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- PHIL SALT AND VIRAT STARS AS RCB BEAT KKR IN IPL SEASON OPENER
PHIL SALT AND VIRAT STARS AS RCB BEAT KKR IN IPL SEASON OPENER
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 177 for 3 (Kohli 59*, Salt 56, Patidar 34, Narine 1-27) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 174 for 8 (Rahane 56, Narine 44, Krunal 3-29, Hazlewood 2-22) by seven wickets
The first IPL after the mega auction was filled with excitement as teams formed new combinations and strategies. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a strong statement in their opening match of IPL 2025, defeating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with a commanding performance.
Josh Hazlewood utilized the pitch conditions well, restricting KKR’s scoring in the powerplay and death overs with figures of 4-0-22-1. Krunal Pandya was equally effective, dismissing Ajinkya Rahane after his aggressive fifty and finishing with 4-0-29-3. Suyash Sharma, despite an otherwise average outing, delivered a crucial breakthrough by removing Andre Russell, while Phil Salt dismantled the chase with a rapid 56 off 31 balls, mirroring Rahane’s score. RCB’s most consistent performer, Virat Kohli, then finished the job with a solid 59 off 36, ensuring victory with 22 balls to spare in their chase of 175.
KKR, known for making bold moves, opted for a safer approach when naming their captain after the auction. Rahane, leading the side, will have to prove himself regularly, but his innings alongside Sunil Narine gave KKR early momentum as they added 98 runs between the fourth and tenth over. However, beyond those seven overs, RCB outclassed KKR in every aspect, securing a well-deserved win.
Full article here: Salt, Kohli, Krunal lead RCB to victory in IPL 2025 opener
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International games
Namibia vs Canada, 4th T20I
CAN 42/7 (13)
NAM 42/0 (2.4)
Namibia won by 10 wkts (13 Ovs games due to rain, DLS Target 42)
ICC Cricket Committee Set to Discuss Major Changes to World Test Championship in April
Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, has confirmed that the final decision on revamping the World Test Championship (WTC) for the 2025-27 cycle will be taken next month by the Sourav Ganguly-led Cricket Committee. This 16-member committee features cricketing greats like VVS Laxman, Daniel Vettori, Mahela Jayawardene, and Shaun Pollock.
Speaking in Kolkata during the IPL 2025 opener, Shah told PTI, "Proposals have come in, but I’m not fully aware of them. The Cricket Committee will make the decision." The ICC is reportedly considering major changes to the WTC points system after analyzing the first two cycles.
One of the key proposals is introducing a bonus points system to reward dominant wins and offer extra incentives for victories in away conditions. Currently, teams get 12 points for a win, 6 for a tie, and 4 for a draw, but critics argue that this structure doesn’t properly acknowledge convincing performances. The potential revamp could include extra points based on the margin of victory and the strength of the opposition.
Additionally, discussions around a two-tier Test system—an idea long supported by Cricket Australia—are likely to resurface. While some believe it would make Test cricket more competitive, others worry that it might sideline lower-ranked teams, reducing their chances to develop and compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, the stage is set for the WTC 2025-27 final on June 11, where South Africa and Australia will battle for the prestigious title.
“The harder you work for something, the greater you'll feel when you achieve it"
Domestic cricket + T20 leagues
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR 174/8 (20)
RCB 177/3 (16.2)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wickets
Player Biographies:
Virat Kohli - The Modern Master
Early Life
Virat Kohli was born November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. He had a strong desire to play cricket at an early age and trained at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. His breakthrough came in 2008, when he captained India to victory in the U-19 World Cup, impressing selectors with his aggressive batting and leadership abilities.
International Career
Kohli made his one-day international debut against Sri Lanka in 2008, followed by his test debut in 2011. He soon established himself in the Indian team, becoming an important member of India's batting lineup in all formats. By 2013, he was one of the world's top batters, renowned for his consistency, fitness, and ability to chase down large runs under duress.
Captaincy Era
In 2017, Kohli took over as India's captain in all formats. Under his leadership, India achieved several milestones, including:
A historic Test series win in Australia (2018-19)
Dominance in home Test series
Leading India to the WTC final (2021) and deep runs in multiple ICC tournaments
Records and Achievements
Most centuries in ODI cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record (50 centuries as of 2023)
Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs
Leading run-scorer in T20 World Cups
Part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team and the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team
Playing Style
Kohli is known for his aggressive mindset, sharp technique, and incredible fitness levels. His ability to chase down big targets and perform under pressure has earned him the title "Chase Master."
Personal Life
Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017, and the couple has a daughter named Vamika and son Akaay. Off the field, he is passionate about fitness, philanthropy, and running his foundation to support underprivileged children.
On This Day
A World Cup semi-final that ended in chaos. South Africa needed 22 runs off 13 balls to defeat England in Sydney when rain interrupted play. Just ten minutes later, they returned to the field—only to find that the revised target now required them to score 21 runs off a single ball. The outdated rain-rule system shattered what had been a thrilling contest, though South Africa’s slow over rate—managing just 45 overs in the allotted time—led many to believe they got what they deserved.
England had earlier put up 252 for 6, powered by Graeme Hick’s 83 and a late surge from Dermot Reeve, who smashed 25 off 14 balls. South Africa, despite lacking a half-century from any batter, remained competitive throughout—until the rain stole their chance. England advanced to their third World Cup final in four tournaments. Three days later, they suffered their third final defeat in four
Coming tomorrow
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
New Zealand vs Pakistan, 4th T20I