<p>Former India batter Virender Sehwag questioned BCCI’s double standards in punishing players over similar offences over time. Sehwag pointed out how certain top cricketers, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, have escaped suspensions for breaching IPL’s code of conduct before, while the apex body has charged someone new like LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi for a celebration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>All unfolded during the LSG vs SRH game in IPL 2025 when, after dismissing centurion Abhishek Sharma, caught in the deep, Digvesh gave him a fiery send-off, adding up his ‘notebook celebration’ that made things worse. As he began celebrating, Abhishek confronted him, leading to a verbal brawl. The on-field umpires and LSG players had to rush in to separate the two, with the BCCI and IPL taking strict actions against both.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-it-got-me-so-angry-ab-de-villiers-lashes-out-at-tv-commentators-for-negative-remarks-on-rcb-s-bowling-against-lsg-1748503182471"><strong>‘It got me so angry’: AB de Villiers lashes out at TV commentators for ‘negative remarks’ on RCB’s bowling against LSG</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>While the IPL fined Abhishek for his loud reaction to Digvesh’s celebration, further slapping him with demerit points, they suspended the leg-spinner for a game. That, however, happened because the LSG spinner had already collected a few demerits points (five) this season, particularly for his notebook celebration.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I thought that the ban was a bit harsh. The boy is playing in his first year in the IPL. MS Dhoni had barged into the ground; he was not banned then. Virat Kohli has spoken to umpires in that tone, who knows how many times, he was also not banned. So, Digvesh Rathi could have been spared, because he is a young player, just coming into the scene, could have let that one go," Sehwag said, speaking on Cricbuzz.</p><h2>The instances<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>During a game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2019 in Jaipur, Dhoni barred into the ground midway into the game, leading to tense chats between the players and officials. Although none of the players picked in the XI, dismissed or yet to bat, were and are allowed to enter the ground anytime during the match, Dhoni got away with a minute punishment.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>On the other hand, Virat has had his share of verbal brawls with several players and even match officials during his IPL career but never faced a suspension for the same.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, LSG is knocked out of the IPL 2025 playoff race, finishing seventh on the points table with six wins and eight losses in 14 contested matches.&nbsp;</p>

Sehwag questions BCCI’s double standards in punishing players, picks out Dhoni’s, Kohli’s instances in Digvesh Rathi’s defence

Former India batter Virender Sehwag questioned BCCI’s double standards in punishing players over similar offences over time. Sehwag pointed out how certain top cricketers, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, have escaped suspensions for breaching IPL’s code of conduct before, while the apex body has charged someone new like LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi for a celebration. All unfolded during the LSG vs SRH game in IPL 2025 when, after dismissing centurion Abhishek Sharma, caught in the deep, Digvesh gave him a fiery send-off, adding up his ‘notebook celebration’ that made things worse. As he began celebrating, Abhishek confronted him, leading to a verbal brawl. The on-field umpires and LSG players had to rush in to separate the two, with the BCCI and IPL taking strict actions against both. Also read | ‘It got me so angry’: AB de Villiers lashes out at TV commentators for ‘negative remarks’ on RCB’s bowling against LSG While the IPL fined Abhishek for his loud reaction to Digvesh’s celebration, further slapping him with demerit points, they suspended the leg-spinner for a game. That, however, happened because the LSG spinner had already collected a few demerits points (five) this season, particularly for his notebook celebration. "I thought that the ban was a bit harsh. The boy is playing in his first year in the IPL. MS Dhoni had barged into the ground; he was not banned then. Virat Kohli has spoken to umpires in that tone, who knows how many times, he was also not banned. So, Digvesh Rathi could have been spared, because he is a young player, just coming into the scene, could have let that one go," Sehwag said, speaking on Cricbuzz. The instances During a game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2019 in Jaipur, Dhoni barred into the ground midway into the game, leading to tense chats between the players and officials. Although none of the players picked in the XI, dismissed or yet to bat, were and are allowed to enter the ground anytime during the match, Dhoni got away with a minute punishment. On the other hand, Virat has had his share of verbal brawls with several players and even match officials during his IPL career but never faced a suspension for the same. Meanwhile, LSG is knocked out of the IPL 2025 playoff race, finishing seventh on the points table with six wins and eight losses in 14 contested matches.

<p>All unfolded during the LSG vs SRH game in IPL 2025 when, after dismissing centurion Abhishek Sharma, caught in the deep, Digvesh gave him a fiery send-off, adding up his ‘notebook celebration’ that made things worse.</p>

From Virat Kohli to Shubman Gill, here is a look at 5 batters with the most runs in the IPL 2025 league stage also featuring Sai Sudharsan, Suryakumar Yadav and Mitchell Marsh.

From Virat Kohli to Shubman Gill, 5 batters with the most runs in the IPL 2025 league stage

<p>Just days after visiting Swami Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, star India batter Virat Kohli was spotted in Ayodhya Dham along with his wife Anushka Sharma as they paid a visit to the Ram Mandir. Virat, currently in Lucknow for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), made the three-hour drive from the city to Ayodhya Dham, the birthplace of Shri Ram, a divine incarnation (avatar) of the god Vishnu. Virat was greeted by the local priests as pictures of him and Anushka were doing rounds on the internet.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="hi" dir="ltr">Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Shree Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya. 🙏❤️<a href="https://t.co/KKo6kdFAFU">pic.twitter.com/KKo6kdFAFU</a></p>&mdash; Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1926498198262108550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Virat-Anushka visits Ram Mandir</strong></h2><p>One of the best batters of his generation, the former India captain called time on his illustrious Test career on April 12. Just a day later he was spotted in Vrindavan’s Swami Premanand Maharaj ashram, seeking blessings. However, with the RCB camp in Lucknow for the last few days, Virat took the opportunity to visit the Ram Mandir.</p><p>Virat and Anushka later visited the Hanuman Garhi temple, situated next to the Ram Mandir. A video of them was also doing rounds on internet while they were in the Hanuman Garhi temple.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Calling time on his Test career, Virat played in the red-ball format for 14 years and scored more than 9000 runs. The 36-year-old made 123 appearances in Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>RCB are next in action on Tuesday when they play against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. It will be a must-win contest for RCB if there are qualify for Qualifier 1, which guarantees two shots to reach the summit clash. Interestingly, Virat has never won the IPL in 18 years but will be weighing his chances ahead of the crucial phase.</p>

Just days after visiting Swami Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, star India batter Virat Kohli was spotted in Ayodhya Dham along with his wife Anushka Sharma as they paid a visit to the Ram Mandir.

Just days after visiting Swami Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, star India batter Virat Kohli was spotted in Ayodhya Dham along with his wife Anushka Sharma as they paid a visit to the Ram Mandir. Virat, currently in Lucknow for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), made the three-hour drive from the city to Ayodhya Dham, the birthplace of Shri Ram, a divine incarnation (avatar) of the god Vishnu. Virat was greeted by the local priests as pictures of him and Anushka were doing rounds on the internet.

<p>Just days after visiting Swami Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, star India batter Virat Kohli was spotted in Ayodhya Dham along with his wife Anushka Sharma as they paid a visit to the Ram Mandir.</p>

WATCH: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma visit Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya Dham

<p>Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their Test retirements earlier in May, sending the cricketing world into a frenzy. While concerns around Rohit’s fitness and form in red-ball cricket continued to magnify with each passing series, making sense as to why he retired, Kohli’s Test retirement call shocked all.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With both absent from the Test squad for the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds, chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke on their retirements for the first time since, urging fans to respect it and move on.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-eng-vs-ind-2025-mohammed-shami-jasprit-bumrah-head-selector-ajit-agarkar-warns-fans-of-double-blow-in-tests-1748089531466"><strong>First Shami and now Bumrah – Chief selector Agarkar warns fans of double blow in ENG Tests</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Agarkar-led selection panel picked ace batter Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in Tests, naming him the new Test captain.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>During the presser in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon (May 24), Agarkar revealed it was during April when Virat reached out to him and informed him about wanting to do away with Tests.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Virat reached out early April and said he wants to finish," Agarkar said during the presser.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"We've seen him give 200% to every ball that he plays, even when he is not batting or he's in the field. He probably felt that he had given everything that he had, and if he can't keep up to the standards that he set for himself over the years and how good he had been, and maybe it was time for him.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"It has come from him. You've got to respect that. They have earned that respect, both of them. As all great players are, the one thing there is, they are true to themselves, and he was in that conversation. So you've got to respect that. We'll obviously miss [Kohli] when you've got a guy who's played 123 Test matches, 30 Test hundreds, it's going to be tough to fill,” he continued.</p><h2>No talks around Rohit’s retirement talk<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>Although he shed light on the whole episode surrounding Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Agarkar shared no details on what prompted former skipper Rohit to call time on his red-ball career.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>However, he remained focused on how the younger breed of superstars are ready to take Indian Cricket forward, with the away England series their first assignment without Rohit, Kohli and even Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his Test retirement after the third Test Down Under in Brisbane.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"When guys like that retire, it's always going to be big holes to fill," Agarkar said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Ashwin retired a few months back as well, so those three guys are stalwarts of our cricket. It's always difficult. One way of looking at it is an opportunity for someone else. They've left a legacy behind.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Needless to say, Rohit has been a leader over the last couple of years since he started leading in the Test matches. It is a new cycle, so it is an opportunity to build something for us as well. That's why I think we've got to show them the respect that they want instead of speculating too many things. It is sometimes a personal call with players , and you've got to respect that, and their performances over the years have shown in the amount of games that they've won for India,” he added.</p>

Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit Test retirement calls urges fans to respect it and move on

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their Test retirements earlier in May, sending the cricketing world into a frenzy. While concerns around Rohit’s fitness and form in red-ball cricket continued to magnify with each passing series, making sense as to why he retired, Kohli’s Test retirement call shocked all. With both absent from the Test squad for the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds, chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke on their retirements for the first time since, urging fans to respect it and move on. Also read | First Shami and now Bumrah – Chief selector Agarkar warns fans of double blow in ENG Tests Agarkar-led selection panel picked ace batter Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in Tests, naming him the new Test captain. During the presser in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon (May 24), Agarkar revealed it was during April when Virat reached out to him and informed him about wanting to do away with Tests. "Virat reached out early April and said he wants to finish," Agarkar said during the presser. "We've seen him give 200% to every ball that he plays, even when he is not batting or he's in the field. He probably felt that he had given everything that he had, and if he can't keep up to the standards that he set for himself over the years and how good he had been, and maybe it was time for him. "It has come from him. You've got to respect that. They have earned that respect, both of them. As all great players are, the one thing there is, they are true to themselves, and he was in that conversation. So you've got to respect that. We'll obviously miss [Kohli] when you've got a guy who's played 123 Test matches, 30 Test hundreds, it's going to be tough to fill,” he continued. No talks around Rohit’s retirement talk Although he shed light on the whole episode surrounding Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Agarkar shared no details on what prompted former skipper Rohit to call time on his red-ball career. However, he remained focused on how the younger breed of superstars are ready to take Indian Cricket forward, with the away England series their first assignment without Rohit, Kohli and even Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his Test retirement after the third Test Down Under in Brisbane. "When guys like that retire, it's always going to be big holes to fill," Agarkar said. "Ashwin retired a few months back as well, so those three guys are stalwarts of our cricket. It's always difficult. One way of looking at it is an opportunity for someone else. They've left a legacy behind. "Needless to say, Rohit has been a leader over the last couple of years since he started leading in the Test matches. It is a new cycle, so it is an opportunity to build something for us as well. That's why I think we've got to show them the respect that they want instead of speculating too many things. It is sometimes a personal call with players , and you've got to respect that, and their performances over the years have shown in the amount of games that they've won for India,” he added.

<p>Agarkar-led selection panel picked ace batter Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in Tests, naming him the new Test captain.&nbsp;</p>

Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement calls, urges fans to ‘respect it and move on’

<p>India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reacted to sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. The duo, who retired in a week of each other earlier this month, has left a huge gap in India's batting line up. The coach, however, acknowledges that retiring is an 'individual decision.'</p><p>"I think, when you start the game and when you want to finish, it's a very individual decision. No one has the right," said Gambhir while talking to Cricket Next.</p><p>"Be it the coach, the selector, be it anyone in this country, has any right to tell someone when to retire and when not to retire. So it comes from within," he added.</p><p><strong>Also Read -</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/marsh-brothers-shaun-115-and-mitchell-117-become-only-sibling-duo-to-score-hundreds-in-ipl-history-1747988581871">'Got the golden ticket': Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, become only sibling duo to score hundreds in IPL history</a></p><p>Gambhir also acknowledged that 'it'll be tough for India' when they travel to England next month for five-Test series. The coach, however, was confident of other players standing up just like they did in Champions Trophy in absence of Jasprit Bumrah.</p><p>"Yes, we've got to be without two senior players. And sometimes I believe that it's the opportunity for some other people to put their hand up and say, Okay, I'm ready for it. So yes, it will be tough, but then there'll be people putting their hand up for sure because this question was asked to me before," Gambhir said.</p><p>"Champions Trophy as well. When Jasprit Bumrah wasn't there, I said exactly the same thing: someone missing out might give another person an opportunity to do something special for the country. Hopefully, there'll be other guys waiting for that opportunity," he added.</p><p>Rohit announced his retirement on May 7 while Kohli stepped away on May 12. In addition to them, veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin had also announced his retirement immediately after the Test tour of Australia earlier this year.</p><p>India would be very different team on England tour with a new captain and a couple of new batters in the middle order.</p>

Rohit announced his retirement on May 7 while Kohli stepped away on May 12. In addition to them, veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin had also announced his retirement immediately after the Test tour of Australia earlier this year.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reacted to sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. The duo, who retired in a week of each other earlier this month, has left a huge gap in India's batting line up. The coach, however, acknowledges that retiring is an 'individual decision.' "I think, when you start the game and when you want to finish, it's a very individual decision. No one has the right," said Gambhir while talking to Cricket Next. "Be it the coach, the selector, be it anyone in this country, has any right to tell someone when to retire and when not to retire. So it comes from within," he added. Also Read - 'Got the golden ticket': Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, become only sibling duo to score hundreds in IPL history Gambhir also acknowledged that 'it'll be tough for India' when they travel to England next month for five-Test series. The coach, however, was confident of other players standing up just like they did in Champions Trophy in absence of Jasprit Bumrah. "Yes, we've got to be without two senior players. And sometimes I believe that it's the opportunity for some other people to put their hand up and say, Okay, I'm ready for it. So yes, it will be tough, but then there'll be people putting their hand up for sure because this question was asked to me before," Gambhir said. "Champions Trophy as well. When Jasprit Bumrah wasn't there, I said exactly the same thing: someone missing out might give another person an opportunity to do something special for the country. Hopefully, there'll be other guys waiting for that opportunity," he added. Rohit announced his retirement on May 7 while Kohli stepped away on May 12. In addition to them, veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin had also announced his retirement immediately after the Test tour of Australia earlier this year. India would be very different team on England tour with a new captain and a couple of new batters in the middle order.

<p>Rohit announced his retirement on May 7 while Kohli stepped away on May 12. In addition to them, veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin had also announced his retirement immediately after the Test tour of Australia earlier this year.</p>

India coach Gambhir opens up on Test retirement of Virat and Rohit, says 'very individual decision'

<p>England Test captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ben-stokes">Ben Stokes</a> talked highly of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, who announced his Test retirement recently. Taking to social media, Kohli called time on his glorious Test career, which saw him play 123 matches and score 9230 runs at an average of over 46. Kohli’s decision to do away with Tests left the cricket world in a frenzy, including Stokes, who admitted texting him afterwards.</p>

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<p>Stokes is back playing Tests - currently involved in an official four-day Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. He will lead England in the marquee series against India starting June 20 in Leeds. The touring Indian side, however, will be without their two superstar batters – Virat and former team captain Rohit Sharma, who announced his Test retirement early in the month.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Stokes said India would miss Kohli's fighting spirit on the field this time and that he doesn’t see anyone else donning the number 18 jersey in Indian cricket again as a tribute to Kohli. Stokes continued, saying that he and Virat shared the same mindset, adding that the Indian great has been a class player all this while.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“I texted him, saying it’s going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat. We both have that same mindset on the field – it’s a battle,” Stokes said in a video released by the ECB.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He’s made No. 18 his own – we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He’s been class for such a long time.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“He has been incredible, and no doubt there is a lot of praise coming for him from everywhere in India and from here. He has done really well against England,” he continued.</p><h2>‘Virat is the best I’ve faced’</h2><p>Showering praises on the India great, Stokes called Virat one of the best players he has played against, especially in the white-ball formats, where he excelled and won multiple ICC titles.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The English Test captain also picked his favourite shot of Virat’s, and it’s not an on-drive.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Definitely, he is up there. White-ball formats especially, just… wow. Something I will always remember about Virat is just how hard he hits the ball through covers. The cover drive would be the one,” Stokes said.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Virat retired as India’s fourth-highest Test scorer, having hit 30 centuries and 31 fifties.&nbsp;</p>

‘We might never see it Ben Stokes highest praise for Virat Kohli after his Test retirement

England Test captain Ben Stokes talked highly of Virat Kohli, who announced his Test retirement recently. Taking to social media, Kohli called time on his glorious Test career, which saw him play 123 matches and score 9230 runs at an average of over 46. Kohli’s decision to do away with Tests left the cricket world in a frenzy, including Stokes, who admitted texting him afterwards.

<p>Stokes said India would miss Kohli's fighting spirit on the field this time and that he doesn’t see anyone else donning the number 18 jersey in Indian cricket again as a tribute to Kohli.</p>

‘We might never see it…,’ Ben Stokes’ highest praise for Virat Kohli after his Test retirement

After securing the playoff berth in IPL 2025, RCB would like to retain these 5 key players post this season to build a strong core and be prepared for IPL 2026.

