Virat Kohli's Unexpected Fear: Turbulence on Flights

Virat Kohli’s Unexpected Fear: Turbulence on Flights

Virat Kohli’s Unexpected Fear: Turbulence on Flights

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Virat Kohli has revealed an unexpected fear that has been a constant companion during his travels: turbulence. In a viral video from the RCB Podcast Trailer, Kohli candidly shared his apprehension about flying, particularly when encountering bad turbulence.

“I am very scared of turbulence. Oh my god, I look so stupid and like a fool. Whenever there is bad turbulence, I am the first guy to hold the sides of the seat. So I feel like, I am the gone,” Kohli confessed.

Despite his fear of air travel, Kohli has been in exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024. The prolific right-hand batter has already notched up a century and amassed 316 runs in just five matches, boasting an impressive average of 105.33.

However, Kohli’s stellar performances have not translated into team success for RCB this season. With only one win from their first five matches, RCB find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table.

As they prepare to face the five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, Kohli and his team will be eager to turn their fortunes around and secure a crucial victory in the tournament.

Kohli’s fear of turbulence is a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes have their own personal challenges. Despite his apprehension, Kohli continues to perform at the highest level, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Rohan Bopanna: Age is Just a Number for Tennis Legend

Rohan Bopanna: Age is Just a Number for Tennis Legend

Rohan Bopanna, the 44-year-old Indian tennis legend, continues to defy age and expectations. After winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, Bopanna and his partner Matthew Ebden triumphed at the Miami Open in March, becoming the oldest Masters 1000 winners in history.

Bopanna’s remarkable journey has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Despite having no cartilage in both knees, he has overcome physical challenges to remain competitive at the highest level. His success is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport.

The partnership with Ebden has been a key factor in Bopanna’s recent resurgence. Their chemistry on and off the court, combined with their complementary playing styles, has led to six Masters 1000 titles. Bopanna credits their open communication and mutual respect for their success.

With the Olympics on the horizon, Bopanna is focused on selecting the right partner and ensuring adequate match practice. He understands the pressure of representing his country on such a grand stage and is determined to give his best effort.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Bopanna is also committed to fostering a supportive tennis community through his Doubles Dream Project. He believes in creating opportunities for players to travel together and support each other’s goals.

Bopanna’s association with ASICS has been instrumental in his pursuit of peak performance. The brand’s focus on innovation and its commitment to promoting holistic well-being align with his own values. He is particularly impressed by ASICS’ ‘Move Your Mind’ campaign, which emphasizes the importance of movement for both physical and mental health.

Another Indian tennis star, Sumit Nagal, has also made a strong start to 2024. Bopanna is optimistic about Nagal’s chances for the rest of the year, citing his dedication, hard work, and talent. He believes that Nagal has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

Riyan Parag's Form Impresses, but Sangakkara Cautions on T20 World Cup Inclusion

Riyan Parag’s Form Impresses, but Sangakkara Cautions on T20 World Cup Inclusion

Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, has lauded the exceptional form of Riyan Parag, while refraining from confirming his spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Parag has been a revelation for the Royals this season, ranking second in the IPL’s leading run-scorers’ list with 261 runs. His impactful contributions have been crucial for the team’s success.

Sangakkara praised Parag’s potential, stating, “I think his (Parag’s) potential is there for everyone to see.” He emphasized the importance of Parag focusing on the present IPL campaign, rather than speculating about his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

“For Riyan it’s really about concentrating on Rajasthan and this season, and whatever happens (being considered for T20 World Cup) will happen after that,” Sangakkara said.

Sangakkara expressed confidence in Parag’s abilities, highlighting his dedication and hard work. “As long as he keeps his head down, he is working hard, he is batting well, he is very organized, he’s worked hard in the off-season, he just needs to keep doing those good things and, if he does all that, good things will happen,” he said.

Despite the Royals’ recent defeat against Gujarat Titans, Sangakkara defended star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, asserting, “Ash (Ashwin) is one of the greatest spinners to play the game.” He anticipated a strong comeback from Ashwin, emphasizing that occasional setbacks are part of the game.

Reflecting on the match, Sangakkara identified crucial moments where the Royals faltered, particularly in the last two overs. Despite a commendable effort from Kuldeep Sen, pinch-hitters Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan’s contributions tilted the game in favor of Gujarat Titans.

As the IPL season progresses, Sangakkara and the Rajasthan Royals remain focused on regaining momentum and securing victories in their quest for success in the tournament.

Sanju Samson's Captaincy Under Fire After RR's First IPL 2024 Loss

Sanju Samson’s Captaincy Under Fire After RR’s First IPL 2024 Loss

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody has raised concerns over Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson’s captaincy decisions during their defeat to Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2024. RR suffered their first loss of the season on Wednesday after four consecutive wins.

Moody questioned Samson’s decision to underutilize pacer Trent Boult, who bowled only two overs and conceded eight runs in his first spell. However, Samson opted to bowl veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at the death instead of completing Boult’s quota of overs.

