IPL 2024 has brought a few memorable moments for the fans, but Virat Kohli hugging Gautam Gambhir is perhaps the best. This out-of-the-blue incident happened during the strategic timeout during RCB’s innings, when Virat was batting, and Gambhir hopped onto the field to give some pep talk to KKR players. Two Delhi boys met generously and hugged it out in a lighter yet beautiful moment.&nbsp;

You can watch the video here –

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Our favourite strategic timeout ever 🫂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioCinema?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioCinema</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JioCinemaSports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JioCinemaSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/A50VPhD6RI">pic.twitter.com/A50VPhD6RI</a>
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema/status/1773734957208211780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Why is this hug special?</h2>

For those wondering what makes two former India cricketers hugging it out on the field special, be told that these two stalwarts have been involved in a couple of famous verbal volleys in this competition. From the days when Gautam was leading KKR and Virat was a youngster on the RCB side, both have got on each other’s nerves a couple of times.

The most famous incident happened during the 2013 edition, where after Kohli’s dismissal, Gautam gave him a fiery send-off, irking Kohli to revert, leading to both getting onto each other’s faces. It took more than two players to separate these two.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-kkr-end-away-wins-jinx-in-rcbs-backyard-with-emphatic-seven-wicket-victory-in-bengaluru-705742">IPL 2024: KKR end away wins jinx in RCB's backyard with emphatic seven-wicket victory in Bengaluru</a>

However, the latest instance occurred during last season, when LSG mentor Gautam approached Virat after the latter got involved in a heated argument with their overseas bowler, Naveen-ul-Haq, during the game. That clip also broke the internet as both teams rushed into that moment to separate both.

Moreover, Gautam, during a pre-recorded interview with Star Sports ahead of the RCB vs KKR tie, admitted that throughout his career, he always wanted to beat RCB, be it as a player, captain, mentor or coach. Detailing more on this, Gambhir said RCB hasn’t won anything in 16 years in this competition and yet carries the attitude of a team that has won several accolades.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GautamGambhir</a> thinks <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> have massively underachieved in the past despite having <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/henrygayle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@henrygayle</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> 😬 
 
Gambhir dreams of getting back on the field and beat Kohli &amp; team yet again! 😱 
 
Don't miss Gambhir's Kolkata take on Virat's Bangalore! 💥… <a href="https://t.co/Vvx6YNmqNS">pic.twitter.com/Vvx6YNmqNS</a>
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1773657611423908295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h3>KKR crush RCB in Bengaluru</h3>

Batting first, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 182 for six in 20 overs, with their star batter Virat Kohli remaining unbeaten on 83 off 59 balls, hitting four sixes and as many fours.&nbsp;

However, the touring KKR side made a mockery of this chase, winning it inside 17 overs with seven wickets remaining. Beginning from the openers – Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, the pair smashed RCB bowlers to all parts of the ground, striking at over 150. Venkatesh Iyer completed a fifty, and Captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls.&nbsp;

With this win, KKR bagged two crucial points, while RCB is yet to open its account this season.&nbsp;

IPL 2024 has brought a few memorable moments for the fans, but Virat Kohli hugging Gautam Gambhir is perhaps the best. This out-of-the-blue incident happened during the strategic timeout during RCB’s innings, when Virat was batting, and Gambhir hopped onto the field to give some pep talk to KKR players.

IPL 2024 has brought a few memorable moments for the fans, but Virat Kohli hugging Gautam Gambhir is perhaps the best. This out-of-the-blue incident happened during the strategic timeout during RCB’s innings, when Virat was batting, and Gambhir hopped onto the field to give some pep talk to KKR players. Two Delhi boys met generously and hugged it out in a lighter yet beautiful moment. You can watch the video here – Our favourite strategic timeout ever 🫂#IPLonJioCinema #RCBvKKR #TATAIPL #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/A50VPhD6RI — JioCinema (@JioCinema) March 29, 2024 × Why is this hug special? For those wondering what makes two former India cricketers hugging it out on the field special, be told that these two stalwarts have been involved in a couple of famous verbal volleys in this competition. From the days when Gautam was leading KKR and Virat was a youngster on the RCB side, both have got on each other’s nerves a couple of times. The most famous incident happened during the 2013 edition, where after Kohli’s dismissal, Gautam gave him a fiery send-off, irking Kohli to revert, leading to both getting onto each other’s faces. It took more than two players to separate these two. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: KKR end away wins jinx in RCB's backyard with emphatic seven-wicket victory in Bengaluru However, the latest instance occurred during last season, when LSG mentor Gautam approached Virat after the latter got involved in a heated argument with their overseas bowler, Naveen-ul-Haq, during the game. That clip also broke the internet as both teams rushed into that moment to separate both. Moreover, Gautam, during a pre-recorded interview with Star Sports ahead of the RCB vs KKR tie, admitted that throughout his career, he always wanted to beat RCB, be it as a player, captain, mentor or coach. Detailing more on this, Gambhir said RCB hasn’t won anything in 16 years in this competition and yet carries the attitude of a team that has won several accolades. .@GautamGambhir thinks @RCBTweets have massively underachieved in the past despite having @imVkohli, @henrygayle and @ABdeVilliers17 😬 Gambhir dreams of getting back on the field and beat Kohli & team yet again! 😱 Don't miss Gambhir's Kolkata take on Virat's Bangalore! 💥… pic.twitter.com/Vvx6YNmqNS — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 29, 2024 × KKR crush RCB in Bengaluru Batting first, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 182 for six in 20 overs, with their star batter Virat Kohli remaining unbeaten on 83 off 59 balls, hitting four sixes and as many fours. However, the touring KKR side made a mockery of this chase, winning it inside 17 overs with seven wickets remaining. Beginning from the openers – Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, the pair smashed RCB bowlers to all parts of the ground, striking at over 150. Venkatesh Iyer completed a fifty, and Captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls. With this win, KKR bagged two crucial points, while RCB is yet to open its account this season.

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir hug it out during RCB-KKR tie in Bengaluru – Watch Video

For the first time in IPL history, two modern-day greats – Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc, will go up against each other when RCB hosts KKR in game 10 of IPL 2024 on Friday (March 29). Having faced each other countless times since Starc’s international debut more than a decade ago, the two giants of world cricket will finally face off in this premier T20 competition. Starc’s national-side teammate, Steve Smith, feels Kohli will be aware of the challenge against his formidable opponent.

The left-arm seamer, who last took on India great during the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia won the contest for the record sixth time, failed to pick his wicket then. However, Starc’s last IPL run came in 2014 and 2015 with the RCB under Kohli's captaincy.

Speaking ahead of another blockbuster tie in IPL 2024, Smith said he is looking forward to watching this mouth-watering clash between Kohli and Starc, saying both must have their plans ready to tackle the other. However, spotting Kohli’s weakness against the incoming ball, mostly via a left-arm seamer, Smith feels Starc would like to take advantage of it.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unmukt-chand-dropped-as-corey-anderson-harmeet-singh-named-in-usa-t20-squad-705513">Unmukt Chand dropped as Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh named in USA T20 squad</a>

"I quite like [Starc's] match-up to Virat, the ability to swing the ball back down the line as a lefty," Steve Smith said.&nbsp;

"We have seen him [Kohli] get out on a few occasions to Shaheen Afridi, Trent Boult and Mohammad Amir. In the first game against Punjab Kings, Kohli had an opportunity off Sam Curran dropped at slip. So I quite like the left-handed match-up,” Smith added.

<h2>How will Starc get Kohli out?</h2>

Detailing further on Starc’s possible plan against Kohli, Smith said Starc loves bringing the new ball back and doing that upfront or getting him nicked off a wobble seam.

However, he also talked about how Virat can attack Starc by just coming down the line to him, disallowing the ball to move enough early on.

"Starcy's going to swing the ball back down the line early on, I'd imagine, and then use the wobble seam to go across him [Kohli], and potentially try and nick him off," Smith said.&nbsp;

"It's going to be a good game, and I'm aware Virat would know how Starc's trying to attack him as well - whether he tries to potentially come down the track [to] just take the swing out of play [we'll see]. It's going to be interesting to see how he counters it,” Smith continued.&nbsp;

Although both are yet to face off in this competition, Starc hasn’t dismissed Kohli in T20s (international and now-defunct Champions League), leaking 47 runs.&nbsp;

For the first time in IPL history, two modern-day greats – Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc, will go up against each other when RCB hosts KKR in game 10 of IPL 2024 on Friday (March 29).

For the first time in IPL history, two modern-day greats – Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc, will go up against each other when RCB hosts KKR in game 10 of IPL 2024 on Friday (March 29). Having faced each other countless times since Starc’s international debut more than a decade ago, the two giants of world cricket will finally face off in this premier T20 competition. Starc’s national-side teammate, Steve Smith, feels Kohli will be aware of the challenge against his formidable opponent. The left-arm seamer, who last took on India great during the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia won the contest for the record sixth time, failed to pick his wicket then. However, Starc’s last IPL run came in 2014 and 2015 with the RCB under Kohli's captaincy. Speaking ahead of another blockbuster tie in IPL 2024, Smith said he is looking forward to watching this mouth-watering clash between Kohli and Starc, saying both must have their plans ready to tackle the other. However, spotting Kohli’s weakness against the incoming ball, mostly via a left-arm seamer, Smith feels Starc would like to take advantage of it. ALSO READ: Unmukt Chand dropped as Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh named in USA T20 squad "I quite like [Starc's] match-up to Virat, the ability to swing the ball back down the line as a lefty," Steve Smith said. "We have seen him [Kohli] get out on a few occasions to Shaheen Afridi, Trent Boult and Mohammad Amir. In the first game against Punjab Kings, Kohli had an opportunity off Sam Curran dropped at slip. So I quite like the left-handed match-up,” Smith added. How will Starc get Kohli out? Detailing further on Starc’s possible plan against Kohli, Smith said Starc loves bringing the new ball back and doing that upfront or getting him nicked off a wobble seam. However, he also talked about how Virat can attack Starc by just coming down the line to him, disallowing the ball to move enough early on. "Starcy's going to swing the ball back down the line early on, I'd imagine, and then use the wobble seam to go across him [Kohli], and potentially try and nick him off," Smith said. "It's going to be a good game, and I'm aware Virat would know how Starc's trying to attack him as well - whether he tries to potentially come down the track [to] just take the swing out of play [we'll see]. It's going to be interesting to see how he counters it,” Smith continued. Although both are yet to face off in this competition, Starc hasn’t dismissed Kohli in T20s (international and now-defunct Champions League), leaking 47 runs.

IPL 2024: ‘I am interested to see how Virat tackles Starc,’ says Steve Smith on blockbuster RCB v KKR clash

In the first episode of the third season of the&nbsp;Peaky Blinders, the protagonist gangster Thomas Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy) gathers all the men in his family in the kitchen just before his wedding. Fervently smoking a cigarette with a red face, he stands in the centre of their circle and tells them all the things they shouldn’t do to prevent him being embarrassed.

