia and his performances have ensured he enjoys rock star status in the cricket-mad country of 1.3 billion. He wed actress Anushka Sharma last year to create a marriage between cricket and Bollywood, India's two biggest obsessions, helping give him a 'family man' image that can appeal to a middle-class audience - and harness its spending power. That does not mean he has lost traction with India's youth. "The youth of the country - and more than half of India's population are under 25 - can identify themselves with the man living their dream," said Kohli biographer Vijay Lokapally. Kohli has a strong social media presence with over 37 million fans on Facebook and is followed by more than 25 million on Instagram and 27.1 million on Twitter. "He speaks his mind, takes stands, interacts on social media - all of it goes well with his fans," Lokapally said, describing Kohli as "complete theatre". Prepared to shock His sponsors have had a bumpy ride at times. When a cricket fan recently described Kohli, the world's top-ranked Test batsman, as "overrated" and said he would rather watch Australian and English batsmen than "these Indians", Kohli responded with both barrels. "You should go and live somewhere else, you know," he said in a video posted on his personal telephone app, which he uses to interact with fans and sell merchandise. "Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country..." Kohli later said he was "all for freedom of choice" and while the episode burnished his reputation as being touchy about criticism it did little to damage his brand. Quite the opposite, said Tuhin Mishra, managing director of sports marketing firm Baseline Ventures. "Such frankness can actually boost the brand, provided it aligns with the brand's message," said Mishra, whose firm manages other Indian cricketers including Ravindra Jadeja and Prithvi Shaw. "After all, brands also want to be seen as patriotic "Sports and Bollywood stars usually avoid controversies, but fans want their icons to have a voice," he added. Cornerstone Sport & Entertainment, the company which represents Kohli, declined to discuss his endorsements and sponsorships. According to Forbes, $20 million of his total comes from endorsements and $4 million from salary and so-called "winnings", which would include prize money. Kohli's earnings could continue to increase thanks to India's strong growth - it is the fastest growing large economy in the world and that should mean many more marketing dollars - and the obsessive interest in cricket here and across the Indian diaspora. He has smoothed out some of his rough edges. He does not endorse soft drinks or skin-lightening cream anymore, advocates a healthy lifestyle, and comes across as a family man and a leader. He fights for salary hikes for his players, demands that players' partners be allowed on tours, and seeks to influence who is appointed team coach. Mishra of Baseline Ventures said Kohli's appeal had evolved. "As an aggressive youngster, he was attractive to certain brands then. As married, mature and responsible captain of the team, he is attractive to another set of brands now," he said.

Big appeal: Kohli pulls in the ad dollars despite verbal slips

India defeated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-t20-india-need-165-to-win-against-australia-179316">Australia by six wickets</a> in the third and final T20 International to level the series 1-1 at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

D'Arcy Short (33) was the top-scorer for Australia, while Krunal Pandya snatched four precious wickets for India for which he got the man of the match award.

Despite Pandya's four-wicket haul, the hosts managed to put up a defendable total of 164 runs but Virat Kohli's side chased down the total with two balls remaining.

Dhawan-Rohit partnership had put pressure on the Australian bowling attack but with Shikhar Dhawan's wicket, pace sensation Mitchell Starc got a breakthrough for the Aussies. Dhawan scored quick 41 with 121.74 strike rate.&nbsp;

Spinner Adam Zampa got another wicket as he sent off Rohit Sharma for 23 with a quicker length ball that ripped through Sharma which he failed to assess.

Australia looked in control in the middle overs but skipper Kohli's unbeaten 61-run stand helped India to register a much-needed&nbsp;win.

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India level the T20I series against Australia! 
 
Virat 'The Chaser' Kohli does it again, ending 61* from 41 balls as India chase down 165 with just two balls remaining. What a knock from the skipper!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> SCORE 👇<a href="https://t.co/vuuqcrYXlw">https://t.co/vuuqcrYXlw</a> <a href="https://t.co/0IlDYZRdZ2">pic.twitter.com/0IlDYZRdZ2</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1066653367055917056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, After winning the toss, Australia started off the innings well as both the openers D Arcy short and Aaron Finch looked in control but after Finch's wicket, Aussies lost their momentum.

Finch lost his wicket to Kuldeep Yadav after scoring 28 runs with 121.74 strike rate and soon after that Short lost his wicket to Krunal Pandya at 33 runs.

Pandya struck against and outbowled Ben McDermott on the next ball.

Wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey scored 27 and Chris Lynn scored 13 runs crucial.

Australia won the first T20 International by four runs via D/L method before the second match was abandoned due to rain.

Brief Score:

Australia: 164 for 6 in 20 overs (D'Arcy Short 33; Krunal Pandya 4/36).&nbsp; 
India: 168 for 4 in 19.4 overs (Virat Kohli 61 not out, Shikhar Dhawan 41; Mitchell Starc 1/26).

India defeated Australia by six wickets in the third and final T20 International to level the series 1-1 at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. D'Arcy Short (33) was the top-scorer for Australia, while Krunal Pandya snatched four precious wickets for India for which he got the man of the match award.

India defeated Australia by six wickets in the third and final T20 International to level the series 1-1 at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. D'Arcy Short (33) was the top-scorer for Australia, while Krunal Pandya snatched four precious wickets for India for which he got the man of the match award. Despite Pandya's four-wicket haul, the hosts managed to put up a defendable total of 164 runs but Virat Kohli's side chased down the total with two balls remaining. Dhawan-Rohit partnership had put pressure on the Australian bowling attack but with Shikhar Dhawan's wicket, pace sensation Mitchell Starc got a breakthrough for the Aussies. Dhawan scored quick 41 with 121.74 strike rate. Spinner Adam Zampa got another wicket as he sent off Rohit Sharma for 23 with a quicker length ball that ripped through Sharma which he failed to assess. Australia looked in control in the middle overs but skipper Kohli's unbeaten 61-run stand helped India to register a much-needed win. India level the T20I series against Australia! Virat 'The Chaser' Kohli does it again, ending 61* from 41 balls as India chase down 165 with just two balls remaining. What a knock from the skipper!#AUSvIND SCORE 👇https://t.co/vuuqcrYXlw pic.twitter.com/0IlDYZRdZ2 — ICC (@ICC) November 25, 2018 × Earlier, After winning the toss, Australia started off the innings well as both the openers D Arcy short and Aaron Finch looked in control but after Finch's wicket, Aussies lost their momentum. Finch lost his wicket to Kuldeep Yadav after scoring 28 runs with 121.74 strike rate and soon after that Short lost his wicket to Krunal Pandya at 33 runs. Pandya struck against and outbowled Ben McDermott on the next ball. Wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey scored 27 and Chris Lynn scored 13 runs crucial. Australia won the first T20 International by four runs via D/L method before the second match was abandoned due to rain. Brief Score: Australia: 164 for 6 in 20 overs (D'Arcy Short 33; Krunal Pandya 4/36). India: 168 for 4 in 19.4 overs (Virat Kohli 61 not out, Shikhar Dhawan 41; Mitchell Starc 1/26).

IND vs AUS, 3rd T20: India beat Australia by 6 wickets to level series

Australia won the toss and opted to bat in the third and final T20I match against India at Sydney's cricket stadium on Sunday.

Aaron Finch-led Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-rohit-falls-cheaply-in-174-chase-178589">winning the first match</a> at Brisbane, while the second match was called off due to heavy rains in Melbourne on Friday.

After winning the toss, Finch said, "Looks a pretty good wicket, a bit dry and if we can put runs on the board, we are backing ourselves to defend anything,"

Australian pace spearhead has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-star-pacer-mitchell-starc-summoned-for-india-t20-179109">Mitchell Starc called up</a> for his first Twenty20 international in two years. He replaced Jason Behrendorff.

Stanlake was ruled out of the series decider after sustaining an ankle injury in the warm-up before the washed-out second T20I.

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Australia wins the toss and they have put us to bowl first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/yNo3RdNrvo">pic.twitter.com/yNo3RdNrvo</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1066593006579576832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"It's exciting to have Mitchy back in the side, it's been two years since he's played a game and is raring to go," said Finch.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli's will enter Sydney Cricket Ground with the same combination.

"The last game we played here, we chased down a big score. Even at the MCG, we were able to restrict them to a decent score," said Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

"It's always lovely to play in Sydney, we get a lot of support here. Always a full house and 85 per cent Indian fans here," he added.

