India batter<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli"> Virat Kohli</a> has confirmed his availability to play for Delhi in the domestic red-ball tournament Ranji Trophy 12 years after playing his last first-class match in domestic cricket. Kohli's availability was confirmed by ESPNCricinfo citing Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh as the source.&nbsp;
Kohli will play in Delhi's last round of group-stage matches against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli's non-confirmation to play in the Ranji Trophy was getting a lot of reaction as other players including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-to-play-in-ranji-trophy-match-for-mumbai-after-10-years-how-many-runs-he-scored-in-last-match-rohit-sharma-ranji-trophy-runs-highest-score-8638816">Rohit Sharma made themselves available</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-lsg-skipper-rishabh-pant-record-as-captain-wins-loss-runs-and-all-you-need-to-know-8638707" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025: New LSG skipper Rishabh Pant's record as captain - All you need to know</a>
Kohli, however, had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">BCCI</a>) that he won't be playing in Delhi's match against Saurashtra from January 23 as he is recovering from neck pain for which he took an injection on January 8 - three days after India's tour of Australia had ended, reported ESPNCricinfo.
<h2>How many runs Virat Kohli scored in his last Ranji Trophy match?</h2>
Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets.
<h2>Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats</h2>
Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70.
Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests).
The decision to play in domestic cricket comes days after the BCCI made it mandatory for players to play in the new policy.

Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings and 43 in second innings. Cricket Sports

India batter Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability to play for Delhi in the domestic red-ball tournament Ranji Trophy 12 years after playing his last first-class match in domestic cricket. Kohli's availability was confirmed by ESPNCricinfo citing Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh as the source. Kohli will play in Delhi's last round of group-stage matches against Railways from January 30 to February 2. Kohli's non-confirmation to play in the Ranji Trophy was getting a lot of reaction as other players including Rohit Sharma made themselves available. Also Read: IPL 2025: New LSG skipper Rishabh Pant's record as captain - All you need to know Kohli, however, had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he won't be playing in Delhi's match against Saurashtra from January 23 as he is recovering from neck pain for which he took an injection on January 8 - three days after India's tour of Australia had ended, reported ESPNCricinfo. How many runs Virat Kohli scored in his last Ranji Trophy match? Kohli played his last Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in 2012. Batting at number 4, he scored 14 runs in the first innings as Delhi were bowled out for 235. In the second innings, Kohli scored 43 runs as Delhi scored 322 runs and set UP a target of 155 runs. UP won the match by six wickets. Virat Kohli's Ranji Trophy stats Kohli made his debut for Delhi in 2006 against Tamil Nadu before playing his last match in 2012. In six years, the former Indian skipper went on to play 23 matches - scoring 1,574 runs at an average of 50.70. Overall, Kohli has played 155 first-class matches (including his 123 Tests) and has scored 11,479 runs (including 9,230 Test runs) at an average of 55.96 with 37 hundreds (30 in Tests) and 39 fifties (31 in Tests). The decision to play in domestic cricket comes days after the BCCI made it mandatory for players to play in the new policy.

Virat Kohli to play in Delhi's Ranji Trophy match vs Railways

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">BCCI</a>) chief selector Ajit Agarkar has said that any decision on Virat Kohli and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a>'s future will be taken after the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/2025-champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. The ICC tournament is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a month away from the Champions Trophy. These guys have been exceptional performers in one-day cricket&hellip; We&rsquo;ll see once the Champions Trophy is done, we&rsquo;ve got a bit more time to sit and assess where everyone is," Agarkar said while announcing India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad on January 18.
&ldquo;Not just one of the players but where we go forward. But at the moment, the focus is on one-day cricket and Champions Trophy,&rdquo; he added.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-champions-trophy-team-live-updates-samson-snub-pandya-rohit-gambhir-karun-nair-bcci-liveblog-8635167">Champions Trophy 2025 India Team Live Updates</a>
<h2>Kohli-Rohit Retirement Talks</h2>
Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are facing heat after a poor show in the recently-concluded tour of Australia where India lost the five-Test series 1-3. Kohli managed just 190 odd runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) with most of his runs coming during the 100 not out he scored in the second innings of the first Test in Perth.
Rohit, on the other hand, was even bigger failure with the bat and eventually decided to sit out the fifth Test in Sydney. India skipper played only three Tests on the tour after missing the first one due to the birth of his second child.
Sharma managed just 31 runs across five innings of three Tests with a highest of 10. Such was the magnitude of Rohit's failure that pacer Jasprit Bumrah's wickets&mdash;32&mdash;were more than the skipper's runs in the series.
Both the senior players have been facing criticism from all quarters, but the board has continued to show faith in them. The BCCI, however, seems to have made up its mind on the new India skipper, especially in ODIs, after naming Shubman Gill the vice-captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has said that any decision on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future will be taken after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket Sports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar has said that any decision on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future will be taken after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC tournament is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9. “It’s a month away from the Champions Trophy. These guys have been exceptional performers in one-day cricket… We’ll see once the Champions Trophy is done, we’ve got a bit more time to sit and assess where everyone is," Agarkar said while announcing India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad on January 18. “Not just one of the players but where we go forward. But at the moment, the focus is on one-day cricket and Champions Trophy,” he added. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 India Team Live Updates Kohli-Rohit Retirement Talks Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are facing heat after a poor show in the recently-concluded tour of Australia where India lost the five-Test series 1-3. Kohli managed just 190 odd runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) with most of his runs coming during the 100 not out he scored in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. Rohit, on the other hand, was even bigger failure with the bat and eventually decided to sit out the fifth Test in Sydney. India skipper played only three Tests on the tour after missing the first one due to the birth of his second child. Sharma managed just 31 runs across five innings of three Tests with a highest of 10. Such was the magnitude of Rohit's failure that pacer Jasprit Bumrah's wickets—32—were more than the skipper's runs in the series. Both the senior players have been facing criticism from all quarters, but the board has continued to show faith in them. The BCCI, however, seems to have made up its mind on the new India skipper, especially in ODIs, after naming Shubman Gill the vice-captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI chief selector shares update on Rohit-Kohli's future

India's First-Choice Probable Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025

1. Rohit Sharma (captain)

2. Shubman Gill (Vice Captain)

3. Virat Kohli

4. KL Rahul

5. Rishabh Pant

6. Hardik Pandya

7. Washington Sundar

8. Ravindra Jadeja

9. Axar Patel

10. Jasprit Bumrah

Easy and yummy chocolate mug cake recipe 

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: India's First-Choice Probable Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025 ft Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