&nbsp;“But the main thing is… despite the provocation from the cavalry, no fighting,” he says, before going around in the circle and pointing to each face and repeating “no fighting” with increasing volume. When he’s done, a waiter carrying a drink just clips him on the back and he throws him on the ground, hurling furious expletives with the cigarette still in his mouth.

It’s pure cinema. An intense scene of an intense drama that you can’t help but watch and laugh at. And you’d feel something similar would be going on in the dressing rooms of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, ahead of their high-octane clash in IPL 2024.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-match-10-royal-challengers-bengaluru-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-match-preview-and-result-prediction-705427">IPL 2024, Match 10, Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Match preview and result prediction</a>

It’s tournament’s oldest rivalry beginning at the same ground in 2008, also kicking off the behemoth that is the IPL. It’s mostly known for the captains’ Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli coming together after the latter’s wicket and a lot of sledging (at the same venue, again), only to be separated by another Delhi boy, Rajat Bhatia.

There's been a lot of bad blood between the teams since, but not many remember who won the game that day. KKR scored 154/8 in the first innings, but who’d remember that it all started with Gambhir’s war-of-words with Moises Henriques in the first innings, after which a charged-up Kohli missed four run-out chances, two of them difficult but two regulation ones?

The score was clearly under-par for a batting delight of a track, but the second innings was always going to be decided by emotions. KKR allowed Chris Gayle to get away with too many short balls, and he won the game single-handedly. But what went on at the other end was telling: before getting out, Kohli played out a maiden over, and AB de Villiers continued that serene momentum with a run-a-ball 22 deprived of any risks whatsoever.

The message would have certainly been sent out by the coach Ray Jennings to control the emotions and with it, the tempo of the innings. When it’s two of the most emotion-fuelled franchises in the tournament, with massive fanbases in front of perhaps the most partisan and loving crowd in the competition, the most important thing is to not get carried away.

Kohli has gained more love of late for putting up a calmer figure, but it’s been less than a year since his second altercation with Gambhir, who was the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)’s mentor at the time. That happened after the match was done, and the now-KKR mentor jumped in between a players’ issue. But again, it was RCB that came out victorious.

Friday is again set up similarly. KKR are unbeaten in the last five matches at Chinnaswamy thanks to a calming aura and tactical superiority. But home sides are yet to lose in IPL 2024.

Both teams are coming off thrilling last-over wins, and you don’t want to give up momentum after such games. Both teams have characters who can spark fire any time — Nitish Rana, Harshit Rana, Alzaari Joseph, Mohammed Siraj, Mitchell Starc apart from Kohli and Gambhir — playing in front of a crowd that has tasted the sweet blood of wins.

It’s going to be neck-and-neck and on the face. Whichever team’s players can bring out their inner Rajat Bhatia and let the tactics do the talking, would have the upper hand.

In the first episode of the third season of the Peaky Blinders, the protagonist gangster Thomas Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy) gathers all the men in his family in the kitchen just before his wedding.

In the first episode of the third season of the Peaky Blinders, the protagonist gangster Thomas Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy) gathers all the men in his family in the kitchen just before his wedding. Fervently smoking a cigarette with a red face, he stands in the centre of their circle and tells them all the things they shouldn’t do to prevent him being embarrassed. “But the main thing is… despite the provocation from the cavalry, no fighting,” he says, before going around in the circle and pointing to each face and repeating “no fighting” with increasing volume. When he’s done, a waiter carrying a drink just clips him on the back and he throws him on the ground, hurling furious expletives with the cigarette still in his mouth. It’s pure cinema. An intense scene of an intense drama that you can’t help but watch and laugh at. And you’d feel something similar would be going on in the dressing rooms of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, ahead of their high-octane clash in IPL 2024. ALSO READ: IPL 2024, Match 10, Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Match preview and result prediction It’s tournament’s oldest rivalry beginning at the same ground in 2008, also kicking off the behemoth that is the IPL. It’s mostly known for the captains’ Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli coming together after the latter’s wicket and a lot of sledging (at the same venue, again), only to be separated by another Delhi boy, Rajat Bhatia. There's been a lot of bad blood between the teams since, but not many remember who won the game that day. KKR scored 154/8 in the first innings, but who’d remember that it all started with Gambhir’s war-of-words with Moises Henriques in the first innings, after which a charged-up Kohli missed four run-out chances, two of them difficult but two regulation ones? The score was clearly under-par for a batting delight of a track, but the second innings was always going to be decided by emotions. KKR allowed Chris Gayle to get away with too many short balls, and he won the game single-handedly. But what went on at the other end was telling: before getting out, Kohli played out a maiden over, and AB de Villiers continued that serene momentum with a run-a-ball 22 deprived of any risks whatsoever. The message would have certainly been sent out by the coach Ray Jennings to control the emotions and with it, the tempo of the innings. When it’s two of the most emotion-fuelled franchises in the tournament, with massive fanbases in front of perhaps the most partisan and loving crowd in the competition, the most important thing is to not get carried away. Kohli has gained more love of late for putting up a calmer figure, but it’s been less than a year since his second altercation with Gambhir, who was the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)’s mentor at the time. That happened after the match was done, and the now-KKR mentor jumped in between a players’ issue. But again, it was RCB that came out victorious. Friday is again set up similarly. KKR are unbeaten in the last five matches at Chinnaswamy thanks to a calming aura and tactical superiority. But home sides are yet to lose in IPL 2024. Both teams are coming off thrilling last-over wins, and you don’t want to give up momentum after such games. Both teams have characters who can spark fire any time — Nitish Rana, Harshit Rana, Alzaari Joseph, Mohammed Siraj, Mitchell Starc apart from Kohli and Gambhir — playing in front of a crowd that has tasted the sweet blood of wins. It’s going to be neck-and-neck and on the face. Whichever team’s players can bring out their inner Rajat Bhatia and let the tactics do the talking, would have the upper hand.

'No fighting' is key as IPL’s oldest rivalry between RCB and KKR reignites at M. Chinnaswamy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take inspiration from their women's counterpart to win their maiden title in the IPL 2024 edition, which kicks off on March 22 (Friday). RCB, under Faf du Plessis, open their campaign versus defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in the season-opener. The three-time runners-up will hope for a bright start and to go all the distance this time around after failing to reach the playoffs last year.&nbsp;

In the IPL 2024 mini-auction, held in Dubai in December 2023, the Virat Kohli-starrer added quite a few interesting names to their roster. Hence, there are strong hopes from the Bengaluru camp to go all the way in the upcoming season. At present, they are only among three sides (along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings) from the initial season who are yet to win a title. Will they turn it around this year? Only time will tell...

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-full-updated-squad-ipl-2024-chennai-super-kings-probable-playing-xi-replacement-captain-schedule-702685">CSK Full Updated squad: IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule</a>

<h2>Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2024 Details</h2>

Home ground: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Best Performance: Finalists in 2009, 2011, 2016

Captain: Faf du Plessis

<h2>Schedule:</h2>

Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru&nbsp;- March 22 - Chennai - 7:30 PM IST

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings - March 25 - Bengaluru - 7:30 PM IST

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders - March 29 - Bengaluru - 7:30 PM IST

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants - April 2 - Bengaluru - 7:30 PM IST

Rajasthan Royals vs&nbsp;Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Apri; 6 - Jaipur - 7:30 PM IST

RCB IPL 2024 probable playing XI:&nbsp;Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma/Mayank Dagar, Akash Deep/Yash Dayal

RCB players bought at&nbsp;IPL 2024&nbsp;auction::Alzarri Joseph (Rs. 11.50 crore), Yash Dayal (Rs. 5 crore), Tom Curran (Rs. 1.5 crore), Lockie Ferguson (Rs. 2 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 20 lakh), Saurav Chauhan (Rs. 20 lakh)

RCB Squad for IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (Traded), Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (Traded), Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take inspiration from their women's counterpart to win their maiden title in the IPL 2024 edition, which kicks off on March 22 (Friday).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take inspiration from their women's counterpart to win their maiden title in the IPL 2024 edition, which kicks off on March 22 (Friday). RCB, under Faf du Plessis, open their campaign versus defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in the season-opener. The three-time runners-up will hope for a bright start and to go all the distance this time around after failing to reach the playoffs last year. In the IPL 2024 mini-auction, held in Dubai in December 2023, the Virat Kohli-starrer added quite a few interesting names to their roster. Hence, there are strong hopes from the Bengaluru camp to go all the way in the upcoming season. At present, they are only among three sides (along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings) from the initial season who are yet to win a title. Will they turn it around this year? Only time will tell... Also read: CSK Full Updated squad: IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2024 Details Home ground: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Best Performance: Finalists in 2009, 2011, 2016 Captain: Faf du Plessis Schedule: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru - March 22 - Chennai - 7:30 PM IST Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings - March 25 - Bengaluru - 7:30 PM IST Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders - March 29 - Bengaluru - 7:30 PM IST Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants - April 2 - Bengaluru - 7:30 PM IST Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Apri; 6 - Jaipur - 7:30 PM IST RCB IPL 2024 probable playing XI: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma/Mayank Dagar, Akash Deep/Yash Dayal RCB players bought at IPL 2024 auction::Alzarri Joseph (Rs. 11.50 crore), Yash Dayal (Rs. 5 crore), Tom Curran (Rs. 1.5 crore), Lockie Ferguson (Rs. 2 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 20 lakh), Saurav Chauhan (Rs. 20 lakh) RCB Squad for IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (Traded), Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (Traded), Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan

RCB Full squad: IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule

Is this viral photo of star Cricketer Virat Kohli fake? What does it show? Kohli is sitting on a chair and apparently watching Rahul Gandhi's video. Claims are being made online that he likes Rahul Gandhi. But, what is the truth?

Fact Check: Is Virat Kohli watching Rahul Gandhi on his phone?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Kohli played an important role with 49-ball 77 during which he stepped out to PBKS pacers multiple times.&nbsp;

"Well I mean you have to (make additions to your game)," he said about playing pacers while stepping out as opposed to his natural game of playing from the crease.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-jasprit-bumrah-leaves-stuart-broad-steve-smith-speechless-with-ruthless-spell-against-gt-704096">Jasprit Bumrah leaves Stuart Broad, Steve Smith speechless with ruthless spell against GT</a>

"People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he's tall. So, I mean, if they're hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball.

"And once you're closer to the ball, you kind of negate the bounce that's going to happen. You meet it earlier.

"So, I mean, you have to come up with a game plan here and there and try to keep improving your game," Kohli added.

Kohli has returned to competitive cricket after two months in the IPL 2024 and will be the mainstay of RCB as they search for their maiden trophy.

As for the game against PBKS, RCB and Kohli were in command in chase of 177 till the 16th over. Two quick wickets including Kohli, however, pegged them back with 47 needed off the last 22 balls and four wickets in hand. RCB's impact player Mahipal Lomror and veteran Dinesh Karthik then added the rest of the runs in just 18 balls to take their team home.