"Our intensity was right up there in the last game and we're really looking forward to this one."

Playing XI:

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat in the third and final T20I match against India at Sydney's cricket stadium on Sunday. Aaron Finch-led Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match at Brisbane, while the second match was called off due to heavy rains in Melbourne on Friday.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat in the third and final T20I match against India at Sydney's cricket stadium on Sunday. Aaron Finch-led Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match at Brisbane, while the second match was called off due to heavy rains in Melbourne on Friday. After winning the toss, Finch said, "Looks a pretty good wicket, a bit dry and if we can put runs on the board, we are backing ourselves to defend anything," Australian pace spearhead has been Mitchell Starc called up for his first Twenty20 international in two years. He replaced Jason Behrendorff. Stanlake was ruled out of the series decider after sustaining an ankle injury in the warm-up before the washed-out second T20I. Australia wins the toss and they have put us to bowl first #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/yNo3RdNrvo — BCCI (@BCCI) November 25, 2018 × "It's exciting to have Mitchy back in the side, it's been two years since he's played a game and is raring to go," said Finch. On the other hand, Virat Kohli's will enter Sydney Cricket Ground with the same combination. "The last game we played here, we chased down a big score. Even at the MCG, we were able to restrict them to a decent score," said Indian skipper Virat Kohli. "It's always lovely to play in Sydney, we get a lot of support here. Always a full house and 85 per cent Indian fans here," he added. "Our intensity was right up there in the last game and we're really looking forward to this one." Playing XI: India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah. Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

IND vs AUS, 3rd T20: Ozzies opt to bat first, India have to win to level series

Australia will eye a series win when they take on India in the second T20I of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-rohit-falls-cheaply-in-174-chase-178589">three-match series </a>at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

While India will hope for a turn-around in a must-win clash to keep the series alive.

In the first match, India made few sloppy mistakes in the field&nbsp;that proved to be the ultimate difference in a game.

In fact,&nbsp;Kohli himself was guilty of poor effort on the field on at least two occasions, dropping counterpart Aaron Finch in the fourth over and later involved in a misfielding from the deep.

On the eve of the series, Virat Kohli said that the team will look to minimise the mistakes&nbsp;happened during their recently concluded England and West Indies series.

"We don't want to be a team that wins one odd test match here and there," Kohli told reporters. "We have figured out our mistakes in England which, I have mentioned before, were very radical.

"The quality of cricket was very high but our mistakes were as radical and that's why we lost the games. We won the game in which we committed fewer mistakes. We were at par with the other team throughout," Virat added.

India, currently the top test team, have not lost a home series since late 2012 but have struggled outside the sub-continent, beaten 2-1 in South Africa and 4-1 in England this year.

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Melbourne! We are here for the 2nd T20I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/8xEp62g3Ex">pic.twitter.com/8xEp62g3Ex</a>
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The Indian batting line-up could see some changes which is also the urgent need of an hour.

KL Rahul's performance, in particular, scrutinised, since scoring 101 not out in the first T20I against England at Manchester, Rahul hasn't been able to cross the 30-run mark in next six matches.&nbsp;

He occupies a very crucial, number three, batting spot in the current squad.

There is a special need to check the bowling department as per the behaviour of MCG's pitch.

Krunal Pandya was plundered for 55 runs in his four wicketless overs and was hit for as many as half a dozen sixes.&nbsp;

If the MCG is also of Gabba's nature, Kohli might be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who boasts of a brilliant wicket-taking record in T20Is.

While he can not take the risk of giving away an additional batsman.

Australia boasts of bigger grounds than in India, with bigger boundaries of course, and the MCG will prove to be another humongous challenge in that regard.&nbsp;

The task is cut out in front of the team management to work on fielding angles to elevate their efforts in the second T20I.&nbsp;

It doesn't help that there is such a short turn-around time during this series, that fielding coach R Sridhar won't be able to work with the players at the MCG.

Any improvements in the field will have to be drilled in theoretically in the dressing room. And thus India will also seek to look at other areas where improvements can be made.&nbsp;

The ploy to introduce Adam Zampa as the lone spinner worked wonders for Australia and with an intense fielding effort, Australia were able to make a winning difference.&nbsp;

Things seem very different in the hosts' camp all of a sudden when they were simply considered second best to the Men in Blue across all departments less than 48 hours ago.

Melbourne is experiencing a stormy spell in the latter half of this week, so there is a slight chance that the second T20I could also be rain-affected.

Australia will eye a series win when they take on India in the second T20I of a three-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. While India will hope for a turn-around in a must-win clash to keep the series alive.

Australia will eye a series win when they take on India in the second T20I of a three-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. While India will hope for a turn-around in a must-win clash to keep the series alive. In the first match, India made few sloppy mistakes in the field that proved to be the ultimate difference in a game. In fact, Kohli himself was guilty of poor effort on the field on at least two occasions, dropping counterpart Aaron Finch in the fourth over and later involved in a misfielding from the deep. On the eve of the series, Virat Kohli said that the team will look to minimise the mistakes happened during their recently concluded England and West Indies series. "We don't want to be a team that wins one odd test match here and there," Kohli told reporters. "We have figured out our mistakes in England which, I have mentioned before, were very radical. "The quality of cricket was very high but our mistakes were as radical and that's why we lost the games. We won the game in which we committed fewer mistakes. We were at par with the other team throughout," Virat added. India, currently the top test team, have not lost a home series since late 2012 but have struggled outside the sub-continent, beaten 2-1 in South Africa and 4-1 in England this year. Melbourne! We are here for the 2nd T20I #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8xEp62g3Ex — BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2018 × The Indian batting line-up could see some changes which is also the urgent need of an hour. KL Rahul's performance, in particular, scrutinised, since scoring 101 not out in the first T20I against England at Manchester, Rahul hasn't been able to cross the 30-run mark in next six matches. He occupies a very crucial, number three, batting spot in the current squad. There is a special need to check the bowling department as per the behaviour of MCG's pitch. Krunal Pandya was plundered for 55 runs in his four wicketless overs and was hit for as many as half a dozen sixes. If the MCG is also of Gabba's nature, Kohli might be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who boasts of a brilliant wicket-taking record in T20Is. While he can not take the risk of giving away an additional batsman. Australia boasts of bigger grounds than in India, with bigger boundaries of course, and the MCG will prove to be another humongous challenge in that regard. The task is cut out in front of the team management to work on fielding angles to elevate their efforts in the second T20I. It doesn't help that there is such a short turn-around time during this series, that fielding coach R Sridhar won't be able to work with the players at the MCG. Any improvements in the field will have to be drilled in theoretically in the dressing room. And thus India will also seek to look at other areas where improvements can be made. The ploy to introduce Adam Zampa as the lone spinner worked wonders for Australia and with an intense fielding effort, Australia were able to make a winning difference. Things seem very different in the hosts' camp all of a sudden when they were simply considered second best to the Men in Blue across all departments less than 48 hours ago. Melbourne is experiencing a stormy spell in the latter half of this week, so there is a slight chance that the second T20I could also be rain-affected.

2nd T20: Australia eye series victory, India look to minimise mistakes

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to rain.&nbsp;

The Australian team were 132 for the loss seven wickets after 19 overs. The game which was reduced to 19 overs and the target was readjusted to 137 runs for the 'Men in Blue' will have no result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> won the toss and opted to bowl against Australia in the second T20I at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Despite several options, India have entered at MCG with the same&nbsp;combination of players. While there is one change for Australia, which is the addition of Nathan Coulter-Nile.

After winning the toss, Virat said, "I thought we did well chasing in the last game, Duckworth-Lewis made it beyond our reach. If we manage to bat better in certain situations, which we didn't do last game, we should be able to do alright."

Australia <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-rohit-falls-cheaply-in-174-chase-178589">won a nail-biting and rain-affected first match</a> in Brisbane by four runs, with the third and final game in Sydney on Sunday.

It was a confidence-boosting win for the home team -- their first in five T20s and only their sixth in 23 internationals -- ahead of a four-Test series against the visitors.

"Not too fussed as the pitch won't change in 40 overs. Hopefully, put some runs on the board and put some pressure on them," said Australian skipper&nbsp;

Stanlake hurt his ankle, hence, he has been replaced by Coulter-Nile.

The last time India played a T20 series in Australia (in 2016) they blanked the hosts 3-0.

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Playing XI:

Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff.

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed.

