Bad light and rain have put a stop to India&#39;s first Test against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The Indians were struggling at 17 for 3.&nbsp;

Lokesh Rahul was caught off the first ball of the match.&nbsp;

He edged a rising delivery from Suranga Lakmal to Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.&nbsp;

The paceman then took Shikhar Dhawan for eight.&nbsp;

Captain Virat Kohli was the next to go, for duck.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara at 8 and Ajinkya Rahane, at nought, were left at the crease.&nbsp;

It had been raining for two days before the first Test, which began late because of a wet outfield.&nbsp;

And the game was stopped twice in between before finally being called off for good at 3.38 pm.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lokesh Rahul was caught off the first ball of the match

Bad light and rain have put a stop to India's first Test against Sri Lanka. The Indians were struggling at 17 for 3. Lokesh Rahul was caught off the first ball of the match. He edged a rising delivery from Suranga Lakmal to Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella. The paceman then took Shikhar Dhawan for eight. Captain Virat Kohli was the next to go, for duck. Cheteshwar Pujara at 8 and Ajinkya Rahane, at nought, were left at the crease. It had been raining for two days before the first Test, which began late because of a wet outfield. And the game was stopped twice in between before finally being called off for good at 3.38 pm.

1st Test: Struggling at 17/3, bad weather comes to India's rescue

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has said that he needs a rest, and that he&#39;ll ask for it when he wants it.&nbsp;

Kohli was speaking in Kolkata on the eve of the first Test against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

&quot;Definitely I do need a rest, why don&#39;t I. When I think of the time my body should be rested I will ask for it, why not. I&#39;m not a robot, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed,&quot; PTI reported Kohli as saying.&nbsp;

Kohli has earlier warned of burnout.

&quot;For example all cricketers play 40 games a year. Three guys who should get rest, their workload(s) are to be managed. Not everyone in the XI would have batted 45 overs or not everyone would have bowled 30 overs in a Test. But the guys who are doing that regularly are the ones who need to be assessed,&quot; PTI quoted Kohli as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;I don&#39;t think people look at the time&nbsp;spent on the crease, the number of runs, the number of overs, the conditions etc. I don&#39;t think people will go into that analysis,&quot; Kohli added.&nbsp;

&quot;For example Pujara will have maximum workload because he spends maximum time at the crease as his game is built that way. You can&#39;t compare that to a counter-attacking batsman because the workload would have been lesser,&quot; Kohli said.&nbsp;

&quot;All these things have be taken into consideration purely because of the fact that we have built such a strong core team now of 20-25 players. You don&#39;t want important players breaking down at important times, that&#39;s where the balance needs to be maintained going forward,&quot; Kohli added.&nbsp;

India will be playing three Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s against the Lankans.&nbsp;

The first Test will be played Thursday at Eden Gardens.&nbsp;

The Indian captain added that he'd ask for the rest when he wanted it

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has said that he needs a rest, and that he'll ask for it when he wants it. Kohli was speaking in Kolkata on the eve of the first Test against Sri Lanka. "Definitely I do need a rest, why don't I. When I think of the time my body should be rested I will ask for it, why not. I'm not a robot, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed," PTI reported Kohli as saying. Kohli has earlier warned of burnout. "For example all cricketers play 40 games a year. Three guys who should get rest, their workload(s) are to be managed. Not everyone in the XI would have batted 45 overs or not everyone would have bowled 30 overs in a Test. But the guys who are doing that regularly are the ones who need to be assessed," PTI quoted Kohli as saying. "I don't think people look at the time spent on the crease, the number of runs, the number of overs, the conditions etc. I don't think people will go into that analysis," Kohli added. "For example Pujara will have maximum workload because he spends maximum time at the crease as his game is built that way. You can't compare that to a counter-attacking batsman because the workload would have been lesser," Kohli said. "All these things have be taken into consideration purely because of the fact that we have built such a strong core team now of 20-25 players. You don't want important players breaking down at important times, that's where the balance needs to be maintained going forward," Kohli added. India will be playing three Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s against the Lankans. The first Test will be played Thursday at Eden Gardens.

I'm not a robot, I need a rest, Virat Kohli says on eve of first Test against Lanka

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli celebrated his 29th birthday with his teammates after the 2nd ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Sunday.&nbsp;

The country`s biggest sports and youth icon is probably one of a kind as far as Indian sports is concerned. Virat`s friends, fans, colleagues, including both former and current cricketers did not miss an opportunity of showering their love and wishing him on this special day.

BCCI uploaded photos of the celebration through its official Twitter account.

Kohli has scored 49 international centuries (32 in ODIs and 17 in Tests) out of which 28 have come away from home (outside India) - in which 10 Test hundreds have come away from home as well. Not only hundreds, he`s played a few fighting innings helping the team in difficult positions.Indian team`s captain is expected to travel with the team for the series decider on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappybirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappybirthdayVirat</a> <a href="https://t.co/SeFCAxttIG">pic.twitter.com/SeFCAxttIG</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/926880008651419648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Wishing the best in everything you do in your life <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> . May your dedication &amp; passion continue to inspire us all.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a>
&mdash; VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/927070056336392193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a> A Champion of Champions - Wishing <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> a Happy Birthday.. Keep making Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> proud thru ur Captaincy &amp; Batting <a href="https://t.co/6baBbzcatJ">pic.twitter.com/6baBbzcatJ</a>
&mdash; Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/927001711511724033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Revenge no. 1?? ?? 
Happy birthday, skipper- <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/mkv5KV08gH">pic.twitter.com/mkv5KV08gH</a>
&mdash; hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/926882932429488128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Many happy returns of the day <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>. Hope u have an amazing year. Keep making us proud. All the best for the final. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a>
&mdash; Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivek_oberoi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vivek_oberoi/status/927052382189555713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Our children wish you a very Happy Birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>. Thank you for all the love &amp; for always spreading smiles! ??&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a> <a href="https://t.co/edHgbnmdKF">pic.twitter.com/edHgbnmdKF</a>
&mdash; Smile Foundation (@smilefoundation) <a href="https://twitter.com/smilefoundation/status/927038194775756800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Virat also thanked his teammates and fans on Twitter after getting showered with love and birthday wishes.&nbsp;

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Thank you everyone for all the love and the wishes. 
God Bless you all. ?? <a href="https://t.co/DTzlyRiZEM">pic.twitter.com/DTzlyRiZEM</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/926886601468334080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

Kohli's friends, fans, colleagues, including both former and current cricketers were going all out with their love and wished him on this special day.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli celebrated his 29th birthday with his teammates after the 2nd ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Sunday. The country`s biggest sports and youth icon is probably one of a kind as far as Indian sports is concerned. Virat`s friends, fans, colleagues, including both former and current cricketers did not miss an opportunity of showering their love and wishing him on this special day. BCCI uploaded photos of the celebration through its official Twitter account. Kohli has scored 49 international centuries (32 in ODIs and 17 in Tests) out of which 28 have come away from home (outside India) - in which 10 Test hundreds have come away from home as well. Not only hundreds, he`s played a few fighting innings helping the team in difficult positions.Indian team`s captain is expected to travel with the team for the series decider on Tuesday. #HappybirthdayVirat pic.twitter.com/SeFCAxttIG — BCCI (@BCCI) November 4, 2017 × Wishing the best in everything you do in your life @imVkohli . May your dedication & passion continue to inspire us all.#HappyBirthdayVirat — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 5, 2017 × #HappyBirthdayVirat A Champion of Champions - Wishing @imVkohli a Happy Birthday.. Keep making Team #India proud thru ur Captaincy & Batting pic.twitter.com/6baBbzcatJ — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) November 5, 2017 × Revenge no. 1?? ?? Happy birthday, skipper- @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/mkv5KV08gH — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 4, 2017 × Many happy returns of the day @imVkohli. Hope u have an amazing year. Keep making us proud. All the best for the final. #HappyBirthdayVirat — Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivek_oberoi) November 5, 2017 × Our children wish you a very Happy Birthday @imVkohli. Thank you for all the love & for always spreading smiles! ?? #HappyBirthdayVirat pic.twitter.com/edHgbnmdKF — Smile Foundation (@smilefoundation) November 5, 2017 × Virat also thanked his teammates and fans on Twitter after getting showered with love and birthday wishes. Thank you everyone for all the love and the wishes. God Bless you all. ?? pic.twitter.com/DTzlyRiZEM — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 4, 2017 × (With inputs from ANI)

Captain Kohli turns 29, receives bouquet of wishes

New Zealand defeated India by 40 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday.

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat and set the target of 196/2 in 20 overs, courtesy Munro&#39;s unbeaten century, 109 in 58 balls.

India&#39;s chase began with a disastrous start as it openers returned to dug-out at the end of the second over, with 11 on the board.

At 67/4, wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni took the pitch and along with the skipper, Virat Kohli, steadied the ship. Both took the score to 123 when Kohli was caught behind on Mitchell Santner&#39;s ball.

Dhoni tried to redeem the innings, but with increasing asking rate it became seemingly impossible and the chase ended at 156/7.

New Zealand defeated India by 40 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday.

New Zealand defeated India by 40 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday. After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat and set the target of 196/2 in 20 overs, courtesy Munro's unbeaten century, 109 in 58 balls. India's chase began with a disastrous start as it openers returned to dug-out at the end of the second over, with 11 on the board. At 67/4, wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni took the pitch and along with the skipper, Virat Kohli, steadied the ship. Both took the score to 123 when Kohli was caught behind on Mitchell Santner's ball. Dhoni tried to redeem the innings, but with increasing asking rate it became seemingly impossible and the chase ended at 156/7.

New Zealand beats India by 40 runs

India captain Virat Kohli praised New Zealand for their impressive effort but also admitted that his batsmen &ldquo;were not good enough&rdquo; on the day as they lost the second T20 International by 40 runs.

&ldquo;Eventually, we were not good enough with the bat. When you are chasing 200, all the batsmen need to chip in, or one batsman has to keeping going at a 200 strike-rate. Tried to do my best. MS was very good at the end. But we were left with a very difficult task. It happens to a lot of batsmen, sometimes you are in good form, but you don&rsquo;t get enough balls. ,&rdquo; Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

&ldquo;I thought New Zealand were really good with the bat early on. We didn&rsquo;t take our chances, yes, but at once stage they were looking to get 235-240 and credit to Bumrah and Bhuvi to pull things back,&rdquo; Kohli praised the opposition.