Lomror hit an 8-ball 17 while Karthik smashed a 10-ball 28 as RCB chased the target in 19.2 overs. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his innings and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli says that one has to constantly make additions to their game to keep improving. Kohli made the comments after RCB pulled a heist against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 and won their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Kohli played an important role with 49-ball 77 during which he stepped out to PBKS pacers multiple times. "Well I mean you have to (make additions to your game)," he said about playing pacers while stepping out as opposed to his natural game of playing from the crease. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah leaves Stuart Broad, Steve Smith speechless with ruthless spell against GT "People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he's tall. So, I mean, if they're hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball. "And once you're closer to the ball, you kind of negate the bounce that's going to happen. You meet it earlier. "So, I mean, you have to come up with a game plan here and there and try to keep improving your game," Kohli added. Kohli has returned to competitive cricket after two months in the IPL 2024 and will be the mainstay of RCB as they search for their maiden trophy. As for the game against PBKS, RCB and Kohli were in command in chase of 177 till the 16th over. Two quick wickets including Kohli, however, pegged them back with 47 needed off the last 22 balls and four wickets in hand. RCB's impact player Mahipal Lomror and veteran Dinesh Karthik then added the rest of the runs in just 18 balls to take their team home. Lomror hit an 8-ball 17 while Karthik smashed a 10-ball 28 as RCB chased the target in 19.2 overs. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his innings and two catches. Bengaluru will next play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, March 29.

IPL 2024: RCB's Virat Kohli REVEALS why he stepped out to play pacers against Punjab Kings

Virat Kohli silenced his critics on Monday (Mar 25) after playing a match-winning 77-run knock against Punjab Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After being awarded Player of the Match for his glorious innings to help RCB register their maiden win of the season, Virat opened up on few insights on his pre-IPL stint, where he was not spotted in India. While speaking to Harsha Bhogle he also stated how different his life was and confessed that he was not in India.

<h2>Virat opens up on two-month break</h2>

"We were not in the country. We were in a place where people were not recognising us. Just time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months - for me, my family - it was a surreal experience. Of course, having two kids, things become totally different from a family perspective. Just the ability to be together, the connections you make with your older child.

"Couldn't have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It's an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. That's the promise I can give here - I'll keep turning up and keep trying me best," Kohli said while speaking to Bhogle in the post-match.

The former RCB captain was in great form on Monday as RCB broke the duck on the points table with a four-wicket win against PBKS. RCB needed a final-over finish to win the match as Dinesh Karthik (28 off 10) and Mahipal Lomror (17 off 8) helped the home side. RCB’s foreign players once again flopped as Faf du Plessis (3), Cameron Green (3) and Glenn Maxwell (3) departed early.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-virat-kohli-comes-at-par-with-ms-dhoni-in-elite-list-after-rcb-beat-pbks-704380">IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS</a>

<h2>Virat silences critics</h2>

Virat’s 77 was the highlight reel as he also silenced the critics with his knock at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. His place in the Indian team is questioned and according to reports, he could also be out of the squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. However, his knock-on Monday has silenced some of the critics on Monday.

Interestingly, Virat was not part of the Indian team that won the five-match Test series 4-1 against England in March.

Virat Kohli silenced his critics on Monday (Mar 25) after playing a match-winning 77-run knock against Punjab Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Virat Kohli silenced his critics on Monday (Mar 25) after playing a match-winning 77-run knock against Punjab Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After being awarded Player of the Match for his glorious innings to help RCB register their maiden win of the season, Virat opened up on few insights on his pre-IPL stint, where he was not spotted in India. While speaking to Harsha Bhogle he also stated how different his life was and confessed that he was not in India. Virat opens up on two-month break "We were not in the country. We were in a place where people were not recognising us. Just time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months - for me, my family - it was a surreal experience. Of course, having two kids, things become totally different from a family perspective. Just the ability to be together, the connections you make with your older child. "Couldn't have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It's an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. That's the promise I can give here - I'll keep turning up and keep trying me best," Kohli said while speaking to Bhogle in the post-match. The former RCB captain was in great form on Monday as RCB broke the duck on the points table with a four-wicket win against PBKS. RCB needed a final-over finish to win the match as Dinesh Karthik (28 off 10) and Mahipal Lomror (17 off 8) helped the home side. RCB’s foreign players once again flopped as Faf du Plessis (3), Cameron Green (3) and Glenn Maxwell (3) departed early. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS Virat silences critics Virat’s 77 was the highlight reel as he also silenced the critics with his knock at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. His place in the Indian team is questioned and according to reports, he could also be out of the squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. However, his knock-on Monday has silenced some of the critics on Monday. Interestingly, Virat was not part of the Indian team that won the five-match Test series 4-1 against England in March.

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli opens up on 2-month break during England series, says 'We were in a place...'

Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen hailed Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) four-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Monday (March 25). Pietersen was in awe of Kohli's&nbsp;passion and panache for the game and even lauded his fitness. In addition,&nbsp;he feels the former Team India captain has turned Indian cricketers into athletes. On Monday evening, Kohli also starred for RCB in their&nbsp;home game versus PBKS as the&nbsp;Faf du Plessis-led franchise got off the mark in the ongoing edition courtesy of his sublime 49-ball 77.

<h2>'Virat Kohli&nbsp;has turned Indian cricketers into athletes'</h2>

During the game, while speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen said, "One of the things that everyone will remember and will create the greatest memories as a player will be him finishing innings and being one the greatest finishers of all time. One of the things that he has done for Indian cricket is he has turned Indian cricketers into athletes, out-and-out athletes, and while doing so, he's not just talked the talk. He has walked the walk, and you can see that."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-virat-kohli-comes-at-par-with-ms-dhoni-in-elite-list-after-rcb-beat-pbks-704380">IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS</a>

<h2>'The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done'</h2>

The former cricketer further opined, "When he is running between the wickets, his full commitment and his energy and his desire to be the best, and he is the best. That starts before the field, that starts with diet, that starts with the energy he puts in the gym, that starts with the sacrifices that he has made to walk the walk because when you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. That's what all the other players who have played under you are following you, watch you. The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done."

Over the years, Kohli has inspired one and all with his fitness. It is one of the major reasons for his success and longevity at the highest level. During his captaincy tenure, passing the Yo-Yo Test became mandatory for selection for the Indian cricketers. Kohli-starrer RCB will now host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru on Friday evening (March 29).&nbsp;

Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen hailed Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) four-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Monday (March 25).

Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen hailed Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) four-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition, on Monday (March 25). Pietersen was in awe of Kohli's passion and panache for the game and even lauded his fitness. In addition, he feels the former Team India captain has turned Indian cricketers into athletes. On Monday evening, Kohli also starred for RCB in their home game versus PBKS as the Faf du Plessis-led franchise got off the mark in the ongoing edition courtesy of his sublime 49-ball 77. 'Virat Kohli has turned Indian cricketers into athletes' During the game, while speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen said, "One of the things that everyone will remember and will create the greatest memories as a player will be him finishing innings and being one the greatest finishers of all time. One of the things that he has done for Indian cricket is he has turned Indian cricketers into athletes, out-and-out athletes, and while doing so, he's not just talked the talk. He has walked the walk, and you can see that." Also read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS 'The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done' The former cricketer further opined, "When he is running between the wickets, his full commitment and his energy and his desire to be the best, and he is the best. That starts before the field, that starts with diet, that starts with the energy he puts in the gym, that starts with the sacrifices that he has made to walk the walk because when you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. That's what all the other players who have played under you are following you, watch you. The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done." Over the years, Kohli has inspired one and all with his fitness. It is one of the major reasons for his success and longevity at the highest level. During his captaincy tenure, passing the Yo-Yo Test became mandatory for selection for the Indian cricketers. Kohli-starrer RCB will now host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru on Friday evening (March 29).

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli turned Indian cricketers into athletes - Kevin Pietersen hails RCB star batter

Virat Kohli's 49-ball 77 stood tall for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in chase of 177 versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition on Monday (March 25), at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Opting to bowl first, Faf du Plessis-led Bengaluru restricted Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Co. for 176-6. In reply, the home side were given a good platform from Kohli before Dinesh Karthik (10-ball 29*) and Mahipal Lomror (8-ball 17*) finished proceedings in style in 19.2 overs. With a four-wicket win, RCB are off the mark in the ongoing edition.

Kohli ended as the Player-of-the-Match (POTM) and equalled Chennai Super Kings (CSK) superstar MS Dhoni in an elite list. Both Kohli and Dhoni have now won the POTM&nbsp;award on 17 occasions in IPL history. Here is the overall list, spearheaded by RCB great AB de Villiers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. AB de Villiers - 25 
2. Chris Gayle - 22 
3. Rohit Sharma - 19 
4. David Warner - 18 
5. Virat Kohli - 17 
5. MS Dhoni - 17 
6. Yusuf Pathan - 16

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-hes-treasure-rcb-responds-to-murali-karthiks-controversial-remark-on-yash-dayal-after-pbks-tie-704306">IPL 2024: 'He’s treasure' - RCB responds to Murali Karthik's controversial remark on Yash Dayal after PBKS tie</a>

At the post-match presentation, Kohli stated, "And I thought I need to play correct cricketing shots. Playing across the line wasn't working. Disappointed I couldn't finish the game. Was in the slot but sliced it to deep point. Not a bad start - playing after two months and getting into the tournament."

Kohli-starrer RCB will now gear up for their next clash where they will host rivals Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 10 of the ongoing edition on Friday (March 29). They will aim to make it two wins on the trot.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli's 49-ball 77 stood tall for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in chase of 177 versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition on Monday (March 25), at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Virat Kohli's 49-ball 77 stood tall for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in chase of 177 versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 6 of the IPL 2024 edition on Monday (March 25), at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Opting to bowl first, Faf du Plessis-led Bengaluru restricted Shikhar Dhawan & Co. for 176-6. In reply, the home side were given a good platform from Kohli before Dinesh Karthik (10-ball 29*) and Mahipal Lomror (8-ball 17*) finished proceedings in style in 19.2 overs. With a four-wicket win, RCB are off the mark in the ongoing edition. Kohli ended as the Player-of-the-Match (POTM) and equalled Chennai Super Kings (CSK) superstar MS Dhoni in an elite list. Both Kohli and Dhoni have now won the POTM award on 17 occasions in IPL history. Here is the overall list, spearheaded by RCB great AB de Villiers. 1. AB de Villiers - 25 2. Chris Gayle - 22 3. Rohit Sharma - 19 4. David Warner - 18 5. Virat Kohli - 17 5. MS Dhoni - 17 6. Yusuf Pathan - 16 Also read: IPL 2024: 'He’s treasure' - RCB responds to Murali Karthik's controversial remark on Yash Dayal after PBKS tie At the post-match presentation, Kohli stated, "And I thought I need to play correct cricketing shots. Playing across the line wasn't working. Disappointed I couldn't finish the game. Was in the slot but sliced it to deep point. Not a bad start - playing after two months and getting into the tournament." Kohli-starrer RCB will now gear up for their next clash where they will host rivals Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 10 of the ongoing edition on Friday (March 29). They will aim to make it two wins on the trot.

