Sports
Kohli: Earn Respect in World Cricket by Embracing Test Cricket
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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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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