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to rain. The Australian team were 132 for the loss seven wickets after 19 overs. The game which was reduced to 19 overs and the target was readjusted to 137 runs for the 'Men in Blue' will have no result.

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia has been called off due to rain. The Australian team were 132 for the loss seven wickets after 19 overs. The game which was reduced to 19 overs and the target was readjusted to 137 runs for the 'Men in Blue' will have no result. Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against Australia in the second T20I at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Despite several options, India have entered at MCG with the same combination of players. While there is one change for Australia, which is the addition of Nathan Coulter-Nile. After winning the toss, Virat said, "I thought we did well chasing in the last game, Duckworth-Lewis made it beyond our reach. If we manage to bat better in certain situations, which we didn't do last game, we should be able to do alright." Australia won a nail-biting and rain-affected first match in Brisbane by four runs, with the third and final game in Sydney on Sunday. It was a confidence-boosting win for the home team -- their first in five T20s and only their sixth in 23 internationals -- ahead of a four-Test series against the visitors. "Not too fussed as the pitch won't change in 40 overs. Hopefully, put some runs on the board and put some pressure on them," said Australian skipper Stanlake hurt his ankle, hence, he has been replaced by Coulter-Nile. The last time India played a T20 series in Australia (in 2016) they blanked the hosts 3-0. × Playing XI: Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff. India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed.

2nd T20: Australia 132/7 after 19 overs; match called off due to rain

Hosts Australia won the first of the three T20I to be played against India, after the 'Men in Blue' fell just four runs shorts of the target readjusted under the Duckworth-Lewis method. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Australia rode on a collective top order effort to post 158/4 in 17 overs before the target was readjusted to 174, due to heavy showers, for India under the D/L method.&nbsp;

Talking about the team's performance, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's wicket was the turning point of the game.&nbsp;

Dinesh Karthik and Pant were responsible for bringing India's chase back to life after hammering Andrew Tye for 25 runs in the 14th over. However, the latter's dismissal bought the home side back in contest.

"It was a close game, was a see-saw battle. Started well with the bat, fumbled in the middle overs, in the end we thought we`ll win with Pant and Karthik but it changed again with Pant`s dismissal," Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

The India skipper also praised opener Shikhar Dhawan, who top-scored for the tourists with a 42-ball 76, laced with 10 fours and two sixes.

"He's (Dhawan) a very strong player at the top of the order. Hasn't got a T20 hundred yet, but the way he plays it really benefits the team," the 30-year-old opined.

"That's how it goes in the game. What we can do is to learn from them (mistakes) and get back better," Kohli added.

Meanwhile, Australia skipper Aaron Finch felt his bowlers performed well in crunch situation, resulting in their win.

"Thought the boys played really well, especially in the middle overs with the bat. Showed a lot of courage to take it on. Some of our bowling was outstanding under pressure," Finch said.

The two sides will play the second T20I on Friday in Melbourne.

Hosts Australia won the first of the three T20I to be played against India, after the 'Men in Blue' fell just four runs shorts of the target readjusted under the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Hosts Australia won the first of the three T20I to be played against India, after the 'Men in Blue' fell just four runs shorts of the target readjusted under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Australia rode on a collective top order effort to post 158/4 in 17 overs before the target was readjusted to 174, due to heavy showers, for India under the D/L method. Talking about the team's performance, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's wicket was the turning point of the game. Dinesh Karthik and Pant were responsible for bringing India's chase back to life after hammering Andrew Tye for 25 runs in the 14th over. However, the latter's dismissal bought the home side back in contest. "It was a close game, was a see-saw battle. Started well with the bat, fumbled in the middle overs, in the end we thought we`ll win with Pant and Karthik but it changed again with Pant`s dismissal," Kohli said at the post-match presentation. The India skipper also praised opener Shikhar Dhawan, who top-scored for the tourists with a 42-ball 76, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. "He's (Dhawan) a very strong player at the top of the order. Hasn't got a T20 hundred yet, but the way he plays it really benefits the team," the 30-year-old opined. "That's how it goes in the game. What we can do is to learn from them (mistakes) and get back better," Kohli added. Meanwhile, Australia skipper Aaron Finch felt his bowlers performed well in crunch situation, resulting in their win. "Thought the boys played really well, especially in the middle overs with the bat. Showed a lot of courage to take it on. Some of our bowling was outstanding under pressure," Finch said. The two sides will play the second T20I on Friday in Melbourne.

Pant's dismissal changed first T20I's outcome: Kohli on India's loss to Australia

India suffered a four-run defeat at the hands of Australia while chasing a huge 174-run target set by D/L method after the first T20I was reduced to 17 overs due to rain. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Opener Shikhar Dhawan, who went on to slam a half-century, departed minutes after skipper Virat Kohli lost his wicket in the huge 174-run chase in the first ODI.

Dhawan lost his wicket while trying to hit a six off Stanlake. He made crucial 76 runs which included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes.&nbsp;

Earlier, Rohit lost his wicket cheaply in the huge174-run chase, a target set for the Men in Blue due to D/L method after rain interrupted the 1st T20I between India and Australia and the game was reduced to 17 overs per side.&nbsp;

The Virat Kohli-led side are 61 for the loss of a wicket after seven overs. &nbsp;

The Australian had posted 158 runs for the loss of our wickets after 17 overs.&nbsp;

Genn Maxwell smacked 46 runs off 24 balls hitting four sixes in his whirlwind knock before rain came. Chris Lynn had scored 37 runs off 20 balls to help Australia recover from a slow start.

Kuldeep Yadav was picked ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal as expected, while the hosts also included a spinner in Adam Zampa and left out medium pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-15) and Jasprit Bumrah (1-21) got India off to a good start but Aaron Finch (27) pulled things back a bit. Khaleel Ahmed (1-42) got the initial breakthrough as D'Arcy Short (7) was caught at long on. The left-arm pacer proved expensive thereafter.

Kuldeep took a sensational catch running back to dismiss Short, and from there onwards, he had a marked influence on the game.

Later, he also picked up 2-24 in his four-over spell. He dismissed Finch and then sent back Lynn as well, reducing Australia to 75-3 in the 11th over.

Apart from Yadav's stunning effort, India were rather poor in the field. Skipper Virat Kohli had dropped Finch in the fourth over.&nbsp;

India suffered a four-run defeat at the hands of Australia while chasing a huge 174-run target set by D/L method after the first T20I was reduced to 17 overs due to rain.

India suffered a four-run defeat at the hands of Australia while chasing a huge 174-run target set by D/L method after the first T20I was reduced to 17 overs due to rain. Opener Shikhar Dhawan, who went on to slam a half-century, departed minutes after skipper Virat Kohli lost his wicket in the huge 174-run chase in the first ODI. Dhawan lost his wicket while trying to hit a six off Stanlake. He made crucial 76 runs which included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. Earlier, Rohit lost his wicket cheaply in the huge174-run chase, a target set for the Men in Blue due to D/L method after rain interrupted the 1st T20I between India and Australia and the game was reduced to 17 overs per side. The Virat Kohli-led side are 61 for the loss of a wicket after seven overs. The Australian had posted 158 runs for the loss of our wickets after 17 overs. Genn Maxwell smacked 46 runs off 24 balls hitting four sixes in his whirlwind knock before rain came. Chris Lynn had scored 37 runs off 20 balls to help Australia recover from a slow start. Kuldeep Yadav was picked ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal as expected, while the hosts also included a spinner in Adam Zampa and left out medium pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-15) and Jasprit Bumrah (1-21) got India off to a good start but Aaron Finch (27) pulled things back a bit. Khaleel Ahmed (1-42) got the initial breakthrough as D'Arcy Short (7) was caught at long on. The left-arm pacer proved expensive thereafter. Kuldeep took a sensational catch running back to dismiss Short, and from there onwards, he had a marked influence on the game. Later, he also picked up 2-24 in his four-over spell. He dismissed Finch and then sent back Lynn as well, reducing Australia to 75-3 in the 11th over. Apart from Yadav's stunning effort, India were rather poor in the field. Skipper Virat Kohli had dropped Finch in the fourth over.

Australia beat India by 4 runs in 1st T20I

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia.

Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.&nbsp;

Talking about the team's preparation for the game, Kohli said, "Looks a hard surface with a decent covering of grass. We haven't had much of time here, so we would like to see how the pitch behaves. We want to figure out in what areas we need to score as well."