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli comes at par with MS Dhoni in elite list after RCB beat PBKS

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season got off to a sensational start as hosts and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening encounter on Friday (Mar 22). CSK’s six-wicket win against RCB was highlighted by a complete team performance in all aspects, including fielding. One of the highlight reels of CSK’s win was when their fielders combined to dismiss Virat Kohli, which left the former India captain red-faced.

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Brilliant teamwork from Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra. 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AjinkyaRahane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AjinkyaRahane</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/icc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#icc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/WN2vmwWuih">pic.twitter.com/WN2vmwWuih</a>
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<h2>Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra leave Virat stunned</h2>

After a good start and then a mini collapse RCB were 77/3 with Virat and Cameron Green in the middle for the visitors. On the second ball of the 12th over, Virat almost cleared the in-field for a six on Mustafizur Rahman’s delivery. However, mid-wicket fielder Ajinkya Rahane’s smart fielding saw him slide and clutch the ball.

Rahane was not in control of the momentum and was approaching the boundary line which could have resulted in a six for Virat. However, his presence of mind did not let him down as he threw the ball towards his colleague Rachin Ravindra who was also approaching the ball. The process resulted in a relay catch which sent Virat packing home towards the pavilion on 21 off 20.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-we-were-always-little-bit-behind-rcb-skipper-faf-du-plessis-reflects-on-opening-day-defeat-to-csk-703333">IPL 2024: We were always little bit behind - RCB skipper Faf du Plessis reflects on opening day defeat to CSK</a>

<h2>CSK make winning start</h2>

Having won the toss, RCB made a good start with Faf (35 off 23) and Virat Kohli (21 off 20) putting CSK bowlers under pressure, however, a spell of three wickets in two overs completely changed the landscape of the innings. The visitors were soon narrowed to 42/3 despite being 41/0 as they looked in good nick. The poor spell saw Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar depart for ducks before a late rescue act from wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and veteran Dinesh Karthik (38 off 26) saw RCB end with 173/6.

However, the total was not enough with CSK too making a good start with the bat. In a complete team performance, everyone contributed with the bat as the home side won with eight balls to spare. Ruturaj Gaikwad (15), Rachin Ravindra (37 off 15), Ajinkya Rahane (27), Daryl Mitchell (22), Shivam Dube (unbeaten 34) and Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten 25), helped CSK steer to an opening day six-wicket win.

CSK next take on Gujarat Titans in Chennai on Tuesday. On the other hand, RCB will look to get their first win of the season when they next take on Punjab Kings in their first home game of the season on Monday in Bengaluru.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season got off to a sensational start as hosts and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening encounter on Friday (Mar 22).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season got off to a sensational start as hosts and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening encounter on Friday (Mar 22). CSK’s six-wicket win against RCB was highlighted by a complete team performance in all aspects, including fielding. One of the highlight reels of CSK’s win was when their fielders combined to dismiss Virat Kohli, which left the former India captain red-faced. Brilliant teamwork from Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra. 🔥#AjinkyaRahane #icc #IPL #cricket pic.twitter.com/WN2vmwWuih — Cricadium CRICKET (@Cricadium) March 22, 2024 × Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra leave Virat stunned After a good start and then a mini collapse RCB were 77/3 with Virat and Cameron Green in the middle for the visitors. On the second ball of the 12th over, Virat almost cleared the in-field for a six on Mustafizur Rahman’s delivery. However, mid-wicket fielder Ajinkya Rahane’s smart fielding saw him slide and clutch the ball. Rahane was not in control of the momentum and was approaching the boundary line which could have resulted in a six for Virat. However, his presence of mind did not let him down as he threw the ball towards his colleague Rachin Ravindra who was also approaching the ball. The process resulted in a relay catch which sent Virat packing home towards the pavilion on 21 off 20. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: We were always little bit behind - RCB skipper Faf du Plessis reflects on opening day defeat to CSK CSK make winning start Having won the toss, RCB made a good start with Faf (35 off 23) and Virat Kohli (21 off 20) putting CSK bowlers under pressure, however, a spell of three wickets in two overs completely changed the landscape of the innings. The visitors were soon narrowed to 42/3 despite being 41/0 as they looked in good nick. The poor spell saw Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar depart for ducks before a late rescue act from wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and veteran Dinesh Karthik (38 off 26) saw RCB end with 173/6. However, the total was not enough with CSK too making a good start with the bat. In a complete team performance, everyone contributed with the bat as the home side won with eight balls to spare. Ruturaj Gaikwad (15), Rachin Ravindra (37 off 15), Ajinkya Rahane (27), Daryl Mitchell (22), Shivam Dube (unbeaten 34) and Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten 25), helped CSK steer to an opening day six-wicket win. CSK next take on Gujarat Titans in Chennai on Tuesday. On the other hand, RCB will look to get their first win of the season when they next take on Punjab Kings in their first home game of the season on Monday in Bengaluru.

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli left stunned as Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra pull unbelievable relay catch - WATCH

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is about to get underway, with two giants of the league – Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, slated to face off in the curtain-raiser at Chepauk on Friday (March 22). While MS Dhoni relinquishing CSK’s captaincy on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener made headlines, the contest between the two powerhouses is one to look out for. Here is the match preview and result prediction of CSK vs RCB in IPL 2024.

<h2>Will RCB break Chepauk jinx?</h2>

The Royal Challengers Bangalore has never beaten Chennai at their home ground since 2008. With former CSK hero Faf du Plessis leading the RCB side against the home favourite, emotions and action will flare up.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-youve-to-respect-his-decision-csk-ceo-on-ms-dhoni-handing-over-captaincy-to-gaikwad-702800">IPL 2024: ‘You’ve to respect his decision’ – CSK CEO on MS Dhoni handing over captaincy to Gaikwad</a>

The travelling RCB side has a few new faces, with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green being an exciting addition to the squad. Veteran Virat Kohli is also returning to competitive cricket after nearly two months, and the fans in attendance will remain on their toes to watch some of the greats go up against each other.

A new-look bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, will have a lot riding on their shoulders as RCB aims to walk into Chepauk to end their losing run against CSK.

<h3>CSK ready to flourish under new captain Gaikwad</h3>

MS Dhoni handing over the IPL captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad sent shockwaves to everyone in the cricket world, with the announcement coming on the eve of IPL 2024.&nbsp;

However, with a new face at the helm, Chennai Super Kings will embark on a new journey starting Friday at home.&nbsp;

With the addition of the new players to the side, including the Kiwi pair of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell and Indian youngster Sameer Rizvi, CSK has a lot to look forward to this season.&nbsp;

<h4>Result Prediction&nbsp;-</h4>

At Chepauk, the IPL 2024 opener will be played on the centre wicket, which traditionally assists spinners. Considering the spin depth in CSK, they will walk in as favourites against the travelling RCB side.

Predicted Playing XIs –

CSK - Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Moeen Ali, Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana

RCB -&nbsp;Faf du Plessis (c), Cameron Green, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudessai, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is about to get underway, with two giants of the league – Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, slated to face off in the curtain-raiser at Chepauk on Friday (March 22).

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is about to get underway, with two giants of the league – Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, slated to face off in the curtain-raiser at Chepauk on Friday (March 22). While MS Dhoni relinquishing CSK’s captaincy on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener made headlines, the contest between the two powerhouses is one to look out for. Here is the match preview and result prediction of CSK vs RCB in IPL 2024. Will RCB break Chepauk jinx? The Royal Challengers Bangalore has never beaten Chennai at their home ground since 2008. With former CSK hero Faf du Plessis leading the RCB side against the home favourite, emotions and action will flare up. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘You’ve to respect his decision’ – CSK CEO on MS Dhoni handing over captaincy to Gaikwad The travelling RCB side has a few new faces, with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green being an exciting addition to the squad. Veteran Virat Kohli is also returning to competitive cricket after nearly two months, and the fans in attendance will remain on their toes to watch some of the greats go up against each other. A new-look bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, will have a lot riding on their shoulders as RCB aims to walk into Chepauk to end their losing run against CSK. CSK ready to flourish under new captain Gaikwad MS Dhoni handing over the IPL captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad sent shockwaves to everyone in the cricket world, with the announcement coming on the eve of IPL 2024. However, with a new face at the helm, Chennai Super Kings will embark on a new journey starting Friday at home. With the addition of the new players to the side, including the Kiwi pair of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell and Indian youngster Sameer Rizvi, CSK has a lot to look forward to this season. Result Prediction - At Chepauk, the IPL 2024 opener will be played on the centre wicket, which traditionally assists spinners. Considering the spin depth in CSK, they will walk in as favourites against the travelling RCB side. Predicted Playing XIs – CSK - Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Moeen Ali, Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana RCB - Faf du Plessis (c), Cameron Green, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudessai, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj

IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 1: Match preview and result prediction

India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran Virat Kohli created history on Friday (March 22) during the IPL 2024 opener against Chennai Super Kings by becoming the first Indian batter and sixth overall to complete 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. Kohli achieved this feat in the 7th over against Jadeja while completing a single on the first ball.&nbsp;

Per the records, Kohli (360 innings) is also the second quickest batter to 12,000 runs in T20s, with West Indian legend Chris Gayle (345 innings) leading the chart. Kohli became the sixth batter after Gayle, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales and David Warner to breach the 12000-run-mark.

<h2>Batters quickest to 12000 T20 Runs (Innings wise) –</h2>

<ul>
	<li>345 - Chris Gayle</li>
	<li>360 - Virat Kohli</li>
	<li>368 - David Warner</li>
	<li>432 - Alex Hales</li>
	<li>451 - Shoaib Malik</li>
	<li>550 - Kieron Pollard</li>
</ul>

During the game, he also completed 1000 runs against CSK in the competition, becoming the first Indian batter to unlock this achievement against two teams (Delhi Capitals) in IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-good-to-catch-up-with-ms-dhoni-rcbs-virat-kohli-excited-for-curtain-raiser-vs-csk-703102">IPL 2024: ‘Good to catch up with MS Dhoni’ – RCB’s Virat Kohli excited for curtain raiser vs CSK</a>

Meanwhile, Virat is the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history, having scored 7284 runs in 238 innings, including 50 fifties and seven IPL centuries. While he remained the fourth-highest run-scorer last season, hitting 639 runs for his franchise, Virat failed to guide his team into the playoffs.

As a batter, Virat’s best season was the 2016 edition, wherein he scored 973 runs, scoring four hundreds – an all-time IPL record thus far. Leading the side that season, Virat’s RCB lost to SunRisers Hyderabad in a high-scoring final.&nbsp;

<h3>Virat among runs in IPL 2024 opener</h3>

Batting first after winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis got the touring side to a blistering start, smashing fours at will inside the Powerplay.&nbsp;

However, after losing three quick wickets inside two overs, Virat took the onus on himself and went after the CSK bowlers, targeting the spinners. Although his 20-ball 21-run-stay at the crease saw him hit just one six, Virat continued making headlines.&nbsp;

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman dismissed him, caught in the deep by a combined effort from Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra.&nbsp;

India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran Virat Kohli created history on Friday (March 22) during the IPL 2024 opener against Chennai Super Kings by becoming the first Indian batter and sixth overall to complete 12,000 runs in T20 cricket.