RCB might retain these 5 players after IPL 2025. Virat Kohli is sure, check others

From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, here is a look at 6 Indian batters with most runs on English soil also including Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and Sourav Ganguly.

From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, 6 Indian batters with most runs on English soil

Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have stepped up for Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025 and have recorded the most runs by an Indian pair in IPL 2025. Check out the other Indian duos with a record-breaking partnership in IPL history.

Indian pairs with most partnership run in single IPL season

With his 112 not out off 65 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT), KL Rahul joined the elite list of players with five or more IPL hundreds.

Kohli leads the list with 8 IPL hundreds - the most by any batters in the tournament history.

England batter Jos Buttler is second on the list with 7 IPL hundreds - only one short than Kohli's record 8 IPL tons.

West Indies batter Chris Gayle, often referred as Universe Boss, has 6 IPL hundreds to his name along with the highest individual score of 175 not out.

KL Rahul, who is currently representating his fifth IPL team, has 5 IPL hundreds to his name - only the fourth players in the league history to do so.

In the history of IPL, only four players have managed to score five or more hundreds with KL Rahul being the latest entrant in the list after his 112 not out off 65 balls against GT for DC in IPL 2025. The other three players are Virat Kohli (8 tons), Jos Buttler (7 tons) and Chris Gayle (6 tons).

List of Players With 5 or More Hundreds in IPL

<p><span>Gujarat Titans pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ishant-sharma">Ishant Sharma</a> on Saturday (May 17) opened about his relationship with star India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, who recently announced his retirement from the Test cricket.</span></p>
<p>"I think Virat Kohli is for outside people. I can't see him like that because we played in the U-17s. He is a childhood friend to me," Ishant said on Star Sports Press Room with Gujarat Titans around the race to the play-offs.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-will-be-more-kohlis-not-like-we-dont-have-talent-aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi-9079354">There will be more Kohli's, not like we don't have talent: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi</a></strong></p>
<p>"When we were in the U-19s, we used to count how much money we had. We used to eat food. When we used to go to the U-19s, we used to save our travel allowances and take them with us. So, Virat Kohli is different for everyone. He is different for me," he added.</p>
<h2>'We always talked about funny jokes'</h2>
<p>Ishant went on to say that their interactions rarely involve talks about cricket but it's all about humour and banter.&nbsp;"When we meet, we never talk about how we played so many Test matches. We never talk about it. We talk about funny jokes. This is happening, that is happening, look at this, look at that. Funny jokes," he remembered.</p>
<p>"I have never felt that he is Virat Kohli. For us, he is Cheeku. We have always seen it like this. He has also seen me like this. We shared rooms and so many memories," he added.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will play against Delhi Capitals on Sunday (May 18) at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. Gujarat are currently at top of the table with 16 points from 11 matches and need just one win to secure their spot in the playoffs.</p>
<p>The pacer also talked about his relationship with team's head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ashish-nehra">Ashish Nehra</a>. He said, "If I talk about my relation, like that, I have played with him, we used to play together when I made my debut. Not only international debut, but even in my first-class debut, he was bowling, and I bowled a lot. So we know each other in many ways. We have meetings in the corridor, we discuss batters in the bus, that this batter can do this, or that, and this or that can happen.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;So we never actually formally talk about meetings. In our meetings, we drink tea and coffee. So our meeting is not a formal meeting where we discuss batters, that we will do this, we will do that. It's a very chill atmosphere, and it&rsquo;s not just with me, but with everyone,&rdquo; he signed off.</p>

Sports: During the ongoing IPL season, playing for Gujarat Titans, Ishant Sharma has taken on more of a mentorship role, particularly under guidance of Ashish Nehra

Gujarat Titans pacer Ishant Sharma on Saturday (May 17) opened about his relationship with star India batter Virat Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from the Test cricket. "I think Virat Kohli is for outside people. I can't see him like that because we played in the U-17s. He is a childhood friend to me," Ishant said on Star Sports Press Room with Gujarat Titans around the race to the play-offs. Also Read: There will be more Kohli's, not like we don't have talent: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi "When we were in the U-19s, we used to count how much money we had. We used to eat food. When we used to go to the U-19s, we used to save our travel allowances and take them with us. So, Virat Kohli is different for everyone. He is different for me," he added. 'We always talked about funny jokes' Ishant went on to say that their interactions rarely involve talks about cricket but it's all about humour and banter. "When we meet, we never talk about how we played so many Test matches. We never talk about it. We talk about funny jokes. This is happening, that is happening, look at this, look at that. Funny jokes," he remembered. "I have never felt that he is Virat Kohli. For us, he is Cheeku. We have always seen it like this. He has also seen me like this. We shared rooms and so many memories," he added. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will play against Delhi Capitals on Sunday (May 18) at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. Gujarat are currently at top of the table with 16 points from 11 matches and need just one win to secure their spot in the playoffs. The pacer also talked about his relationship with team's head coach Ashish Nehra. He said, "If I talk about my relation, like that, I have played with him, we used to play together when I made my debut. Not only international debut, but even in my first-class debut, he was bowling, and I bowled a lot. So we know each other in many ways. We have meetings in the corridor, we discuss batters in the bus, that this batter can do this, or that, and this or that can happen.” “So we never actually formally talk about meetings. In our meetings, we drink tea and coffee. So our meeting is not a formal meeting where we discuss batters, that we will do this, we will do that. It's a very chill atmosphere, and it’s not just with me, but with everyone,” he signed off.

IPL 2025: For me, Virat will always be 'chiku': Gujarat Titans pacer Ishant Sharma on bond with Kohli

<p>Former BCCI president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sourav-ganguly">Sourav Ganguly</a> on Saturday (May 17) conveyed optimism regarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/eden-gardens">Eden Gardens</a> not losing its appointment with the 2025 IPL final and opined that the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) enjoys an 'excellent relationship' with the sport's omnipotent top governing body.</p>
<p>The BCCI has not announced the venues for the playoffs of the IPL officially despite having made the rescheduled league matches after the league was suspended on May 8 owing to India-Pakistan tension.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"No, no, we're trying -- talking to the BCCI," Ganguly replied when questioned regarding whether Eden Gardens would host the final according to the initial schedule.</p>
<p>"Eto sohoje sore jawa jay? (Is it that easy to shift the final). It's Eden's playoffs, and I am sure everything will be fine. I am very optimistic," said Ganguly.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-for-me-virat-will-always-be-chiku-gujarat-titans-pacer-ishant-sharma-on-bond-with-kohli-9079122">IPL 2025: For me, Virat will always be 'chiku': Gujarat Titans pacer Ishant Sharma on bond with Kohli</a></strong></p>
<p>A group of people also held a protest outside the historic venue on Friday, calling for the IPL final to be held in Kolkata."Protest does not help. BCCI has a very good relationship with the Cricket Association of Bengal," the former India captain said.</p>
<p>Refuting the delay in the finalisation of playoff grounds, Ganguly said: "Kolkata has completed its league matches, so Eden is not there in the first list."</p>
<p>Eden Gardens was given the final for Kolkata Knight Riders' title-winning perf ormance in the 2024 season.&nbsp;The ground also held the inaugural match of the 2025 edition.</p>
<p>The schedule of the tournament was delayed by a week with the final held on June 3 rather than the originally scheduled May 25.</p>
<p>According to the initial plan, Eden Gardens was going to hold Qualifier 2 on May 23 and the final on May 25.&nbsp;The BCCI, though, has kept the new venue of the final under wraps, generating more speculations.</p>
<p>The basis of the suggested change is the weather, as the southwest monsoon's onset is near the region during that period.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The CAB is said to have submitted data from IMD to the BCCI, stating that the weather in Kolkata will be conducive to hosting the final on June 3.&nbsp;But the BCCI is believed to have passed on the message that it is too early to make a decision based on long-term predictions and that better weather forecasts will be available only by May 25.</p>
<h2>Ganguly 'surprised' by Kohli Test retirement</h2>
<p>Test cricket in India has faced twin blows of late with captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> and batting legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> retiring from the game's longest format.</p>
<p>Responding to the news, the ex-India captain was shocked at Kohli's decision and lauded both players for their distinguished careers.</p>
<p>"It's their own choice. Can anyone quit the game without it being their own desire? But it's been a great career, and the same is true for Rohit Sharma. Kohli's retirement has left me surprised," Ganguly asserted.</p>
<p>Rohit was the first one to call time on his red-ball career, and soon afterwards Kohli quit, leaving a huge gap in the team.</p>
<p>The departures are at a critical time, with a challenging five-match Test series against England lined up next month.</p>
<p>Attention now turns to India's choice of next Test captain, with debate already raging about whether Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah should be the new captain.</p>
<p>"It's something the selectors need to consider very seriously," said Ganguly.&nbsp;"There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages. They need to think long term. Whatever the selectors think and work through, they will decide. There's also the issue of Bumrah's injury -- whatever they decide.," Ganguly said.</p>