Hardik Pandya has gone off the boil since the back end of the back-end of the Australian series but the skipper defended the talented all-rounder.

&ldquo;We back our batsmen though. We back Hardik, and its just a little glitch. After 13-14 overs, it gripped a bit. But we have no excuses, we weren&rsquo;t good enough with the bat. There wasn&rsquo;t any kind of dew. The ball got scuffed up [to help it turn].&rdquo;

Man of the Match Colin Munro said:&rdquo;A few chances (dropped catches) went my way and that&rsquo;s T20 cricket. Taken a while, I was here in the A trip. Felt good with the bat but kept getting out. I love batting at the top of the order.&rdquo;

He spoke to batting coach Craig McMillan about his plans.

&ldquo;I was talking with McMillan, and the times when I have premeditated is when I&rsquo;ve been trying to do too much. So I have just got to stay still and react to the ball.&rdquo;

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was satisfied that they could turn the tables within one match.

&ldquo;I guess it was a contrasting performance from the last game. An improved performance on all sides, we need to keep doing this to beat India here and going on to the next game, we need to repeat this,&rdquo; Williamson said.

He lavished praise on Munro for his brilliant century.

&ldquo;Great partnership up at the top and obviously Munners getting a hundred was fantastic. When a batsman gets that many runs, the team will always get a big total,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Guptill and Bruce gave good support and the bowlers did really well to defend it. Whenever you watch a player similar to you perform, you want to emulate them and our two spinners did really well, they consistently came in to bowl tough overs and they bowled very very well,&rdquo; he added.

India captain Virat Kohli praised New Zealand for their impressive effort but also admitted that his batsmen ?were not good enough? on the day as they lost the second T20 International by 40 runs.

India captain Virat Kohli praised New Zealand for their impressive effort but also admitted that his batsmen “were not good enough” on the day as they lost the second T20 International by 40 runs. “Eventually, we were not good enough with the bat. When you are chasing 200, all the batsmen need to chip in, or one batsman has to keeping going at a 200 strike-rate. Tried to do my best. MS was very good at the end. But we were left with a very difficult task. It happens to a lot of batsmen, sometimes you are in good form, but you don’t get enough balls. ,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. “I thought New Zealand were really good with the bat early on. We didn’t take our chances, yes, but at once stage they were looking to get 235-240 and credit to Bumrah and Bhuvi to pull things back,” Kohli praised the opposition. Hardik Pandya has gone off the boil since the back end of the back-end of the Australian series but the skipper defended the talented all-rounder. “We back our batsmen though. We back Hardik, and its just a little glitch. After 13-14 overs, it gripped a bit. But we have no excuses, we weren’t good enough with the bat. There wasn’t any kind of dew. The ball got scuffed up [to help it turn].” Man of the Match Colin Munro said:”A few chances (dropped catches) went my way and that’s T20 cricket. Taken a while, I was here in the A trip. Felt good with the bat but kept getting out. I love batting at the top of the order.” He spoke to batting coach Craig McMillan about his plans. “I was talking with McMillan, and the times when I have premeditated is when I’ve been trying to do too much. So I have just got to stay still and react to the ball.” Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was satisfied that they could turn the tables within one match. “I guess it was a contrasting performance from the last game. An improved performance on all sides, we need to keep doing this to beat India here and going on to the next game, we need to repeat this,” Williamson said. He lavished praise on Munro for his brilliant century. “Great partnership up at the top and obviously Munners getting a hundred was fantastic. When a batsman gets that many runs, the team will always get a big total,” he said. “Guptill and Bruce gave good support and the bowlers did really well to defend it. Whenever you watch a player similar to you perform, you want to emulate them and our two spinners did really well, they consistently came in to bowl tough overs and they bowled very very well,” he added.

We were not good enough with the bat, says Virat Kohli

Ashish Nehra bowled his last ball at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, also his home ground, where the Virat Kohli-led team thrashed New Zealand by 53 runs in the first of three Twenty20 internationals.

India&#39;s veteran speedster Ashish Nehra, who retired from all forms of cricket on Wednesday, said that he has no regrets in his 18-year-long cricket journey.

It was a historical day for India as they broke the spell against Kiwis to establish their first T20I win against them and also for Nehra as he bid adieu to his career on the ground where it all started.

&quot;It is an emotional moment. I am lucky that I bid adieu to cricket from my home ground. I still remember 1997, when I bowled my first over,&quot; Nehra told the media while recalling his cricket years.

The heavy-hearted &#39;Indian Cricket&#39;s Jon Snow&#39; said, &quot;It&#39;s not how you start, it is about how you finish. I don&#39;t think I can get better than this.&quot;

&quot;For me, those fifteen people inside are the most important. As long as they are asking me to play more and want me in the team, that what is most important for me. I am happy that they still value me,&quot; he further said.

The left-arm fast bowler had many hiccups in his almost 18-year-long cricket journey. The fast bowler has been hit with a long string of injuries right through his cricketing career. There were also years when he was not selected for the Indian team.

Talking about the years when he was not picked for the team, Nehra said, &quot;I never asked questions to team management and selectors. They didn&#39;t pick me, it was entirely their call. You can&#39;t blame someone for not picking you. But if you are good, your chance will come, but you have to be ready for it. I was ready for it. Now, I am playing for last two years, doing well and getting this kind of farewell. So maybe this is God&#39;s payback for my hard work.&quot;

Nehra said that he grabbed his chance with both the hands.

&quot;There were difficult times in between. For good six months in 2007, I didn&#39;t bowl a single ball even in the nets. I had ankle surgery and ten-eleven surgeries. It wasn&#39;t easy, but then I am a very content guy. I always see the positive things,&quot; he added.

The 38-year-old also said that India is more of a star-loving country than a sport-loving one.

&quot;I want to see people coming for Ranji trophies,&quot; Nehra said.

Asked about the captain under whom he played enjoying most, Nehra said, &quot;I never like to compare. I have played under Saurav Ganguly, M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli. Everybody is different, it is difficult to compare.&quot;

Talking about his future plans after retirement, the fast bowler said, &quot;I know only cricket. I haven&#39;t decided what I will do next. I will sit and relax and think.&quot;

The left-arm fast bowler made his international debut way back in 1999 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

He was also a part of the young Indian brigade that played the 2003 World Cup.

The mates bid adeau to the player and talking to twitter, Indian Cricket team captain, Virat Kohli wished Nehra luck for his future.

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Another good win and a complete team performance. ?????? 
Wishing Ashish bhaiya all the luck for everything in the future. It&#39;s been an honor sharing the field and the dressing room with you. ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NehraJi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NehraJi</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfCTHfo8rP">pic.twitter.com/hfCTHfo8rP</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/925788929718145026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Virendra Sehwag also congratulated Nehra for a wonderful career.

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End of an era , Ashish Nehra. Congratulations on a fighting and wonderful career. Wish you the best , Ashish.
&mdash; Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/925772914632413184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Cricket legend Sachin tendulkar&nbsp;wished Nehra on his farewell.

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Great win, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! Nice to see a well deserved farewell for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshishNehra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshishNehra</a>. Wish you &amp; your family the best of health &amp; happiness in life?? <a href="https://t.co/Ml9zFUWCpz">pic.twitter.com/Ml9zFUWCpz</a>
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/925774530445901825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Harbhajan singh also congratulated&nbsp;Nehra for the win and wished him for his future.&nbsp;Also posted a picture of doing bhangra.

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Gud luck my bro <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashishnehra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashishnehra</a> playing his last game 2day.jus enjoy as we did in this pic aftr winning th World Cup2011. Bhangra khich <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/DDkqngSNf7">pic.twitter.com/DDkqngSNf7</a>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/925712954313523200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian star bid adieu from the game with a tally of 235 wickets from 164 matches across all the formats in international cricket.

Ashish Nehra bowled his last ball at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, also his home ground, where the Virat Kohli-led team thrashed New Zealand by 53 runs in the first of three Twenty20 internationals. India's veteran speedster Ashish Nehra, who retired from all forms of cricket on Wednesday, said that he has no regrets in his 18-year-long cricket journey. It was a historical day for India as they broke the spell against Kiwis to establish their first T20I win against them and also for Nehra as he bid adieu to his career on the ground where it all started. "It is an emotional moment. I am lucky that I bid adieu to cricket from my home ground. I still remember 1997, when I bowled my first over," Nehra told the media while recalling his cricket years. The heavy-hearted 'Indian Cricket's Jon Snow' said, "It's not how you start, it is about how you finish. I don't think I can get better than this." "For me, those fifteen people inside are the most important. As long as they are asking me to play more and want me in the team, that what is most important for me. I am happy that they still value me," he further said. The left-arm fast bowler had many hiccups in his almost 18-year-long cricket journey. The fast bowler has been hit with a long string of injuries right through his cricketing career. There were also years when he was not selected for the Indian team. Talking about the years when he was not picked for the team, Nehra said, "I never asked questions to team management and selectors. They didn't pick me, it was entirely their call. You can't blame someone for not picking you. But if you are good, your chance will come, but you have to be ready for it. I was ready for it. Now, I am playing for last two years, doing well and getting this kind of farewell. So maybe this is God's payback for my hard work." Nehra said that he grabbed his chance with both the hands. "There were difficult times in between. For good six months in 2007, I didn't bowl a single ball even in the nets. I had ankle surgery and ten-eleven surgeries. It wasn't easy, but then I am a very content guy. I always see the positive things," he added. The 38-year-old also said that India is more of a star-loving country than a sport-loving one. "I want to see people coming for Ranji trophies," Nehra said. Asked about the captain under whom he played enjoying most, Nehra said, "I never like to compare. I have played under Saurav Ganguly, M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli. Everybody is different, it is difficult to compare." Talking about his future plans after retirement, the fast bowler said, "I know only cricket. I haven't decided what I will do next. I will sit and relax and think." The left-arm fast bowler made his international debut way back in 1999 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He was also a part of the young Indian brigade that played the 2003 World Cup. The mates bid adeau to the player and talking to twitter, Indian Cricket team captain, Virat Kohli wished Nehra luck for his future. Another good win and a complete team performance. ?????? Wishing Ashish bhaiya all the luck for everything in the future. It's been an honor sharing the field and the dressing room with you. ???? @BCCI #INDvNZ #NehraJi pic.twitter.com/hfCTHfo8rP — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 1, 2017 × Virendra Sehwag also congratulated Nehra for a wonderful career. End of an era , Ashish Nehra. Congratulations on a fighting and wonderful career. Wish you the best , Ashish. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 1, 2017 × Cricket legend Sachin tendulkar wished Nehra on his farewell. Great win, #TeamIndia! Nice to see a well deserved farewell for #AshishNehra. Wish you & your family the best of health & happiness in life?? pic.twitter.com/Ml9zFUWCpz — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 1, 2017 × Harbhajan singh also congratulated Nehra for the win and wished him for his future. Also posted a picture of doing bhangra. Gud luck my bro #Ashishnehra playing his last game 2day.jus enjoy as we did in this pic aftr winning th World Cup2011. Bhangra khich @BCCI pic.twitter.com/DDkqngSNf7 — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 1, 2017 × The Indian star bid adieu from the game with a tally of 235 wickets from 164 matches across all the formats in international cricket.

