Virat Kohli: The Run Machine

Virat Kohli, often referred to as the “Run Machine,” has been a consistent performer for the Indian cricket team. With over 24,000 runs and 70 centuries in international cricket, Kohli’s batting prowess is unmatched. His ability to chase down big totals and his hunger for runs have earned him a massive fan following. Kohli’s leadership skills have also been praised, as he led the Indian team to several victories, including the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Rohit Sharma: The Hitman

Rohit Sharma, also known as the “Hitman,” is another contender for the GOAT title. With over 15,000 runs and 41 centuries in international cricket, Sharma has proven his mettle as a top-class batsman. His ability to score big centuries and his calm demeanor under pressure have made him a fan favorite. Sharma’s captaincy skills have also been impressive, as he led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles.

The Verdict: A Tough Choice
Choosing between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the cricket GOAT is a difficult task. Both players have their strengths and have contributed significantly to the sport. Kohli’s consistency and leadership skills make him a strong contender, while Sharma’s big-hitting ability and calm captaincy style also make him a worthy candidate.

READ MORE: Gautam Gambhir Takes the Helm

The debate over who is the cricket GOAT between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is likely to continue for years to come. Both players have their unique styles and have contributed immensely to the sport. Ultimately, the answer may come down to personal preference and the criteria used to judge greatness. Regardless of the outcome, there’s no denying that both Kohli and Sharma have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.

Sharma’s onslaught began in the third over of the match when he faced Starc. The first ball was launched over cover for a six, followed by another six over the same area. The third ball was slammed down the ground for four, and the fourth was heaved over midwicket for another six. After a wide and a dot ball, Sharma ended the over with a top-edged six over third man.

Mitchell Starc Responds to Rohit Sharma Assault in T20 World Cup

Starc, who was playing his first match of the tournament after being dropped for the previous game against Afghanistan, was left shell-shocked by Sharma’s assault. “I bowled five bad balls and he hit them all for six,” Starc later admitted in an interview.

Sharma’s innings was a crucial one for India, as it helped them post a mammoth total of 205/5 in their 20 overs. The knock was the third highest individual score of the tournament and included seven fours and eight sixes.

Despite Starc eventually getting the last laugh by dismissing Sharma for 92, the damage had already been done. India went on to win the match by 24 runs, effectively knocking Australia out of the tournament.

A Bitter Pill to Swallow

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Australia, who had been the reigning ODI World Champions. However, it was a sweet revenge for India, who had lost to England in the semi-finals of the previous T20 World Cup.

READ MORE: A Farewell to the King of Swing: James Anderson’s Final Test at Lord’s

Sharma’s innings will be remembered as one of the greatest T20 knocks of all time, and it will serve as a reminder of the Indian captain’s ability to single-handedly turn a match on its head.

Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, two cricketing icons from India, have had illustrious careers that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Sharma, known for his explosive batting and strategic captaincy, has led the Indian cricket team to numerous victories, including the T20 World Cup in 2024. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game and his leadership skills have made him a formidable force in international cricket. On the other hand, Dravid, often referred to as “The Wall” for his solid batting technique, has been a pillar of the Indian cricket team. His calm demeanor and technical prowess have not only helped him score thousands of runs but also earned him the respect of his peers and fans worldwide. Together, Sharma and Dravid have not only been a part of many memorable victories but have also contributed to the development and growth of cricket in India.

Rohit Sharma Shares a Heartfelt Message for Rahul Dravid on Instagram

The post, which quickly went viral, showcased a series of pictures capturing the bond between Sharma and Dravid. In his caption, Sharma expressed his gratitude and admiration for Dravid, referring to him as a friend, coach, and confidant. He highlighted Dravid’s humility and the comfortable environment he created within the team, allowing everyone to share their thoughts and feelings freely.

Sharma’s tribute also included a touching anecdote, revealing that his wife affectionately refers to Dravid as his “work wife.” This playful yet sincere remark not only added a personal touch to the tribute but also emphasized the depth of the relationship between the two cricket personalities.

The timing of Sharma’s post was particularly significant, as it came shortly after India’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024. Under Dravid’s guidance, the team had achieved the remarkable feat of winning the tournament while remaining undefeated. This success marked a fitting end to Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

A Wave of Praises from the Fans

The cricket community and fans alike were moved by Sharma’s tribute, with many praising the captain for his heartfelt words and the genuine bond he shares with Dravid. The post served as a reminder that beyond the fierce competition on the field, cricket is also a game that fosters lifelong friendships and mutual respect.