India News, Sports: The BCCI has not announced the venues for the playoffs of the IPL officially despite having made the rescheduled league matches

Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Saturday (May 17) conveyed optimism regarding Eden Gardens not losing its appointment with the 2025 IPL final and opined that the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) enjoys an 'excellent relationship' with the sport's omnipotent top governing body. The BCCI has not announced the venues for the playoffs of the IPL officially despite having made the rescheduled league matches after the league was suspended on May 8 owing to India-Pakistan tension. "No, no, we're trying -- talking to the BCCI," Ganguly replied when questioned regarding whether Eden Gardens would host the final according to the initial schedule. "Eto sohoje sore jawa jay? (Is it that easy to shift the final). It's Eden's playoffs, and I am sure everything will be fine. I am very optimistic," said Ganguly. Also Read: IPL 2025: For me, Virat will always be 'chiku': Gujarat Titans pacer Ishant Sharma on bond with Kohli A group of people also held a protest outside the historic venue on Friday, calling for the IPL final to be held in Kolkata."Protest does not help. BCCI has a very good relationship with the Cricket Association of Bengal," the former India captain said. Refuting the delay in the finalisation of playoff grounds, Ganguly said: "Kolkata has completed its league matches, so Eden is not there in the first list." Eden Gardens was given the final for Kolkata Knight Riders' title-winning perf ormance in the 2024 season. The ground also held the inaugural match of the 2025 edition. The schedule of the tournament was delayed by a week with the final held on June 3 rather than the originally scheduled May 25. According to the initial plan, Eden Gardens was going to hold Qualifier 2 on May 23 and the final on May 25. The BCCI, though, has kept the new venue of the final under wraps, generating more speculations. The basis of the suggested change is the weather, as the southwest monsoon's onset is near the region during that period. The CAB is said to have submitted data from IMD to the BCCI, stating that the weather in Kolkata will be conducive to hosting the final on June 3. But the BCCI is believed to have passed on the message that it is too early to make a decision based on long-term predictions and that better weather forecasts will be available only by May 25. Ganguly 'surprised' by Kohli Test retirement Test cricket in India has faced twin blows of late with captain Rohit Sharma and batting legend Virat Kohli retiring from the game's longest format. Responding to the news, the ex-India captain was shocked at Kohli's decision and lauded both players for their distinguished careers. "It's their own choice. Can anyone quit the game without it being their own desire? But it's been a great career, and the same is true for Rohit Sharma. Kohli's retirement has left me surprised," Ganguly asserted. Rohit was the first one to call time on his red-ball career, and soon afterwards Kohli quit, leaving a huge gap in the team. The departures are at a critical time, with a challenging five-match Test series against England lined up next month. Attention now turns to India's choice of next Test captain, with debate already raging about whether Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah should be the new captain. "It's something the selectors need to consider very seriously," said Ganguly. "There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages. They need to think long term. Whatever the selectors think and work through, they will decide. There's also the issue of Bumrah's injury -- whatever they decide.," Ganguly said.

IPL 2025 | Not that easy to shift final: Ganguly optimistic of Eden Gardens keeping date with summit clash

<p>AIMIM leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/asaduddin-owaisi">Asaduddin Owaisi</a>, who was once better remembered for his aggressive medium paced bowling than for aggressive oratory, remembers beating future India paceman Venkatesh Prasad in an inter-university final game during the early 90s.</p>
<p>Owaisi took 6/79 and on Saturday (May 17), he remembered with delight that Prasad was wicketless in the game. For the record Prasad's Bengaluru University side defeated the future Hyderabadi politician's Osmania University.</p>
<p>"We lost the game but I did take six wickets and Venkatesh took none," the Hyderabad constituency MP said in an interview to PTI.</p>
<p>Proudly, Owaisi presented on his phone the photograph of a big write-up in the local Deccan Chronicle newspaper after the day's play, with the score card. The report included a small photograph of the then clean-shaven Owaisi, his hair pasted on the scalp.</p>
<p>Then he was chosen to represent South Zone inter-university Under-25 team, and participated in Vizzy Trophy, a country-wide level one-day competition for university sides, in 1994.</p>
<p>But fate had it otherwise that he traveled to London to read law at Lincoln's Inn and "the cricketing chapter ended right there."</p>
<p>He humbly rejects speculation that he might have achieved the top league if he had continued to play cricket, like other Hyderabadis <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammad-azharuddin" rel="dofollow">Mohammad Azharuddin</a>, Abid Ali, ML Jaisimha, Ghulam Hussain and VVS Laxman. To him, they were all-time greats and he was merely an average bowler</p>
<p>"No no no! My name can't be compared with Azharuddin. He is a man who played 99 Tests. You can't compare me with Azharuddin. As a cricketer I salute him. As a politician I have quite a few differences with him," said Owaisi.</p>
<p>He concurred with the argument that Indian cricket today has made the game democratic and provided opportunities for players from all sorts of backgrounds to reach the top, referencing the tale of pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-siraj">Mohammad Siraj</a>. But it has to be made more democratic, he added.</p>
<p>"See Mohammad Siraj today. Mashallah. Poor background boy. Through sheer hard work he made it and has achieved 100 Test wickets. Excellent journey. inspirational!. Hope that he plays extensively for India and brings many wins to India.</p>
<h2>'We will miss his cover drive'</h2>
<p>He made rich tributes to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> who this week dropped a bombshell by announcing his Test retirement.".</p>
<p>"Astonishing player he is. We will always miss his cover drive. On the rise the manner in which he pulled over the head of the bowler! Arey great player is. Astonishing player is.</p>
<p>"But there will be more Kohlis. It's not that we don't have talent in India," he signed off.</p>

Sports: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday paid high tributes to India star batter Virat Kohli who this week announced his retirement from Test cricket

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, who was once better remembered for his aggressive medium paced bowling than for aggressive oratory, remembers beating future India paceman Venkatesh Prasad in an inter-university final game during the early 90s. Owaisi took 6/79 and on Saturday (May 17), he remembered with delight that Prasad was wicketless in the game. For the record Prasad's Bengaluru University side defeated the future Hyderabadi politician's Osmania University. "We lost the game but I did take six wickets and Venkatesh took none," the Hyderabad constituency MP said in an interview to PTI. Proudly, Owaisi presented on his phone the photograph of a big write-up in the local Deccan Chronicle newspaper after the day's play, with the score card. The report included a small photograph of the then clean-shaven Owaisi, his hair pasted on the scalp. Then he was chosen to represent South Zone inter-university Under-25 team, and participated in Vizzy Trophy, a country-wide level one-day competition for university sides, in 1994. But fate had it otherwise that he traveled to London to read law at Lincoln's Inn and "the cricketing chapter ended right there." He humbly rejects speculation that he might have achieved the top league if he had continued to play cricket, like other Hyderabadis Mohammad Azharuddin, Abid Ali, ML Jaisimha, Ghulam Hussain and VVS Laxman. To him, they were all-time greats and he was merely an average bowler "No no no! My name can't be compared with Azharuddin. He is a man who played 99 Tests. You can't compare me with Azharuddin. As a cricketer I salute him. As a politician I have quite a few differences with him," said Owaisi. He concurred with the argument that Indian cricket today has made the game democratic and provided opportunities for players from all sorts of backgrounds to reach the top, referencing the tale of pacer Mohammad Siraj. But it has to be made more democratic, he added. "See Mohammad Siraj today. Mashallah. Poor background boy. Through sheer hard work he made it and has achieved 100 Test wickets. Excellent journey. inspirational!. Hope that he plays extensively for India and brings many wins to India. 'We will miss his cover drive' He made rich tributes to Virat Kohli who this week dropped a bombshell by announcing his Test retirement.". "Astonishing player he is. We will always miss his cover drive. On the rise the manner in which he pulled over the head of the bowler! Arey great player is. Astonishing player is. "But there will be more Kohlis. It's not that we don't have talent in India," he signed off.