India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran Virat Kohli created history on Friday (March 22) during the IPL 2024 opener against Chennai Super Kings by becoming the first Indian batter and sixth overall to complete 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. Kohli achieved this feat in the 7th over against Jadeja while completing a single on the first ball. Per the records, Kohli (360 innings) is also the second quickest batter to 12,000 runs in T20s, with West Indian legend Chris Gayle (345 innings) leading the chart. Kohli became the sixth batter after Gayle, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales and David Warner to breach the 12000-run-mark. Batters quickest to 12000 T20 Runs (Innings wise) – 345 - Chris Gayle 360 - Virat Kohli 368 - David Warner 432 - Alex Hales 451 - Shoaib Malik 550 - Kieron Pollard During the game, he also completed 1000 runs against CSK in the competition, becoming the first Indian batter to unlock this achievement against two teams (Delhi Capitals) in IPL. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘Good to catch up with MS Dhoni’ – RCB’s Virat Kohli excited for curtain raiser vs CSK Meanwhile, Virat is the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history, having scored 7284 runs in 238 innings, including 50 fifties and seven IPL centuries. While he remained the fourth-highest run-scorer last season, hitting 639 runs for his franchise, Virat failed to guide his team into the playoffs. As a batter, Virat’s best season was the 2016 edition, wherein he scored 973 runs, scoring four hundreds – an all-time IPL record thus far. Leading the side that season, Virat’s RCB lost to SunRisers Hyderabad in a high-scoring final. Virat among runs in IPL 2024 opener Batting first after winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis got the touring side to a blistering start, smashing fours at will inside the Powerplay. However, after losing three quick wickets inside two overs, Virat took the onus on himself and went after the CSK bowlers, targeting the spinners. Although his 20-ball 21-run-stay at the crease saw him hit just one six, Virat continued making headlines. Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman dismissed him, caught in the deep by a combined effort from Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra.

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli creates history, becomes 1st Indian to complete 12,000 runs in T20s

Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2024 curtain raiser at home, and cricket’s star boy Virat Kohli is excited for the Southern derby. Considered to be among the marquee matches in the tournament, CSK vs RCB is like the clash of the Titans. Speaking ahead of the opener on March 22 (Friday), Kohli said he cannot wait to take the field against CSK and meet his old teammate and former captain MS Dhoni.

"Playing against Chennai is obviously always a special occasion, a big game. You know, the Southern Derby, as they call it. Yeah, it's nice to play in front of very passionate Chennai fans, and yeah, good to catch up with MS Dhoni, it's been a while," Virat said on RCB’s bold diaries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Virat, being the top run-getter in the IPL&nbsp;with 7263 runs in 229 innings, including seven hundreds and 50 fifties, will be a threat to the home side in the IPL 2024 opener. Batting at the top alongside captain and former CSK hero Faf du Plessis, the pair will look to make it big and end RCB’s winless run in Chennai since 2008.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-there-wasnt-a-dry-eye-in-the-dressing-room-fleming-on-ms-dhonis-resignation-as-csk-captain-703080">IPL 2024: 'There wasn't a dry eye in the dressing room: Fleming on MS Dhoni's resignation as CSK captain</a>

Even last season, Virat starred with the bat in hand, slamming 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate close to 140. While he was the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, he failed to guide his team to the playoffs, as they finished outside the top four.&nbsp;

However, with the addition of several new faces in the squad for this season, including overseas stars like Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Tom Curran and Lockie Ferguson, RCB will look to turn the tables around and replicate what their women's team did this season, winning the tournament for the first time.&nbsp;

<h2>RCB’s Full Squad for IPL 2024 –</h2>

Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh and Saurav Chauhan

Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2024 curtain raiser at home, and cricket’s star boy Virat Kohli is excited for the Southern derby.

Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2024 curtain raiser at home, and cricket’s star boy Virat Kohli is excited for the Southern derby. Considered to be among the marquee matches in the tournament, CSK vs RCB is like the clash of the Titans. Speaking ahead of the opener on March 22 (Friday), Kohli said he cannot wait to take the field against CSK and meet his old teammate and former captain MS Dhoni. "Playing against Chennai is obviously always a special occasion, a big game. You know, the Southern Derby, as they call it. Yeah, it's nice to play in front of very passionate Chennai fans, and yeah, good to catch up with MS Dhoni, it's been a while," Virat said on RCB’s bold diaries. Meanwhile, Virat, being the top run-getter in the IPL with 7263 runs in 229 innings, including seven hundreds and 50 fifties, will be a threat to the home side in the IPL 2024 opener. Batting at the top alongside captain and former CSK hero Faf du Plessis, the pair will look to make it big and end RCB’s winless run in Chennai since 2008. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: 'There wasn't a dry eye in the dressing room: Fleming on MS Dhoni's resignation as CSK captain Even last season, Virat starred with the bat in hand, slamming 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate close to 140. While he was the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, he failed to guide his team to the playoffs, as they finished outside the top four. However, with the addition of several new faces in the squad for this season, including overseas stars like Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Tom Curran and Lockie Ferguson, RCB will look to turn the tables around and replicate what their women's team did this season, winning the tournament for the first time. RCB’s Full Squad for IPL 2024 – Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh and Saurav Chauhan

IPL 2024: ‘Good to catch up with MS Dhoni’ – RCB’s Virat Kohli excited for curtain raiser vs CSK

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is all set for kickoff as defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will raise the roofs with a grand curtain raiser. The opening match will see two greats of the game, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli go head-to-head while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis wear the captain&nbsp;armbands. Ahead of the contest, Du Plessis opened up on the Dhoni-Virat involvement in the opening match and why it will be the key attraction.

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Game Day, RCB v CSK, Preview: It’s a blockbuster opening to this new chapter in the RCB heritage. Coach, Captain and his Comrades are geared up, and keen to begin the season Bold! 💪 
 
Watch the preview on <a href="https://twitter.com/bigbasket_com?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bigbasket_com</a> presents Game Day. Download the Big Basket App for more…… <a href="https://t.co/gntW9kHz2n">pic.twitter.com/gntW9kHz2n</a>
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1771021328352731506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Faf highlights Dhoni-Virat attraction</h2>

"It has been a really great week, Andy and Mo have done some incredible things. We really gel together as a squad, so it has been good preparation. Obviously, what better way can you start the IPL, than the game you have tomorrow, two of India's greatest - MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the opening match of the IPL, so everyone is just excited for the game," Faf said in a video released by RCB.

Friday’s meeting will be a special occasion for Virat and Dhoni, who remain one of the seven players to have played in every season of the IPL. Dhoni will be in his 15th season with CSK as he remains the only player to play every season for the franchise. Similarly, Virat will be in his 17th season with RCB and remains the only one-club player to have played every season of IPL.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-full-updated-squad-ipl-2024-chennai-super-kings-probable-playing-xi-replacement-captain-schedule-702685">CSK Full Updated squad: IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule</a>

Both Dhoni and Virat played in the CSK vs RCB meeting in the inaugural season of the IPL, which to date remains the only time Bengaluru beat Chennai at the MA&nbsp;Chidambaram Stadium. The match will start at 7:30 pm with the toss taking place at 7:00 pm. The opening ceremony will start at 6:00 pm, with stars like AR Rahman set to perform.

<h2>CSK IPL 2024 Squad</h2>

MS Dhoni (wk), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway (wk), Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Matheesha Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is all set for kickoff as defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will raise the roofs with a grand curtain raiser.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is all set for kickoff as defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will raise the roofs with a grand curtain raiser. The opening match will see two greats of the game, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli go head-to-head while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis wear the captain armbands. Ahead of the contest, Du Plessis opened up on the Dhoni-Virat involvement in the opening match and why it will be the key attraction. Game Day, RCB v CSK, Preview: It’s a blockbuster opening to this new chapter in the RCB heritage. Coach, Captain and his Comrades are geared up, and keen to begin the season Bold! 💪 Watch the preview on @bigbasket_com presents Game Day. Download the Big Basket App for more…… pic.twitter.com/gntW9kHz2n — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 22, 2024 × Faf highlights Dhoni-Virat attraction "It has been a really great week, Andy and Mo have done some incredible things. We really gel together as a squad, so it has been good preparation. Obviously, what better way can you start the IPL, than the game you have tomorrow, two of India's greatest - MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the opening match of the IPL, so everyone is just excited for the game," Faf said in a video released by RCB. Friday’s meeting will be a special occasion for Virat and Dhoni, who remain one of the seven players to have played in every season of the IPL. Dhoni will be in his 15th season with CSK as he remains the only player to play every season for the franchise. Similarly, Virat will be in his 17th season with RCB and remains the only one-club player to have played every season of IPL. ALSO READ | CSK Full Updated squad: IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule Both Dhoni and Virat played in the CSK vs RCB meeting in the inaugural season of the IPL, which to date remains the only time Bengaluru beat Chennai at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The match will start at 7:30 pm with the toss taking place at 7:00 pm. The opening ceremony will start at 6:00 pm, with stars like AR Rahman set to perform. CSK IPL 2024 Squad MS Dhoni (wk), Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway (wk), Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Matheesha Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Avanish Rao Aravelly

IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis excited ahead of CSK vs RCB curtain raiser; says Dhoni, Virat are key attractions

RCB IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise ended sixth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition. The Faf du Plessis-led franchise had their moments but couldn't capitalise on them fully to see themselves bow out of the playoffs race on the last day of the league stage.&nbsp;

With some big players up for grabs in the auction, RCB bought six players for a total amount of INR 20.40 crore. Their most expensive buy was West Indian bowler Alzzari Joseph while they bought two uncapped players for their base price of INR 20 lakh.&nbsp;

RCB buys at IPL 2024 Auction:

RCB acquire Alzarri Joseph for INR 11.5 crore (115 million).

RCB buy Yash Dayal for INR 5 crore.

RCB buy Tom Currant for INR 1.5 Crore.

RCB buy Lockie Ferguson for INR 2.0 crore.

RCB by Swapnil Singh for INR 20 lakh.

RCB buy Saurav Chauhan for INR 20 lakh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rr-ipl-auction-2024-live-rajasthan-royals-captain-batsmen-bowlers-keepers-remaining-purse-squads-670923">RR IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: Rajasthan Royals Captain, Batsmen, Bowlers, Keepers, Remaining Purse, squads</a>

<h2>RCB IPL Auction 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore full squad, captain, batters, bowlers, remaining purse</h2>

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Royal Challengers Bangalore
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Purse - INR 2.85 Crore || Slots left - 0&nbsp;|| Overseas slots left - 0
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Existing squad breakdown before auction
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Top-order batters: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat
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Finishers: Suyash Prabhudessai, Dinesh Karthik, Mahipal Lomror
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Allrounders: Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Will Jacks, Manoj Bhandage
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Spinners: Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma, Himanshu Sharma
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Fast bowlers: Rajan Kumar, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley
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Royal Challengers Bangalore full squad:&nbsp;Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (Traded), Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (Traded), Alzarri Joseph,&nbsp;Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan

RCB IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise ended sixth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition. The Faf du Plessis-led franchise had their moments but couldn't capitalise on them fully to see themselves bow out of the playoffs race on the last day of the league stage.