Virat Kohli, 36, is nearing the twilight stage of his international career, and should he not follow Cheteshwar Pujara&rsquo;s path of opting to play some county cricket matches in the lead-up to England Tests later in June, he could hurt his chances of retaining his place in the India playing XI, the former cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar said.
Kohli failed with the bat against New Zealand and Australia, scoring 91 and 190 runs in the two series respectively. Though he scored a hundred in the series opener in Perth, hitting an unbeaten 100 and helping India draw first blood in the BGT, Kohli fell to the off-side trap six times in nine outings Down Under.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-vows-to-speak-with-bcci-over-players-partners-travel-restrictions-in-caught-off-guard-on-mic-moment-8633138" rel="dofollow">'I will have to sit with BCCI secretary...,' Rohit caught off guard during CT squad announcement presser - Watch</a>
Being unable to restrain from chasing the outgoing delivery has cost him and India, with Manjrekar saying Kohli must spend time in English County cricket to find a solution.
Speaking on Star Sports&rsquo; Deep Point podcast, Manjrekar said Kohli needs to play plenty of red-ball cricket to return to where he belongs&mdash;on the top. Suggesting how to achieve this sooner, he added Kohli must follow Pujara&rsquo;s path and join one of the county sides.
&ldquo;Kohli needs to play a lot of red-ball cricket. The first Test in England is in June, while the County Championship begins in April. He could join a county team, like Pujara did, and gain valuable match practice," Manjrekar said.
&ldquo;India can then evaluate his performances in the initial Test matches. If there are positive signs, he can continue. But the last thing you want is Kohli going there and struggling, as we&rsquo;ve seen before. That wouldn&rsquo;t be good for Indian cricket. Playing County cricket could be a very sensible move for him," he added.
<h2>Others disagree</h2>
While Manjrekar stressed the importance of playing County, especially for Kohli, his fellow panel mates and former Indian cricketers, Sanjay Bangar and Deep Dasgupta, shared different views.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/chief-selector-ajit-agarkar-explains-karun-nairs-snub-from-indias-champions-trophy-2025-squad-8632946" rel="dofollow">Agarkar explains Karun Nair&rsquo;s snub from India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad</a>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m still backing him. Even at 36 (years old), he&rsquo;s as fit as ever. His fitness levels are remarkable, and I believe he can continue playing at the highest level," Bangar said.
&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s not club Rohit and Virat together," Dasgupta said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Just like in the previous generation of Indian cricket, where Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid) were different, you have to evaluate each player individually.&rdquo;
"For Rohit, the next five months of predominantly international white-ball cricket and the IPL will be crucial. The weight of his performances in these formats will be telling. Beyond that, factors like his first-class cricket form, fitness levels, and performance in the Champions Trophy will also be important. The final decision rests with the selectors,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket Sports: Being unable to restrain from chasing the outgoing delivery has cost him, with Manjrekar saying Kohli must spend time in English County to find a solution.

Virat Kohli, 36, is nearing the twilight stage of his international career, and should he not follow Cheteshwar Pujara’s path of opting to play some county cricket matches in the lead-up to England Tests later in June, he could hurt his chances of retaining his place in the India playing XI, the former cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar said. Kohli failed with the bat against New Zealand and Australia, scoring 91 and 190 runs in the two series respectively. Though he scored a hundred in the series opener in Perth, hitting an unbeaten 100 and helping India draw first blood in the BGT, Kohli fell to the off-side trap six times in nine outings Down Under. Also read | 'I will have to sit with BCCI secretary...,' Rohit caught off guard during CT squad announcement presser - Watch Being unable to restrain from chasing the outgoing delivery has cost him and India, with Manjrekar saying Kohli must spend time in English County cricket to find a solution. Speaking on Star Sports’ Deep Point podcast, Manjrekar said Kohli needs to play plenty of red-ball cricket to return to where he belongs—on the top. Suggesting how to achieve this sooner, he added Kohli must follow Pujara’s path and join one of the county sides. “Kohli needs to play a lot of red-ball cricket. The first Test in England is in June, while the County Championship begins in April. He could join a county team, like Pujara did, and gain valuable match practice," Manjrekar said. “India can then evaluate his performances in the initial Test matches. If there are positive signs, he can continue. But the last thing you want is Kohli going there and struggling, as we’ve seen before. That wouldn’t be good for Indian cricket. Playing County cricket could be a very sensible move for him," he added. Others disagree While Manjrekar stressed the importance of playing County, especially for Kohli, his fellow panel mates and former Indian cricketers, Sanjay Bangar and Deep Dasgupta, shared different views. Also read | Agarkar explains Karun Nair’s snub from India’s Champions Trophy squad “I’m still backing him. Even at 36 (years old), he’s as fit as ever. His fitness levels are remarkable, and I believe he can continue playing at the highest level," Bangar said. “Let’s not club Rohit and Virat together," Dasgupta said. “Just like in the previous generation of Indian cricket, where Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid) were different, you have to evaluate each player individually.” "For Rohit, the next five months of predominantly international white-ball cricket and the IPL will be crucial. The weight of his performances in these formats will be telling. Beyond that, factors like his first-class cricket form, fitness levels, and performance in the Champions Trophy will also be important. The final decision rests with the selectors,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Manjrekar wants Kohli to play County cricket to regain form ahead of England Tests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kl-rahul">KL Rahul</a> will not be playing the next round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a> matches due to injuries, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo.
&nbsp;As per the report, both cricketers have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s medical staff that they are carrying niggles and will not be able to take part in the matches starting January 23.&nbsp;
While Kohli had neck pain and had to take an injection, Rahul has an elbow issue that is likely to keep him out of Karnataka's match against Punjab.
<h2>BCCI adopts new measures</h2>
Mandatory domestic cricket, restriction on the presence of families and personal staff on tours and a bar on individual endorsements during series were among a measures that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">BCCI</a> unveiled on Thursday (Jan 16) in a 10-point policy to promote 'discipline and unity' in the national cricket team.
Non-compliance would invite sanctions, including cuts in their retainer fee from central contracts and a bar on participating in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.
"Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI," the Board policy states.
The measures have been announced in the wake of the team's disastrous tour of Australia which was preceded by a series whitewash against New Zealand at home.
<h2>Players confirmed for next round of Ranji Trophy</h2>
So far, three players &mdash; Pant, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja &mdash; have confirmed to play in the next round of Ranji Trophy. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been practising with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has also turned up for practice as well but is yet to confirm his availability.

As per the report, both cricketers have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s medical staff that they are carrying niggles and will not be able to take part in the matches starting January 23. Sports. Cricket,

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will not be playing the next round of Ranji Trophy matches due to injuries, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo. As per the report, both cricketers have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s medical staff that they are carrying niggles and will not be able to take part in the matches starting January 23. While Kohli had neck pain and had to take an injection, Rahul has an elbow issue that is likely to keep him out of Karnataka's match against Punjab. BCCI adopts new measures Mandatory domestic cricket, restriction on the presence of families and personal staff on tours and a bar on individual endorsements during series were among a measures that the BCCI unveiled on Thursday (Jan 16) in a 10-point policy to promote 'discipline and unity' in the national cricket team. Non-compliance would invite sanctions, including cuts in their retainer fee from central contracts and a bar on participating in the cash-rich Indian Premier League. "Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and Head Coach. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the BCCI," the Board policy states. The measures have been announced in the wake of the team's disastrous tour of Australia which was preceded by a series whitewash against New Zealand at home. Players confirmed for next round of Ranji Trophy So far, three players — Pant, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja — have confirmed to play in the next round of Ranji Trophy. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been practising with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has also turned up for practice as well but is yet to confirm his availability.