Ashish Nehra bowled his last ball from home ground

India came up trumps in a battle of nerves against a gutsy New Zealand to win the all-important third ODI by six runs and clinch their seventh successive bilateral series by 2-1 margin on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma (147 of 138) and Virat Kohli (113 of&nbsp;106) conjured up classy hundreds to fire India to a record 337 for six after being put into bat.

The target was imposing but New Zealand fought gamely through Colin Munro (75 off 62), Kane Williamson (64 off 84) and Tom Latham (65 off 52) before being restricted to 331 for 7 in the wake of some fine death bowling by Jasprit Bumrah.

For the better part of the match, Indian bowlers dished out an ordinary bowling performance but bounced back when it mattered the most&nbsp;in the final three overs.

Required to defend 15 runs in the final over, &#39;King of Death&#39; Bumrah (3/47 in 10 overs) delivered yet again and conceded only eight runs in the 50th over. More importantly, he bowled an astounding 32 dot balls in his 10-over spell. 
It seemed it was game on with the flying start provided left-hand opener Munro.

He set the tone for the daunting task on the very first ball he face, flicking Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a monstrous six over midwicket.

Three more fours including the one from overthrow were to follow in the first over of the innings that went for 19 runs. The in-form Kumar had an off day as he leaked 92 runs from his 10 overs.

While his opening partner Martin Guptill (10) fell cheaply again, Munro and Kane Williamson (64) kept the visitors very much in the hunt with a 109-stand off 105 balls.

The pair batted with supreme confidence on a flat surface, especially Munro who was not afraid to switch hit and charge down against the spinners. It was also a knock of substance from Williamson, who had not fired in the series until tonight.

The two had taken New Zealand to 152 for one in 24 overs before under pressure India bounced back in the match with Yuzvendra Chahal removing the set batsmen. Their fall stopped the run flow and the required run rate per over went beyond eight, leaving the heroes of Mumbai Ross Taylor and Latham a lot to do.

They batted well, completing a 79-run partnership off 69 balls with their team needing 91 off the last 10 overs.

Latham carried on and played flawless to take his team to the brink of victory alongside Henry Nicholls before nerves got the better of them during the business end of the innings.

Earlier, Sharma and Kohli, who became the first ever pairing to complete four double hundred partnerships in ODIs, were simply unstoppable against a New Zealand bowling attack that looked pretty ordinary on the day.

Their spectacular showing also helped India comfortably beat the previous highest score at Green Park, 303 for five that South Africa made against them two years ago.

The destructive duo was in complete control ever since Shikhar Dhawan (14) departed in the seventh over and ended up with a record breaking 230-run stand off 211 balls.

While Kohli had already hit a fine hundred in the series opener, Sharma rose to the occasion after failing in the first two games after New Zealand put the home team in.

The last time he played an ODI here, he made 150, and two years on, the stylish-right hander from Mumbai gave the packed crowd an evening to remember for a long time.

There are not many prettier sights in cricket than seeing Sharma bat in full flow. And he did look in fine form right from the time he slashed a gentle loosener off Tim Southee over point in the first over of the match.

The Kanpur pitch, usually slow and low, played well with the ball coming on to the bat nicely. The signs were ominous for the opposition when Sharma easily picked pacer Adam Milne for a huge six over midwicket.

He gave the same treatment to left-arm spinner Santner in his first over, collecting two boundaries with a cut and sweep before getting to his 50 off 52 balls.

Kohli, on his part, began with two crisp boundaries off Southee, one through the covers and the next one a whip over midwicket. 
&nbsp;

This was India's seventh successive bilateral series win

India came up trumps in a battle of nerves against a gutsy New Zealand to win the all-important third ODI by six runs and clinch their seventh successive bilateral series by 2-1 margin on Sunday. Rohit Sharma (147 of 138) and Virat Kohli (113 of 106) conjured up classy hundreds to fire India to a record 337 for six after being put into bat. The target was imposing but New Zealand fought gamely through Colin Munro (75 off 62), Kane Williamson (64 off 84) and Tom Latham (65 off 52) before being restricted to 331 for 7 in the wake of some fine death bowling by Jasprit Bumrah. For the better part of the match, Indian bowlers dished out an ordinary bowling performance but bounced back when it mattered the most in the final three overs. Required to defend 15 runs in the final over, 'King of Death' Bumrah (3/47 in 10 overs) delivered yet again and conceded only eight runs in the 50th over. More importantly, he bowled an astounding 32 dot balls in his 10-over spell. It seemed it was game on with the flying start provided left-hand opener Munro. He set the tone for the daunting task on the very first ball he face, flicking Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a monstrous six over midwicket. Three more fours including the one from overthrow were to follow in the first over of the innings that went for 19 runs. The in-form Kumar had an off day as he leaked 92 runs from his 10 overs. While his opening partner Martin Guptill (10) fell cheaply again, Munro and Kane Williamson (64) kept the visitors very much in the hunt with a 109-stand off 105 balls. The pair batted with supreme confidence on a flat surface, especially Munro who was not afraid to switch hit and charge down against the spinners. It was also a knock of substance from Williamson, who had not fired in the series until tonight. The two had taken New Zealand to 152 for one in 24 overs before under pressure India bounced back in the match with Yuzvendra Chahal removing the set batsmen. Their fall stopped the run flow and the required run rate per over went beyond eight, leaving the heroes of Mumbai Ross Taylor and Latham a lot to do. They batted well, completing a 79-run partnership off 69 balls with their team needing 91 off the last 10 overs. Latham carried on and played flawless to take his team to the brink of victory alongside Henry Nicholls before nerves got the better of them during the business end of the innings. Earlier, Sharma and Kohli, who became the first ever pairing to complete four double hundred partnerships in ODIs, were simply unstoppable against a New Zealand bowling attack that looked pretty ordinary on the day. Their spectacular showing also helped India comfortably beat the previous highest score at Green Park, 303 for five that South Africa made against them two years ago. The destructive duo was in complete control ever since Shikhar Dhawan (14) departed in the seventh over and ended up with a record breaking 230-run stand off 211 balls. While Kohli had already hit a fine hundred in the series opener, Sharma rose to the occasion after failing in the first two games after New Zealand put the home team in. The last time he played an ODI here, he made 150, and two years on, the stylish-right hander from Mumbai gave the packed crowd an evening to remember for a long time. There are not many prettier sights in cricket than seeing Sharma bat in full flow. And he did look in fine form right from the time he slashed a gentle loosener off Tim Southee over point in the first over of the match. The Kanpur pitch, usually slow and low, played well with the ball coming on to the bat nicely. The signs were ominous for the opposition when Sharma easily picked pacer Adam Milne for a huge six over midwicket. He gave the same treatment to left-arm spinner Santner in his first over, collecting two boundaries with a cut and sweep before getting to his 50 off 52 balls. Kohli, on his part, began with two crisp boundaries off Southee, one through the covers and the next one a whip over midwicket.

India beat New Zealand by six runs, clinch ODI series 2-1

Team India skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday become the fastest cricketer to score 9000 runs in One Day Internationals in India&#39;s third ODI against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli, who reached the reached the milestone in a record 194 innings and his 202nd match, is the sixth Indian after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin to achieve the feat.&nbsp;

The cricketer, who crossed the 9,000-run mark off 109-balls, also made his 32nd ODI hundred before losing his wicket to Tim Southee for 113.

Earlier in the series, with his 31st century, Virat Kohli broke the record set by Ricky Ponting in the list of most ODI hundreds.

Tendulkar tops the list with 49 hundreds&nbsp;and he is also the leading run-getter in the format with&nbsp;18,426 runs.

Virat Kohli, who reached the reached the milestone in a record 194 innings, is the sixth Indian after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin to achieve the feat

Team India skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday become the fastest cricketer to score 9000 runs in One Day Internationals in India's third ODI against New Zealand. Virat Kohli, who reached the reached the milestone in a record 194 innings and his 202nd match, is the sixth Indian after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin to achieve the feat. The cricketer, who crossed the 9,000-run mark off 109-balls, also made his 32nd ODI hundred before losing his wicket to Tim Southee for 113. Earlier in the series, with his 31st century, Virat Kohli broke the record set by Ricky Ponting in the list of most ODI hundreds. Tendulkar tops the list with 49 hundreds and he is also the leading run-getter in the format with 18,426 runs.

Virat Kohli breaks record for fastest 9000 runs in ODIs

Virat Kohli is the most marketable cricketer in the world as per the latest Forbes report on sportsperson&#39;s brand value list which is topped by Roger Federer. The Indian captain&#39;s brand value is more than that of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Kohli, with a brand value of $14.5 million, ranks above Messi as well as NBA team Golden State Warriors&rsquo; Steph Curry in the list.