"The preparation has been chilled out because for the Tests you need a lot more time and you need to be in the nets. But come game time, you need to be switched on. Both teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. It's going to be competitive," he added.

Meanwhile, Australia will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their 12-month bans for ball-tampering.&nbsp;

When asked how they will deal with the in-form 'Men In Blue', Finch said, " "I would have preferred to bowl first, but I don't mind putting up a score on the board. It is a beautiful wicket. We have played against them a lot. Both sides are familiar with each other. Adam Zampa comes in for Nathan Coulter-Nile."

India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco.

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'">Teams:

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'">India&nbsp;(Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'">Australia&nbsp;(Playing XI): D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting. Talking about the team's preparation for the game, Kohli said, "Looks a hard surface with a decent covering of grass. We haven't had much of time here, so we would like to see how the pitch behaves. We want to figure out in what areas we need to score as well." "The preparation has been chilled out because for the Tests you need a lot more time and you need to be in the nets. But come game time, you need to be switched on. Both teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. It's going to be competitive," he added. Meanwhile, Australia will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their 12-month bans for ball-tampering. When asked how they will deal with the in-form 'Men In Blue', Finch said, " "I would have preferred to bowl first, but I don't mind putting up a score on the board. It is a beautiful wicket. We have played against them a lot. Both sides are familiar with each other. Adam Zampa comes in for Nathan Coulter-Nile." India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco. Teams: India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed Australia (Playing XI): D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake

1st T20I: Virat Kohli wins toss, opts to bowl against Australia

Australian players cannot be "pussycats" while dealing with Virat Kohli during the series against India and they must get under the skin of the world's premier batsman, feels former captain Kim Hughes.&nbsp;

Australia have gone quieter on the field in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The findings of an independent review blamed Cricket Australia for creating a 'win at all costs' environment that led to the infamous incident in Cape Town.

However, Hughes sees nothing wrong in exchanging a word or two with India captain Kohli.

"You are not going to become pussycats. That's not racially vilifying him (Kohli) at all or anything like that but just a good stare, or a couple of words, that's part of the Australian way. Most blokes' nicknames are usually when you have a stuff-up, not when you have a had a glorious moment," Hughes was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.&nbsp;

"If he (Kohli) is not the best player in the world, he is in the final two or three ... I think he is the best player in the world. When you have 1.2 billion people in the world supporting you and expecting you to do well, there is a fair bit of pressure. He is the type of player that you would feel as an opposition that you could get under his skin."

Kohli is vulnerable when put under pressure, said Hughes.&nbsp;

"Some are just unflappable, it doesn't seem to matter what happens to them, like a Clive Lloyd - nothing seemed to phase him. Where a Kohli, you just get the feeling that if things didn't go well, and you could keep the pressure on him, he might chuck the toys out of the cart.

"I saw him get a run-out once and he was blowing kisses, this sort of stuff. Therefore, and I think the other thing, the Indian players all gain a tremendous amount of faith and belief in him. That's why, if you can, you can really get into him, more mentally. The real challenge for him is to stay calm, don't get too emotional," he added.

The three-match T20 series begins in Brisbane on Wednesday and it will be followed by four Test and three ODIs.&nbsp;

Australian players cannot be "pussycats" while dealing with Virat Kohli during the series against India and they must get under the skin of the world's premier batsman, feels former captain Kim Hughes.

Australian players cannot be "pussycats" while dealing with Virat Kohli during the series against India and they must get under the skin of the world's premier batsman, feels former captain Kim Hughes. Australia have gone quieter on the field in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The findings of an independent review blamed Cricket Australia for creating a 'win at all costs' environment that led to the infamous incident in Cape Town. However, Hughes sees nothing wrong in exchanging a word or two with India captain Kohli. "You are not going to become pussycats. That's not racially vilifying him (Kohli) at all or anything like that but just a good stare, or a couple of words, that's part of the Australian way. Most blokes' nicknames are usually when you have a stuff-up, not when you have a had a glorious moment," Hughes was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. "If he (Kohli) is not the best player in the world, he is in the final two or three ... I think he is the best player in the world. When you have 1.2 billion people in the world supporting you and expecting you to do well, there is a fair bit of pressure. He is the type of player that you would feel as an opposition that you could get under his skin." Kohli is vulnerable when put under pressure, said Hughes. "Some are just unflappable, it doesn't seem to matter what happens to them, like a Clive Lloyd - nothing seemed to phase him. Where a Kohli, you just get the feeling that if things didn't go well, and you could keep the pressure on him, he might chuck the toys out of the cart. "I saw him get a run-out once and he was blowing kisses, this sort of stuff. Therefore, and I think the other thing, the Indian players all gain a tremendous amount of faith and belief in him. That's why, if you can, you can really get into him, more mentally. The real challenge for him is to stay calm, don't get too emotional," he added. The three-match T20 series begins in Brisbane on Wednesday and it will be followed by four Test and three ODIs.

Australians cannot play like pussycats against Kohli: Kim Hughes

Anushka Sharma is the latest Indian celebrity to have gotten waxed at the famous Madame Tussauds Museum. Sharma unveiled her wax statue at the Madame Tussauds Singapore on Monday morning. The statue is the first interactive wax model in Madame Tussauds museum.&nbsp;

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The wax statue is dressed in a one-shoulder silver gown and holds a camera, posing for a selfie. Fans can come and pose with the statue and click a picture which can be shared digitally later on.&nbsp;

Sharma's husband, Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team, already has a wax statue at Madame Tussauds Delhi.&nbsp; 
 
Anushka’s figure joins other Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and more, in the IIFA Awards Experience, a section where visitors can re-live the glamour of the Bollywood awards ceremony.

Anushka will next be seen in Anand L Rai's 'Zero' which co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. The film releases on 28th December.&nbsp;

Anushka Sharma is the latest Indian celebrity to have gotten waxed at the famous Madame Tussauds Museum. Sharma unveiled her wax statue at the Madame Tussauds Singapore on Monday morning.

Anushka Sharma is the latest Indian celebrity to have gotten waxed at the famous Madame Tussauds Museum. Sharma unveiled her wax statue at the Madame Tussauds Singapore on Monday morning. The statue is the first interactive wax model in Madame Tussauds museum. Eternity & Beyond ✨#MadameTussaudsSingapore pic.twitter.com/vZbwLwd1kO — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 19, 2018 × 🤩 #MadameTussaudsSingapore pic.twitter.com/7nxYD9VsF8 — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 19, 2018 × The wax statue is dressed in a one-shoulder silver gown and holds a camera, posing for a selfie. Fans can come and pose with the statue and click a picture which can be shared digitally later on. Sharma's husband, Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team, already has a wax statue at Madame Tussauds Delhi. Anushka’s figure joins other Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and more, in the IIFA Awards Experience, a section where visitors can re-live the glamour of the Bollywood awards ceremony. Anushka will next be seen in Anand L Rai's 'Zero' which co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. The film releases on 28th December.

Anushka Sharma unveils her wax statue at Madame Tussauds Singapore

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours.&nbsp;

India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight.&nbsp;

Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said: "You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well).&nbsp;

"Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri.&nbsp;

Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, Shastri said that it was all about "seizing big moments".&nbsp;

"We have spoken about seizing the big moments. If you look at the Test matches, the scoreline really doesn't tell you the real story. There were some real tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly, which cost us the series at the end of it.&nbsp;

"It could have been an hour in a session over four days whether it was SA or England. Either as a batsman or a bowler and see what happens after that," the coach said in his team's defence.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Shastri refused to believe that Australian team has lost its aura after what all happened during the past few months.&nbsp;

"I don't think so. I think once you have a sporting culture in you, you will always have that. I have always believed that no team is weak at home. We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India God forbid but if anyone thinks it's a weak team, you will be surprised.&nbsp;

"Similarly, we are taking no prisoners and we want to go out and put our best foot forward, focussing on our game rather than focussing outside," he sounded cautious.&nbsp;

He is confident that his pacers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches.&nbsp;

"I think they (pacers) should enjoy bowling on these pitches if it's like the pitches we have seen in the past. It's important to stay fit as a unit."

Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India.&nbsp;

"One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice.&nbsp;

Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said.&nbsp;

Asked if this is the best chance for India's fast bowlers, Shastri said it will depend on if they can maintain "sustained intensity" for a long period of time.&nbsp;

"It doesn't matter what line-up they play as long as they are consistent. In the past, we have had one or two bowlers doing well in spells, but bowling as a unit for three, four or five hours with sustained intensity, if that comes into play, no matter which batting line-up you are playing against, you will be tested," he added.&nbsp;

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours.