RCB IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise ended sixth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition. The Faf du Plessis-led franchise had their moments but couldn't capitalise on them fully to see themselves bow out of the playoffs race on the last day of the league stage. With some big players up for grabs in the auction, RCB bought six players for a total amount of INR 20.40 crore. Their most expensive buy was West Indian bowler Alzzari Joseph while they bought two uncapped players for their base price of INR 20 lakh. RCB buys at IPL 2024 Auction: RCB acquire Alzarri Joseph for INR 11.5 crore (115 million). RCB buy Yash Dayal for INR 5 crore. RCB buy Tom Currant for INR 1.5 Crore. RCB buy Lockie Ferguson for INR 2.0 crore. RCB by Swapnil Singh for INR 20 lakh. RCB buy Saurav Chauhan for INR 20 lakh. Also read: RR IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: Rajasthan Royals Captain, Batsmen, Bowlers, Keepers, Remaining Purse, squads RCB IPL Auction 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore full squad, captain, batters, bowlers, remaining purse Royal Challengers Bangalore Purse - INR 2.85 Crore || Slots left - 0 || Overseas slots left - 0 Existing squad breakdown before auction Top-order batters: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat Finishers: Suyash Prabhudessai, Dinesh Karthik, Mahipal Lomror Allrounders: Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Will Jacks, Manoj Bhandage Spinners: Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma, Himanshu Sharma Fast bowlers: Rajan Kumar, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley Royal Challengers Bangalore full squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (Traded), Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (Traded), Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan

RCB 2024 updated squad: IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bangalore, probable XI, ruled out & replacement, schedule

It was a grand unboxing event for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they rebranded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday (Mar 19) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The event was graced by the presence of current stars of RCB men’s and women’s teams, including former skipper Virat Kohli. One of the greats of the game, Virat addressed the local crowd in the Kannada language as he prepares for his 17th consecutive season with the South Indian giants.

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Virat Kohli speaking Kannada. 
 
- "THE NEW CHAPTER OF RCB" 👑<a href="https://t.co/KQWk4Wdab8">pic.twitter.com/KQWk4Wdab8</a>
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<h2>Virat speaks Kannada</h2>

Virat alongside captain Faf du Plessis during the show stole the hearts with a sentence in Kannada, saying, “Idu RCB'ya Hosa Adhyaya (This is the new chapter of RCB).”

The crowd was ecstatic following Virat’s address while few were left stunned by his Kannada accent. The event was a special occasion for multiple reasons as RCB won their first trophy on Sunday when their women’s team beat Delhi Capitals in the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The RCB women’s team was given a standing ovation by the crowd.

The men’s team was also present at the event and gave a guard of honour to the women’s team for their remarkable achievement in WPL. Winning captain Smriti Mandhana then led her squad in a victory lap around the ground with the trophy in tow to rapturous cheers from a near-capacity crowd. The main highlight of the event was the change in brand name from Bangalore to Bengaluru.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-bars-russian-belarusian-athletes-from-paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-702038">IOC bars Russia, Belarusia from Paris Olympics opening ceremony</a>

During the event, RCB also inducted Karnataka legend and former player Vinay Kumar into the franchise's Hall of Fame. Vinay played five seasons for RCB with his best season coming in 2013, where he claimed 23 wickets at 21.43.

RCB will start the IPL 2024 campaign on Friday when they take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the curtain-raiser at the MA&nbsp;Chidambaram Stadium.

<h2>RCB’s full squad for IPL 2024</h2>

Faf du Plessis (C), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan.

It was a grand unboxing event for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they rebranded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday (Mar 19) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

It was a grand unboxing event for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they rebranded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday (Mar 19) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The event was graced by the presence of current stars of RCB men’s and women’s teams, including former skipper Virat Kohli. One of the greats of the game, Virat addressed the local crowd in the Kannada language as he prepares for his 17th consecutive season with the South Indian giants. Virat Kohli speaking Kannada. - "THE NEW CHAPTER OF RCB" 👑pic.twitter.com/KQWk4Wdab8 — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 19, 2024 × Virat speaks Kannada Virat alongside captain Faf du Plessis during the show stole the hearts with a sentence in Kannada, saying, “Idu RCB'ya Hosa Adhyaya (This is the new chapter of RCB).” The crowd was ecstatic following Virat’s address while few were left stunned by his Kannada accent. The event was a special occasion for multiple reasons as RCB won their first trophy on Sunday when their women’s team beat Delhi Capitals in the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The RCB women’s team was given a standing ovation by the crowd. The men’s team was also present at the event and gave a guard of honour to the women’s team for their remarkable achievement in WPL. Winning captain Smriti Mandhana then led her squad in a victory lap around the ground with the trophy in tow to rapturous cheers from a near-capacity crowd. The main highlight of the event was the change in brand name from Bangalore to Bengaluru. ALSO READ | IOC bars Russia, Belarusia from Paris Olympics opening ceremony During the event, RCB also inducted Karnataka legend and former player Vinay Kumar into the franchise's Hall of Fame. Vinay played five seasons for RCB with his best season coming in 2013, where he claimed 23 wickets at 21.43. RCB will start the IPL 2024 campaign on Friday when they take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the curtain-raiser at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. RCB’s full squad for IPL 2024 Faf du Plessis (C), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan.

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli wins over Bengaluru crowd with flawless Kannada during RCB Unbox event. Watch!

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged his fans to stop calling him "King", saying he felt embarrassed by the popular monicker bestowed upon him. Kohli was addressing the fans gathered at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where RCB was rechristened as Royal Challengers Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Kohli walked to the stage as the boisterous crowd went berserk and started chanting his name. Upon being&nbsp;asked how he was feeling after returning to the cricket field post the birth of his second child, Kohli said it was "lovely to be back again".&nbsp;

Upon hearing their star player's statement, the crowd went crazy yet&nbsp;again and 'Kohli, Kohli' chants started reverberating across the stadium.

A visibly elated Kohli, playfully told the crowd: "Let me talk. Guys, we have to get to Chennai tonight we have a chartered flight so we don't have time (laughs)."

"Firstly, you need to stop calling me that word (King). Please call me Virat. Don't call me that word (king), I was just telling Faf du Plessis that I feel embarrassed every year when you call me that word. So just call me Virat, please, from now on, don't use that word, it's very embarrassing for me," Kohli added.

Having made his India debut in 2008 and stayed with RCB since then, Kohli has become a fan favourite across the globe. Owing to his throughouly imposing nature on the field, fans refer to him as 'King' and it has become associated with his name.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-unbox-2024-live-updates-check-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-701448">Also read |&nbsp;RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli unveils new RCB jersey</a>

Notably, Tuesday wasn't the first instance when Kohli urged the fans to not call him 'king'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s sweet. I know why they are saying it, but I don’t prefer it. I like to be called by my own name, Virat,” he said last years on RCB Insider show.&nbsp;

"People tell me King out of love, but I personally don’t prefer it. Like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdhe’, don’t say ‘King’," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>RCB rechristened</h2>

After urging the crowd, Kohli alongside skipper Faf du Plessis and women's team captain Smriti Mandhana unveiled the new jersey and name.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rcb-officially-change-name-to-royal-challengers-bengaluru-in-glitzy-ceremony-701988">Also read |&nbsp;RCB officially change name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in glitzy ceremony</a>

Notably, the state government of Karnataka in 2014 changed the name of the city to Bengaluru from Bangalore. Since then, there had been demands that the franchise management change the name but the team stuck with the name adopted in 2008, during the inaugural edition.&nbsp;

(WIth inputs from agencies)

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged his fans to stop calling him "King", saying he felt embarrassed by the popular monicker bestowed upon him.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged his fans to stop calling him "King", saying he felt embarrassed by the popular monicker bestowed upon him. Kohli was addressing the fans gathered at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where RCB was rechristened as Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli walked to the stage as the boisterous crowd went berserk and started chanting his name. Upon being asked how he was feeling after returning to the cricket field post the birth of his second child, Kohli said it was "lovely to be back again". Upon hearing their star player's statement, the crowd went crazy yet again and 'Kohli, Kohli' chants started reverberating across the stadium. A visibly elated Kohli, playfully told the crowd: "Let me talk. Guys, we have to get to Chennai tonight we have a chartered flight so we don't have time (laughs)." "Firstly, you need to stop calling me that word (King). Please call me Virat. Don't call me that word (king), I was just telling Faf du Plessis that I feel embarrassed every year when you call me that word. So just call me Virat, please, from now on, don't use that word, it's very embarrassing for me," Kohli added. Having made his India debut in 2008 and stayed with RCB since then, Kohli has become a fan favourite across the globe. Owing to his throughouly imposing nature on the field, fans refer to him as 'King' and it has become associated with his name. Also read | RCB Unbox Event 2024 LIVE Updates: Virat Kohli unveils new RCB jersey Notably, Tuesday wasn't the first instance when Kohli urged the fans to not call him 'king'. “It’s sweet. I know why they are saying it, but I don’t prefer it. I like to be called by my own name, Virat,” he said last years on RCB Insider show. "People tell me King out of love, but I personally don’t prefer it. Like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdhe’, don’t say ‘King’," he added. RCB rechristened After urging the crowd, Kohli alongside skipper Faf du Plessis and women's team captain Smriti Mandhana unveiled the new jersey and name. Also read | RCB officially change name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in glitzy ceremony Notably, the state government of Karnataka in 2014 changed the name of the city to Bengaluru from Bangalore. Since then, there had been demands that the franchise management change the name but the team stuck with the name adopted in 2008, during the inaugural edition. (WIth inputs from agencies)

‘It embarrasses me’: Virat Kohli tells RCB fans to STOP calling him this...

RCB Unbox Event 2024 Live Streaming Online: Royal Challengers Bangalore will host the unboxing event for the third season and the second time in Bengaluru, the team's home venue.