As per Indian Express reports in the latest list released by Forbes, Kohli stands seventh in brand value which is calculated on the basis of an athlete&#39;s earnings (excluding salary and bonus from their sport and all investment income), minus the average income of the top 10 athletes in the same sport.&nbsp;

Kohli&#39;s value this year stands at $14.5 million while Messi is ranked ninth with $13.5 million. Tennis legend Federer tops the list with a brand value of $37.2 million followed by NBA star LeBron James ($33.4m) and sprint king Usain Bolt ($27m).

Leading the pack is the legendary Tennis player from Switzerland, Roger Federer, who has his brand value at $37.2 million with LeBron James ($33.4 million) and Usain Bolt ($27 million) completing the podium.

&nbsp;

Top 10 most valuable athletes: 
1. Roger Federer $37.2m 
2. LeBron James $33.4m 
3. Usain Bolt $27m 
4. Cristiano Ronaldo $21.5m 
5. Phil Mickelson $19.6m 
6. Tiger Woods $16.6m 
7. Virat Kohli $14.5m 
8. Rory McIlroy $13.6m 
9. Lionel Messi $13.5m 
10. Stephen Curry $13.4m

Kohli, with a brand value of $14.5 million, ranks above Messi as well as NBA team Golden State Warriors? Steph Curry in the list.

Virat Kohli is the most marketable cricketer in the world as per the latest Forbes report on sportsperson's brand value list which is topped by Roger Federer. The Indian captain's brand value is more than that of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Kohli, with a brand value of $14.5 million, ranks above Messi as well as NBA team Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry in the list. As per Indian Express reports in the latest list released by Forbes, Kohli stands seventh in brand value which is calculated on the basis of an athlete's earnings (excluding salary and bonus from their sport and all investment income), minus the average income of the top 10 athletes in the same sport. Kohli's value this year stands at $14.5 million while Messi is ranked ninth with $13.5 million. Tennis legend Federer tops the list with a brand value of $37.2 million followed by NBA star LeBron James ($33.4m) and sprint king Usain Bolt ($27m). Leading the pack is the legendary Tennis player from Switzerland, Roger Federer, who has his brand value at $37.2 million with LeBron James ($33.4 million) and Usain Bolt ($27 million) completing the podium. Top 10 most valuable athletes: 1. Roger Federer $37.2m 2. LeBron James $33.4m 3. Usain Bolt $27m 4. Cristiano Ronaldo $21.5m 5. Phil Mickelson $19.6m 6. Tiger Woods $16.6m 7. Virat Kohli $14.5m 8. Rory McIlroy $13.6m 9. Lionel Messi $13.5m 10. Stephen Curry $13.4m

Virat Kohli's brand value higher than Lionel Messi's: Forbes

It is set to be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/after-sachin-virat-kohli-now-holds-record-for-maximum-odi-centuries-22719">India&#39;s big fat wedding movie of the Year</a>!

Indian cricket team<a href="http://www.wionews.com/life-fun/jab-harry-met-sejal-opening-box-office-collection-srk-anushka-film-earns-over-rs-15-crore-18642"> captain Virat Kohli is all set to tie the&nbsp;knot with Bollywood </a>star Anushka Sharma, according to media reports.

The buzz in cricket circles is that India&#39;s young captain will tie the knot with Jab Harry met Sejal star in December.

Media reports say the Indian cricket captain has already told the BCCI he will be unavailable for India&#39;s tour to Sri Lanka due to &quot;personal reasons&quot;.

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The two made their first appearance in an advertisement.(Image source:Youtube) (Others)
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Anushka and Virat have been dating for a couple of years now. There were reports of the couple having&nbsp;parted ways&nbsp;last year but&nbsp;they&nbsp;got back together after Virat was appointed India Test captain.

Anushka was often trolled on social media over Virat&#39;s poor form but the Indian captain always stood by her.

Virat and&nbsp;Anushka are yet to make an official announcement about their wedding plans.

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Media reports say the Indian cricket captain has already told the BCCI he will be unavailable for India's tour to Sri Lanka due to "personal reasons".

It is set to be India's big fat wedding movie of the Year! Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is all set to tie the knot with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, according to media reports. The buzz in cricket circles is that India's young captain will tie the knot with Jab Harry met Sejal star in December. Media reports say the Indian cricket captain has already told the BCCI he will be unavailable for India's tour to Sri Lanka due to "personal reasons". The two made their first appearance in an advertisement.(Image source:Youtube) (Others) × Anushka and Virat have been dating for a couple of years now. There were reports of the couple having parted ways last year but they got back together after Virat was appointed India Test captain. Anushka was often trolled on social media over Virat's poor form but the Indian captain always stood by her. Virat and Anushka are yet to make an official announcement about their wedding plans.

Indian captain Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma may get married in December

Indian captain Virat Kohli hit&nbsp;the 31st ODI century of his career in his landmark 200th ODI match in 50-over international against New Zealand at Mumbai&#39;s Wankhede Stadium.

Beating the record of Australian player Ricky Ponting, Kohli now ranks second on the list.

Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 ODI centuries.&nbsp;

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Virat Kohli hits the 31st ODI century of his career <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922061260774039552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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With ODI century No. 31, Virat Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922062165720174594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Virat Kohli, who&nbsp;is leading his team against New Zealand in the&nbsp;match, is&nbsp;the 13th player from the country to complete his double century appearances in ODIs.

Overall, he is the 72nd player to appear 200 times in a 50-over match.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a>: Skipper Virat Kohli playing his 200th One Day International match in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/PV7iLGOTvl">pic.twitter.com/PV7iLGOTvl</a>
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&nbsp;

Virat Kohli beat the record set by Australian player Ricky Ponting in his milestone 200th ODI

Indian captain Virat Kohli hit the 31st ODI century of his career in his landmark 200th ODI match in 50-over international against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Beating the record of Australian player Ricky Ponting, Kohli now ranks second on the list. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 ODI centuries. Virat Kohli hits the 31st ODI century of his career #INDvNZ — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × With ODI century No. 31, Virat Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting #INDvNZ — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Virat Kohli, who is leading his team against New Zealand in the match, is the 13th player from the country to complete his double century appearances in ODIs. Overall, he is the 72nd player to appear 200 times in a 50-over match. #INDvNZ: Skipper Virat Kohli playing his 200th One Day International match in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/PV7iLGOTvl — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 ×

After Sachin, Virat Kohli now holds record for maximum ODI centuries

Virat Kohli reached yet another milestone as he equalled MS Dhoni&#39;s record for most number of consecutive wins as the ODI captain.

In the ongoing five-match series, India bagged the winning spot against the reigning world champions with a lead of 3-0.

The spotlight during the match was on all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who batted away to victory with 78 runs in 72 balls.

India&#39;s victory over Australia in the third-ODI on Sunday was its ninth consecutive win under Kohli&#39;s leadership. The previous record under Dhoni during February 2008 and January 2009.

India&#39;s current winning spree begun on July 6 this year when it won the final match at Sabina Park against West Indies by eight wickets.

Up till now, the skipper Virat Kohli has led 30 ODI victories in 38 matches with an 81.08 per cent wins.

Up till now, the skipper Virat Kohli has led 30 ODI wins in 38 matches, an 81.08 per cent wins

Virat Kohli reached yet another milestone as he equalled MS Dhoni's record for most number of consecutive wins as the ODI captain. In the ongoing five-match series, India bagged the winning spot against the reigning world champions with a lead of 3-0. The spotlight during the match was on all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who batted away to victory with 78 runs in 72 balls. India's victory over Australia in the third-ODI on Sunday was its ninth consecutive win under Kohli's leadership. The previous record under Dhoni during February 2008 and January 2009. India's current winning spree begun on July 6 this year when it won the final match at Sabina Park against West Indies by eight wickets. Up till now, the skipper Virat Kohli has led 30 ODI victories in 38 matches with an 81.08 per cent wins.

Virat Kohli equals Dhoni's record of consecutive ODI wins as captain

India skipper Virat Kohli said Saturday that competitiveness and &quot;mind games&quot; can be good for cricket as his team prepares to face their arch-rival Australia in a one-day series starting Sunday.

While Australia captain Steve Smith has batted for peace and urged the five-match series to be played in &quot;good spirit&quot;, Virat Kohli hinted that a bit of aggression can be useful to get the best out of players.

&quot;All those things are to get that aspect of mind games which I think creates an excitement for the fans watching as well,&quot; Kohli told reporters on the eve of the limited-overs series in Chennai.

&quot;Also the players involved in the series you know, that becomes more exciting and players are more pumped up to win games and outdo each other,&quot; he added.

&quot;I feel that intense competition should be there for the game to have that excitement and keep this game alive. I think it is very important to have that competitiveness in every series that you play.&quot;

The hosts are on top form after recently beating Sri Lanka 9-0 in Tests, one day games and Twenty20, but second-ranked Australia poses a different challenge.&nbsp;

Kohli was furious after a Test in Bangalore in March this year, when Smith looked up to his dressing room from the field -- where replays could be seen by teammates -- while deciding whether to challenge an lbw dismissal.

Players are not allowed to have outside input while challenging an umpire&#39;s decision.

Smith later apologised for his self-admitted &quot;brain fade&quot; moment but Kohli slammed the Aussies at the time.

After landing in India, the combative Australian skipper said he was anxious to halt the acrimony that marked the series, which his team lost 2-1.