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours. India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight. Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said: "You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well). "Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri. Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, Shastri said that it was all about "seizing big moments". "We have spoken about seizing the big moments. If you look at the Test matches, the scoreline really doesn't tell you the real story. There were some real tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly, which cost us the series at the end of it. "It could have been an hour in a session over four days whether it was SA or England. Either as a batsman or a bowler and see what happens after that," the coach said in his team's defence. India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Shastri refused to believe that Australian team has lost its aura after what all happened during the past few months. "I don't think so. I think once you have a sporting culture in you, you will always have that. I have always believed that no team is weak at home. We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India God forbid but if anyone thinks it's a weak team, you will be surprised. "Similarly, we are taking no prisoners and we want to go out and put our best foot forward, focussing on our game rather than focussing outside," he sounded cautious. He is confident that his pacers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches. "I think they (pacers) should enjoy bowling on these pitches if it's like the pitches we have seen in the past. It's important to stay fit as a unit." Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India. "One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice. Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said. Asked if this is the best chance for India's fast bowlers, Shastri said it will depend on if they can maintain "sustained intensity" for a long period of time. "It doesn't matter what line-up they play as long as they are consistent. In the past, we have had one or two bowlers doing well in spells, but bowling as a unit for three, four or five hours with sustained intensity, if that comes into play, no matter which batting line-up you are playing against, you will be tested," he added.

Targeting team India for poor overseas record is unfair, says coach Ravi Shastri

South African skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=faf+du+plessis">Faf du Plessis</a> has offered tips to the Australian team for their upcoming clashes against India.

Du Plessis, who recently led the Proteas in three one-dayers against Australia, said there had been a marked change in Aussies on-field behaviour.

However, he but urged them not to totally sacrifice their confrontational approach.

But he suggested to avoid confrontation with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> and give him "silent treatment" during the India vs Australia matches.

"There are guys like that in international cricket (who enjoy the confrontation). We feel like that when we play against someone like Virat Kohli, he wants to get into the fight," the Protea said.

"There's one or two guys in each team around the world that we as a team discuss before playing against them. We're like, 'better not say too much to him because you'll get him going'."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Australia have clearly toned down their sledging since a ball-tampering scandal broke that involved Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Du Plessis' South Africa beat India 2-1 in the series but Kohli emerged as the top run-getter with an aggregate of 286 from three Tests at an average of 47.66.

Du Plessis said, "He's an amazing player. We gave him the silent treatment and he still scored runs in South Africa, but we felt like it was not huge runs. He scored the one hundred there in Centurion when the wicket was slow.

"So every team will have what they think works for us, that was silent treatment."&nbsp;

Kohli, who is known for his aggressive behaviour, has been in imperious form throughout the year.&nbsp;

He notched up 593 runs against England in the five-match series and followed that up with three back-to-back hundreds against the West Indies in the One-day International series.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis has offered tips to the Australian team for their upcoming clashes against India. Du Plessis, who recently led the Proteas in three one-dayers against Australia, said there had been a marked change in Aussies on-field behaviour.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis has offered tips to the Australian team for their upcoming clashes against India. Du Plessis, who recently led the Proteas in three one-dayers against Australia, said there had been a marked change in Aussies on-field behaviour. However, he but urged them not to totally sacrifice their confrontational approach. But he suggested to avoid confrontation with Virat Kohli and give him "silent treatment" during the India vs Australia matches. "There are guys like that in international cricket (who enjoy the confrontation). We feel like that when we play against someone like Virat Kohli, he wants to get into the fight," the Protea said. "There's one or two guys in each team around the world that we as a team discuss before playing against them. We're like, 'better not say too much to him because you'll get him going'." India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Australia have clearly toned down their sledging since a ball-tampering scandal broke that involved Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Du Plessis' South Africa beat India 2-1 in the series but Kohli emerged as the top run-getter with an aggregate of 286 from three Tests at an average of 47.66. Du Plessis said, "He's an amazing player. We gave him the silent treatment and he still scored runs in South Africa, but we felt like it was not huge runs. He scored the one hundred there in Centurion when the wicket was slow. "So every team will have what they think works for us, that was silent treatment." Kohli, who is known for his aggressive behaviour, has been in imperious form throughout the year. He notched up 593 runs against England in the five-match series and followed that up with three back-to-back hundreds against the West Indies in the One-day International series.

Faf du Plessis suggests Australian team to avoid confrontation with Virat Kohli

India's period of experimenting with their one-day international side is over with a little over six months before the World Cup in England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said.

India have tried to manage the workload of key players like Virat Kohli and their frontline fast bowlers by resting them for their previous ODI series.

With the top three spots in the batting order locked in and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni a floating option, a number of players have been given the chance to audition for the middle order over the last couple of years.

The auditions are now over, Shastri suggested.

"We will try and play close to a 15 that will go to the World Cup," he told reporters before India's departure for Australia.

"Chopping, changing over now, rest period over. Now is the time to really get focused, play as a unit.

"And hopefully not have too many injuries where we have to look elsewhere and take it from there."

India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first test starts in Adelaide on Dec. 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the tests before a three-match one-day international series in January.

That will be followed by a five-match ODI series in New Zealand before India return home for another five-match ODI series against Australia.

India's top players will then be involved in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup begins on May 30 in England.

"There are not too many games now," Shastri added. "We have got eight good games in Australia and New Zealand and then five against Australia here. So 13 games. So we will try and play the best team at all times."

Two-time champions India are ranked second in the world in the 50-over format behind England.

India's period of experimenting with their one-day international side is over with a little over six months before the World Cup in England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said.

India's period of experimenting with their one-day international side is over with a little over six months before the World Cup in England, head coach Ravi Shastri has said. India have tried to manage the workload of key players like Virat Kohli and their frontline fast bowlers by resting them for their previous ODI series. With the top three spots in the batting order locked in and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni a floating option, a number of players have been given the chance to audition for the middle order over the last couple of years. The auditions are now over, Shastri suggested. "We will try and play close to a 15 that will go to the World Cup," he told reporters before India's departure for Australia. "Chopping, changing over now, rest period over. Now is the time to really get focused, play as a unit. "And hopefully not have too many injuries where we have to look elsewhere and take it from there." India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first test starts in Adelaide on Dec. 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the tests before a three-match one-day international series in January. That will be followed by a five-match ODI series in New Zealand before India return home for another five-match ODI series against Australia. India's top players will then be involved in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup begins on May 30 in England. "There are not too many games now," Shastri added. "We have got eight good games in Australia and New Zealand and then five against Australia here. So 13 games. So we will try and play the best team at all times." Two-time champions India are ranked second in the world in the 50-over format behind England.

Ravi Shastri: No more changing in ODIs for India, now is time 'play as a unit'

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is "not sure" if the current Indian team led by Virat Kohli is any better than some of the sides that he played against during his international career.

Waugh spoke in reference to India coach Ravi Shastri's comments that this is "the best Indian side in the last 15 years".

"Look I have played against some great Indian sides and I am not sure that the current side is better than the ones we played against," Waugh told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview.

The 53-year-old said such comments could have been avoided as it puts pressure on the team.&nbsp;

"I am not really sure but probably not a great thing to say as it puts extra pressure on the team. Once they start losing, they will get a lot of criticism for that. Look, it's good that Ravi Shastri believes in his side but comments like these could be kept to himself," Waugh said.

The former skipper known for his mental disintegration tactic feels that Australia despite recent problems would be hard to beat in their own den.

"Australia will be hard to beat in Australia. We have a bowling attack as good as any team in world cricket and we can take wickets. It's our batting if we score 350 runs in first innings, I think we will be very hard to beat. And someone will always come and do well and that's the nature of the sport.&nbsp;

"I am still pretty confident that we can win in Australia but it's going to be a close series though," Waugh said about the Test series starting December 6.

Like everyone else, he praised Virat Kohli for his supreme consistency comparing him with Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.

"He is a great player and he loves these big moments. He is like Tendulkar and Lara. They wait for these and that's where they want to show their best. He will be the dangerman straightaway but they have some pretty good batsmen," Waugh said.