There will be more Kohli's, not like we don't have talent: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

<p>Cricket is back as fans gear up for the business end of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, resuming Saturday (May 17) evening. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru" rel="dofollow">Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</a> hosts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders" rel="dofollow">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> in a repeat of the tournament opener in Bengaluru. After being suspended for a week over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a> resumed the tournament, with M Chinnaswamy staging the first game of the return leg.</p>
<p>The RCB and KKR will face off with plenty on the line. While the RCB sits at the second spot on the points table with 16 points from 11 contested matches, winning eight and losing three thus far, same as table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT), KKR is languishing at the sixth place, with 11 points from 12 matches. Given their positions on the table, the RCB is well-placed to reach another playoff, this time under a new captain in Rajat Patidar.</p>
<p>On the other hand, KKR must win this game and the next to give themselves any chance of making the last four this year.</p>
<h2>IPL 2025 resumes</h2>
<p>After the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals game was halted midway last Thursday (May 8) in Dharamsala, dark clouds began hovering over this edition&rsquo;s future, knowing what was happening near the border. Looking at everyone&rsquo;s safety and the prevailing tensions between the two countries, the BCCI suspended it for a week on May 9 (Friday).</p>
<p>Although India and Pakistan &lsquo;agreed to an understanding&rsquo; soon after, the whole episode gripped the foreign contingent with panic, with all leaving for their homes immediately.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After the situation eased out, the Indian Cricket Board released the revised schedule early this week, announcing that IPL 2025 will resume this Saturday and that all teams are requested to assemble their squads by Tuesday (May 13). The IPL 2025 final date also got pushed back to June 3 (Tuesday).&nbsp;</p>
<p>While most teams managed to do it by asking their overseas players to return, plenty decided against returning for several reasons.</p>
<h3>Who is missing RCB-KKR match?</h3>
<p>A few players across both camps decided against returning, including KKR&rsquo;s overseas pair of Moeen Ali and Rovman Powell. RCB seamer Josh Hazlewood also remains unavailable for selection because of a shoulder niggle, while his participation for the remainder of the tournament remains unclear due to international commitments.</p>
<p>However, in a massive boost for the hosts, RCB captain Rajat Patidar recovered from the finger injury he sustained earlier and is available for the side&rsquo;s marquee game against KKR.</p>
<h3>Here are the predicted XIs of both teams &ndash;</h3>
<p><strong>RCB -</strong> Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma</p>
<p><strong>KKR -</strong> Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana</p>

After being suspended for a week over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI resumed the tournament, with RCB hosting KKR in first game of the return leg. Sports, Cricket

Cricket is back as fans gear up for the business end of IPL 2025, resuming Saturday (May 17) evening. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosts Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a repeat of the tournament opener in Bengaluru. After being suspended for a week over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI resumed the tournament, with M Chinnaswamy staging the first game of the return leg. The RCB and KKR will face off with plenty on the line. While the RCB sits at the second spot on the points table with 16 points from 11 contested matches, winning eight and losing three thus far, same as table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT), KKR is languishing at the sixth place, with 11 points from 12 matches. Given their positions on the table, the RCB is well-placed to reach another playoff, this time under a new captain in Rajat Patidar. On the other hand, KKR must win this game and the next to give themselves any chance of making the last four this year. IPL 2025 resumes After the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals game was halted midway last Thursday (May 8) in Dharamsala, dark clouds began hovering over this edition’s future, knowing what was happening near the border. Looking at everyone’s safety and the prevailing tensions between the two countries, the BCCI suspended it for a week on May 9 (Friday). Although India and Pakistan ‘agreed to an understanding’ soon after, the whole episode gripped the foreign contingent with panic, with all leaving for their homes immediately. After the situation eased out, the Indian Cricket Board released the revised schedule early this week, announcing that IPL 2025 will resume this Saturday and that all teams are requested to assemble their squads by Tuesday (May 13). The IPL 2025 final date also got pushed back to June 3 (Tuesday). While most teams managed to do it by asking their overseas players to return, plenty decided against returning for several reasons. Who is missing RCB-KKR match? A few players across both camps decided against returning, including KKR’s overseas pair of Moeen Ali and Rovman Powell. RCB seamer Josh Hazlewood also remains unavailable for selection because of a shoulder niggle, while his participation for the remainder of the tournament remains unclear due to international commitments. However, in a massive boost for the hosts, RCB captain Rajat Patidar recovered from the finger injury he sustained earlier and is available for the side’s marquee game against KKR. Here are the predicted XIs of both teams – RCB - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma KKR - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana

IPL 2025 gets underway with blockbuster RCB vs KKR in Bengaluru. Here’s what we know

From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, here's a look at 5 batters with the most runs for India against England in Tests also including Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket | Sports | Photos

From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, 5 batters with the most runs for India against England in Tests

<p>As the IPL 2025 comes to its business end, anticipation is at an all-time high. Seven teams are still in contention to make it to the playoffs. As the IPL 2025 resumes after a delay, Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Kolkata Knight Riders in a bid to resume their race to the play-offs on Saturday (May 17).</p>
<p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru's turnaround has made them genuine title contenders, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suresh-raina">Suresh Raina</a> believes this might finally be their year. "They have hit 137 sixes at Chinnaswamy, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> has been in phenomenal form, and they have beaten CSK both home and away &ndash; that hasn&rsquo;t happened in 17 years. There&rsquo;s something different about them this season," he said. The combination of a fresh leadership setup and a vintage Kohli, playing with freedom, has changed the mood in the dressing room. &ldquo;With the way they are playing, I think the trophy could come to Bangalore,&rdquo; Raina added.</p>
<p>JioStar experts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunil-gavaskar">Sunil Gavaskar</a> and Suresh Raina spoke on Star Sports Press Room around the race to the play-offs and resumption of IPL 2025.</p>
<p>One player that has been the gamechanges for the RCB is Krunal Pandya. Sunil Gavaskar lauded him as and called him as a 'thinking cricketer' &ndash; someone who doesn&rsquo;t rely only on turn but uses his awareness of aspects of the game to outplay batters. "He&rsquo;s calm, tactical, and has played a key role, especially in games like the win over KKR at Eden Gardens. This is his best IPL season with the ball."</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sports-ipl-2025-mustafizur-rahman-granted-noc-by-bangladesh-cricket-board-set-to-join-delhi-capitals-9075976">IPL 2025: Mustafizur Rahman granted NOC by Bangladesh Cricket Board, set to join Delhi Capitals</a></strong></p>
<p>The playoffs race is as tight as ever, with seven teams still in contention. Gujarat leads the table, followed closely by RCB. MI, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, KKR, and LSG remain in the hunt, while CSK, SRH, and RR have all been eliminated. With net run rates likely to decide the final positions, teams are expected to play more aggressively in the final overs. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not a marathon anymore &ndash; it&rsquo;s a 400-meter sprint,&rdquo; said Gavaskar. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll see sides trying to finish games in 15 or 16 overs to boost their net run rates. The top two spots are gold dust.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>'Hardik is more calmer now'</h2>
<p>Mumbai Indians&rsquo; season has been a story of revival. After a sluggish start, Mumbai have stormed back into contention with six straight wins. Gavaskar observed a notable change in Hardik Pandya&rsquo;s demeanor: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s calmer now. His body language is positive. Even when catches are dropped, you don&rsquo;t see his frustration. That&rsquo;s made a difference in the team&rsquo;s atmosphere.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Punjab Kings have also surprised many with their fearless cricket, led by the Rickey Ponting-Shreyas Iyer duo. Raina credited the environment in the camp: &ldquo;Players like Prabhsimran, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh are playing like seasoned pros. This is their best campaign since 2014.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Weather interruptions in the last couple of weeks have slightly altered the rhythm of the tournament. Gavaskar admitted that extended rain breaks can disrupt a player&rsquo;s momentum. &ldquo;Sometimes a batter is in the zone, and then there&rsquo;s a 30-minute delay. That can affect focus. But it also gives teams like Delhi or MI a chance to mentally regroup. So it&rsquo;s a double-edged sword.&rdquo;</p>
<p>As the 2025 season approaches its end, one emotional subplot has been MS Dhoni&rsquo;s possible farewell. With CSK eliminated, fans are bracing for what could be the final two appearances of &lsquo;Captain Cool&rsquo; in yellow. While Ruturaj Gaikwad has officially taken over the reins, Raina pointed out that Dhoni&rsquo;s influence remains as strong as ever. &ldquo;He might not be the official captain, but every field placement, every bowling change has his fingerprint on it.&rdquo;</p>

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are second in the table with 16 points from 11 matches played so far. The team has won eight matches and lost three | Sports, Cricket