Kohli stressed that it was important to prepare properly for a series irrespective of your opponent.&nbsp;

&quot;Your preparation should matter more than who you are playing against,&quot; said Kohli.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli's statement comes as the team prepares to face their arch-rival Australia in a one-day series starting Sunday

India skipper Virat Kohli said Saturday that competitiveness and "mind games" can be good for cricket as his team prepares to face their arch-rival Australia in a one-day series starting Sunday. While Australia captain Steve Smith has batted for peace and urged the five-match series to be played in "good spirit", Virat Kohli hinted that a bit of aggression can be useful to get the best out of players. "All those things are to get that aspect of mind games which I think creates an excitement for the fans watching as well," Kohli told reporters on the eve of the limited-overs series in Chennai. "Also the players involved in the series you know, that becomes more exciting and players are more pumped up to win games and outdo each other," he added. "I feel that intense competition should be there for the game to have that excitement and keep this game alive. I think it is very important to have that competitiveness in every series that you play." The hosts are on top form after recently beating Sri Lanka 9-0 in Tests, one day games and Twenty20, but second-ranked Australia poses a different challenge. Kohli was furious after a Test in Bangalore in March this year, when Smith looked up to his dressing room from the field -- where replays could be seen by teammates -- while deciding whether to challenge an lbw dismissal. Players are not allowed to have outside input while challenging an umpire's decision. Smith later apologised for his self-admitted "brain fade" moment but Kohli slammed the Aussies at the time. After landing in India, the combative Australian skipper said he was anxious to halt the acrimony that marked the series, which his team lost 2-1. Kohli stressed that it was important to prepare properly for a series irrespective of your opponent. "Your preparation should matter more than who you are playing against," said Kohli.

Mind games can be good for cricket: Virat Kohli ahead of Australia match

Virat Kohli displayed utmost ruthlessness in both captaincy and batsmanship as India became the first visiting country to inflict a 5-0 &#39;Whitewash&#39; on Sri Lanka with a thumping six-wicket victory in the final ODI of the series, here tonight.

In one of the most lopsided bilateral contests in recent history, India have now completed back-to-back rout after humiliating the islanders in the three-Test series, which was also a complete rout.

After Bhuvneshwar Kumar&#39;s maiden five-wicket haul enabled India to restrict Sri Lanka to a below-par 238, Kohli for the umpteenth time anchored a successful chase in 46.3 overs with a fluent unbeaten 110.

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This was his 30th ODI hundred in his only 194th game and is now jointly second highest in list of century makers alongside Ricky Ponting with only Sachin Tendulkar (49 hundreds) ahead of him.

Kohli got able support from Kedar Jadhav (63), who redeemed himself after a couple of ducks adding 109 runs with his skipper for the fourth wicket stand.

The stage was set by Kohli and Manish Pandey 36) with a 99-run stand for the third wicket.

On a pitch that was bit slower than the fourth ODI, Kohli adjusted his game accordingly, hitting only nine boundaries in 116 balls. Jadhav hit some delicate late cuts scoring his runs off 73 balls with seven boundaries in it.

Fittingly, the winning runs were hit by Kohli, who is now growing in strength and stature as the leader of a successful unit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/3rd-test-india-demolish-sri-lanka-whitewash-series-18977" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;3rd Test: India demolish Sri Lanka, win series in 3-0 whitewash</a>

The only people to miss out were comeback man Ajinkya Rahane (5), who was dismissed trying to hook a Lasith Malinga bouncer while Rohit Sharma&#39;s lap shot off a Vishwa Fernando delivery was brilliantly caught at fine leg by Malinda Pushpakumara.

However once Kohli hit his customary cover drive to start his innings, things as usal went downhill for the Sri Lankans.

Earlier, Bhuvneshwar grabbed a career-best 5/42 effecting yet another batting collapse as India skittled out Sri Lanka for 238.

Sri Lankan batting once again promised a lot but delivered too little losing as many as seven wickets for 53 runs after they were cruising along at 185 for 3.

A 122-run partnership for the 4th wicket between Lahiru Thirimanne (67) and Angelo Mathews (55) enabled Sri Lanka to reach a position of safety before Bhuvneshwar led the charge with his maiden five-wicket haul. Jasprit Bumrah (2/45), Kuldeep Yadav (1/40) and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/36) were the other wicket-takers.

Upul Tharanga (48) opened the innings with Niroshan Dickwella (2) then, and the latter was dismissed in the third over offering a simple return catch to Bhuvneshwar.

Shardul Thakur (0-48 in 6 overs) was completely off colour on the day though, and he was taken for runs by Tharanga, who hit successive boundaries off him, with the 50 came up off 47 balls.

He added 26 runs with Dilshan Munaweera (4) who was dropped to No 3, but then the hosts were jolted in the space of three overs.

Virat Kohli took a brilliant catch at mid-off going backwards to dismiss Munaweera off Bhuvneshwar in the seventh over. Bumrah then had Tharanga was caught behind in the 10th over.

It was a familiar story for Sri Lanka as the scoreboard read 64/3 after the first powerplay. Thirimanne and Mathews though defied the Indian bowling for 29.3 overs as they put on the hosts? highest stand throughout this five-match series. Their 50-partnership came off 65 balls as Lanka crossed 100 in the 18th over.

Thirimanne reached his 35th ODI half-century off 83 balls and it was his second fifty of the series. Mathews too scored his second fifty of this series, and in consecutive matches, reaching his 35th ODI half-century off 79 balls.

Their 100-partnership came off 122 balls as they looked to have provided a cushion for the lower-order to attack the Indian bowling. 
 
It came to nought though as the duo were dismissed in quick succession.

First, Kumar bowled Thirimanne in the 39th over, and then in the 42nd over, Mathews attacked Kuldeep Yadav (1-40) only to lob the ball back to MS Dhoni after mishitting it. An over later, Wanidu Hasaranga (9) was run out.

Dhoni was in business again when he stumped Akila Dananjaya (4) in the 43rd over off Yuzvendra Chahal (1-36). In doing so he became the first wicket keeper to notch up 100 stumpings in ODI cricket, moving one ahead of Kumar Sangakkara who has 99 stumpings.

Wickets came in a flurry then, as Bhuvneshwar returned to complete his five-wicket haul.

He accounted for Milinda Siriwardana (18) and Lasith Malinga (2). Meanwhile Malinda Pushpakumara (8) was bowled by Bumrah as Lanka were once again restricted to an under-par score.

They hosts failed to cross 250 even once during this five-match series, even as Bumrah ? with 15 wickets in this contest ? earned the record for most wickets in a bilateral series with five ODIs. He overtook Australian Clint McKay?s 14 wickets versus Pakistan in 2010.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli displayed utmost ruthlessness in both captaincy and batsmanship as India became the first visiting country to inflict a 5-0 'Whitewash' on Sri Lanka with a thumping six-wicket victory in the final ODI of the series, here tonight. In one of the most lopsided bilateral contests in recent history, India have now completed back-to-back rout after humiliating the islanders in the three-Test series, which was also a complete rout. After Bhuvneshwar Kumar's maiden five-wicket haul enabled India to restrict Sri Lanka to a below-par 238, Kohli for the umpteenth time anchored a successful chase in 46.3 overs with a fluent unbeaten 110. Fittingly, the winning runs were hit by Kohli, who is now growing in strength and stature as the leader of a successful unit × This was his 30th ODI hundred in his only 194th game and is now jointly second highest in list of century makers alongside Ricky Ponting with only Sachin Tendulkar (49 hundreds) ahead of him. Kohli got able support from Kedar Jadhav (63), who redeemed himself after a couple of ducks adding 109 runs with his skipper for the fourth wicket stand. The stage was set by Kohli and Manish Pandey 36) with a 99-run stand for the third wicket. On a pitch that was bit slower than the fourth ODI, Kohli adjusted his game accordingly, hitting only nine boundaries in 116 balls. Jadhav hit some delicate late cuts scoring his runs off 73 balls with seven boundaries in it. Fittingly, the winning runs were hit by Kohli, who is now growing in strength and stature as the leader of a successful unit. Also read: 3rd Test: India demolish Sri Lanka, win series in 3-0 whitewash The only people to miss out were comeback man Ajinkya Rahane (5), who was dismissed trying to hook a Lasith Malinga bouncer while Rohit Sharma's lap shot off a Vishwa Fernando delivery was brilliantly caught at fine leg by Malinda Pushpakumara. However once Kohli hit his customary cover drive to start his innings, things as usal went downhill for the Sri Lankans. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar grabbed a career-best 5/42 effecting yet another batting collapse as India skittled out Sri Lanka for 238. Sri Lankan batting once again promised a lot but delivered too little losing as many as seven wickets for 53 runs after they were cruising along at 185 for 3. A 122-run partnership for the 4th wicket between Lahiru Thirimanne (67) and Angelo Mathews (55) enabled Sri Lanka to reach a position of safety before Bhuvneshwar led the charge with his maiden five-wicket haul. Jasprit Bumrah (2/45), Kuldeep Yadav (1/40) and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/36) were the other wicket-takers. Upul Tharanga (48) opened the innings with Niroshan Dickwella (2) then, and the latter was dismissed in the third over offering a simple return catch to Bhuvneshwar. Shardul Thakur (0-48 in 6 overs) was completely off colour on the day though, and he was taken for runs by Tharanga, who hit successive boundaries off him, with the 50 came up off 47 balls. He added 26 runs with Dilshan Munaweera (4) who was dropped to No 3, but then the hosts were jolted in the space of three overs. Virat Kohli took a brilliant catch at mid-off going backwards to dismiss Munaweera off Bhuvneshwar in the seventh over. Bumrah then had Tharanga was caught behind in the 10th over. It was a familiar story for Sri Lanka as the scoreboard read 64/3 after the first powerplay. Thirimanne and Mathews though defied the Indian bowling for 29.3 overs as they put on the hosts? highest stand throughout this five-match series. Their 50-partnership came off 65 balls as Lanka crossed 100 in the 18th over. Thirimanne reached his 35th ODI half-century off 83 balls and it was his second fifty of the series. Mathews too scored his second fifty of this series, and in consecutive matches, reaching his 35th ODI half-century off 79 balls. Their 100-partnership came off 122 balls as they looked to have provided a cushion for the lower-order to attack the Indian bowling. It came to nought though as the duo were dismissed in quick succession. First, Kumar bowled Thirimanne in the 39th over, and then in the 42nd over, Mathews attacked Kuldeep Yadav (1-40) only to lob the ball back to MS Dhoni after mishitting it. An over later, Wanidu Hasaranga (9) was run out. Dhoni was in business again when he stumped Akila Dananjaya (4) in the 43rd over off Yuzvendra Chahal (1-36). In doing so he became the first wicket keeper to notch up 100 stumpings in ODI cricket, moving one ahead of Kumar Sangakkara who has 99 stumpings. Wickets came in a flurry then, as Bhuvneshwar returned to complete his five-wicket haul. He accounted for Milinda Siriwardana (18) and Lasith Malinga (2). Meanwhile Malinda Pushpakumara (8) was bowled by Bumrah as Lanka were once again restricted to an under-par score. They hosts failed to cross 250 even once during this five-match series, even as Bumrah ? with 15 wickets in this contest ? earned the record for most wickets in a bilateral series with five ODIs. He overtook Australian Clint McKay?s 14 wickets versus Pakistan in 2010.