Virat Kohli, KL Rahul to miss Ranji Trophy matches- Report

Nathan Lyon, the Australian off-spinner, has donated cricket bats signed by Indian legends Virat Kohli and seamer Jasprit Bumrah to the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) &ndash; which supports disabled cricketers in the country. Lyon, the NCIC&rsquo;s ambassador, donated the bats with a &lsquo;sport for all&rsquo; quote written in Braille.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/australian-open-2025-naomi-osaka-withdraws-after-sustaining-injury-8629470" rel="dofollow">Australian Open 2025: Naomi Osaka withdraws after sustaining injury</a>
Lyon is said to have spoken to Cricket Australia about how the country&rsquo;s top cricketers can inspire the younger generation to take up the sport.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The position we&rsquo;re in as role models if we can inspire boys and girls to go out there and play this beautiful game, which I believe is a sport for all, then it&rsquo;s worth it," Lyon said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m60qam09-kdk6d5i7-ynmnowm7">
A sport for all ❤️ Ahead of the 2025 National Cricket Inclusion Championships, National Inclusion Ambassador for Cricketers with a Disability, Nathan Lyon, has donated three exclusive signed bats to Cricket Australia social impact partner Taverners Australia. <a href="https://t.co/ibl3wQauoC">pic.twitter.com/ibl3wQauoC</a>
&mdash; Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1880145191467884705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
The ace Aussie spinner is also hopeful of these players (disabled cricketers) earning a spot in the Australia Intellectual Disability (ID) team.&nbsp;
&ldquo;These guys are representing South Australia up in Brisbane, so in my eyes, they are playing state cricket, and hopefully, they can put their hands up for international selection in the Australian ID team," he continued.
<h2>NCIC dates and venues</h2>
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the dates of 2025 NCIC; the tournament will be played across six days (January 19-24), with Queensland Cricket and Warehouse Cricket set to host. Twenty-two teams will represent seven different states and territories, with the competition to be played across five divisions - Blind and Low Vision Mixed, Blind and Low Vision women's, cricketers with an Intellectual Disability, Deaf and Hard of Hearing men and Deaf &amp; Hard of Hearing women's.
Meanwhile, Joel Morrison, Cricket Australia's General Manager of Events &amp; Operations, said, as quoted by a Cricket Australia press release, "The National Cricket Inclusion Championships are a great event that showcases the best Australian cricketers with a disability, and Cricket Australia's mission to be a sport for all."&nbsp;
"The NCIC continue to go from strength to strength, and we're excited to see them evolve even further in 2025 with a full week of blind and low-vision women's games, building on the success of last year's exhibition matches."&nbsp;
"It is a testament to the growing passion for inclusive cricket across the country, and we are excited to see these incredible athletes inspire the next generation while showcasing their talents on a national stage,&rdquo; he continued.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sport, Cricket: Nathan Lyon is said to have spoken to Cricket Australia about how the country’s top cricketers can inspire the younger generation to take up the sport. 

Nathan Lyon, the Australian off-spinner, has donated cricket bats signed by Indian legends Virat Kohli and seamer Jasprit Bumrah to the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) – which supports disabled cricketers in the country. Lyon, the NCIC’s ambassador, donated the bats with a ‘sport for all’ quote written in Braille. Also read | Australian Open 2025: Naomi Osaka withdraws after sustaining injury Lyon is said to have spoken to Cricket Australia about how the country’s top cricketers can inspire the younger generation to take up the sport. “The position we’re in as role models if we can inspire boys and girls to go out there and play this beautiful game, which I believe is a sport for all, then it’s worth it," Lyon said. A sport for all ❤️ Ahead of the 2025 National Cricket Inclusion Championships, National Inclusion Ambassador for Cricketers with a Disability, Nathan Lyon, has donated three exclusive signed bats to Cricket Australia social impact partner Taverners Australia. pic.twitter.com/ibl3wQauoC — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 17, 2025 The ace Aussie spinner is also hopeful of these players (disabled cricketers) earning a spot in the Australia Intellectual Disability (ID) team. “These guys are representing South Australia up in Brisbane, so in my eyes, they are playing state cricket, and hopefully, they can put their hands up for international selection in the Australian ID team," he continued. NCIC dates and venues Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the dates of 2025 NCIC; the tournament will be played across six days (January 19-24), with Queensland Cricket and Warehouse Cricket set to host. Twenty-two teams will represent seven different states and territories, with the competition to be played across five divisions - Blind and Low Vision Mixed, Blind and Low Vision women's, cricketers with an Intellectual Disability, Deaf and Hard of Hearing men and Deaf & Hard of Hearing women's. Meanwhile, Joel Morrison, Cricket Australia's General Manager of Events & Operations, said, as quoted by a Cricket Australia press release, "The National Cricket Inclusion Championships are a great event that showcases the best Australian cricketers with a disability, and Cricket Australia's mission to be a sport for all." "The NCIC continue to go from strength to strength, and we're excited to see them evolve even further in 2025 with a full week of blind and low-vision women's games, building on the success of last year's exhibition matches." "It is a testament to the growing passion for inclusive cricket across the country, and we are excited to see these incredible athletes inspire the next generation while showcasing their talents on a national stage,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies)

Lyon donates Kohli, Bumrah-signed bats to support disabled cricketers

Virat Kohli might train with Delhi&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy squad ahead of their away fixture against Saurashtra (on January 23) but remains uncertain for the first two matches due to a neck strain, per the latest reports. After the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) dropped a bombshell by announcing that all Indian players must play domestic cricket, a parameter for across-format India selection, Kohli&rsquo;s latest injury sparks doubts over his participation.
Kohli suffered a neck strain, for which he even took injections. However, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) selectors are yet to get a green signal regarding his participation. Per sources close to the information, Kohli could miss Delhi&rsquo;s first two Ranji Trophy fixtures of the second leg.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bcci-to-probe-sanju-samson-absence-from-vijay-hazare-trophy-ahead-of-champions-trophy-2025-squad-selection-8629101" rel="dofollow">Samson's absence from Vijay Hazare Trophy could hurt his CT chances</a>
&ldquo;Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left, and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update," a source said, as quoted by Times of India (TOI).
Per a DDCA source, Kohli is likely to train with the Delhi Ranji squad in Rajkot, and his name will be added to the travelling team sheet, with &lsquo;subject to availability&rsquo;. This situation could change should the selectors get a clear picture of his injury status and availability in time before the squad announcement.
The squad probables will have a net session on Friday (Jan 17) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium before the men&rsquo;s senior selection committee and coach Sarandeep Singh meet to pick the squad. &nbsp;
Meanwhile, gloveman Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for the Saurashtra game, with some DDCA officials optimistic about his participation in the Railways game at home.
<h2>Everyone has to play domestic cricket</h2>
In the wake of two horrid series losses (against New Zealand at home and Australia Down Under), which led to India's slip in the WTC Final 2025 race, the BCCI and the selectors prepared a ten-pointer guideline for all centrally contracted cricketers, as the new mandate includes featuring in the domestic cricket mandatory for all, with exceptions granted only in &lsquo;unavoidable circumstances&rsquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/domestic-cricket-participation-mandatory-for-india-selection-bcci-8628805" rel="dofollow">Domestic cricket participation 'mandatory' for India selection: BCCI</a>
&ldquo;This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression,&rdquo; the BCCI guideline read.
However, there will be serious repercussions should any player fail to abide by it.
"The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player for participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract,&rdquo; the statement further read.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: After BCCI dropped a bombshell by announcing all Indian players must play domestic cricket, Kohli’s latest injury sparks doubts over his participation.

Virat Kohli might train with Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad ahead of their away fixture against Saurashtra (on January 23) but remains uncertain for the first two matches due to a neck strain, per the latest reports. After the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) dropped a bombshell by announcing that all Indian players must play domestic cricket, a parameter for across-format India selection, Kohli’s latest injury sparks doubts over his participation. Kohli suffered a neck strain, for which he even took injections. However, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) selectors are yet to get a green signal regarding his participation. Per sources close to the information, Kohli could miss Delhi’s first two Ranji Trophy fixtures of the second leg. Also read | Samson's absence from Vijay Hazare Trophy could hurt his CT chances “Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left, and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update," a source said, as quoted by Times of India (TOI). Per a DDCA source, Kohli is likely to train with the Delhi Ranji squad in Rajkot, and his name will be added to the travelling team sheet, with ‘subject to availability’. This situation could change should the selectors get a clear picture of his injury status and availability in time before the squad announcement. The squad probables will have a net session on Friday (Jan 17) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium before the men’s senior selection committee and coach Sarandeep Singh meet to pick the squad. Meanwhile, gloveman Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for the Saurashtra game, with some DDCA officials optimistic about his participation in the Railways game at home. Everyone has to play domestic cricket In the wake of two horrid series losses (against New Zealand at home and Australia Down Under), which led to India's slip in the WTC Final 2025 race, the BCCI and the selectors prepared a ten-pointer guideline for all centrally contracted cricketers, as the new mandate includes featuring in the domestic cricket mandatory for all, with exceptions granted only in ‘unavoidable circumstances’ Also read | Domestic cricket participation 'mandatory' for India selection: BCCI “This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression,” the BCCI guideline read. However, there will be serious repercussions should any player fail to abide by it. "The BCCI reserves the right to take disciplinary action against a player which may include sanction against the concerned player for participating in all BCCI conducted tournaments including the Indian Premier League and deduction from retainer amount/match fees under BCCI Player contract,” the statement further read. (With inputs from agencies)