As the IPL 2025 comes to its business end, anticipation is at an all-time high. Seven teams are still in contention to make it to the playoffs. As the IPL 2025 resumes after a delay, Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Kolkata Knight Riders in a bid to resume their race to the play-offs on Saturday (May 17). Royal Challengers Bengaluru's turnaround has made them genuine title contenders, and Suresh Raina believes this might finally be their year. "They have hit 137 sixes at Chinnaswamy, Virat Kohli has been in phenomenal form, and they have beaten CSK both home and away – that hasn’t happened in 17 years. There’s something different about them this season," he said. The combination of a fresh leadership setup and a vintage Kohli, playing with freedom, has changed the mood in the dressing room. “With the way they are playing, I think the trophy could come to Bangalore,” Raina added. JioStar experts Sunil Gavaskar and Suresh Raina spoke on Star Sports Press Room around the race to the play-offs and resumption of IPL 2025. One player that has been the gamechanges for the RCB is Krunal Pandya. Sunil Gavaskar lauded him as and called him as a 'thinking cricketer' – someone who doesn’t rely only on turn but uses his awareness of aspects of the game to outplay batters. "He’s calm, tactical, and has played a key role, especially in games like the win over KKR at Eden Gardens. This is his best IPL season with the ball." Also Read: IPL 2025: Mustafizur Rahman granted NOC by Bangladesh Cricket Board, set to join Delhi Capitals The playoffs race is as tight as ever, with seven teams still in contention. Gujarat leads the table, followed closely by RCB. MI, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, KKR, and LSG remain in the hunt, while CSK, SRH, and RR have all been eliminated. With net run rates likely to decide the final positions, teams are expected to play more aggressively in the final overs. “It’s not a marathon anymore – it’s a 400-meter sprint,” said Gavaskar. “You’ll see sides trying to finish games in 15 or 16 overs to boost their net run rates. The top two spots are gold dust.” 'Hardik is more calmer now' Mumbai Indians’ season has been a story of revival. After a sluggish start, Mumbai have stormed back into contention with six straight wins. Gavaskar observed a notable change in Hardik Pandya’s demeanor: “He’s calmer now. His body language is positive. Even when catches are dropped, you don’t see his frustration. That’s made a difference in the team’s atmosphere.” Punjab Kings have also surprised many with their fearless cricket, led by the Rickey Ponting-Shreyas Iyer duo. Raina credited the environment in the camp: “Players like Prabhsimran, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh are playing like seasoned pros. This is their best campaign since 2014.” Weather interruptions in the last couple of weeks have slightly altered the rhythm of the tournament. Gavaskar admitted that extended rain breaks can disrupt a player’s momentum. “Sometimes a batter is in the zone, and then there’s a 30-minute delay. That can affect focus. But it also gives teams like Delhi or MI a chance to mentally regroup. So it’s a double-edged sword.” As the 2025 season approaches its end, one emotional subplot has been MS Dhoni’s possible farewell. With CSK eliminated, fans are bracing for what could be the final two appearances of ‘Captain Cool’ in yellow. While Ruturaj Gaikwad has officially taken over the reins, Raina pointed out that Dhoni’s influence remains as strong as ever. “He might not be the official captain, but every field placement, every bowling change has his fingerprint on it.”

IPL 2025: 'There is something different about Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season', says former CSK all-rounder

<p>What if Rohit Sharma had played that final Test in Sydney? Could India have drawn the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Former India head coach Ravi Shastri thinks so, and he's not keeping quiet about it. In a candid revelation, Shastri has spoken about an emotional chat with Rohit, just days before the skipper announced his retirement from Test cricket. Shastri believed he would have backed Rohit to play the final Test against Australia in Sydney as the series was on line.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohit-sharma-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9045477" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rohit Sharma decided to retire from red-ball cricket</a> after a tough tour of Australia, where India lost the BGT by 3-1. The 38-year-old opener had a poor run with the bat and didn&rsquo;t feature in the crucial Sydney Test.</p>
<p>Speaking on The ICC Review with host <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=sanjana+ganesan" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sanjana Ganesan</a>, Shastri revealed what he told Rohit during an IPL match in Mumbai, &ldquo;I think it was in Mumbai and told him, if I was coach you would have never not played that last Test match. You would have played that last Test match because the series wasn't over.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-west-indies-asks-for-fair-representation-at-la28-olympic-games-9075026" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cricket West Indies asks for 'fair' representation at LA28 Olympic games</a></strong></p>
<h2>Rohit had Test cricket left in him</h2>
<p>Shastri, known for his aggressive style, felt Rohit still had something to offer in that final game. &ldquo;And I'm not someone who threw in the towel with the scoreline 2-1. If your mindset is you feel you are&hellip; that's not the stage, you leave a team.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Rohit had missed the first Test due to personal reasons and scored just 31 runs in three matches. His form had dipped for a while and he averaged only 10.93 in his last eight Tests, crossing the fifty-run mark just once.</p>
<p>Still, Shastri believed Rohit&rsquo;s presence could have made a difference.&nbsp;&ldquo;That was a 30-40 run game&hellip; The pitch was so spicy in Sydney. Whatever kind of form he was in, he's a match-winner,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>&ldquo;If he had gone, sensed the situation, sensed the condition and smashed it for even 35-40 at the top, you never know. That series would have been level.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Rohit&rsquo;s retirement comes at a time of big change in Indian Test cricket. Just recently, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9059470" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli also stepped away from the red-ball format.</a> With both stalwarts gone, Indian Test cricket now enters a new era where the absence of the iconic duo will surely be felt.</p>

Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri revealed what he told Rohit during an IPL match in Mumbai, “I think it was in Mumbai and told him, if I was coach you would have never not played that last Test match. ” Cricket | Sports

What if Rohit Sharma had played that final Test in Sydney? Could India have drawn the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia? Former India head coach Ravi Shastri thinks so, and he's not keeping quiet about it. In a candid revelation, Shastri has spoken about an emotional chat with Rohit, just days before the skipper announced his retirement from Test cricket. Shastri believed he would have backed Rohit to play the final Test against Australia in Sydney as the series was on line. Rohit Sharma decided to retire from red-ball cricket after a tough tour of Australia, where India lost the BGT by 3-1. The 38-year-old opener had a poor run with the bat and didn’t feature in the crucial Sydney Test. Speaking on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan, Shastri revealed what he told Rohit during an IPL match in Mumbai, “I think it was in Mumbai and told him, if I was coach you would have never not played that last Test match. You would have played that last Test match because the series wasn't over.” Also Read | Cricket West Indies asks for 'fair' representation at LA28 Olympic games Rohit had Test cricket left in him Shastri, known for his aggressive style, felt Rohit still had something to offer in that final game. “And I'm not someone who threw in the towel with the scoreline 2-1. If your mindset is you feel you are… that's not the stage, you leave a team.” Rohit had missed the first Test due to personal reasons and scored just 31 runs in three matches. His form had dipped for a while and he averaged only 10.93 in his last eight Tests, crossing the fifty-run mark just once. Still, Shastri believed Rohit’s presence could have made a difference. “That was a 30-40 run game… The pitch was so spicy in Sydney. Whatever kind of form he was in, he's a match-winner,” he said. “If he had gone, sensed the situation, sensed the condition and smashed it for even 35-40 at the top, you never know. That series would have been level.” Rohit’s retirement comes at a time of big change in Indian Test cricket. Just recently, Virat Kohli also stepped away from the red-ball format. With both stalwarts gone, Indian Test cricket now enters a new era where the absence of the iconic duo will surely be felt.

'If I was coach you would have never...': Ravi Shastri's words on Rohit Sharma's Test retirement

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9059470" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement</a> last week on social media, breaking the internet. While millions continue to comment on his Instagram post, which now has countless likes, his former Team India head coach and a close ally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravi-shastri" rel="dofollow">Ravi Shastri</a>, disclosed his chat with batting great a week before his retirement call.</p>
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<p>Having worked with Kohli in different capacities before, Shastri knows a thing or two more about the modern-day great. Detailing what Kohli said to him before going public with his call, Shastri revealed Virat was clear (in his head) about his decision, adding there was no two ways about it.&nbsp;Shastri continued that Kohli has no regrets about retiring from Tests and that he gave it all in this format.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the batting genius made his Test debut in 2011 and went on to play 123 matches, scoring 9230 runs at an average above 46. He completed 30 centuries and seven double hundreds, besides breaking plenty of records as a batter and captain.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-cricket-no-gill-rahul-or-pant-as-ravi-ashwin-throws-weight-behind-seasoned-duo-for-indias-test-captaincy-ravindra-jadeja-jasprit-bumrah-9074186" rel="dofollow">No Gill, Rahul or Pant as Ravi Ashwin throws weight behind &lsquo;seasoned duo&rsquo; for India&rsquo;s Test captaincy</a></strong></p>
<p>"I did speak to him about it [his announcement], I think a week before that, and his mind was very clear that he'd given us everything," Shastri said on The ICC Review.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"There were no regrets. There were one or two questions I asked, and that's a personal conversation which, you know, he mentioned very clearly, there were no doubts in his mind, which made me think, 'Yes, the time is right'. The mind has told his body that it's time to go.</p>
<p>"He doesn't have regrets. Ideally, everyone might want [him] to carry on. But then, he looks at the bigger picture. He feels he can contribute massively in the one-day game. There's a lot of franchise cricket left for him in his life. The reason I think he will not have regrets is because he gave his everything," Shastri continued.</p>
<h2>He&rsquo;s dedicated, but burnout fear loomed</h2>
<p>Shastri explained what it is like to be Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-test-retirement-even-eclipses-sachin-on-cultural-influence-ian-chappells-huge-praise-for-giant-9061956" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli even eclipses Sachin on cultural influence - Ian Chappell&rsquo;s huge praise for Test giant</a></strong></p>
<p>"Individually, as a bowler, as a batsman, a player does his job, [and] then you sit back, " Shastri said. "But [with Kohli] when the team goes out, it's as if he has to take all the wickets, he has to take all the catches, he has to make all the decisions on the field.</p>
<p>"That much involvement, I would think there's going to be a burnout somewhere if he doesn't take a rest if he doesn't compartmentalise how much he wants to play across formats, there is bound to be a burnout. Well, it's happened now, and he's pulled out of Test cricket. Unfortunately, because I still think he could have played two [more] years, but he's the boss. If his mind tells him that is enough, it's enough,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Kohli will continue to play the One-Dayers and franchise cricket for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