5th ODI: India beat Sri Lanka, win series in 5-0 whitewash

India rode on blistering centuries by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to thrash Sri Lanka by 168 runs in the fourth one-day international Thursday for a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.

The batsmen shared 219 runs for the second wicket off just 168 balls to help India post an imposing 375-5 after the visitors elected to bat at the R. Premadasa stadium.

Sri Lanka barely put up a fight after losing four early wickets for 68 runs, folding up for 207 in 42.4 overs.

Angelo Mathews top-scored with 70 in what was Sri Lanka&#39;s biggest defeat in terms of runs in an ODI on home soil.

&quot;We spoke about not being complacent at any stage,&quot; said Kohli, named man-of-the-match.&nbsp;

&quot;It was a clinical performance today. We wanted to bat first because we hadn&#39;t batted first in the three games. The surface was amazing. It was a good toss to win.&quot;&nbsp;

Debutant Shardul Thakur gave India the first breakthrough when he had opener Niroshan Dickwella caught by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, playing his 300th one-day-international.

The batsman was given not-out by the on-field umpire but India decided to review the decision and TV replays showed the ball had brushed the bat.

Sri Lanka could never really recover from the early blow and failed to build the partnerships which were needed to chase the imposing target.&nbsp;

The highlight of the game was the partnership between Kohli and Sharma.

Kohli hit 17 fours and two sixes in his enthralling 131-run knock that came off just 96 balls.

Sharma (104) hammered 11 fours and three sixes in an equally entertaining 88-ball innings, his second century in a row.&nbsp;

Malinga takes 300th wicket

Kohli was dismissed by Sri Lanka&#39;s stand-in captain Lasith Malinga who completed 300 Test wickets, the 13th bowler overall and fourth Sri Lankan to achieve the feat.

&quot;300th wicket is just a number. I&#39;m happy (for this record) but we lost which is very unfortunate,&quot; said Malinga.

&quot;It&#39;s not been easy.... Young players want to perform well, they&#39;re all excited but we haven&#39;t been able to come up with our best.&nbsp;

&quot;They need the experience. Hopefully they will do their best over the next few months.&quot;

Sri Lanka have been struggling to put up a decent fight in the series, with injuries to key players, selection woes and hostile fans compounding their misery.

The islanders, ranked eighth to India&#39;s third, have copped criticism for going down to bottom-ranked Zimbabwe in an ODI series followed by a 3-0 Test whitewash against India on home soil.

Angry fans lobbed bottles and other objects after Sri Lanka lost the third game in Pallekele to India on Sunday.

The Indians were off to a flying start Thursday, thanks to Kohli and Sharma.

Kohli reached his 29th ODI century off just 76 balls with a boundary off Milinda Siriwardana to the square-leg fence as he toyed with the bowling attack.

Mathews put the brakes on the scoring when he dismissed Hardik Pandya (19) and Sharma off consecutive balls.&nbsp;

Dhoni, who made 49 not out, became only the sixth Indian and the second wicketkeeper-batsman after Kumar Sangakkara to play 300 ODIs.

He also shared 101 runs with Manish Pandey (50 not out) after the visitors were reduced to 274-5.

Butter-fingered Sri Lanka dropped easy catches and misfielded often to allow some easy runs to the Indians.

The fifth and final one-dayer will be played in Colombo on Sunday. 
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India rode on blistering centuries by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to thrash Sri Lanka by 168 runs in the fourth one-day international

India rode on blistering centuries by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to thrash Sri Lanka by 168 runs in the fourth one-day international Thursday for a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. The batsmen shared 219 runs for the second wicket off just 168 balls to help India post an imposing 375-5 after the visitors elected to bat at the R. Premadasa stadium. Sri Lanka barely put up a fight after losing four early wickets for 68 runs, folding up for 207 in 42.4 overs. Angelo Mathews top-scored with 70 in what was Sri Lanka's biggest defeat in terms of runs in an ODI on home soil. "We spoke about not being complacent at any stage," said Kohli, named man-of-the-match. "It was a clinical performance today. We wanted to bat first because we hadn't batted first in the three games. The surface was amazing. It was a good toss to win." Debutant Shardul Thakur gave India the first breakthrough when he had opener Niroshan Dickwella caught by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, playing his 300th one-day-international. The batsman was given not-out by the on-field umpire but India decided to review the decision and TV replays showed the ball had brushed the bat. Sri Lanka could never really recover from the early blow and failed to build the partnerships which were needed to chase the imposing target. The highlight of the game was the partnership between Kohli and Sharma. Kohli hit 17 fours and two sixes in his enthralling 131-run knock that came off just 96 balls. Sharma (104) hammered 11 fours and three sixes in an equally entertaining 88-ball innings, his second century in a row. Malinga takes 300th wicket Kohli was dismissed by Sri Lanka's stand-in captain Lasith Malinga who completed 300 Test wickets, the 13th bowler overall and fourth Sri Lankan to achieve the feat. "300th wicket is just a number. I'm happy (for this record) but we lost which is very unfortunate," said Malinga. "It's not been easy.... Young players want to perform well, they're all excited but we haven't been able to come up with our best. "They need the experience. Hopefully they will do their best over the next few months." Sri Lanka have been struggling to put up a decent fight in the series, with injuries to key players, selection woes and hostile fans compounding their misery. The islanders, ranked eighth to India's third, have copped criticism for going down to bottom-ranked Zimbabwe in an ODI series followed by a 3-0 Test whitewash against India on home soil. Angry fans lobbed bottles and other objects after Sri Lanka lost the third game in Pallekele to India on Sunday. The Indians were off to a flying start Thursday, thanks to Kohli and Sharma. Kohli reached his 29th ODI century off just 76 balls with a boundary off Milinda Siriwardana to the square-leg fence as he toyed with the bowling attack. Mathews put the brakes on the scoring when he dismissed Hardik Pandya (19) and Sharma off consecutive balls. Dhoni, who made 49 not out, became only the sixth Indian and the second wicketkeeper-batsman after Kumar Sangakkara to play 300 ODIs. He also shared 101 runs with Manish Pandey (50 not out) after the visitors were reduced to 274-5. Butter-fingered Sri Lanka dropped easy catches and misfielded often to allow some easy runs to the Indians. The fifth and final one-dayer will be played in Colombo on Sunday.

India hammer Sri Lanka by 168 runs in fourth ODI

Bangladesh beat Australia by 20 runs in the first Test today to record their maiden Test win against the Aussies at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Australia chasing 265 to win were shot out for 244 on the fourth day even after Warner(112) hit a ton.

Shakib Al Hasan tore into&nbsp;the Australian batting picking up five wickets as the hosts celebrated their&nbsp;famous victory with&nbsp;Hazlewood&#39;s last wicket.

Warner led from the front hitting 112 in 135 balls studded with sixteen boundaries and a six but fell victim to Shakib&#39;s spin with Australia on 158/5. The Australians lost regular wickets after Warner&#39;s exit to fall short by 20 runs.

Man of the Match Shakib ended the Test bagging&nbsp;10 wickets.

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Shakib Al Hasan reacts after dismissing Australian batsmen Matthew Wade during the fourth day of the first Test against Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. (AFP)
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Shakib Al Hasan tore through the Australian batting picking up five wickets

Bangladesh beat Australia by 20 runs in the first Test today to record their maiden Test win against the Aussies at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Australia chasing 265 to win were shot out for 244 on the fourth day even after Warner(112) hit a ton. Shakib Al Hasan tore into the Australian batting picking up five wickets as the hosts celebrated their famous victory with Hazlewood's last wicket. Warner led from the front hitting 112 in 135 balls studded with sixteen boundaries and a six but fell victim to Shakib's spin with Australia on 158/5. The Australians lost regular wickets after Warner's exit to fall short by 20 runs. Man of the Match Shakib ended the Test bagging 10 wickets. Shakib Al Hasan reacts after dismissing Australian batsmen Matthew Wade during the fourth day of the first Test against Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. (AFP) ×

Dhaka Test: Shakib spins Bangladesh to victory over Australia

India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-beat-sri-lanka-in-2nd-odi-19473">Virat Kohli doffed his cap to Sri Lanka&#39;s Akila Dananjaya</a> after the 23-year-old&#39;s mesmerizing spin spell in the second one-day international.

Barely 24 hours after he had tied the knot, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-photos-india-wins-match-against-sri-lanka-420">the spinner left the Indians in a tangle to claim a career-best 6-54</a>, though fell short of forcing a series-levelling victory for his team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

India, chasing 231 to go 2-0 up in the series, were cruising at 109 for no loss in the 16th over when Dananjaya struck, dismissing Rohit Sharma for 54.&nbsp;That was just the appetizer, however, as it was in his next over that the spinner would inject fresh drama into the game and life into the gloomy stands.

Dananjaya slipped in three googlies to dismiss Kedar Jadhav, Kohli and KL Rahul in the space of five balls, bringing his side back into the match.

&quot;You have to give credit to a guy who bowled an outstanding spell,&quot; Kohli said afterward, dismissing suggestions that rejigging the batting order led to their collapse.

&quot;If I had gone at number three, I still would have missed the ball, because he was bowling that well in that spell,&quot; the India captain, who batted at number five, said.

&quot;The batting order did not really matter.&quot;

Dananjaya is another product of Sri Lanka&#39;s seemingly endless reserves of special bowlers, an off-spinner who can also bowl leg-spin, googly, &#39;doosra&#39;, and even the carrom ball.

His full range of tricks was on exhibition on Thursday against a team traditionally very comfortable against spin.

The Indians did not help their own cause by staying on the back foot as Dananjaya curled googlies through their gates.