Kohli uncertain for Delhi Ranji game despite BCCI guidelines bombshell

India Champions Trophy squad announcement Live Updates: The BCCI is expected to make the announcement soon along with the squad for England ODIs. The board is expectedly waiting for the domestic 50-over tournament Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) to get over to select the best team possible.
The VHT final is set to be played on January 18 - the same date&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BCCI</a>&nbsp;is expected to announce the squad for ODI leg of England's tour of India and the same set of players will reportedly play the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025" rel="dofollow">2025 Champions Trophy</a>. &nbsp;Barring India and Pakistan, all other six teams have announced their squads for the mega event.
Meanhile,&nbsp;Indian skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> is likely to travel to Pakistan to take part in the opening ceremony, a standard practice for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a> events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a grand event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, subject to warm-up match fixtures.
The Champions Trophy 2025 starts February 19 in Pakistan but India will play its matches, inlcuding semi-final and final, in Dubai, UAE.&nbsp;
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.
<h2>Following are the latest updates on India's Champions Trophy squad announcement</h2>

The BCCI has not yet announced the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Follow WION's website for upcoming and regular updates regarding the same.
This live blog has ended now.

No squad yet for India for the Champions Trophy 2025

With the squad of the Indian team yet to be announced for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian skipper is likely to travel to Pakistan to take part in the opening ceremony, a standard practice for ICC events.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a grand event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, subject to warm-up match fixtures.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-indian-skipper-rohit-sharma-likely-to-visit-pakistan-for-opening-ceremony-reports-8623182" rel="dofollow">Read More</a>

Skipper Sharma likely to visit Pakistan

20 February: vs Bangladesh in Dubai (2.30 pm IST)
23 February: vs Pakistan in Dubai (2.30 pm IST)
2 March: vs New Zealand in Dubai (2.30 pm IST)
4 March: Semi-final 1 in Dubai (2.30 pm IST)
5 March: Semi-final 2 in Lahore (2.30 pm IST)
9 March: Final (in Dubai, if India qualify)
10 March: Reserve day for Final

India schedule for Champions Trophy 2025

1998 (Bangladesh): Champions: South Africa; Runners-up: West Indies
2000 (Kenya): Champions: New Zealand; Runners-up: India
2002 (Sri Lanka) Joint-champions: Sri Lanka and India
2004 (England): Champions: West Indies; Runners-up: England
2006 (India): Champions: Australia; Runners-up: West Indies
2009 (South Africa): Champions: Australia; Runners-up: New Zealand
2013 (England): Champions: India; Runners-up: England
2017 (England): Champions: Pakistan; Runners-up: India

List of former Champions Trophy Winners

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m looking at his stats. In 2024/25, he played six innings, remained not out in 5, scoring 664 and that was his average. And he&rsquo;s played at a strike rate of 120. And they don&rsquo;t pick him. It&rsquo;s unfair,&rdquo; Harbhajan said on YouTube.
&ldquo;Many are selected on the basis of just two games, some are just selected basis the IPL. So, why are rules different for him? People say Rohit and Virat are out of form, and you&rsquo;re sending them to Ranji. But those who are playing Ranji and scoring runs&hellip; why are you ignoring them? When will these guys play? They are scoring runs here. I never understood how he was dropped after a triple century. It pains me that no one talks about players like him,&rdquo; the former India spinner added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/vidarbha-skipper-karun-nair-vijay-hazare-trophy-records-most-runs-by-captain-in-single-season-surpasses-ruturaj-gaikwad-8627898">Karun Nair Rewrites Vijay Hazare Trophy Records</a>

Harbhajan Singh wants Karun Nair in squad

India coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gautam-gambhir" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gautam Gambhir</a>'s position could be in trouble if India doesn't perform well at the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. The news comes after India's consecutive Test series loss - 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand followed by 1-3 against Australia Down Under.
Gambhir took charge of Indian cricket following Rahul Dravid's resignation from the post after India's T20 World Cup win in June 2024. Under Gambhir, India also lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years before losing the two Test series.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-coach-gautam-gambhir-job-in-danger-champions-trophy-2025-result-to-decide-fate-8622116">Read More</a>

India coach Gambhir's job in jeopardy?

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce India's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;squad with the ICC tournament just over a month away. The squad announcement is expected to come on January 18-19 along with the completion of Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) and England ODI sqaud as well.
Here are the players <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-news-india-champions-trophy-squad-do-karun-nair-sanju-samson-jaiswal-nitish-reddy-axar-patel-have-chance-8621652">who can make the cut</a> in India's Champions Trophy squad

Who can make the cut?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The iconic white jacket is back! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/qcPLDU93PJ">pic.twitter.com/qcPLDU93PJ</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1879091163069890596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wasim Akram launches iconic White Jacket for 2025 Champions Trophy

Vidarbha batter Karun Nair has taken his batting average in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) - domestic 50-over tournament - to 752 after scoring unbeaten 88 in second semi-final against Maharashtra on January 16.
In eight matches he has played in so far, Nair has smashed five hundreds and one fifty while being dismissed only once. His performance comes at a time when the BCCI is looking to announce the squad for upcoming England ODIs and the Champions Trophy 2025.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-india-squad-announcement-karun-nair-vijay-hazare-trophy-2025-average-752-runs-five-hundreds-8627592">Read More</a>

Karun Nair takes VHT average to 700+

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Board of Control for Cricket in India</a>&nbsp;(BCCI) has decided to appoint Sitanshu Kotak - a former batter for Saurashtra - as the batting coach ahead of upcoming England series at home and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/2025-champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. England are scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs beginning January 22.
Kotak is domestic legend for Saurashtra and has played 130 First Class games for them.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/who-is-sitanshu-kotak-india-new-batting-coach-set-to-join-ahead-of-england-series-kotak-stats-profile-8627276" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Sitanshu Kotak is new India batting coach

India spinner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kuldeep-yadav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kuldeep Yadav</a>&nbsp;is gearing up for a comeback ahead of the white-ball series against England starting January 22 and the&nbsp;ICC Champions Trophy 2025&nbsp;starting February 19.
Kuldeep was not available for selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to injury. After recovering from a chronic left groin issue, Kuldeep shared a video of his bowling practice on social media platform Instagram.
When Kuldeep returns to action, he will be eyeing an all-important milestone of 300 international wickets.
In 159 appearances, the spinner has taken 297 wickets at an average of 22.50, with the best bowling figures of 6/25. He has also taken eight five-wicket hauls in international cricket.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-kuldeep-yadav-hits-nets-ahead-of-squad-selection-meeting-8626256" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Kuldeep Yadav hits nets ahead of squad selection meeting

The BCCI is expected to make the India Champions Trophy squad announcement soon along with the squad for England ODIs. The ICC tournament starts February 19. Cricket Sports