RCB Unbox Event 2024 Live Streaming Online: Royal Challengers Bangalore will host the unboxing event for the third season and the second time in Bengaluru, the team's home venue. Royal Challengers Bangalore launched Unbox in 2024. The event aims to engage with their 12th-man army. The Bengaluru-based franchise uses the event to launch jerseys and introduce players and significant personnel. In their first event, held at Church Street in Bengaluru, they announced Faf du Plessis as skipper. In 2023, the team hosted the event at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they added cricketing legends AB De Villiers and Chris Gayle to the hall of fame. Royal Challengers Bangalore will hold the event just three days before they play their first game of the season. While the RCB-W, led by Smriti Mandhana, has already brought the trophy home, the RCB boys are ready to take on Chennai Super Kings on March 22 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This year, the IPL franchise has hinted at a name change from Bangalore to Bengaluru. They might also unveil the new jersey. Here's everything you need to know about the RCB Unbox 2024 event. RCB UNBOX Event 2024 Live Streaming When is the RCB Unbox 2024 event? The Royal Challengers Bangalore Unbox event is on Tuesday (Mar 19). When will the RCB Unbox 2024 event start? The Royal Challengers Bangalore Unbox event will begin at 4 pm IST. Where can I get tickets for the RCB Unbox event 2024? The tickets for RCB Unbox are available on the RCB website. The event tickets range from ₹800 to ₹4,000. According to the website, one person can buy up to six tickets in a single login. The franchise will also give free add-ons with the ticket in the form of Jersey, available in all sizes (S to XXL). Where can I watch the RCB Unbox event? Fans who are not in Bengaluru can catch the event live on Royal Challengers Bangalore's official YouTube channel. RCB Unbox 2024 Performers List Alan Walker Raghu Dixit Neeti Mohan Brodha V Jordindian Barfi Katcheri Celebrities & Players Likely to Attend RCB Unbox 2024 Rishabh Shetty Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar Shiva Rajkumar Kiccha Sudeep RCB women's team led by Smriti Mandhana Faf Du Plessis Virat Kohli Glenn Maxwell Dinesh Karthik All the other RCB players in pre-camp (With inputs from agencies)

RCB Unbox 2024 Live Streaming: Check streaming details, list of performers, celebs and cricketers attend event

India’s World Cup winner&nbsp;Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket. Taking to the micro-blogging website X (previously known as Twitter), Azad revealed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked chief selector Ajit Agarkar to convince others to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup (to be held in June in the Caribbean and the USA).

A Telegraph report last week broke the internet claiming that India veteran Virat could face omission from the squad for the marquee event for his inability to make runs on slower pitches.&nbsp;

While people close to the information admitted this report to be false, Azad’s latest post contradicts it.

Azad said Shah had given Agarkar time till March 15 to convey the message to the decision-makers within and even Captain Rohit Sharma to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-reveals-how-his-plan-to-return-to-indian-world-cup-squad-was-derailed-701080">Hardik Pandya reveals how his plan to return to Indian World Cup squad was derailed</a>

As per sources, Rohit declined, saying he needs Kohli at any cost for&nbsp;the ICC event.

Without mentioning any name, Azad even said, “Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process.”

His post read,&nbsp;“Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. 
Nincompoops&nbsp;should not involve themselves in the selection process. 
@imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI

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Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was… <a href="https://t.co/FyaJSClOLw">pic.twitter.com/FyaJSClOLw</a>
— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirtiAzaad/status/1769211440693674359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Kohli returns to IPL after the break</h2>

Virat Kohli missed the England Test series for the birth of his second child and has joined his IPL team – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 17th edition beginning on March 22 in Chennai.&nbsp;

RCB and Chennai Super Kings will play IPL 2024 opener.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL 2024, the final schedule of which is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

For the record, India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 – the inaugural edition in South Africa.&nbsp;

India’s World Cup winner Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket.

India’s World Cup winner Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket. Taking to the micro-blogging website X (previously known as Twitter), Azad revealed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked chief selector Ajit Agarkar to convince others to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup (to be held in June in the Caribbean and the USA). A Telegraph report last week broke the internet claiming that India veteran Virat could face omission from the squad for the marquee event for his inability to make runs on slower pitches. While people close to the information admitted this report to be false, Azad’s latest post contradicts it. Azad said Shah had given Agarkar time till March 15 to convey the message to the decision-makers within and even Captain Rohit Sharma to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya reveals how his plan to return to Indian World Cup squad was derailed As per sources, Rohit declined, saying he needs Kohli at any cost for the ICC event. Without mentioning any name, Azad even said, “Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process.” His post read, “Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process. @imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was… pic.twitter.com/FyaJSClOLw — Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) March 17, 2024 × Kohli returns to IPL after the break Virat Kohli missed the England Test series for the birth of his second child and has joined his IPL team – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 17th edition beginning on March 22 in Chennai. RCB and Chennai Super Kings will play IPL 2024 opener. Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL 2024, the final schedule of which is yet to be announced. For the record, India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 – the inaugural edition in South Africa.

Rohit refuses to drop Kohli for T20 World Cup, sends clear message to Jay Shah – Reports

Former Indian opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has slammed rumour-mongers who have claimed that Virat Kohli might not feature in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. In recent times, it has been widely reported that the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, isn't keen on including Kohli in India's T20 WC squad as his game won't suit the wickets in West Indies, co-hosts along with USA for the upcoming mega event. Moreover, the selectors are believed to be more keen in including more power-hitters at the expense of Kohli.

However, Srikkanth -- member of Kapil Dev-led India's 1983 World Cup-winning team -- slammed all such rumours and stated that Kohli 'is a must' in India's squad for the forthcoming ICC tournament.

On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, "No chance. It's not possible to be without Virat Kohli at the T20 World Cup. He is the one who took us to the semi-finals in T20 World Cup 2022. He was the Man of the Tournament. Who is saying all this? These rumour-mongers, don't they have any other job? What is the basis for all this chatter? If India have to win the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli is a must in the squad."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-he-is-the-ipl-graeme-swann-lauds-ms-dhonis-fitness-backs-hardiks-appointment-as-mi-captain-700333">Exclusive: 'He is the IPL' - Graeme Swann lauds MS Dhoni's fitness; backs Hardik's appointment as MI captain</a>

<h2>'The Indian team should win the World Cup for Virat'</h2>

Srikkanth further opined, "You need a guy who can just stay there. India need that sheet anchor, be it T20 World Cup or ODI World Cup. Without Virat Kohli, the Indian team cannot go. We need Virat Kohli, 100 percent. I still believe Virat Kohli should be honoured like how Sachin Tendulkar was in 2011. " He added, "The Indian team should win the World Cup for Virat. It will be a great thing for Virat Kohli."

At present, Kohli is gearing up for IPL 2024 where he will represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Talking about his&nbsp;future in the shortest format, he came back into the T20I setup early this year (after 14 months), during the Afghanistan series. Given his impressive record in T20 WC as&nbsp;the leading scorer with 1,141 runs at 131.3, it is unlikely that he will be left out of the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;squad.

Notably, all the participating teams have to announce their provisional squad by early May.

Former Indian opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has slammed rumour-mongers who have claimed that Virat Kohli might not feature in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

Former Indian opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has slammed rumour-mongers who have claimed that Virat Kohli might not feature in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. In recent times, it has been widely reported that the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, isn't keen on including Kohli in India's T20 WC squad as his game won't suit the wickets in West Indies, co-hosts along with USA for the upcoming mega event. Moreover, the selectors are believed to be more keen in including more power-hitters at the expense of Kohli. However, Srikkanth -- member of Kapil Dev-led India's 1983 World Cup-winning team -- slammed all such rumours and stated that Kohli 'is a must' in India's squad for the forthcoming ICC tournament. On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, "No chance. It's not possible to be without Virat Kohli at the T20 World Cup. He is the one who took us to the semi-finals in T20 World Cup 2022. He was the Man of the Tournament. Who is saying all this? These rumour-mongers, don't they have any other job? What is the basis for all this chatter? If India have to win the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli is a must in the squad." Also read: Exclusive: 'He is the IPL' - Graeme Swann lauds MS Dhoni's fitness; backs Hardik's appointment as MI captain 'The Indian team should win the World Cup for Virat' Srikkanth further opined, "You need a guy who can just stay there. India need that sheet anchor, be it T20 World Cup or ODI World Cup. Without Virat Kohli, the Indian team cannot go. We need Virat Kohli, 100 percent. I still believe Virat Kohli should be honoured like how Sachin Tendulkar was in 2011. " He added, "The Indian team should win the World Cup for Virat. It will be a great thing for Virat Kohli." At present, Kohli is gearing up for IPL 2024 where he will represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Talking about his future in the shortest format, he came back into the T20I setup early this year (after 14 months), during the Afghanistan series. Given his impressive record in T20 WC as the leading scorer with 1,141 runs at 131.3, it is unlikely that he will be left out of the Indian squad. Notably, all the participating teams have to announce their provisional squad by early May.

Impossible to be without Virat Kohli at T20 World Cup 2024: Kris Srikkanth slams rumour-mongers

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has rubbished reports claiming that Virat Kohli will be dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. There have been rumours indicating that the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee isn't keen on selecting Kohli in India's T20 WC squad, citing that the slow pitches in West Indies, co-hosts of the event along with USA, won't suit his game style. However, Broad has rubbished all such reports&nbsp;by dropping a huge remark on the upcoming edition's blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 in New York.&nbsp;

<h2>'ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw'</h2>

In response to the news, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "This can’t be true. Just from a fans point of view of growing the game, the ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw of any player in the world, I’m sure he will be selected."

<img alt="Stuart Broad on Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a002d646-931f-4cab-b766-3d7236d986d1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SB.JPG" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-likely-to-be-dropped-to-make-way-for-power-hitters-in-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-reports-699262">Virat Kohli likely to be DROPPED to make way for power hitters in India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports</a>

Every participating team has&nbsp;to announce the&nbsp;provisional squad by early May. Hence, India's squad is expected to be out during the upcoming IPL 2024 edition. Speaking of Kohli, he is the leading run-getter in T20Is -- with&nbsp;4,037 runs in&nbsp;117 matches at a strike rate of 138.15. He is also the highest run-getter in T20 WC history, with&nbsp;1,141 runs in 27 games at an average of&nbsp;81.5 and strike rate of 131.3. He wasn't part of India's T20I scheme of things since their 2022 T20 WC semifinal loss, to eventual winners England, but returned to the setup -- after 14 months -- during the Afghanistan home series early this year.

At present, Kohli is gearing up for IPL 2024 where he will represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).&nbsp;

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has rubbished reports claiming that Virat Kohli will be dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. There have been rumours indicating that the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee isn't keen on selecting Kohli in India's T20 WC squad, citing that the slow pitches in West Indies, co-hosts of the event along with USA, won't suit his game style.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has rubbished reports claiming that Virat Kohli will be dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. There have been rumours indicating that the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee isn't keen on selecting Kohli in India's T20 WC squad, citing that the slow pitches in West Indies, co-hosts of the event along with USA, won't suit his game style. However, Broad has rubbished all such reports by dropping a huge remark on the upcoming edition's blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 in New York. 'ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw' In response to the news, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "This can’t be true. Just from a fans point of view of growing the game, the ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw of any player in the world, I’m sure he will be selected." Also read: Virat Kohli likely to be DROPPED to make way for power hitters in India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports Every participating team has to announce the provisional squad by early May. Hence, India's squad is expected to be out during the upcoming IPL 2024 edition. Speaking of Kohli, he is the leading run-getter in T20Is -- with 4,037 runs in 117 matches at a strike rate of 138.15. He is also the highest run-getter in T20 WC history, with 1,141 runs in 27 games at an average of 81.5 and strike rate of 131.3. He wasn't part of India's T20I scheme of things since their 2022 T20 WC semifinal loss, to eventual winners England, but returned to the setup -- after 14 months -- during the Afghanistan home series early this year. At present, Kohli is gearing up for IPL 2024 where he will represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

‘This can’t be true’: Stuart Broad rubbishes reports of Virat Kohli being dropped for T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli has been out of international cricket for quite sometime. He was not part of India's 4-1 home Tests series win over England, due to personal reasons (to welcome his second child), but he will now be seen in IPL 2024, for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). If reports by The Telegraph are to be believed, Kohli will have to perform very well and strike at an impressive rate to be considered for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. At present, it is being widely reported that the former Indian captain isn't a certainty in India's squad and is likely to make way for power hitters.&nbsp;

During the England Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead India in the T20 WC. However, he didn't confirm Kohli's participation. In this regard, Shah said, "We will discuss Virat’s role in due course." Rohit and Kohli returned to the T20I setup after 14 months during the Afghanistan series early this year.