READ MORE: David Miller Denies Retirement Rumors, Vows to Continue Playing for Proteas

As Dravid embarks on a new chapter in his career, Sharma’s tribute stands as a testament to the impact he has had on the Indian cricket team and the players he has mentored. It is a heartwarming story of friendship, mentorship, and the enduring bond between two cricket legends.

Dipping Form Of Rohit Sharma, A Concern For Many

Youtube CC: @NDTV

The Orange Army stepped foot on the ground, intending to make a statement. Interestingly, what unfolded next was sheer carnage. Hardik Pandya, skipper of Mumbai Indians, won the toss, forcing home team SRH to bat first. However, given the pitch and ground conditions, it is nothing less than a batter’s paradise. Mumbai Indians came into this game with a defeat on their backs at the hands of last year’s runners-up, Gujarat Titans. Apart from this, Hardik Pandya, who returned to the MI squad with the captaincy in his name, has been a victim of crowd bullying from IPL fans nationwide.

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians 1st Innings

Batting first, Sunrisers Hyderabad started their innings decently. However, from the second over onward, batsmen from both ends were spitting fire from their bats. Travis Head, a name that still gives sleepless nights to all the Indian cricket fans, all thanks to his match-winning performance at the World Cup final, put on a similar show on display. The Australian goliath made 62 runs from 24 balls with nine 4’s and three 6’s. Moreover, Travis’s feisty knock helped SRH post their highest total in the powerplay with 81 runs for the loss of 1 wicket.

However, this led to the Mumbai Indians taking their share of the time-out session right after the end of the power play. However, this did not change the game plans or the outcome for SRH or Mumbai. By the end of 10 overs, Hyderabad was able to put up a score of 148/2, again the highest by any team in the first 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma kept the momentum going and made a quick 16-ball fifty, breaking the record of former SRH skipper David Warner of 20-ball fifty.

In the latter part of the Innings, Klaasen’s performance added salt to the wound, as the South African batsmen scored a Classic innings of 80 of 34 balls with four 4s and seven 6s. By the end of 20 overs, SRH posted a daunting total of 277 with the loss of just 3 wickets.

Second Innings

With 278 to chase in 120 balls, Mumbai Indians went all guns blazing from the first over. The duo of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma went bonkers on all the bowlers. Moreover, with an asking run rate of almost 14 runs per over, Mumbai Indians gave a fitting response. Ishan and Rohit added a glazing total of 56 runs in just over 3 overs. Ishan Kishan’s cameo of 34 runs from 13 balls, which included two 4s and four 6s, ended when he got caught by Makram on the bowling of Shahbaz Ahmed. However, in the fifth over, Pat Cummins got the big fish, Rohit Sharma, scoring at a staggering strike rate of 216.

Next in line, Tilak Verma left no stone unturned as he kept the game alive. The young lad helped MI take the team score to 140 plus in the first 10 overs, Keeping the game balanced. Verma soon reached his half-century in a mere 24 balls as things looked well poised. Mumbai lost their third wicket, and Naman Dhir departed for 30 runs in 13 balls.

Things went dicey when Varma lost his wicket, scoring 64 in 34 balls with two 4s and six 6s. From 11-16 overs, Sunrises made a comeback in the game by gripping a strong hold on the leaks of boundaries and maximums. Once again, a flop show was on the cards from Captain Hardik Pandya as he scored just 24 runs off 20 balls with a strike rate of 120.

Flag End of the Game

In the last four overs, Tim David tried to boost the innings with big hitting, but David could not see through to the end of the match due to a lack of support from the other end. David remained not out on 42 runs in 22 balls. Abhishek Sharma was awarded the Man of the Match for his excellent batting performance. However, other notable performances came from Bumrah, Klaasen, Head, Tim, and many more.

Once again, the post-match discussion point was Hardik Pandya’s strategies and decision-making. A few of the prominent ones are

• Why was Jasprit Bumrah given just 1 over until 13 overs?
• The DRS decisions for wide balls and no balls. Was it worth it?