India Champions Trophy squad announcement Live Updates: The BCCI is expected to make the announcement soon along with the squad for England ODIs. The board is expectedly waiting for the domestic 50-over tournament Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) to get over to select the best team possible. The VHT final is set to be played on January 18 - the same date BCCI is expected to announce the squad for ODI leg of England's tour of India and the same set of players will reportedly play the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. Barring India and Pakistan, all other six teams have announced their squads for the mega event. Meanhile, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to travel to Pakistan to take part in the opening ceremony, a standard practice for ICC events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a grand event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, subject to warm-up match fixtures. The Champions Trophy 2025 starts February 19 in Pakistan but India will play its matches, inlcuding semi-final and final, in Dubai, UAE. The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan. Following are the latest updates on India's Champions Trophy squad announcement

India Champions Trophy Squad Announcement Highlights for January 16

India&rsquo;s up and coming pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/akash-deep">Akash Deep</a> shared the memorable story of how he came to own one of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli&rsquo;s</a> signature bats, which played an important role in helping India avoid a follow-on during the Gabba Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Recalling the incident, Akash Deep revealed that Kohli approached him before walking out to bat and asked, &ldquo;Do you need a bat?&rdquo; Overwhelmed, Akash replied, &ldquo;Yes, who wouldn&rsquo;t want your bat?).&rdquo;
Kohli then gifted him the bat, one sporting the iconic MRF logo.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been with Virat at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</a>, but I&rsquo;d never have the courage to ask him for such a prized possession, especially during a match,&rdquo; Akash said. &ldquo;But he offered it himself, which meant so much to me,&rdquo; said a report in news agency PTI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-india-squad-announcement-jasprit-bumrah-injury-news-pacer-advised-bed-rest-8625081" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2025 Champions Trophy: Setback for India as pacer Jasprit Bumrah advised 'bed rest'</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Akash Deep helped India avoid follow-on<o:p></o:p></h2>
Akash used that bat to deliver a gritty 31-run knock at the Gabba, forming a crucial 47-run last-wicket partnership with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a> &mdash; the third-highest last-wicket stand for India. Talking about his innings, Akash said, &ldquo;I was prepared to take body blows but not give away my wicket. I wasn&rsquo;t thinking about the follow-on; I just wanted to bat as long as possible to ease the pressure on our top order in the second innings.&rdquo;
While India ultimately lost the series 1-3, this moment at the Gabba stood out as a rare highlight in a tough campaign. Akash&rsquo;s determination, coupled with Kohli&rsquo;s generosity, left an indelible mark on the series.
Interestingly, this was not the first time Kohli had gifted Akash a bat. During the home series against Bangladesh, Kohli had similarly offered him one of his signature bats, a gesture that further illustrated the camaraderie within the Men in Blue team.
Akash signed off by saying, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a privilege to share such moments with someone of Virat&rsquo;s stature, and I&rsquo;ll always treasure it.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies) <o:p></o:p>

Sports. Cricket. While India ultimately lost the series 1-3, this moment at the Gabba stood out as a rare highlight in a tough campaign. Akash’s determination, coupled with Kohli’s generosity, left an indelible mark on the series.

India’s up and coming pacer Akash Deep shared the memorable story of how he came to own one of Virat Kohli’s signature bats, which played an important role in helping India avoid a follow-on during the Gabba Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Recalling the incident, Akash Deep revealed that Kohli approached him before walking out to bat and asked, “Do you need a bat?” Overwhelmed, Akash replied, “Yes, who wouldn’t want your bat?).” Kohli then gifted him the bat, one sporting the iconic MRF logo. “I’ve been with Virat at Royal Challengers Bangalore, but I’d never have the courage to ask him for such a prized possession, especially during a match,” Akash said. “But he offered it himself, which meant so much to me,” said a report in news agency PTI. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy: Setback for India as pacer Jasprit Bumrah advised 'bed rest' Akash Deep helped India avoid follow-on Akash used that bat to deliver a gritty 31-run knock at the Gabba, forming a crucial 47-run last-wicket partnership with Jasprit Bumrah — the third-highest last-wicket stand for India. Talking about his innings, Akash said, “I was prepared to take body blows but not give away my wicket. I wasn’t thinking about the follow-on; I just wanted to bat as long as possible to ease the pressure on our top order in the second innings.” While India ultimately lost the series 1-3, this moment at the Gabba stood out as a rare highlight in a tough campaign. Akash’s determination, coupled with Kohli’s generosity, left an indelible mark on the series. Interestingly, this was not the first time Kohli had gifted Akash a bat. During the home series against Bangladesh, Kohli had similarly offered him one of his signature bats, a gesture that further illustrated the camaraderie within the Men in Blue team. Akash signed off by saying, “It’s a privilege to share such moments with someone of Virat’s stature, and I’ll always treasure it.” (With inputs from agencies)

Akash Deep opens up on Virat Kohli's kind gesture after Gabba Test, says 'he offered me...'

Virat Kohli’s 7 Favourite ODI Opponents

7. Bangladesh

6. England

5. South Africa

4. New Zealand

3. West Indies

2. Australia

1. Sri Lanka

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Virat Kohli’s 7 Favourite ODI Opponents ft Champions Trophy 2025, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup as he enters 2025. 

The last Test season has been nothing but a forgetful one for the Men in Blue. The Indian cricket team suffered a whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 series loss in Australia.
India&rsquo;s batting concerns were at the forefront, with senior players like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, Rohit Sharma not performing well and many questioning if they still have fuel left in the tank.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/no-wags-travelling-together-in-team-bus-among-several-updates-in-bccis-new-mandate-8621027" rel="dofollow">No WAGs, travelling together among several updates in BCCI&rsquo;s mandate</a>
The duo&rsquo;s poor form has sparked a debate about whether they should return to domestic cricket to regain their touch. Several former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan, have openly discussed the importance of playing domestic cricket when there&rsquo;s no international cricket.
<h2>Will Kohli show up for Delhi?</h2>
While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> was seen attending Mumbai&rsquo;s training camp at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 14), Shubman Gill has reportedly made himself available for Punjab&rsquo;s sixth-round <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a> (India's premier domestic tournament) match against Karnataka. He last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2022, when he played against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals.
&ldquo;We have not received any sort of official communication from Virat Kohli on his availability for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season,&rdquo; a DDCA official told WION.
This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the players missing the domestic matches during the home season to give a valid reason, which will be reviewed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or their respective state association.
Interestingly, Kohli&rsquo;s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was back in November 2012, for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 runs in the first innings and 43 runs in the second. Meanwhile, Rohit&rsquo;s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Mumbai was during the 2015/16 season against Uttar Pradesh. He played a brilliant knock of 113 runs off 140 balls.

Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's poor form has sparked a debate whether they should return to domestic cricket to regain their touch with many former players backing the thought. cricket sports

The last Test season has been nothing but a forgetful one for the Men in Blue. The Indian cricket team suffered a whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 series loss in Australia. India’s batting concerns were at the forefront, with senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma not performing well and many questioning if they still have fuel left in the tank. Also Read: No WAGs, travelling together among several updates in BCCI’s mandate The duo’s poor form has sparked a debate about whether they should return to domestic cricket to regain their touch. Several former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan, have openly discussed the importance of playing domestic cricket when there’s no international cricket. Will Kohli show up for Delhi? While Rohit Sharma was seen attending Mumbai’s training camp at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 14), Shubman Gill has reportedly made himself available for Punjab’s sixth-round Ranji Trophy (India's premier domestic tournament) match against Karnataka. He last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2022, when he played against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals. “We have not received any sort of official communication from Virat Kohli on his availability for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season,” a DDCA official told WION. This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the players missing the domestic matches during the home season to give a valid reason, which will be reviewed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or their respective state association. Interestingly, Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was back in November 2012, for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 runs in the first innings and 43 runs in the second. Meanwhile, Rohit’s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Mumbai was during the 2015/16 season against Uttar Pradesh. He played a brilliant knock of 113 runs off 140 balls.