"Actually, India have quite a rounded team and they will see this as a significant chance. They would have prepared for this tour for a long time. I think it is going to be really close series," he added.&nbsp;

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is "not sure" if the current Indian team led by Virat Kohli is any better than some of the sides that he played against during his international career.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is "not sure" if the current Indian team led by Virat Kohli is any better than some of the sides that he played against during his international career. Waugh spoke in reference to India coach Ravi Shastri's comments that this is "the best Indian side in the last 15 years". "Look I have played against some great Indian sides and I am not sure that the current side is better than the ones we played against," Waugh told ESPN Cricinfo in an interview. The 53-year-old said such comments could have been avoided as it puts pressure on the team. "I am not really sure but probably not a great thing to say as it puts extra pressure on the team. Once they start losing, they will get a lot of criticism for that. Look, it's good that Ravi Shastri believes in his side but comments like these could be kept to himself," Waugh said. The former skipper known for his mental disintegration tactic feels that Australia despite recent problems would be hard to beat in their own den. "Australia will be hard to beat in Australia. We have a bowling attack as good as any team in world cricket and we can take wickets. It's our batting if we score 350 runs in first innings, I think we will be very hard to beat. And someone will always come and do well and that's the nature of the sport. "I am still pretty confident that we can win in Australia but it's going to be a close series though," Waugh said about the Test series starting December 6. Like everyone else, he praised Virat Kohli for his supreme consistency comparing him with Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. "He is a great player and he loves these big moments. He is like Tendulkar and Lara. They wait for these and that's where they want to show their best. He will be the dangerman straightaway but they have some pretty good batsmen," Waugh said. "Actually, India have quite a rounded team and they will see this as a significant chance. They would have prepared for this tour for a long time. I think it is going to be really close series," he added.

Don't think Virat Kohli's India is better than ones I played against: Steve Waugh

Virat Kohli, famous for losing his cool easily, promised Thursday to not go looking for trouble during the Indian team's upcoming tour to Australia.&nbsp;

The Indian skipper, however, was soon to add the team would not shy away from giving it back.

"When it comes to getting engaged in an argument on the field, I have been completely okay playing without an altercation. I have enough belief in my abilities.. those were very immature things I used to feed on when I was younger," Kohli said at India's pre-departure press conference.&nbsp;

"Now being captain of the team, you do not have time to think of anything else apart from what the team needs."

&nbsp;"We were always the ones giving it back. As long as it does not start, we will not go out looking for anything but we will reciprocate," he added.

However, there has since been a transition in the Australian cricket culture, especially after Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for a year over their roles in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. The Australian team under new Test captain Tim Paine are now expected to play with a smile and be nice boys on the field.

India leave for Australia to play a three-match T20I series starting November 21 before the four-Test series from December 6 and three ODIs scheduled to be played in January.

Virat Kohli, famous for losing his cool easily, promised Thursday to not go looking for trouble during the Indian team's upcoming tour to Australia. The Indian skipper, however, was soon to add the team would not shy away from giving it back.

Virat Kohli, famous for losing his cool easily, promised Thursday to not go looking for trouble during the Indian team's upcoming tour to Australia. The Indian skipper, however, was soon to add the team would not shy away from giving it back. "When it comes to getting engaged in an argument on the field, I have been completely okay playing without an altercation. I have enough belief in my abilities.. those were very immature things I used to feed on when I was younger," Kohli said at India's pre-departure press conference. "Now being captain of the team, you do not have time to think of anything else apart from what the team needs." "We were always the ones giving it back. As long as it does not start, we will not go out looking for anything but we will reciprocate," he added. However, there has since been a transition in the Australian cricket culture, especially after Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for a year over their roles in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. The Australian team under new Test captain Tim Paine are now expected to play with a smile and be nice boys on the field. India leave for Australia to play a three-match T20I series starting November 21 before the four-Test series from December 6 and three ODIs scheduled to be played in January.

'Will reciprocate,' Virat Kohli says on sledging by Australian cricketers

After an easy win over the West Indies on home turf, the Virat Kohli led side is all prepared for the Australia series that is scheduled to kick off from November 21 with the T20Is.&nbsp;

On being asked about the expectations he has from the team, Indian skipper Kohli advised the team's lower-order to take a cue from their England Test defeat in a bid to rage a victory over the Aussies, especially in the Test series.&nbsp;

"The lower order contributions are crucial. As we saw in England, their lower order contributions were better than ours and that was the difference in the series. So that's where we want the guys to be fearless."

"If they get going they can change the game or course of the whole series," Kohli added.

With the top-orders and the middle-order failing to judge the moving dukes on English conditions, the team had hopes completely rested on Kohli's shoulders to rescue India each time. The skipper was the only batsman during the entire tour to punish the English side with his bat.&nbsp;

The Men in Blue will be playing three T20I, four Tests and three ODIs.The forthcoming Test series is considered to be India's best chance to win on the Australian soil as the team will be without the services of their beleaguered leaders Steve Smith and David Warner.&nbsp;

For India, Kohli is in top form as the skipper smashed three consecutive centuries against the Windies.

Talking about what kind of character the team has developed after the England tour, Kohli stressed that they have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

"We definitely have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The Thing is we understand within the group what we need to work on so it is up to the individuals to take ownership of that, take responsibility for the things that are explained or laid out. So there were a lot of things that we sat down and figured it out after the England tour."&nbsp;

Kohli also stressed that there was not much that went wrong during England tour.&nbsp;

"To be honest, we all felt that there was not much that went wrong but whatever was not right was very extreme also. So we played good cricket but the mistakes were also very extreme. That's why we lost that many numbers of games rather than winning those moments and winning the game. "

The skipper further asked the team to strike a decent balance when the situation is against them and try to find a way out of it, rather than wanting to get out of it immediately.&nbsp;

When asked what advice he wants to give to his team, Kohli said he would want every individual to take more responsibility, assess it and then find a solution rather than thinking that the solution will appear from somewhere.

After an easy win over the West Indies on home turf, the Virat Kohli led side is all prepared for the Australia series that is scheduled to kick off from November 21 with the T20Is.

After an easy win over the West Indies on home turf, the Virat Kohli led side is all prepared for the Australia series that is scheduled to kick off from November 21 with the T20Is. On being asked about the expectations he has from the team, Indian skipper Kohli advised the team's lower-order to take a cue from their England Test defeat in a bid to rage a victory over the Aussies, especially in the Test series. "The lower order contributions are crucial. As we saw in England, their lower order contributions were better than ours and that was the difference in the series. So that's where we want the guys to be fearless." "If they get going they can change the game or course of the whole series," Kohli added. With the top-orders and the middle-order failing to judge the moving dukes on English conditions, the team had hopes completely rested on Kohli's shoulders to rescue India each time. The skipper was the only batsman during the entire tour to punish the English side with his bat. The Men in Blue will be playing three T20I, four Tests and three ODIs.The forthcoming Test series is considered to be India's best chance to win on the Australian soil as the team will be without the services of their beleaguered leaders Steve Smith and David Warner. For India, Kohli is in top form as the skipper smashed three consecutive centuries against the Windies. Talking about what kind of character the team has developed after the England tour, Kohli stressed that they have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. "We definitely have made decent progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The Thing is we understand within the group what we need to work on so it is up to the individuals to take ownership of that, take responsibility for the things that are explained or laid out. So there were a lot of things that we sat down and figured it out after the England tour." Kohli also stressed that there was not much that went wrong during England tour. "To be honest, we all felt that there was not much that went wrong but whatever was not right was very extreme also. So we played good cricket but the mistakes were also very extreme. That's why we lost that many numbers of games rather than winning those moments and winning the game. " The skipper further asked the team to strike a decent balance when the situation is against them and try to find a way out of it, rather than wanting to get out of it immediately. When asked what advice he wants to give to his team, Kohli said he would want every individual to take more responsibility, assess it and then find a solution rather than thinking that the solution will appear from somewhere.

Lower-order contribution crucial for team's victory over Australia, says Virat Kohli

India cricket team captain Virat Kohli and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah maintained their top positions respectively in the latest ICC ODI rankings published on Tuesday.

Kohli leads the chart with 899 points while limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma remained second in the list.&nbsp;

Rohit's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan is the third Indian in the top-10 list at eighth position, while former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ranked 20th.&nbsp;

Similarly, in the bowlers' list, Bumrah tops the table with 841 points while Kuldeep Yadav maintained his third place in the list. Yuzvendra Chahal leaped three places to be fifth on the list.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, who has 353 points, is the top-ranked ODI all-rounder in world cricket currently.&nbsp;

In the overall team rankings, India with 121 points, remained second behind England (126 points).&nbsp;

India cricket team captain Virat Kohli and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah maintained their top positions respectively in the latest ICC ODI rankings published on Tuesday.