&quot;I realized my off-spin was working better, I kept using all the variations in my first eight-over spell,&quot; Dananjaya said after collecting the man-of-the-match trophy.

Kohli said his team now had a better idea of what to expect from the bowler.

&quot;We thought he was the off-spinner bowling an odd leg-break, but he picks up four wickets on googlies,&quot; a bemused Kohli said.

&quot;It&#39;s difficult when you have not seen the guy at all. He has not played us before. But now we saw how the ball was coming out of his hand,&quot; he added.

The teams meet again on Sunday with India, who whitewashed Sri Lanka in the preceding test series, hoping to clinch the five-match series with two one-dayers to go.

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India, chasing 231 to go 2-0 up in the series, were cruising at 109 for no loss in the 16th over when Dananjaya struck

India captain Virat Kohli doffed his cap to Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya after the 23-year-old's mesmerizing spin spell in the second one-day international. Barely 24 hours after he had tied the knot, the spinner left the Indians in a tangle to claim a career-best 6-54, though fell short of forcing a series-levelling victory for his team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. India, chasing 231 to go 2-0 up in the series, were cruising at 109 for no loss in the 16th over when Dananjaya struck, dismissing Rohit Sharma for 54. That was just the appetizer, however, as it was in his next over that the spinner would inject fresh drama into the game and life into the gloomy stands. Dananjaya slipped in three googlies to dismiss Kedar Jadhav, Kohli and KL Rahul in the space of five balls, bringing his side back into the match. "You have to give credit to a guy who bowled an outstanding spell," Kohli said afterward, dismissing suggestions that rejigging the batting order led to their collapse. "If I had gone at number three, I still would have missed the ball, because he was bowling that well in that spell," the India captain, who batted at number five, said. "The batting order did not really matter." Dananjaya is another product of Sri Lanka's seemingly endless reserves of special bowlers, an off-spinner who can also bowl leg-spin, googly, 'doosra', and even the carrom ball. His full range of tricks was on exhibition on Thursday against a team traditionally very comfortable against spin. The Indians did not help their own cause by staying on the back foot as Dananjaya curled googlies through their gates. "I realized my off-spin was working better, I kept using all the variations in my first eight-over spell," Dananjaya said after collecting the man-of-the-match trophy. Kohli said his team now had a better idea of what to expect from the bowler. "We thought he was the off-spinner bowling an odd leg-break, but he picks up four wickets on googlies," a bemused Kohli said. "It's difficult when you have not seen the guy at all. He has not played us before. But now we saw how the ball was coming out of his hand," he added. The teams meet again on Sunday with India, who whitewashed Sri Lanka in the preceding test series, hoping to clinch the five-match series with two one-dayers to go.

Dananjaya bowled an outstanding spell: Kohli

India has omitted batsman Yuvraj Singh and rested their front line bowling attack for the limited-overs leg of the Sri Lanka tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday.

The selectors made seven changes to the squad and have overlooked Yuvraj after the 35-year-old managed just 109 runs in his last six one-day international innings.

The visitors will also be without spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja along with pacemen Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami, who have been a part of the ongoing test series in Sri Lanka.

Middle-order batsman Manish Pandey was included in the 15-man squad after recovering from an injury and scoring 307 runs for the A team in South Africa last month.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma, who has been named the vice-captain, returned to the squad after being rested for the series against West Indies. KL Rahul was included in the limited-overs side for the first time since February.

Virat Kohli-led India will play five ODIs and one Twenty20 in Sri Lanka starting Aug. 20.

Full squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur.

The selectors made seven changes to the squad and have overlooked Yuvraj after the 35-year-old managed just 109 runs in his last six one-day international innings

India has omitted batsman Yuvraj Singh and rested their front line bowling attack for the limited-overs leg of the Sri Lanka tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday. The selectors made seven changes to the squad and have overlooked Yuvraj after the 35-year-old managed just 109 runs in his last six one-day international innings. The visitors will also be without spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja along with pacemen Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami, who have been a part of the ongoing test series in Sri Lanka. Middle-order batsman Manish Pandey was included in the 15-man squad after recovering from an injury and scoring 307 runs for the A team in South Africa last month. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma, who has been named the vice-captain, returned to the squad after being rested for the series against West Indies. KL Rahul was included in the limited-overs side for the first time since February. Virat Kohli-led India will play five ODIs and one Twenty20 in Sri Lanka starting Aug. 20. Full squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur.

Cricket: India drops Yuvraj for Sri Lanka ODIs

Ravindra Jadeja hit an unbeaten 85-ball 70 as India declared their innings after scoring 622/9 on the second day of the second Test at Colombo.

Jadeja&nbsp;and wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha took India past the 550-run mark as Saha&nbsp;scored an effortless 67 with four boundaries before being stumped by Dickwella.&nbsp;

Jadeja then with combined with Shami(19) and Yadav(8) to give India a huge advantage on Day-2 as the Lankans were pushed to the&nbsp;backfoot.

Earlier, India went past the 500-run mark as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/2nd-test-pujara-rahane-hold-fort-against-lanka-18542">Rahane led the charge</a> with a well made&nbsp;132 runs as the Lankans continued to struggle on Day-2 of the second Test at&nbsp;Colombo.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/2nd-test-how-pujara-rahane-plundered-lanka-387#photo-22963">India had started the day at 344/3 with Pujara and Rahane</a> at the crease but the visitors lost their fourth wicket early as Pujara departed after scoring 132 with India at 350/4, Rahane and Ashwin then combined to take India past the 400-run mark with the Indian allrounder giving Rahane able company.

Rahane, however, fell with India on 413/5 after hitting a confident 132 runs with 14 boundaries. India were 442/5 at lunch, well placed to take a stranglehold of the Test.

The Lankan bowlers meanwhile could manage to just restrict the runs with none of them making any impression on the Indian batting line-up.

Hearth and Pushpakumara picked up 4 wickets between them but went for plenty giving the Indian batsmen ample opportunity to place their innings on their own terms.

Ashwin fell to Hearth bowled out after scoring 54 and Pandya made a quickfire 20 in as many balls with 3 boundaries as India went past the 600-run mark.

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Indian wicketkeeper Saha and Jadeja are the crease as India look to go past the 600-run mark on Day-2

Ravindra Jadeja hit an unbeaten 85-ball 70 as India declared their innings after scoring 622/9 on the second day of the second Test at Colombo. Jadeja and wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha took India past the 550-run mark as Saha scored an effortless 67 with four boundaries before being stumped by Dickwella. Jadeja then with combined with Shami(19) and Yadav(8) to give India a huge advantage on Day-2 as the Lankans were pushed to the backfoot. Earlier, India went past the 500-run mark as Rahane led the charge with a well made 132 runs as the Lankans continued to struggle on Day-2 of the second Test at Colombo. India had started the day at 344/3 with Pujara and Rahane at the crease but the visitors lost their fourth wicket early as Pujara departed after scoring 132 with India at 350/4, Rahane and Ashwin then combined to take India past the 400-run mark with the Indian allrounder giving Rahane able company. Rahane, however, fell with India on 413/5 after hitting a confident 132 runs with 14 boundaries. India were 442/5 at lunch, well placed to take a stranglehold of the Test. The Lankan bowlers meanwhile could manage to just restrict the runs with none of them making any impression on the Indian batting line-up. Hearth and Pushpakumara picked up 4 wickets between them but went for plenty giving the Indian batsmen ample opportunity to place their innings on their own terms. Ashwin fell to Hearth bowled out after scoring 54 and Pandya made a quickfire 20 in as many balls with 3 boundaries as India went past the 600-run mark.

2nd Test: Jadeja, Rahane power India to 622/9 declared against Lanka

Indian captain Virat Kohli confirmed today that opening batsman KL Rahul will return to the side for the second Test against Sri Lanka which is set to start at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Thursday.

&quot;KL has been our established opener. I feel one of the openers (from the first Test) has to make way,&quot; Kohli told reporters.&nbsp;

&quot;What he has done for us in the past two years has been very solid and he deserves to come back in and start fresh in Test cricket again, we have a team meeting later on after practice, so we will be able to clarify that then but yes KL, according to me, will definitely come back&quot;, the Indian captain added.

Rahul has scored four centuries and seven fifties in 17 Tests with a top score of 199. He was forced to miss the Australian home series due to injury.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/1st-test-jadeja-shami-keep-sri-lanka-at-bay-on-day-3-18348">Opener Abhinav Mukund is likely to miss out</a> even though he hit a defiant 81 in the second innings at Galle.

India beat Sri Lanka by a massive<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ashwin-jadeja-power-india-to-victory-against-lanka-18384"> 304 runs in the first Test at Galle with skipper Virat Kohli</a> leading from the front hitting his 17th Test century. 
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Indian captain Virat Kohli said opening batsman KL Rahul will return to the side for the second Test against Sri Lanka

Indian captain Virat Kohli confirmed today that opening batsman KL Rahul will return to the side for the second Test against Sri Lanka which is set to start at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Thursday. "KL has been our established opener. I feel one of the openers (from the first Test) has to make way," Kohli told reporters. "What he has done for us in the past two years has been very solid and he deserves to come back in and start fresh in Test cricket again, we have a team meeting later on after practice, so we will be able to clarify that then but yes KL, according to me, will definitely come back", the Indian captain added. Rahul has scored four centuries and seven fifties in 17 Tests with a top score of 199. He was forced to miss the Australian home series due to injury. Opener Abhinav Mukund is likely to miss out even though he hit a defiant 81 in the second innings at Galle. India beat Sri Lanka by a massive 304 runs in the first Test at Galle with skipper Virat Kohli leading from the front hitting his 17th Test century.

2nd Test: Rahul set to return, confirms Kohli

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets each as India beat Sri Lanka by 304 runs in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/1st-test-jadeja-shami-keep-sri-lanka-at-bay-on-day-3-18348"> first Test </a>to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.

Sri Lankan opener&nbsp;Dimuth Karunaratne fell just three-run short of a century.

He was dismissed by an Ashwin delivery.

&nbsp;Sri Lanka collapsed for 245 in their second innings.