As Rohit Sharma practices with Mumbai Ranji Trophy team, will Delhi see a Virat show?

Former India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/robin-uthappa">Robin Uthappa</a> has revealed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ambati-rayudu" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ambati Rayudu</a> was dropped from India's 2019 ODI World Cup team as skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> didn't like him. All-rounder Vijay Shankar was called to replace Rayudu whose non-selection had created a furor among the fans and former India players alike.
"If he (Virat Kohli) didn't like anyone, he didn't feel someone is good, then they were cut. (Ambati) Rayudu is the prime example. You feel bad. Everybody has preferences, I agree but you cannot close the door on a player after taking him to the cusp. He had World Cup clothes, World Cup kit bag, everything was there at his home. A player would be thinking that he is going to the World Cup. But you shut the door on him. That wasn't fair according to me," Uthappa shared during an interview with news outlet Lallantop.
Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shreyas-iyer-punjab-kings-first-indian-player-to-lead-three-ipl-teams-8618414">IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer creates unique record as Punjab Kings captain</a>
India went till semi-final stage of the 2019 ODI WC before losing to New Zealand by 13 runs. Rayudu's replacement Shankar played three games in the tournament, scoring 58 runs with a best of 29.
<h2>Rayudu's Career in Numbers</h2>
Rayudu, who is now retired, made his debut for India in 2013 and went on to play 55 ODIs. He played his last 50-over game for India in March 2019 - four months before the ICC ODI World Cup.
In the 55 matches, Rayudu scored 1,694 runs at a healthy average of 47. He also hit three hundreds and 10 fifties with a best of 124 not out. Rayudu also played six T20Is for India, scoring 42 runs with a best of 20.
The batter also played 14 seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2009-10 to 2023. He played for the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in his 204 IPL matches.
In the cash-rich league, Rayudu scored 4,348 runs at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 127.54. He also hit 22 fifties and one hundred with a best of 100 not out.

All-rounder Vijay Shankar was called to replace Ambati Rayudu in India's 2019 ODI WC team whose non-selection had created a furor. Sports Cricket

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has revealed that Ambati Rayudu was dropped from India's 2019 ODI World Cup team as skipper Virat Kohli didn't like him. All-rounder Vijay Shankar was called to replace Rayudu whose non-selection had created a furor among the fans and former India players alike. "If he (Virat Kohli) didn't like anyone, he didn't feel someone is good, then they were cut. (Ambati) Rayudu is the prime example. You feel bad. Everybody has preferences, I agree but you cannot close the door on a player after taking him to the cusp. He had World Cup clothes, World Cup kit bag, everything was there at his home. A player would be thinking that he is going to the World Cup. But you shut the door on him. That wasn't fair according to me," Uthappa shared during an interview with news outlet Lallantop. Also Read - IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer creates unique record as Punjab Kings captain India went till semi-final stage of the 2019 ODI WC before losing to New Zealand by 13 runs. Rayudu's replacement Shankar played three games in the tournament, scoring 58 runs with a best of 29. Rayudu's Career in Numbers Rayudu, who is now retired, made his debut for India in 2013 and went on to play 55 ODIs. He played his last 50-over game for India in March 2019 - four months before the ICC ODI World Cup. In the 55 matches, Rayudu scored 1,694 runs at a healthy average of 47. He also hit three hundreds and 10 fifties with a best of 124 not out. Rayudu also played six T20Is for India, scoring 42 runs with a best of 20. The batter also played 14 seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2009-10 to 2023. He played for the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in his 204 IPL matches. In the cash-rich league, Rayudu scored 4,348 runs at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 127.54. He also hit 22 fifties and one hundred with a best of 100 not out.

Robin Uthappa says Virat Kohli 'didn't like' Ambati Rayudu, cut him from India's 2019 ODI World Cup team

Most Runs in India vs England T20Is

Virat Kohli

Jos Buttler

Rohit Sharma

Jason Roy

Eoin Morgan

Alex Hales

Suryakumar Yadav

Sports Cricket: Kohli (648), Jos Buttler (498), Rohit (467), Jason Roy (356), Eoin Morgan (347), Alex Hales (331), Suryakumar (331) have hit most runs in India vs England T20Is.

Most International Runs for India Since 2020 (As of Jan 2025)

7. Suryakumar Yadav

6. Rishabh Pant

5. Shreyas Iyer

3. Shubman Gill

2. Rohit Sharma

1. Virat Kohli

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Most International Runs for India Since 2020 ft Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill as India prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Legendary England bowler Steve Harmison has slammed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=ICC" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">International Cricket Council </a>(ICC) over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Sam+Konstas" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sam Konstas</a>-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Virat+Kohli" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli</a> row in the Boxing Day Test. In a heated exchange, Virat brushed Konstas&rsquo; shoulder on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test where the latter was on debut. The incident was reported to the match referee upon which Virat was handed one demerit point and 20 per cent match fees. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Harmison slams ICC<o:p></o:p></h2>
&ldquo;What happened with Kohli there &ndash; Kohli was bang out of order. Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there&rsquo;s a line, and you do not cross it,&rdquo; Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast.<o:p></o:p>
The incident took place during the opening session after India asked Australia to bat first, and debutant Konstas came out all guns blazing. He attacked from the word go, including taking on Jasprit Bumrah, and Kohli came towards him -- in between overs -- and shouldered the newcomer, receiving flak from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the end of the day's play.<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jaspirt-bumrah-leads-from-the-front-sunil-gavaskar-endorses-pacer-for-indian-teams-captaincy-8603805" aria-label="'Jaspirt Bumrah leads from the front': Sunil Gavaskar endorses pacer for Indian team's captaincy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Jaspirt Bumrah leads from the front': Sunil Gavaskar endorses pacer for Indian team's captaincy</a>
According to Harmison, Virat should have been banned for at least one match and therefore should not have played in the SCG Test. However, no strict action was taken with the former India captain getting one demerit point. At least four demerit points are needed to trigger an automatic suspension. So Virat got away and was available for the SCG Test.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Interestingly, after the SCG Test, Konstas admitted that he admired Virat and is a big fan of the India batter. The two could soon meet in the Champions Trophy if both make it to their respective national squads. <o:p></o:p>
India would only meet Australia in the semifinal or later stage as they are paired with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.<o:p></o:p>

Sports, Cricket: In a heated exchange during the MCG Test, Virat Kohli brushed Sam Konstas’ shoulder on Day 1 when the latter was on debut resulting in a row.

Legendary England bowler Steve Harmison has slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the Sam Konstas-Virat Kohli row in the Boxing Day Test. In a heated exchange, Virat brushed Konstas’ shoulder on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test where the latter was on debut. The incident was reported to the match referee upon which Virat was handed one demerit point and 20 per cent match fees. Harmison slams ICC “What happened with Kohli there – Kohli was bang out of order. Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there’s a line, and you do not cross it,” Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast. The incident took place during the opening session after India asked Australia to bat first, and debutant Konstas came out all guns blazing. He attacked from the word go, including taking on Jasprit Bumrah, and Kohli came towards him -- in between overs -- and shouldered the newcomer, receiving flak from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the end of the day's play. ALSO READ | 'Jaspirt Bumrah leads from the front': Sunil Gavaskar endorses pacer for Indian team's captaincy According to Harmison, Virat should have been banned for at least one match and therefore should not have played in the SCG Test. However, no strict action was taken with the former India captain getting one demerit point. At least four demerit points are needed to trigger an automatic suspension. So Virat got away and was available for the SCG Test. Interestingly, after the SCG Test, Konstas admitted that he admired Virat and is a big fan of the India batter. The two could soon meet in the Champions Trophy if both make it to their respective national squads. India would only meet Australia in the semifinal or later stage as they are paired with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.