India cricket team captain Virat Kohli and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah maintained their top positions respectively in the latest ICC ODI rankings published on Tuesday. Kohli leads the chart with 899 points while limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma remained second in the list. Rohit's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan is the third Indian in the top-10 list at eighth position, while former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ranked 20th. Similarly, in the bowlers' list, Bumrah tops the table with 841 points while Kuldeep Yadav maintained his third place in the list. Yuzvendra Chahal leaped three places to be fifth on the list. Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, who has 353 points, is the top-ranked ODI all-rounder in world cricket currently. In the overall team rankings, India with 121 points, remained second behind England (126 points).

ICC Rankings: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah continue to lead ODI table

Five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand feels India cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control during his "leave India" comment to a fan on social media, which snowballed into a massive controversy.&nbsp;

Kohli had stirred up a massive controversy and was trolled on social media and slammed by critics over his "I don't think you should live in India" response to an enthusiast who called the skipper overrated while expressing his admiration for English and Australian batsmen.

"I think he lost control. He got a bit emotional and he just said the first thing that came to his mind," Anand, one of India's greatest sporting icons, told PTI on the sidelines of the Tata Steel Chess here.

"That's the attitude he is comfortable with. In sport, you see all characters and this is the character that fits him best.

"I try to be myself and in the end you should be comfortable in your own skin," he added.

In a video available on his mobile app, Kohli was reading tweets and Instagram messages on November 5 when he came across an user, who said the Indian mainstay has nothing special in his batting.

Reacting to fans' comment, Kohli had shot back saying: "I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right."

The 48-year-old chess icon, however, felt that enough was written about it and it's better not to pile anything more to it.

"Maybe Kohli was caught at a weak moment, feeling a bit sensitive and was not in the best mood maybe. That's my impression. Then he lost control of it," Anand said.

The soft-spoken Anand further said it's natural to get emotional and that he too had lost it once in a while.

"People are emotional and they lose control once in a while. It has happened to me even if I was more successful in not showing it. But there are moments when your emotions take over," he said.

"He has got enough criticism already. It's over. Those who did not like it, already criticised him so no need to keep piling on it."

Five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand feels India cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control during his "leave India" comment to a fan on social media, which snowballed into a massive controversy.

Five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand feels India cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control during his "leave India" comment to a fan on social media, which snowballed into a massive controversy. Kohli had stirred up a massive controversy and was trolled on social media and slammed by critics over his "I don't think you should live in India" response to an enthusiast who called the skipper overrated while expressing his admiration for English and Australian batsmen. "I think he lost control. He got a bit emotional and he just said the first thing that came to his mind," Anand, one of India's greatest sporting icons, told PTI on the sidelines of the Tata Steel Chess here. "That's the attitude he is comfortable with. In sport, you see all characters and this is the character that fits him best. "I try to be myself and in the end you should be comfortable in your own skin," he added. In a video available on his mobile app, Kohli was reading tweets and Instagram messages on November 5 when he came across an user, who said the Indian mainstay has nothing special in his batting. Reacting to fans' comment, Kohli had shot back saying: "I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right." The 48-year-old chess icon, however, felt that enough was written about it and it's better not to pile anything more to it. "Maybe Kohli was caught at a weak moment, feeling a bit sensitive and was not in the best mood maybe. That's my impression. Then he lost control of it," Anand said. The soft-spoken Anand further said it's natural to get emotional and that he too had lost it once in a while. "People are emotional and they lose control once in a while. It has happened to me even if I was more successful in not showing it. But there are moments when your emotions take over," he said. "He has got enough criticism already. It's over. Those who did not like it, already criticised him so no need to keep piling on it."

Virat Kohli got emotional and lost control with fan: Viswanathan Anand

India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat">Virat Kohli</a> dismissed the debate that endorsements can be distracting for a cricketer and he said that it is important for a player to balance his cricketing and commercial interests.

"As a professional sportsman there is not a set age to do business because you have to establish a business whenever you start it. It is a cliche that you should do business only after a specific age," Virat said during an event.

"I don't believe that you can't do endorsement while playing. I don't believe in all of that. If you have limited time, you should know how to establish (your product) in a limited period of time," the star batsman added.

Kohli endorses a host of brands and some are even his own ventures. "I was 25-26 when I got associated with Wrogn (his own clothing brand). Even then people thought I am entering into business at 25, I am too young for it," said Kohli.

Kohli has been ranked ahead of American basketball player Stephen Curry and boxer Floyd Mayweather in the list of athletes who earn the most money for sponsored posts on the photo-sharing app, Instagram.

According to the Instagram rich list released by HopperHQ.com a few months ago, Virat earns US $120,000 per sponsored Instagram post and has over 25 million followers.

Kohli has a crucial cricketing assignment coming up with the tour of Australia, starting November 21. Australia personally has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli but the team has had little success.&nbsp;

The batting mainstay did not talk about the Australia tour, saying he will do that before the team leaves on November 16.

India captain Virat Kohli dismissed the debate that endorsements can be distracting for a cricketer and he said that it is important for a player to balance his cricketing and commercial interests.

India captain Virat Kohli dismissed the debate that endorsements can be distracting for a cricketer and he said that it is important for a player to balance his cricketing and commercial interests. "As a professional sportsman there is not a set age to do business because you have to establish a business whenever you start it. It is a cliche that you should do business only after a specific age," Virat said during an event. "I don't believe that you can't do endorsement while playing. I don't believe in all of that. If you have limited time, you should know how to establish (your product) in a limited period of time," the star batsman added. Kohli endorses a host of brands and some are even his own ventures. "I was 25-26 when I got associated with Wrogn (his own clothing brand). Even then people thought I am entering into business at 25, I am too young for it," said Kohli. Kohli has been ranked ahead of American basketball player Stephen Curry and boxer Floyd Mayweather in the list of athletes who earn the most money for sponsored posts on the photo-sharing app, Instagram. According to the Instagram rich list released by HopperHQ.com a few months ago, Virat earns US $120,000 per sponsored Instagram post and has over 25 million followers. Kohli has a crucial cricketing assignment coming up with the tour of Australia, starting November 21. Australia personally has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli but the team has had little success. The batting mainstay did not talk about the Australia tour, saying he will do that before the team leaves on November 16.

Virat Kohli: I don't believe that you can't do endorsement while playing

Virat Kohli has responded to the severe backlash that he faced when he recently&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-tells-fan-to-leave-india-for-liking-foreign-batsmen-more-176065">asked a fan&nbsp;to "leave India"</a>&nbsp;for liking foreign batsmen more.

Indian skipper, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, took to Twitter to justify his earlier remarks that sparked a controversy.

"I guess trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled! I spoke about how "these Indians" was mentioned in the comment and that's all. I’m all for freedom of choice. Keep it light guys and enjoy the festive season. Love and peace to all," wrote Virat on his official Twitter handle.

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I guess trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled! 😁 
I spoke about how "these Indians" was mentioned in the comment and that's all. I’m all for freedom of choice. 🙏 Keep it light guys and enjoy the festive season. Love and peace to all. ✌😊
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1060524240523284480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday a video went viral on social networking sites in which Kohli was seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team.

As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli's 30th birthday on Monday.

"Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians," Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet.

In response, Virat said, "Okay, I don't think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right."

Virat Kohli has responded to the severe backlash that he faced when he recently asked a fan to "leave India" for liking foreign batsmen more. Indian skipper, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, took to Twitter to justify his earlier remarks that sparked a controversy.

Virat Kohli has responded to the severe backlash that he faced when he recently asked a fan to "leave India" for liking foreign batsmen more. Indian skipper, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, took to Twitter to justify his earlier remarks that sparked a controversy. "I guess trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled! I spoke about how "these Indians" was mentioned in the comment and that's all. I’m all for freedom of choice. Keep it light guys and enjoy the festive season. Love and peace to all," wrote Virat on his official Twitter handle. I guess trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled! 😁 I spoke about how "these Indians" was mentioned in the comment and that's all. I’m all for freedom of choice. 🙏 Keep it light guys and enjoy the festive season. Love and peace to all. ✌😊 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 8, 2018 × On Wednesday a video went viral on social networking sites in which Kohli was seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team. As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli's 30th birthday on Monday. "Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians," Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet. In response, Virat said, "Okay, I don't think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right."

