Sports

Kohli: Earn Respect in World Cricket by Embracing Test Cricket

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2025

Almost a month after retiring from Test cricket, Virat Kohli shared his passion for the longest format of the game, encouraging the younger generation to strive for success in Test matches, even as white-ball cricket gains prominence.

Kohli, who rated Test cricket “five levels” above other formats, recently celebrated his 18-year wait with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, which was achieved this Tuesday. He acknowledged that while the IPL victory is a significant highlight in his career, it doesn’t overshadow his achievements in Test cricket.

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“This moment (the IPL win) ranks among the best in my career, but it still falls short of Test cricket. That’s how much I value and cherish Test cricket,” the 36-year-old reflected amid the excitement following RCB’s narrow six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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Kohli’s illustrious Test career includes 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, and he participated in two World Test Championship Finals during its initial two cycles. He also played a crucial role in India’s third campaign in the WTC, finishing third behind South Africa and Australia, who will contest the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s.

Expressing his profound respect for the Test format, Kohli urged young players to appreciate its importance for global recognition.

“I encourage the upcoming generation to show respect for this format. Success in Test cricket earns you respect worldwide; people will acknowledge your achievements with a handshake and a smile,” he said.

“To gain respect in cricket globally, dedicate yourself to Test cricket, put in the hard work, and earn the admiration of legends,” he emphasized.

Kohli concluded his Test career with 30 centuries and led India to 40 victories in 68 matches as captain, making him the most successful Test skipper for India.

Reflecting on his journey with RCB since IPL’s inception in 2008, Kohli expressed how winning the IPL has been a long-held dream and reiterated his loyalty to the team.

“I’ve devoted my youth, my prime, and my experience to this team. I’ve poured my heart into every season to secure a win. Finally achieving this moment feels incredible. I never thought it would happen,” he stated.

“I’ve given everything over the past 18 years. I’ve remained loyal to this team regardless of the circumstances, and winning it with RCB is special because I feel a deep connection to Bengaluru,” he added.

Highlighting RCB’s teamwork and the management’s support, Kohli said, “This group of players and management has been exceptional. We maintained the right balance and confidence, even when our tactics were questioned. This victory belongs to every player, every family member, and everyone who stood by us.”

Kohli also expressed gratitude to the loyal fans of the franchise, who waited over a decade and a half for this moment. “This IPL win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” he said.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.