England legend slams ICC over Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas row in MCG Test

Most Runs for India in ICC White-Ball Tournaments

7. Rahul Dravid

6. MS Dhoni

5. Sourav Ganguly

4. Yuvraj Singh

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Most Runs for India in ICC White-Ball Tournaments ft Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar as Champions Trophy 2025 gets closer. 

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra claimed that Rohit Sharma's Test career isn't as glorious as Virat Kohli's. Recently, Hitman has been under the radar since his sub-par performance in the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, where India lost 1-3 to the hosts. He ended with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 whereas his average was a woeful 24.76 in whites in 2024. Chopra has compared Rohit's Test run with Kohli and analysed the current Indian captain's Test numbers in depth.
<h2>'Virat has played 123 Tests and Rohit has played only 67'</h2>
On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "His (Rohit) Test career is not as glorious as Virat's because Virat has played 123 Tests and he has played only 67. He has been a bit of a late bloomer. He has scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 116 innings in those 67 games. Kohli's average, despite going down, is around 47."
Analysing Rohit's Test numbers since 2020, Chopra noted, "Let's start from 1st January 2020 till the end of 2024, which means the last five years. He has played 35 matches, Kohli played 39 matches and 69 innings, and he has played 63 innings. He has scored 2,160 runs at an average of 36, which includes six centuries. He didn't play in 2020. In 2021, he played 11 matches, 21 innings, and scored 906 runs at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Not bad. If you go at an average of nearly 48, thumbs up, it will be considered a good year. So Rohit Sharma 100 per cent pass in 2021."
"He played only two matches in 2022. It's been a problem with him that he has been injured a lot. He has never played an entire series in Australia. In 2022, he scored 90 runs at an average of 30 in three innings. Since it's only two matches, it's too small a sample size to say that the year wasn't good," the former cricketer further opined.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-was-very-sam-konstas-reveals-surprise-chat-with-legend-virat-kohli-after-border-gavaskar-trophy-8600904" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT</a>
<h2>'Rohit's 2024 second half was so ordinary that people have written obituaries'</h2>
Chopra added, "He played eight matches in 2023 and scored 545 runs at an average of 41.92 in 13 innings in which he scored two centuries again. So 2023 was not a bad year. An average of nearly 42, you will have to say that it was okay.&nbsp;2024 hasn't been a good year. The first half was okay but the second half was extremely ordinary and it has become so ordinary that people have written obituaries. He scored 400 runs in the five-match series against England and that is why he has an average of 24 in 2024. He scored 619 in 14 matches. He struck two centuries here also."
Under Kohli's captaincy, Rohit's Test career saw a flourish when he was promoted as an opener. Since his promotion as an opening batter, the 37-year-old slammed nine centuries, taking his tally to 12. All of his dozen tons have come in winning causes, however, Hitman's form has taken a huge dip in recent months. His woes against seamers and limited footwork have been exposed time and again, and subsequently, he is facing the heat to retire from Tests.
&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports | Rohit Sharma's Test career not as glorious as Virat Kohli's: Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra makes SENSATIONAL claim, analyses Hitman's numbers

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra claimed that Rohit Sharma's Test career isn't as glorious as Virat Kohli's. Recently, Hitman has been under the radar since his sub-par performance in the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, where India lost 1-3 to the hosts. He ended with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 whereas his average was a woeful 24.76 in whites in 2024. Chopra has compared Rohit's Test run with Kohli and analysed the current Indian captain's Test numbers in depth. 'Virat has played 123 Tests and Rohit has played only 67' On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "His (Rohit) Test career is not as glorious as Virat's because Virat has played 123 Tests and he has played only 67. He has been a bit of a late bloomer. He has scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 116 innings in those 67 games. Kohli's average, despite going down, is around 47." Analysing Rohit's Test numbers since 2020, Chopra noted, "Let's start from 1st January 2020 till the end of 2024, which means the last five years. He has played 35 matches, Kohli played 39 matches and 69 innings, and he has played 63 innings. He has scored 2,160 runs at an average of 36, which includes six centuries. He didn't play in 2020. In 2021, he played 11 matches, 21 innings, and scored 906 runs at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Not bad. If you go at an average of nearly 48, thumbs up, it will be considered a good year. So Rohit Sharma 100 per cent pass in 2021." "He played only two matches in 2022. It's been a problem with him that he has been injured a lot. He has never played an entire series in Australia. In 2022, he scored 90 runs at an average of 30 in three innings. Since it's only two matches, it's too small a sample size to say that the year wasn't good," the former cricketer further opined. Also read: Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT 'Rohit's 2024 second half was so ordinary that people have written obituaries' Chopra added, "He played eight matches in 2023 and scored 545 runs at an average of 41.92 in 13 innings in which he scored two centuries again. So 2023 was not a bad year. An average of nearly 42, you will have to say that it was okay. 2024 hasn't been a good year. The first half was okay but the second half was extremely ordinary and it has become so ordinary that people have written obituaries. He scored 400 runs in the five-match series against England and that is why he has an average of 24 in 2024. He scored 619 in 14 matches. He struck two centuries here also." Under Kohli's captaincy, Rohit's Test career saw a flourish when he was promoted as an opener. Since his promotion as an opening batter, the 37-year-old slammed nine centuries, taking his tally to 12. All of his dozen tons have come in winning causes, however, Hitman's form has taken a huge dip in recent months. His woes against seamers and limited footwork have been exposed time and again, and subsequently, he is facing the heat to retire from Tests.

Rohit's Test career not as glorious as Kohli's, claims ex-Indian opener

Top Performing Indians in Latest ICC Rankings

7. Rohit Sharma (Batter)

6. Virat Kohli (Batter)

5. Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder)

4. Rishabh Pant (Batting)

3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Batting)

2. Ravindra Jadeja (Bowler)

1. Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler)

Sports, Cricket Web Stories: Top Performing Indians in Latest ICC Rankings ft Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli with the nation losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australian opener Sam Konstas revealed his surprise chat with Virat Kohli post the duo's fiery exchange in the fourth and penultimate Test, of the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne. Konstas made his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and smashed a brilliant 60 in his maiden outing. During his knock, he was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli, who shouldered him between overs. Post the BGT, Konstas spoke about his chat with Kohli after the MCG Test.
<h2>'I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game'</h2>
"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/konstas-and-bumrah-fight-scg-sam-konstas-acknowledges-fault-in-fight-with-jasprit-bumrah-at-scg-8599369" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG</a>
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<div class="recommended__story">"He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He&rsquo;s truly a legend of the game."</div>
<div class="recommended__story"></div>
<div class="recommended__story">Konstas even had a heated argument with Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth and final Test of the series, at the SCG, Sydney. While the right-hander, who is deemed to be David Warner's replacement at the top, returned with scores of 60, 8, 23 and 22, the 19-year-old impressed many with his self-confidence and ability to take on bowlers and even not back down from verbal duels with big players.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="recommended__story"></div>
<div class="recommended__story">Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India 3-1 in the just-concluded BGT edition to regain the elusive trophy for the first time since 2017. Before this, Australia won the BGT in the 2014-15 edition at home. With the series win, they have also confirmed a spot in the WTC 2025 final, where they will meet South Africa at Lord's on June 11.</div>
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Cricket, Sports | 'He was very...', Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 edition 

Australian opener Sam Konstas revealed his surprise chat with Virat Kohli post the duo's fiery exchange in the fourth and penultimate Test, of the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne. Konstas made his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and smashed a brilliant 60 in his maiden outing. During his knock, he was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli, who shouldered him between overs. Post the BGT, Konstas spoke about his chat with Kohli after the MCG Test. 'I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game' "I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game." Also read: Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG "He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game." Konstas even had a heated argument with Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth and final Test of the series, at the SCG, Sydney. While the right-hander, who is deemed to be David Warner's replacement at the top, returned with scores of 60, 8, 23 and 22, the 19-year-old impressed many with his self-confidence and ability to take on bowlers and even not back down from verbal duels with big players. Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India 3-1 in the just-concluded BGT edition to regain the elusive trophy for the first time since 2017. Before this, Australia won the BGT in the 2014-15 edition at home. With the series win, they have also confirmed a spot in the WTC 2025 final, where they will meet South Africa at Lord's on June 11.

Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT

Batters With Most Balls Faced In 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Series

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Steve Smith

Marnus Labuchagne

KL Rahul

Travis Head

Nitish Reddy

Rishabh Pant

Cricket, Sports | Batters With Most Balls Faced In 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Series Jaiswal Smith Labuschagne Rahul Head Nitish Pant Kohli Washington Smith

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid ongoing criticism. The duo is under a lot of heat for the batting performance after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) loss</a> against Australia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-win-mumbai-test-to-claim-series-3-0-becomes-first-team-to-whitewash-india-in-india-772907">0-3 whitewash</a> in home Test series against New Zealand prior to that.
&ldquo;These people have played much more cricket than I have. I can only give my opinion and that is that when players don't perform it is very easy to criticise them. Supporting them is difficult. Media's job is to say bad things about them, my job is to support my friends and my brothers. For me, they are my family. Simple,&rdquo; said Yuvraj, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/konstas-and-bumrah-fight-scg-sam-konstas-acknowledges-fault-in-fight-with-jasprit-bumrah-at-scg-8599369">Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG</a>
<h2>Kohli and Rohit face heat for poor form</h2>
Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests in BGT at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-retirement-news-sanjay-manjrekar-says-playing-for-india-not-rohit-decision-8593625">failed miserably</a> in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20.&nbsp;
Yuvraj, however, did not defend India's loss against New Zealand and dubbed it as unacceptable.
&ldquo;In my opinion the loss to New Zealand hurts more than this because that was at home. That was not acceptable. This is still acceptable because we have lost in Australia after winning there twice. Australia have been a dominant side for the last so many years,&rdquo; he said.
Talking about their future and of India cricket team, the 2013 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exuded confidence in their ability to bounce back.
&ldquo;They are among the greatest cricketers of their time. Yes they lost but they would be much more hurt by that than us. I am sure India will bounce back. I feel that Gautam Gambhir as coach, Ajit Agarkar as selector; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah - they are the best minds in cricket right now. They have to decide what's the way for the future for Indian cricket. I am sure this will be discussed with the BCCI,&rdquo; Yuvraj added.

Cricket Sports Yuvraj Singh has backed under fire Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Australia defeated India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid ongoing criticism. The duo is under a lot of heat for the batting performance after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) loss against Australia and 0-3 whitewash in home Test series against New Zealand prior to that. “These people have played much more cricket than I have. I can only give my opinion and that is that when players don't perform it is very easy to criticise them. Supporting them is difficult. Media's job is to say bad things about them, my job is to support my friends and my brothers. For me, they are my family. Simple,” said Yuvraj, as quoted by news agency PTI. Also Read: Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG Kohli and Rohit face heat for poor form Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests in BGT at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Yuvraj, however, did not defend India's loss against New Zealand and dubbed it as unacceptable. “In my opinion the loss to New Zealand hurts more than this because that was at home. That was not acceptable. This is still acceptable because we have lost in Australia after winning there twice. Australia have been a dominant side for the last so many years,” he said. Talking about their future and of India cricket team, the 2013 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exuded confidence in their ability to bounce back. “They are among the greatest cricketers of their time. Yes they lost but they would be much more hurt by that than us. I am sure India will bounce back. I feel that Gautam Gambhir as coach, Ajit Agarkar as selector; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah - they are the best minds in cricket right now. They have to decide what's the way for the future for Indian cricket. I am sure this will be discussed with the BCCI,” Yuvraj added.

'Supporting them is difficult,' Yuvraj backs under fire Virat & Rohit

Highest Test Average For Indian Captains Away From Home

Sachin Tendulkar

Rahul Dravid

Sourav Ganguly

Mohammed Azharuddin

Sunil Gavaskar

Mansoor Ali

Cricket, Sports | Highest Test Average For Indian Captains Away From Home Sachin Tendulkar Virat Kohli Sourav Ganguly Sunil Gavaskar Mohammed Azharuddin 

BGT 2024-25: Batters To Score A Hundred In Series

Nitish Kumar Reddy

BGT 2024-25 Stats: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Reddy and Virat Kohli scored a hundred each for India while Steve Smith and Travis Head scored two each for Australia. Cricket Sports 

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said on Sunday that it'll be 'sad' if Virat Kohli doesn't come to Australia again. The comments come after questions on Virat Kohli's future amid his poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">India lost 1-3</a>.&nbsp;
"It's always been a wonderful contest. More than just the runs that he scored, he brings a bit of theatre to the game which is sometimes good and sometimes it can rile you up as an opposition, which I'm sure is part of his plans," Cummins said while talking to reporters after winning the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5).
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-virat-kohli-teases-australian-crowd-with-sandpaper-gesture-during-scg-test-watch-8593275">BGT: Kohli teases Australian crowd with &lsquo;sandpaper&rsquo; gesture during SCG Test</a>
"Really enjoyed playing with him. You know, he's been one of the the star batters for the last decade or so. You know, if you get his wicket it goes a long way to winning a game so yeah, it will be sad if it's his last series." he added.
<h2>Shadow over Virat Kohli's Test Future&nbsp;</h2>
Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Test at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth.
The major concern was how Kohli got out rather the runs he scored. The batter was dismissed poking outside the off-stump seven times in the series - showcasing that the cover drive, once his strength, has now turned into his weakness.
Apart from Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Rohit missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-this-is-not-a-retirement-decision-rohit-sharma-breaks-silence-on-scg-test-omission-8590113">sat out of Sydney Test</a> owing to poor form.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, has left the ball in the players' court <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-i-would-like-everyone-to-play-domestic-cricket-coach-gautam-gambhir-reflects-on-indias-second-test-series-loss-on-trot-8592547">when asked about the retirement</a> plans of Kohli and Rohit.

Sports, Cricket Virat Kohli News Australia skipper Pat Cummins lauds India's Kohli for bringing theatric to game after India lost BGT 1-3 following the Sydney Test loss.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said on Sunday that it'll be 'sad' if Virat Kohli doesn't come to Australia again. The comments come after questions on Virat Kohli's future amid his poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) which India lost 1-3. "It's always been a wonderful contest. More than just the runs that he scored, he brings a bit of theatre to the game which is sometimes good and sometimes it can rile you up as an opposition, which I'm sure is part of his plans," Cummins said while talking to reporters after winning the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5). Also Watch: BGT: Kohli teases Australian crowd with ‘sandpaper’ gesture during SCG Test "Really enjoyed playing with him. You know, he's been one of the the star batters for the last decade or so. You know, if you get his wicket it goes a long way to winning a game so yeah, it will be sad if it's his last series." he added. Shadow over Virat Kohli's Test Future Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Test at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. The major concern was how Kohli got out rather the runs he scored. The batter was dismissed poking outside the off-stump seven times in the series - showcasing that the cover drive, once his strength, has now turned into his weakness. Apart from Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Rohit missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child and sat out of Sydney Test owing to poor form. India head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, has left the ball in the players' court when asked about the retirement plans of Kohli and Rohit.

Pat Cummins reacts on possibility of Virat Kohli not touring Australia again

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