One thing this game will be remembered for is the no of records it has broken, not just in IPL but in T20 worldwide. It is the first game in the history of T20 cricket where over 500 runs were scored in a match. Also, it is the highest team total in the history of IPL, surpassing the long-standing record of 263 from RCB. The number of sixes in a T20 game is the highest, i.e., thirty-eight.

READ MORE: Chennai’s Dominance: A Glimpse into the Post-Dhoni Era

Next, the Mumbai Indians will play against the Rajasthan Royals on 1st April in Wankhede, Mumbai. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad will face the Gujarat Titans in Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat, on 31st March.

Youtube CC: @RJRaunacNoPo_

Hardik Pandya is trending on X(early known as Twitter) for not-so-good reasons.  Gujarat Fans speculate that their local boy jumped ships for a captaincy clause with the Mumbai Indians. However, Amchi Mumbai fans did not take the returning hero with open arms as they will no longer see their beloved Captain Rohit Sharma in the captain role. What followed at Narendra Modi’s stadium was a hostile crowd from both franchises against the newly appointed Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik Pandya.

Gujarat Titans Batting Dominance

In a thrilling encounter between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, Gujarat Titans displayed exceptional batting prowess. Despite losing early wickets, with Wriddhiman Saha departing early after scoring 19 runs, Gujarat put up a challenging total on the scoreboard. Shubman Gill, the skipper, contributed with 31 runs, but fell victim to Piyush Chawla’s clever bowling.

Sai Sudharsan tried to stabilize the innings with a valiant 45 runs, yet he too succumbed to the pressure created by Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal bowling, leaving Gujarat Titans struggling at 134/5. Thanks to Rahul Tewatia’s quick, fiery knock of 22 runs off 15 balls, Gujarat were able to put a fighting total on the scoreboard.

Mumbai Indians Bowling Resistance

The Mumbai Indians bowling attack, led by Gerald Coetzee and Jasprit Bumrah, showcased resilience. Coetzee scalped crucial wickets, including David Miller and Rahul Tewatia. Meanwhile, Bumrah’s fiery spell rattled the Mumbai Indians batting order, claiming three important wickets. Despite Mumbai’s aggressive approach, Gujarat Titans managed to keep the run rate in check with disciplined bowling performances from Jaspreet Bumrah and Piyush Chawla.

Chasing a target of 169 runs, Mumbai Indians faced an uphill battle against Gujarat’s formidable bowling attack. Despite valiant efforts from their batsmen, including Rohit Sharma’s 43 runs, Mumbai struggled to maintain momentum. The Brigade in Blue lost wickets regularly, failing to build partnerships crucial for a successful chase. Mohit Sharma’s exceptional bowling performance, supported by Rashid Khan’s crucial economic spells, restricted Mumbai Indians to 162 runs, securing Gujarat Titans’ victory.

READ MORE: Rajasthan Royals Dominance Secures Victory Over Lucknow Super Giants

Gujarat Titans displayed superior batting and bowling performances, securing a well-deserved victory against Gujarat Titans. While Gujarat showed moments of brilliance, Mumbai’s dominance ultimately prevailed, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. Moving forward in the tournament, the Mumbai Indians will play Sunrisers Hyderabad on 27 March at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. However, Gujarat Titans will play against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on 26th March at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Well, the answer to the question is yes. Though India has lost their first game in the Super 4, there are chances for India to make it into the finals and face Pakistan which would turn out to be a best of 3 games.

With a win over India, Pakistan has strengthened their chances of qualifying into the final. All they have to do is win one of their remaining two games. But on the other side, India must win both their games. They must beat Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to reach the Asia Cup finals for the 3^rd time in a row.

How can India reach Asia Cup Final?

India is set to play Sri Lanka on 6th September at Dubai International Stadium. India must win to keep their hopes alive and give themselves breathing space in the league table. Not only this, India must beat Afghanistan on the 8^th of September at the same stadium, Dubai International. If India manages to win both their remaining games then they’re through to the finals of the Asia Cup.

What if India wins only against Sri Lanka?

One of the other possibilities is that India beats Sri Lanka and losses to Afghanistan, possible. Then Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and India should win with a good net run rate. Whereas Sri Lanka must face a heavy defeat. If such scenarios occur, then both India and Pakistan would qualify for the finals.