While Ashwin finished with a figure of three for 65, Jadeja got three wickets&nbsp;for 71.&nbsp;

Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav also took a wicket each.

Virat Kohli (103) struck his 17th century.

India will now play Sri Lanka in the second test beginning August 3.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/1st-test-how-pujara-dhawan-put-slayed-lanka-380">Also see: How Dhawan, Pujara slayed Lanka</a>

India beat Sri Lanka by 304 runs in the first Test

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets each as India beat Sri Lanka by 304 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday. Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne fell just three-run short of a century. He was dismissed by an Ashwin delivery. Sri Lanka collapsed for 245 in their second innings. While Ashwin finished with a figure of three for 65, Jadeja got three wickets for 71. Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav also took a wicket each. Virat Kohli (103) struck his 17th century. India will now play Sri Lanka in the second test beginning August 3. Also see: How Dhawan, Pujara slayed Lanka

Ashwin, Jadeja power India to victory against Lanka

Indian opener Abhinav Mukund and skipper Virat Kohli blitzed Sri Lanka post-tea as the visitors charged ahead to take a massive 498-run lead in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle on Friday.

The Lankan bowlers were left clueless as Mukund who failed to get going in the first innings hit back with a defiant 81 in just 116 balls with eight boundaries. Skipper Virat Kohli gave his opener&nbsp;able company at the other and remained unbeaten on 76(5 boundaries) as India&nbsp;took a stranglehold of the second Test.

Earlier on Day-3, Sri Lankan batsmen were left clueless against Indian spinners and fast bowlers as the hosts were&nbsp;bowled out for 291 in reply to India&#39;s&nbsp;first innings score of 600.

Sri Lanka&#39;s Angelo Mathews and Dilruwan Perera offered stiff resistance to India but the other Lankan batsmen failed to read Indian bowlers as the Sri Lankan innings folded in less than a day.

Mathews hit a confident 83 in 130 balls studded with eleven boundaries and a six but fell in the 59th over off Jadeja&#39;s bowling as India kept the visitors on the mat on Day-3.

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Virat Kohli did not enforce the follow-on as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 291 in the first innings at Galle. (AFP)
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Opener Upul Tharanga was instrumental in giving Sri Lanka a good head start after the fall of Karunaratne wicket in the second over, the Lankan opener hit 64 in just 93 balls with ten hits to the fence but was run out by Mukund.

Mathews and Perera held the innings together but after they fell the Lankan innings failed to offer any resistance to the Indian bowlers. Perera&#39;s invaluable 92 in 132 balls with ten boundaries and four sixes was the highlight of the Lankan innings. The Lankan lower order batsmen ran out of partners in the end as Virat Kohli kept attacking the Lankan batsmen.

The Lankan batting was hampered by five batsmen who failed to reach double figures - Karunaratne(2), Mendis(0), wicketkeeper Dickwella(8), captain Herath(9), Kumara(2)- failed against the Indian bowlers led by &nbsp;Jadeja and Shami who picked up five wickets between them.

Jadeja was the standout bowler picking up 3 vital wickets and Shami picked up Gunathilaka &amp; Mendis as Sri Lanka managed to score just 291 falling short of a mammoth 309 runs to&nbsp;India&#39;s first innings score of 600.

Virat Kohli, however, did not enforce the follow-on with Dhawan &amp; Mukund opening the innings,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/1st-test-how-pujara-dhawan-put-slayed-lanka-380"> Dhawan, however, failed to match his first innings heroics</a> falling to Perera in the fourth over for just 14(3 boundaries). Pujara too failed to get going in the second innings falling to Kumara in the seventeenth over for just 15(2 boundaries).

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Sri Lanka were bowled out for 291 in the first innings as India took control of the first Test at Galle

Indian opener Abhinav Mukund and skipper Virat Kohli blitzed Sri Lanka post-tea as the visitors charged ahead to take a massive 498-run lead in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle on Friday. The Lankan bowlers were left clueless as Mukund who failed to get going in the first innings hit back with a defiant 81 in just 116 balls with eight boundaries. Skipper Virat Kohli gave his opener able company at the other and remained unbeaten on 76(5 boundaries) as India took a stranglehold of the second Test. Earlier on Day-3, Sri Lankan batsmen were left clueless against Indian spinners and fast bowlers as the hosts were bowled out for 291 in reply to India's first innings score of 600. Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and Dilruwan Perera offered stiff resistance to India but the other Lankan batsmen failed to read Indian bowlers as the Sri Lankan innings folded in less than a day. Mathews hit a confident 83 in 130 balls studded with eleven boundaries and a six but fell in the 59th over off Jadeja's bowling as India kept the visitors on the mat on Day-3. Virat Kohli did not enforce the follow-on as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 291 in the first innings at Galle. (AFP) × Opener Upul Tharanga was instrumental in giving Sri Lanka a good head start after the fall of Karunaratne wicket in the second over, the Lankan opener hit 64 in just 93 balls with ten hits to the fence but was run out by Mukund. Mathews and Perera held the innings together but after they fell the Lankan innings failed to offer any resistance to the Indian bowlers. Perera's invaluable 92 in 132 balls with ten boundaries and four sixes was the highlight of the Lankan innings. The Lankan lower order batsmen ran out of partners in the end as Virat Kohli kept attacking the Lankan batsmen. The Lankan batting was hampered by five batsmen who failed to reach double figures - Karunaratne(2), Mendis(0), wicketkeeper Dickwella(8), captain Herath(9), Kumara(2)- failed against the Indian bowlers led by Jadeja and Shami who picked up five wickets between them. Jadeja was the standout bowler picking up 3 vital wickets and Shami picked up Gunathilaka & Mendis as Sri Lanka managed to score just 291 falling short of a mammoth 309 runs to India's first innings score of 600. Virat Kohli, however, did not enforce the follow-on with Dhawan & Mukund opening the innings, Dhawan, however, failed to match his first innings heroics falling to Perera in the fourth over for just 14(3 boundaries). Pujara too failed to get going in the second innings falling to Kumara in the seventeenth over for just 15(2 boundaries).

1st Test: Mukund, Kohli put India on top against Lanka

India&#39;s Cheteshwar Pujara struck his twelfth Test century and Shikhar Dhawan hit a stylish 190 as India reached 323/6 in the post-lunch session against Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Galle.

Pujara reached his century in just 173 balls striking nine boundaries to take India to a position of strength after captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first.

India lost their first wicket early as Abhinav Mukund fell after scoring just 12(2 boundaries) but&nbsp;after that it was a complete <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/1st-test-how-pujara-dhawan-put-slayed-lanka-380">Dhawan and Pujara show as the two put on 253 runs for the second wicket</a> to put India on top at Galle.

Shikhar Dhawan played a hurricane knock hitting 190 in just 168 balls with 31 boundaries as Pujara gave him company at the other end. Dhawan reached his half-century in just 62 balls studded with six boundaries as India reached 115/1 at lunch.

The Indian opener fell in the 55th over the day to Pradeep caught by Mathews. Pujara was joined by captain Virat Kohli who failed to make an impression falling for just 3 as he became Pradeep&#39;s third victim of the day.

At stumps on Day-1, India was 399/3 &nbsp;

Pujara was still at the crease&nbsp;unbeaten on 144(12 boundaries in 247 balls) with Rihane giving him company at the other end batting on 39(94 balls, one boundary).

Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan hit centuries as India dominated Day-1 of the first Test at Galle

India's Cheteshwar Pujara struck his twelfth Test century and Shikhar Dhawan hit a stylish 190 as India reached 323/6 in the post-lunch session against Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Galle. Pujara reached his century in just 173 balls striking nine boundaries to take India to a position of strength after captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first. India lost their first wicket early as Abhinav Mukund fell after scoring just 12(2 boundaries) but after that it was a complete Dhawan and Pujara show as the two put on 253 runs for the second wicket to put India on top at Galle. Shikhar Dhawan played a hurricane knock hitting 190 in just 168 balls with 31 boundaries as Pujara gave him company at the other end. Dhawan reached his half-century in just 62 balls studded with six boundaries as India reached 115/1 at lunch. The Indian opener fell in the 55th over the day to Pradeep caught by Mathews. Pujara was joined by captain Virat Kohli who failed to make an impression falling for just 3 as he became Pradeep's third victim of the day. At stumps on Day-1, India was 399/3 Pujara was still at the crease unbeaten on 144(12 boundaries in 247 balls) with Rihane giving him company at the other end batting on 39(94 balls, one boundary).

1st Test: Pujara, Dhawan hit centuries to put India on top against Lanka

Team India&#39;s new coach Ravi Shastri has decided to retain the services of Sanjay Bangar in the Indian cricket team. Bangar has been appointed the batting coach.&nbsp;

R. Sridhar will be Team India&#39;s fielding coach. Bharat Arun has been appointed&nbsp;India&#39;s bowling coach.

The BCCI said no decision has been<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/zaheer-khan-rahul-dravid-to-be-appointed-after-consultation-with-ravi-shastri-coa-17948"> taken on Zaheer Khan and former Indian batsmen Rahul Dravid&#39;s role</a> in the Indian cricket team.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/how-team-india-coach-ravi-shastri-became-champion-of-champions-356">Former Indian opener Ravi Shastri </a>was appointed the coach of the Indian cricket team last week after an advisory committee consisting of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman decided to pick Shastri after other contenders Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus&nbsp;and Phil Simmons were rejected. &nbsp;

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R. Sridhar will be Team India's fielding coach. Bharat Arun has been appointed?India's bowling coach.

Team India's new coach Ravi Shastri has decided to retain the services of Sanjay Bangar in the Indian cricket team. Bangar has been appointed the batting coach. R. Sridhar will be Team India's fielding coach. Bharat Arun has been appointed India's bowling coach. The BCCI said no decision has been taken on Zaheer Khan and former Indian batsmen Rahul Dravid's role in the Indian cricket team. Former Indian opener Ravi Shastri was appointed the coach of the Indian cricket team last week after an advisory committee consisting of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman decided to pick Shastri after other contenders Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus and Phil Simmons were rejected.

Sanjay Bangar to be Team India's batting coach, Zaheer's role still undecided

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