Detailing what Kohli said to him before going public with his call, Shastri revealed Virat was clear (in his head) about his decision, adding there was no two ways about it. Sports, Cricket

Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement last week on social media, breaking the internet. While millions continue to comment on his Instagram post, which now has countless likes, his former Team India head coach and a close ally, Ravi Shastri, disclosed his chat with batting great a week before his retirement call. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) Having worked with Kohli in different capacities before, Shastri knows a thing or two more about the modern-day great. Detailing what Kohli said to him before going public with his call, Shastri revealed Virat was clear (in his head) about his decision, adding there was no two ways about it. Shastri continued that Kohli has no regrets about retiring from Tests and that he gave it all in this format. Meanwhile, the batting genius made his Test debut in 2011 and went on to play 123 matches, scoring 9230 runs at an average above 46. He completed 30 centuries and seven double hundreds, besides breaking plenty of records as a batter and captain. Also read | No Gill, Rahul or Pant as Ravi Ashwin throws weight behind ‘seasoned duo’ for India’s Test captaincy "I did speak to him about it [his announcement], I think a week before that, and his mind was very clear that he'd given us everything," Shastri said on The ICC Review. "There were no regrets. There were one or two questions I asked, and that's a personal conversation which, you know, he mentioned very clearly, there were no doubts in his mind, which made me think, 'Yes, the time is right'. The mind has told his body that it's time to go. "He doesn't have regrets. Ideally, everyone might want [him] to carry on. But then, he looks at the bigger picture. He feels he can contribute massively in the one-day game. There's a lot of franchise cricket left for him in his life. The reason I think he will not have regrets is because he gave his everything," Shastri continued. He’s dedicated, but burnout fear loomed Shastri explained what it is like to be Virat Kohli. Also read | Virat Kohli even eclipses Sachin on cultural influence - Ian Chappell’s huge praise for Test giant "Individually, as a bowler, as a batsman, a player does his job, [and] then you sit back, " Shastri said. "But [with Kohli] when the team goes out, it's as if he has to take all the wickets, he has to take all the catches, he has to make all the decisions on the field. "That much involvement, I would think there's going to be a burnout somewhere if he doesn't take a rest if he doesn't compartmentalise how much he wants to play across formats, there is bound to be a burnout. Well, it's happened now, and he's pulled out of Test cricket. Unfortunately, because I still think he could have played two [more] years, but he's the boss. If his mind tells him that is enough, it's enough,” he continued. Meanwhile, Kohli will continue to play the One-Dayers and franchise cricket for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.

Ex-India coach reveals chat with Virat Kohli before his Test retirement, says 'he has no regrets'

From Virat Kohli to MS Dhoni, here's a look at 6 batters to play most IPL matches for single franchise also featuring Rohit Sharma, Sunil Narine and Ravindra Jadeja. Cricket | Sports | Photos

From Virat Kohli to MS Dhoni, 6 batters to play most IPL matches for single franchise

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here's a look at six batters with the most runs against a single IPL opponent also featuring David Warner. Cricket | Sports | Photos

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, batters with the most runs against a single IPL opponent

<p>"Our aim was to take the pitches out of the equation. You <i>have</i> to take 20 wickets, whether it's Johannesburg, Mumbai, Delhi, Auckland or even Melbourne. So the task was to take 20 wickets."</p>
<p>This statement by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=ravi+shastri" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ravi Shastri</a> after India whitewashed South Africa at home in 2019 sums up the mentality of the Indian red ball side back when they had the Kohli-Shastri partnership.</p>
<p>As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9059470" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli called it a day in Test cricket</a> on Monday (May 12), his remarkable legacy as a captain who revolutionised India&rsquo;s fast-bowling attack remains unforgettable. Kohli&rsquo;s tenure as a leader wasn&rsquo;t just about personal milestones, it marked a tactical shift in India&rsquo;s approach to red-ball cricket, especially the way he built the pace factory along with Shastri.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-add-kiwi-pacer-tim-southee-as-specialist-skills-consultant-to-coaching-staff-till-india-test-tour-9072227" rel="dofollow">England add Kiwi pacer as 'Specialist Skills Consultant' to coaching staff till India Test tour</a></strong></p>
<p>Kohli, alongside Shastri, prioritised fitness, aggression, and relentless fast bowling as the foundation of the team. Under his leadership, seamers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj grew and dominated the 22 yards, not just at home but overseas too.</p>
<p>In Virat's 68-match stint as the captain, India&rsquo;s bowlers delivered standout numbers: a strike rate of 51.39 and an average of 26, a combination few captains in Test history have achieved. Only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=vivian+richards" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sir Vivian Richards&rsquo;</a> pacers had better numbers, with an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 50.17. Kohli wasn&rsquo;t far behind the West Indian legend.</p>
<h2>What do these numbers mean?</h2>
<p>A bowling average tells us how many runs a bowler concedes per wicket; the strike rate shows how many balls they need to take one scalp. Kohli&rsquo;s fast bowlers gave away only 26 runs per wicket and struck every 51 balls. This was some phenomenal achievement.</p>
<p>One of the finest examples of Kohli&rsquo;s fast-bowling philosophy was on full display at Lord&rsquo;s stadium against England in 2021. After a lower-order batting partnership between Bumrah and Shami, Kohli pumped his troops with belief. India took 10 England wickets in just 60 overs, and that too on the final day. The energy was electric on the ground as every Indian player just meant business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;We decided 60 was our mark. We knew one breakthrough and we&rsquo;d be on top. Our fans got behind us, and we fed off that energy,&rdquo;&nbsp;Kohli said after that win.</p>
<p>It wasn&rsquo;t just a victory, it was a moment that defined his captaincy. India won by 151 runs, and Lord&rsquo;s turned into a fortress painted in tricolour as India had won just after Independence Day (15 August, 2021).</p>
<p>Kohli also redefined India&rsquo;s success overseas and changed the entire approach. He commanded India to 16 Test wins abroad in 36 matches, surpassing Sourav Ganguly&rsquo;s record of 11. His finest moment was becoming the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s historic 2-1 win in 2018&ndash;19 against the Kangaroos reshaped world perceptions about India's dominance in Test cricket. Under Kohli, the commander, there was a 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka (2017), two 2-0 victories in the West Indies, and a 2-1 lead in England in 2021 before COVID delayed the final Test. Though India later lost that match under Bumrah and England drew the series 2-2.</p>
<p>These weren&rsquo;t just wins. They were bold and loud statements to the world.</p>
<p>From Adelaide to Cape Town, Nottingham to The Oval, Kohli&rsquo;s India triumphed in SENA countries, where previous Indian sides often crumbled.&nbsp;It wasn&rsquo;t only about the bowling. It was about belief and grit. Kohli and Shastri built a culture where every quick bowler was trusted, backed, and groomed to win Tests anywhere in the world.</p>
<p>Virat Kohli didn&rsquo;t just captain India in whites, he transformed them, made them fearless and produced fast bowling machines.</p>
<p>His legacy in Test cricket will be etched forever like the white seam is stitched tightly to the red ball, holding it all together through every day, every spell and every session.</p>
<p>After Virat's exit from the Indian red ball setup, it will be curious to see who carries this rich legacy forward. Time will tell us the same.</p>

Kohli, alongside Shastri, prioritised fitness, aggression, and relentless fast bowling as the foundation of the team. Seamers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj grew Sports