Virat Kohli: 'Trolling isn't for me guys, I'll stick to getting trolled'

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more.&nbsp;

In a video that is doing rounds on the Internet, Kohli can be seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team.

&nbsp;As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli’s 30th birthday on Monday.

“Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet.

In response, Virat said, “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.”

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Is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India🤔🤔.. Or to sort their priorities? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTF</a> <a href="https://t.co/tRAX4QbuZI">pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI</a>
— H (@Hramblings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hramblings/status/1059718366288637953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The reply did not go down well with the Twitterati, who lamented and attacked Kohli for telling someone to leave the country just because he/she doesn't like Indian batsmen.

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Married in a foreign country 
Supports foreign countries in other sports 
Plays a sport originating from a foreign country instead of playing kabaddi 
Talks in a foreign language many times 
Wears foreign dresses 
Is he in his right mind speaking those words now?
— Naresh Khuraijam (@Kens103) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kens103/status/1059862124225269760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Question - if liking non Indian players require one to change countries why did you chose Italy to be you wedding ground! 😉 Why didn't it happen here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justcurious?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justcurious</a>
— gary thomas (@GaryThomas88) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryThomas88/status/1059851116169424896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FFS! Everybody in India wants to be worshipped blindly. Virat Kohli wants Indian fans who don’t support him to move out of India. What else to expect from someone who regularly endorses Modi. <a href="https://t.co/49AlEpItWo">pic.twitter.com/49AlEpItWo</a>
— Saif (@isaifpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/isaifpatel/status/1060048228157190144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This app will do more bad to him than good. He felt uncomfortable reading those tweets. Aur kuch bhi boldega.
— Mohammed Ibrahim (@iBM1105) <a href="https://twitter.com/iBM1105/status/1059720575923486720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more. In a video that is doing rounds on the Internet, Kohli can be seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team. As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli’s 30th birthday on Monday. “Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet. In response, Virat said, “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.” Is #Kohli asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India🤔🤔.. Or to sort their priorities? #WTF pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI — H (@Hramblings) November 6, 2018 × The reply did not go down well with the Twitterati, who lamented and attacked Kohli for telling someone to leave the country just because he/she doesn't like Indian batsmen. Married in a foreign country Supports foreign countries in other sports Plays a sport originating from a foreign country instead of playing kabaddi Talks in a foreign language many times Wears foreign dresses Is he in his right mind speaking those words now? — Naresh Khuraijam (@Kens103) November 6, 2018 × Question - if liking non Indian players require one to change countries why did you chose Italy to be you wedding ground! 😉 Why didn't it happen here #justcurious — gary thomas (@GaryThomas88) November 6, 2018 × FFS! Everybody in India wants to be worshipped blindly. Virat Kohli wants Indian fans who don’t support him to move out of India. What else to expect from someone who regularly endorses Modi. pic.twitter.com/49AlEpItWo — Saif (@isaifpatel) November 7, 2018 × This app will do more bad to him than good. He felt uncomfortable reading those tweets. Aur kuch bhi boldega. — Mohammed Ibrahim (@iBM1105) November 6, 2018 ×

Watch: Virat Kohli tells fan to 'leave India' for liking foreign batsmen more

There is no final answer to the never-ending debate - who between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a better batsman?

Veterans like Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson said this year that Sachin was great but they found Kohli tougher, consistent and better match-winner than Tendulkar.

It would not be reasonable to compare two extraordinary players who played in an alternate time periods.&nbsp;

If we reduce the comparison to just numbers then via statistics Kohli definitely looks better than Sachin on records.&nbsp;

On October 24, Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 runs in One Day International cricket during his not out 157 against West Indies.

Virat Kohli reached that level 54 innings earlier than Sachin.&nbsp;

It took Sachin 331 innings to score his 37th-century whereas Kohli reached the milestone in his 205th ODI innings.

Sachin Tendulkar's batting average in ODI cricket is 44.8 and Kohli is scoring with an extraordinary average of 59.83.

Sachin's strike rate in his career was 86.2 and Virat's strike rate is 92.88.

Kohli is way ahead of Tendulkar in most parameters based on numbers but for a fair and appropriate comparison, we will have to understand the situation and strength of their teams they played with.

Since his debut till 2001, Sachin was the only consistent performer of Indian batting line up. He was dragging an underperforming team with his tremendous skills.

"Switch the TV off when Sachin would get out' was one unwritten rule of the 1990s which shows the strength of our batting line up that time.

And on the other hand, Kohli has spent almost all his initial ten years in a team that has dominated the world cricket.

Tendulkar did not have the luxury of good support in the 1990s as India was heavily dependent on him. Kohli has had better support throughout his career.

After India defeated Sri Lanka in 2011 World Cup Final, Virat Kohli who carried Tendulkar on his shoulder himself said, "Sachin Tendulkar has carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for 21 years. So it was fitting that we carried him on our shoulders after this win".

Any good analyst will place Sachin Tendulkar above Kohli, because the kind of bowlers he faced were better than what they are now.

The era Sachin played in had the best teams, fast bowlers and spinners.

The bowling attacks Sachin faced had Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, Glenn McGrath, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Fanie de Villiers, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, &nbsp;Darren Gough, Chaminda Vaas and many more.&nbsp;

Today international cricket lacks those fearsome fast bowlers and spinners.

But Kohli's fitness and his increasing consistency in chasing and match-winning abilities make him unmatched in world cricket.

Sachin played in a different era with different challenges, meanwhile, Kohli plays without the dominating presence of big stars, therefore, it will be better to celebrate their performances as a contribution to the team then to compare them.&nbsp;

Both have given the game a different perspective, a fresh way of thinking and have taken the art of batsmanship to another level. Virat and Sachin, in fact, are two sides of the same coin.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There is no final answer to the never-ending debate - who between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a better batsman? Veterans like Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson said this year that Sachin was great but they found Kohli tougher, consistent and better match-winner than Tendulkar.

There is no final answer to the never-ending debate - who between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a better batsman? Veterans like Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson said this year that Sachin was great but they found Kohli tougher, consistent and better match-winner than Tendulkar. It would not be reasonable to compare two extraordinary players who played in an alternate time periods. If we reduce the comparison to just numbers then via statistics Kohli definitely looks better than Sachin on records. On October 24, Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 runs in One Day International cricket during his not out 157 against West Indies. Virat Kohli reached that level 54 innings earlier than Sachin. It took Sachin 331 innings to score his 37th-century whereas Kohli reached the milestone in his 205th ODI innings. Sachin Tendulkar's batting average in ODI cricket is 44.8 and Kohli is scoring with an extraordinary average of 59.83. Sachin's strike rate in his career was 86.2 and Virat's strike rate is 92.88. Kohli is way ahead of Tendulkar in most parameters based on numbers but for a fair and appropriate comparison, we will have to understand the situation and strength of their teams they played with. Since his debut till 2001, Sachin was the only consistent performer of Indian batting line up. He was dragging an underperforming team with his tremendous skills. "Switch the TV off when Sachin would get out' was one unwritten rule of the 1990s which shows the strength of our batting line up that time. And on the other hand, Kohli has spent almost all his initial ten years in a team that has dominated the world cricket. Tendulkar did not have the luxury of good support in the 1990s as India was heavily dependent on him. Kohli has had better support throughout his career. After India defeated Sri Lanka in 2011 World Cup Final, Virat Kohli who carried Tendulkar on his shoulder himself said, "Sachin Tendulkar has carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for 21 years. So it was fitting that we carried him on our shoulders after this win". Any good analyst will place Sachin Tendulkar above Kohli, because the kind of bowlers he faced were better than what they are now. The era Sachin played in had the best teams, fast bowlers and spinners. The bowling attacks Sachin faced had Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, Glenn McGrath, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Fanie de Villiers, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Darren Gough, Chaminda Vaas and many more. Today international cricket lacks those fearsome fast bowlers and spinners. But Kohli's fitness and his increasing consistency in chasing and match-winning abilities make him unmatched in world cricket. Sachin played in a different era with different challenges, meanwhile, Kohli plays without the dominating presence of big stars, therefore, it will be better to celebrate their performances as a contribution to the team then to compare them. Both have given the game a different perspective, a fresh way of thinking and have taken the art of batsmanship to another level. Virat and Sachin, in fact, are two sides of the same coin. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Don't compare Sachin and Virat- batsmen of two different eras

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