While most of the people around the globe are backing India and Pakistan to face off what most call a “Final of Trilogy”. One cannot count out the dark horses of this tournament i.e. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. On one side is the group stage dominant Afghanistan who put an end to the Bangladesh campaign and shook up Sri Lanka’s chances to reach super4. Whereas, Sri Lanka after a disastrous opening game against Afghanistan rise from the ashes and is sitting on top of the league table.

Also Read: Mushfiqur Rahim announces retirement from t20 internationals

India walking on a dead street

India must act on their toes if they want to save the crown getting away from their head of Asian Champions. There are major concerns that Dravid and Rohit have to look into one being the bowling department. With the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, India was seen on the ground as headless chicken in the middle order. Though Virat Kohli has taken all the spotlight on his head, one cannot deny the void Jadeja’s departure has created. India lacks depth in its pace attack and we cannot demand every day for Bhuvneshwar to perform. What lies between India and the 8th Asia Cup Title is 2 underdog teams with the potential to end India’s hope to reach the final and arch-rival Pakistan who are knocking at the doors of the Asia Cup final.

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Pakistan won the toss and elect to bowl first given the superficial belief of winning the toss and bowling to win the game.

1^st Innings

India batting first, the hitman Rohit and KL Rahul cleared their intent to go against the Pakistan pace attack from the first ball itself. The duo took charge in their hands and hammered the bowlers all across the park. India batted at a sublime run rate of more than 12 per over, scoring 50 0f 26 balls. It is for the first time since the T20 inception India played so well in the first six overs.

In the following over Rahul ran down the wicket, taking on Shadab, but found Nawaz at the long on. India was soon reduced to 62 for 2 with both openers back in the stands. Following the loss of 2 quick wickets, Virat Kohli and Surya Kumar Yadav tried to balance the innings but Surya gave away his wicket cheaply. India kept losing wickets from one end and Kohli held his ground firmly from the other side. After losing Pant and Hooda, Kohli had to take charge of his hands. Kohli manages to score 60 of 44 balls with 2 sixes and 8 fours, helping India reach a fighting total of 181 with the loss of 7 wickets.

India was flying well until the 6^th over began when Rohit chipped one in the air off Rauf. It was Khushdil at mid-wicket who took the catch and sent Indian Skipper back to the Pavilion.

2nd Innings

Pakistan start their innings with a boundary given a bigger required run rate from the start. Rizwan played an aggressive knock, whereas Babar went slowly from the other end. India soon got their 1^st wicket in the face of Babar who departed for 14 off 10 balls. Soon Fakhar Zaman got tricked into Chahal’s spin and gets caught at the boundary ropes by Virat Kohli. India kept Pakistan hitting around the bush, and did not let them surpass the required run rate.

After losing 2 quick wickets Pakistan also needed to balance their innings. Incomes Nawaz, Rizwan, and Nawaz cumulatively added runs from both ends. Rizwan went to bring up his half-century. Whereas Nawaz played the most important cameo in the Pakistan Innings. Nawaz added 42 off 20 balls with 2 sixes and 6 fours, scoring 36 of 42 runs in boundaries.

The games swung like a pendulum until Bishnoi sent off Nawaz breaking the partnership and denting Pakistan’s hopes of clinching a win over arch-rivals India. Soon Rizwan slogged a ball wide of the off stump in the Bhuvneshwar’s over his wicket shifting the momentum in India’s favor. Things look good for men in blue until Arsh dropped a dolly from Asif in the 18^th over. It was at this moment fans knew that India has messed up the opportunity. Following this incident, Asif went on to score a crucial knock of 16 0ff 10 balls. Two 4’s and a 6’s added salt to injury to Indian wounds at it brought down the equation to 7 required of the last 6 balls.

The thing even turned ugly when the team was penalized for slow over-rate. As a result, 0ne extra fielder has to stay inside the 30-yard circle. As it is said, consequences were bound to occur. Asif Ali smashed Arshdeep straight down the wicket for four runs. While Pakistan looed to stretch for the home run, Arshdeep dented the party with a slow Yorker. As a result, the umpire declared Asif Ali LBW. But the train had already left the station in the pin ultimate ball of the match Iftikhar scored a couple to see Pakistan home and beat India by five wickets. With this win, Pakistan registered their 1st win and increase their chances of qualifying for the finals.

Next, India will play Sri Lanka on the 6th of September at the Dubai International Stadium. While Sri Lanka would look to book a place in the final, India is on a must-win road to survive in the competition to reach the finals.