"Our aim was to take the pitches out of the equation. You have to take 20 wickets, whether it's Johannesburg, Mumbai, Delhi, Auckland or even Melbourne. So the task was to take 20 wickets." This statement by Ravi Shastri after India whitewashed South Africa at home in 2019 sums up the mentality of the Indian red ball side back when they had the Kohli-Shastri partnership. As Virat Kohli called it a day in Test cricket on Monday (May 12), his remarkable legacy as a captain who revolutionised India’s fast-bowling attack remains unforgettable. Kohli’s tenure as a leader wasn’t just about personal milestones, it marked a tactical shift in India’s approach to red-ball cricket, especially the way he built the pace factory along with Shastri. Also Read | England add Kiwi pacer as 'Specialist Skills Consultant' to coaching staff till India Test tour Kohli, alongside Shastri, prioritised fitness, aggression, and relentless fast bowling as the foundation of the team. Under his leadership, seamers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj grew and dominated the 22 yards, not just at home but overseas too. In Virat's 68-match stint as the captain, India’s bowlers delivered standout numbers: a strike rate of 51.39 and an average of 26, a combination few captains in Test history have achieved. Only Sir Vivian Richards’ pacers had better numbers, with an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 50.17. Kohli wasn’t far behind the West Indian legend. What do these numbers mean? A bowling average tells us how many runs a bowler concedes per wicket; the strike rate shows how many balls they need to take one scalp. Kohli’s fast bowlers gave away only 26 runs per wicket and struck every 51 balls. This was some phenomenal achievement. One of the finest examples of Kohli’s fast-bowling philosophy was on full display at Lord’s stadium against England in 2021. After a lower-order batting partnership between Bumrah and Shami, Kohli pumped his troops with belief. India took 10 England wickets in just 60 overs, and that too on the final day. The energy was electric on the ground as every Indian player just meant business. “We decided 60 was our mark. We knew one breakthrough and we’d be on top. Our fans got behind us, and we fed off that energy,” Kohli said after that win. It wasn’t just a victory, it was a moment that defined his captaincy. India won by 151 runs, and Lord’s turned into a fortress painted in tricolour as India had won just after Independence Day (15 August, 2021). Kohli also redefined India’s success overseas and changed the entire approach. He commanded India to 16 Test wins abroad in 36 matches, surpassing Sourav Ganguly’s record of 11. His finest moment was becoming the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia. India’s historic 2-1 win in 2018–19 against the Kangaroos reshaped world perceptions about India's dominance in Test cricket. Under Kohli, the commander, there was a 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka (2017), two 2-0 victories in the West Indies, and a 2-1 lead in England in 2021 before COVID delayed the final Test. Though India later lost that match under Bumrah and England drew the series 2-2. These weren’t just wins. They were bold and loud statements to the world. From Adelaide to Cape Town, Nottingham to The Oval, Kohli’s India triumphed in SENA countries, where previous Indian sides often crumbled. It wasn’t only about the bowling. It was about belief and grit. Kohli and Shastri built a culture where every quick bowler was trusted, backed, and groomed to win Tests anywhere in the world. Virat Kohli didn’t just captain India in whites, he transformed them, made them fearless and produced fast bowling machines. His legacy in Test cricket will be etched forever like the white seam is stitched tightly to the red ball, holding it all together through every day, every spell and every session. After Virat's exit from the Indian red ball setup, it will be curious to see who carries this rich legacy forward. Time will tell us the same.

'Keep the pitch aside: How Kohli’s India dominated in overseas Tests by backing pacers

<p>Former England pacer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=james+anderson" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">James Anderson</a> recently bowed his head in admiration for Virat Kohli, following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9059470" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India's modern-day great's retirement from Test cricket</a>. Anderson, who has faced Kohli in some fierce battles over the years, called him &ldquo;one of the greatest Test batters that&rsquo;s ever been.&rdquo; Kohli&rsquo;s exit, along with that of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, has left a massive drain in India&rsquo;s red-ball setup. It is testing time for India ahead of their five-match Test series against England next month.</p>
<p>Speaking to TalkSport, Anderson praised both Kohli and Rohit, calling them &ldquo;great players&rdquo; who carried India&rsquo;s Test team for years. He acknowledged that their retirement not only ends an era but also brings a big responsibility for the younger players. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s big shoes to fill there,&rdquo; he said. But Anderson was optimistic about India&rsquo;s bench strength and expressed faith in the next pool of players.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ipl-2025-we-were-crammed-into-vans-starcs-wife-healy-recalls-dreadful-night-the-pbks-dc-match-was-abandoned-9068475" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025 | 'We were crammed into vans': Starc's wife Healy recalls dreadful night the PBKS-DC match was abandoned</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;They&rsquo;ve got a huge amount of talent in the squad. You just have to watch the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=ipl" rel="dofollow"> IPL</a>. Players are coming into Test cricket from there now who are aggressive, fearless, and attacking. It&rsquo;s exciting,&rdquo; Anderson shared, noting how the new generation is redefining the way Test cricket is to be played.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s upcoming Test tour of England in June will be the visitors' first red-ball challenge without Kohli and Rohit. With both colossi gone, the team will see a new captain take charge. Reports suggest that Shubman Gill, who is already the vice-captain in the one-day format, is the front-runner to lead the Test side.&nbsp;</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s transition phase in Test cricket officially began.</p>
<p>While the absence of Kohli and Sharma will be deeply felt, Anderson&rsquo;s comments highlight the respect both Indian stars have earned globally, and there is a ray of hope that the next generation can step up to carry their legacy forward.</p>

Anderson praised both Kohli and Rohit, calling them “great players” who carried India’s Test team for years. He acknowledged that their retirement ends an era in Indian cricket. Sports Cricket

Former England pacer James Anderson recently bowed his head in admiration for Virat Kohli, following India's modern-day great's retirement from Test cricket. Anderson, who has faced Kohli in some fierce battles over the years, called him “one of the greatest Test batters that’s ever been.” Kohli’s exit, along with that of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, has left a massive drain in India’s red-ball setup. It is testing time for India ahead of their five-match Test series against England next month. Speaking to TalkSport, Anderson praised both Kohli and Rohit, calling them “great players” who carried India’s Test team for years. He acknowledged that their retirement not only ends an era but also brings a big responsibility for the younger players. “There’s big shoes to fill there,” he said. But Anderson was optimistic about India’s bench strength and expressed faith in the next pool of players. Also Read | IPL 2025 | 'We were crammed into vans': Starc's wife Healy recalls dreadful night the PBKS-DC match was abandoned “They’ve got a huge amount of talent in the squad. You just have to watch the IPL. Players are coming into Test cricket from there now who are aggressive, fearless, and attacking. It’s exciting,” Anderson shared, noting how the new generation is redefining the way Test cricket is to be played. India’s upcoming Test tour of England in June will be the visitors' first red-ball challenge without Kohli and Rohit. With both colossi gone, the team will see a new captain take charge. Reports suggest that Shubman Gill, who is already the vice-captain in the one-day format, is the front-runner to lead the Test side. India’s transition phase in Test cricket officially began. While the absence of Kohli and Sharma will be deeply felt, Anderson’s comments highlight the respect both Indian stars have earned globally, and there is a ray of hope that the next generation can step up to carry their legacy forward.

'One of the greatest Test batters that’s ever been': James Anderson praises Virat Kohli on his Test retirement, calls Rohit a great player

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Star Indian duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to retain their grade A+ annual contract despite announcing retirement from Test cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the duo are still part of the Indian team set-up as they are active in the ODI format. Both Virat and Rohit announced their retirements from the red-ball format in a span of less than a week and won&rsquo;t be available for the upcoming England tour.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to retain grade A+ category contract</strong><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">"Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's grade A+ contract will continue despite their retirement from the T20Is and Tests. They are still part of the Indian cricket team, and they will get all the facilities of Grade A+," Devajit Saikia told ANI.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Rohit announced his Test retirement last week through an Instagram story while Virat did similar to drop curtains on his 14-year illustrious career. The retirements came ahead of the England tour, which starts on June 20, as India starts its latest World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ipl-2025-bcci-scrambles-to-get-foreign-players-as-ipl-sets-for-resumption-who-will-return-and-who-wont-deets-inside-9065463" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025 | BCCI scrambles to get foreign players as IPL sets for resumption: Who will return and who won&rsquo;t? Deets inside</a></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">They have been part of the BCCI&rsquo;s top bracket of annual contract cycle for more than a decade. However, their recent retirement announcements had speculated that they would be dropped. However, that will no longer be the case and will continue to be part of the BCCI&rsquo;s contractual pyramid. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Virat made 123 appearances in Test format, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India&rsquo;s fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Both Rohit and Virat will continue to feature in the ODI setup for India, having earlier announced retirement from T20Is as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

Star Indian duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to retain their grade A+ annual contract despite announcing retirement from Test cricket. India News | Sports

Star Indian duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to retain their grade A+ annual contract despite announcing retirement from Test cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the duo are still part of the Indian team set-up as they are active in the ODI format. Both Virat and Rohit announced their retirements from the red-ball format in a span of less than a week and won’t be available for the upcoming England tour. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to retain grade A+ category contract "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's grade A+ contract will continue despite their retirement from the T20Is and Tests. They are still part of the Indian cricket team, and they will get all the facilities of Grade A+," Devajit Saikia told ANI. Rohit announced his Test retirement last week through an Instagram story while Virat did similar to drop curtains on his 14-year illustrious career. The retirements came ahead of the England tour, which starts on June 20, as India starts its latest World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. ALSO READ | IPL 2025 | BCCI scrambles to get foreign players as IPL sets for resumption: Who will return and who won’t? Deets inside They have been part of the BCCI’s top bracket of annual contract cycle for more than a decade. However, their recent retirement announcements had speculated that they would be dropped. However, that will no longer be the case and will continue to be part of the BCCI’s contractual pyramid. Virat made 123 appearances in Test format, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs). Both Rohit and Virat will continue to feature in the ODI setup for India, having earlier announced retirement from T20Is as well.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to retain grade A+ category contract despite Test retirement: BCCI Secretary Saikia

India batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday (May 12) after almost a decade. He gave India many memorable moments and 40 Test wins as skipper. Photos Cricket Sports

Virat Kohli Retires: Have a look at his numbers in whites

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