It is believed that the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee are keen to go ahead with power hitters such as Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Jitesh Sharma, etc. instead of including Kohli (who has a strike rate of 138.15 in T20Is). Moreover, the committee feels the&nbsp;slow pitches in West Indies -- co-hosts along with USA for the T20 WC -- won't suit Kohli's style of play. Thus, a discussion with Kohli is on the cards and his T20I future might well be sealed sooner than later. If he gets dropped, it will be a huge development.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-kaif-lauds-all-format-player-yashasvi-jaiswal-after-england-tests-calls-for-his-odi-debut-699058">Mohammed Kaif lauds 'all-format player' Yashasvi Jaiswal after England Tests, calls for his ODI debut</a>

Meanwhile, in a recent interaction with News18, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan opined that no Indian team can be complete without Kohli. "No Indian team can be formed without Virat Kohli. How can anyone say that Virat Kohli should not be in India's team for T20 World Cup?&nbsp;You can see whatever the pressure, he performed for India, he always delivered for India," said Irfan.

India's T20 WC squad will be announced in early May, the deadline for all the participating teams, during the IPL 2024 season. At present, all eyes will be on how Kohli performs in the upcoming IPL season.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has been out of international cricket for quite sometime. He was not part of India's 4-1 home Tests series win over England, due to personal reasons (to welcome his second child), but he will now be seen in IPL 2024, for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Virat Kohli has been out of international cricket for quite sometime. He was not part of India's 4-1 home Tests series win over England, due to personal reasons (to welcome his second child), but he will now be seen in IPL 2024, for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). If reports by The Telegraph are to be believed, Kohli will have to perform very well and strike at an impressive rate to be considered for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. At present, it is being widely reported that the former Indian captain isn't a certainty in India's squad and is likely to make way for power hitters. During the England Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead India in the T20 WC. However, he didn't confirm Kohli's participation. In this regard, Shah said, "We will discuss Virat’s role in due course." Rohit and Kohli returned to the T20I setup after 14 months during the Afghanistan series early this year. It is believed that the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee are keen to go ahead with power hitters such as Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Jitesh Sharma, etc. instead of including Kohli (who has a strike rate of 138.15 in T20Is). Moreover, the committee feels the slow pitches in West Indies -- co-hosts along with USA for the T20 WC -- won't suit Kohli's style of play. Thus, a discussion with Kohli is on the cards and his T20I future might well be sealed sooner than later. If he gets dropped, it will be a huge development. Also read: Mohammed Kaif lauds 'all-format player' Yashasvi Jaiswal after England Tests, calls for his ODI debut Meanwhile, in a recent interaction with News18, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan opined that no Indian team can be complete without Kohli. "No Indian team can be formed without Virat Kohli. How can anyone say that Virat Kohli should not be in India's team for T20 World Cup? You can see whatever the pressure, he performed for India, he always delivered for India," said Irfan. India's T20 WC squad will be announced in early May, the deadline for all the participating teams, during the IPL 2024 season. At present, all eyes will be on how Kohli performs in the upcoming IPL season.

Virat Kohli likely to be DROPPED to make way for power hitters in India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis recalled how he hit it off with Virat Kohli at his first session with the franchise ahead of the 2022 season. Notably, the South African joined the Bengaluru-based franchise two years back and replaced Kohli as the RCB captain.

Since his inclusion at RCB, Du Plessis and Kohli have forged a superb opening pair. The two have also worked well as leaders of the group. Recently, Du Plessis shared his relationship with Kohli and said in a Star Sports interview, "There are quite a few things that Virat and I are very similar, very alike in the way we see the game or think about the game, but also in how we look at ourselves and how we want to be."

"Obviously athletic, train hard, be fit, eat well. So we look at a holistic approach to being a professional sportsman and I think that's why we connected so well in my first season at RCB, we were very similar."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-rishabh-pant-should-not-rush-his-comeback-former-csk-stars-advice-to-dc-captain-697558">IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant should not rush his comeback - Former CSK star's advice to DC captain</a>

He added, "And yes he's amazing, he trains hard, he's very fit, and I feel like in today's age of sport you have to be like that if you're looking for longevity so he will be a great example for the younger generation that maybe feel like they can just come in and rely on their talent. Yes they are good enough in terms of talent but in terms of longevity in your body to make sure you can play for as long as possible, fitness will definitely play a role."

Kohli is currently out of international action and missed the entire home Tests versus England due to personal reasons. In mid-February, the superstar cricketer got blessed with a second child and is currently with wife Anushka Sharma and close family members. He is expected to join RCB squad soon for the upcoming IPL season.

RCB take on defending champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024 opener on March 22 in Chennai.

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis recalled how he hit it off with Virat Kohli at his first session with the franchise ahead of the 2022 season.

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis recalled how he hit it off with Virat Kohli at his first session with the franchise ahead of the 2022 season. Notably, the South African joined the Bengaluru-based franchise two years back and replaced Kohli as the RCB captain. Since his inclusion at RCB, Du Plessis and Kohli have forged a superb opening pair. The two have also worked well as leaders of the group. Recently, Du Plessis shared his relationship with Kohli and said in a Star Sports interview, "There are quite a few things that Virat and I are very similar, very alike in the way we see the game or think about the game, but also in how we look at ourselves and how we want to be." "Obviously athletic, train hard, be fit, eat well. So we look at a holistic approach to being a professional sportsman and I think that's why we connected so well in my first season at RCB, we were very similar." Also read: IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant should not rush his comeback - Former CSK star's advice to DC captain He added, "And yes he's amazing, he trains hard, he's very fit, and I feel like in today's age of sport you have to be like that if you're looking for longevity so he will be a great example for the younger generation that maybe feel like they can just come in and rely on their talent. Yes they are good enough in terms of talent but in terms of longevity in your body to make sure you can play for as long as possible, fitness will definitely play a role." Kohli is currently out of international action and missed the entire home Tests versus England due to personal reasons. In mid-February, the superstar cricketer got blessed with a second child and is currently with wife Anushka Sharma and close family members. He is expected to join RCB squad soon for the upcoming IPL season. RCB take on defending champions MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024 opener on March 22 in Chennai.

IPL 2024: RCB captain Faf du Plessis recalls how he connected instantly with Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma-led India dominated proceedings on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test versus England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday (March 7). Being asked to bowl first, the home side rode on Kuldeep Yadav's 5 for 79 and R Ashwin's 4 for 51 to dismiss the English side for a below-par 218. In reply, India ended the day's play at 135 for 1 with skipper Rohit unbeaten on 52. With his second half-century of the series, Rohit also became the tenth Indian skipper to enter the 1,000-run club in Tests.&nbsp;

Thus, Rohit joined an elite list comprising his predecessor Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and the likes. Here is the list:

Virat Kohli - 5,864 runs 
MS Dhoni - 3,454 runs 
Sunil Gavaskar - 3,449 runs 
Mohammed Azharuddin - 2,856 runs 
Sourav Ganguly - 2,561 runs 
MAK Pataudi - 2,424 runs 
Sachin Tendulkar - 2,054 runs 
Rahul Dravid - 1,736 runs 
Kapil Dev - 1,364 runs 
Rohit Sharma - 1,039 runs

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-rohit-sharma-becomes-1st-ever-to-achieve-all-format-catching-feat-on-day-1-of-dharamsala-test-697642">IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st-ever to achieve all-format catching feat on Day 1 of Dharamsala Test</a>

In addition, Rohit is now only the third Indian captain to score 1k-plus runs in all formats as captain. He joined Dhoni and Kohli in this elite list:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Captains</td>
			<td>Tests</td>
			<td>ODIs</td>
			<td>T20Is</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MS Dhoni</td>
			<td>3,454</td>
			<td>6,641</td>
			<td>1,112</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Virat Kohli</td>
			<td>5,864</td>
			<td>5,449</td>
			<td>1,570</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rohit Sharma</td>
			<td>1,039*</td>
			<td>2047*</td>
			<td>1,648*</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Rohit will look to make the most of his start and take India beyond England's 218 on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at the picturesque stadium in Dharamsala on Friday (March 8). The hosts will aim for a big lead to dictate terms over Ben Stokes-led England. The five Tests have already been sealed with India taking an unassailable 3-1 lead following their five-wicket win in the previous game in Ranchi. Rohit &amp; Co., however, will aim for a 4-1 scoreline to bolster their chances of playing the final of the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Rohit Sharma-led India dominated proceedings on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test versus England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday (March 7). Being asked to bowl first, the home side rode on Kuldeep Yadav's 5 for 79 and R Ashwin's 4 for 51 to dismiss the English side for a below-par 218.

Rohit Sharma-led India dominated proceedings on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test versus England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday (March 7). Being asked to bowl first, the home side rode on Kuldeep Yadav's 5 for 79 and R Ashwin's 4 for 51 to dismiss the English side for a below-par 218. In reply, India ended the day's play at 135 for 1 with skipper Rohit unbeaten on 52. With his second half-century of the series, Rohit also became the tenth Indian skipper to enter the 1,000-run club in Tests. Thus, Rohit joined an elite list comprising his predecessor Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and the likes. Here is the list: Virat Kohli - 5,864 runs MS Dhoni - 3,454 runs Sunil Gavaskar - 3,449 runs Mohammed Azharuddin - 2,856 runs Sourav Ganguly - 2,561 runs MAK Pataudi - 2,424 runs Sachin Tendulkar - 2,054 runs Rahul Dravid - 1,736 runs Kapil Dev - 1,364 runs Rohit Sharma - 1,039 runs Also read: IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st-ever to achieve all-format catching feat on Day 1 of Dharamsala Test In addition, Rohit is now only the third Indian captain to score 1k-plus runs in all formats as captain. He joined Dhoni and Kohli in this elite list: Captains Tests ODIs T20Is MS Dhoni 3,454 6,641 1,112 Virat Kohli 5,864 5,449 1,570 Rohit Sharma 1,039* 2047* 1,648* Rohit will look to make the most of his start and take India beyond England's 218 on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at the picturesque stadium in Dharamsala on Friday (March 8). The hosts will aim for a big lead to dictate terms over Ben Stokes-led England. The five Tests have already been sealed with India taking an unassailable 3-1 lead following their five-wicket win in the previous game in Ranchi. Rohit & Co., however, will aim for a 4-1 scoreline to bolster their chances of playing the final of the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma joins Kohli, Dhoni to become 10th Indian captain to score 1k runs in Tests

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