“You had to use Trent Boult at the back end. He’s certainly been used at the death before, and he’s got a huge amount of experience. So when it comes to pressure, he’s used to absorbing that pressure and taking on those challenges. So I was really surprised that he wasn’t spent today. He left the park with two overs left in the bank, which doesn’t make any sense whatsoever,” Moody said on ESPNcricinfo.

Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta also echoed Moody’s sentiments, questioning Samson’s decision to use Ashwin over Boult in the 17th over. “I can understand Ashwin bowling the 15th over, but the 17th? If you look at the bowling unit, Boult is the most experienced fast bowler there. Irrespective of whether it’s his strength or not, you’re still going to bowl him at the back-end. If he’s got overs left, you’ve got to bowl him,” Dasgupta said.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra also criticized Samson’s decision, stating that Boult should have been utilized in the middle overs. “If you are bowling with a dry ball, then if you have scored enough runs, you should have the bowling to defend it. The truth is that Rajasthan have the bowling. They didn’t play Nandre Burger, but despite that, they have the bowling. Keshav Maharaj made his debut, and they got him to bowl only two overs,” Chopra said.

“Why did Trent Boult bowl only two overs? I didn’t understand that. Two overs, eight runs, and he bowled only two overs. Why? Keshav gave 16 runs in his two overs, so totally only 24 runs went in those four overs. Trent Boult could have been given overs in the middle, but you didn’t do that. You went towards spinners,” he added.

Despite the defeat, RR remain atop the table after five games. They will next face Punjab Kings on Saturday.

CA's Decision to Cap Lyon's County Stint Draws Criticism

CA’s Decision to Cap Lyon’s County Stint Draws Criticism

Nathan Lyon’s County Championship stint with Lancashire has been capped at seven games by Cricket Australia (CA), a decision that has drawn criticism from former players and commentators. Lyon, 36, had initially signed to play the entire 2024 season across all three formats, but discussions with selectors reduced his stint to the first half of the season and red-ball cricket only.

Lyon expressed disappointment at the restrictions, while Lancashire was further frustrated when the first game of the season was washed out, leaving Lyon with just two overs bowled. CA’s high-performance team, led by selectors and the Sport Science Sport Medicine (SSSM) team, carefully monitors the total number of first-class matches senior players participate in to prevent injuries.

Lyon played 12 first-class matches in the 2022-23 summer, including a tour of India where he had a heavy workload. After bowling 53 overs in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, he tore his calf badly in the first innings at Lord’s, which changed the trajectory of the series. The selectors became acutely aware of Lyon’s importance to the side as they did not win another Test in the series in his absence.

Former Test captain Michael Clarke questioned CA’s decision, saying it “doesn’t make sense” for Lyon to return home for pre-season when Australia’s next Test match is not until November 22. Clarke believes Lyon would benefit from playing more cricket rather than doing a pre-season that could lead to injuries.

Former Australia batter Callum Ferguson also criticized the decision, saying he would like to see Lyon get the opportunity to play the full season if he thinks it’s best for his career. Ferguson believes it would leave Lyon in better shape for the next Ashes series.

CA’s chair of selectors George Bailey said the decision was made with the next summer in mind, where Australia is set to play seven Tests in less than three months. Bailey emphasized that the decision is not necessarily made for every player.

LSG Favored to Overcome Struggling DC in IPL Clash

LSG Favored to Overcome Struggling DC in IPL Clash

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face off against Delhi Capitals (DC) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Friday, with LSG holding a significant advantage.

LSG, currently third in the points table, boasts a formidable bowling attack. Despite the potential absence of Mayank Yadav due to an abdominal niggle, they have a strong lineup including Yash Thakur, Naveen-ul-Haq, Krunal Pandya, and Ravi Bishnoi. Their opening pair of Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul has been consistent, while Nicholas Pooran has been in exceptional form. However, Devdutt Padikkal remains a concern, having yet to reach double digits.

DC, on the other hand, has struggled to find a Plan B, as evidenced by their recent losses to Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. Their Indian pace attack lacks firepower, with Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma failing to deliver consistently. Mukesh Kumar is expected to return from injury, but his performance has been underwhelming. Medium pacers Sumit Kumar and Rasikh Dar could face challenges against LSG’s strong batting lineup.

Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje has also been inconsistent, leaking runs at a high economy rate. DC’s batting has been heavily reliant on skipper Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs, with a lack of depth in Indian talent on the bench. Prithvi Shaw has shown some improvement, but uncapped Indian players have failed to make a significant impact.

India's 2024 T20 World Cup Squad: Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube Emerge as Contenders

India’s 2024 T20 World Cup Squad: Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube Emerge as Contenders

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in full swing, the anticipation for the announcement of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad is reaching fever pitch. The deadline for naming the squad is May 1, and the selection committee faces the daunting task of choosing the best players to represent India in the global tournament.

India’s quest for an ICC trophy since 2013 has been a long and arduous one, and the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies presents a golden opportunity to break the drought. In recent years, there has been a growing clamor for the inclusion of young and fearless players in the T20 format.

One player who has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the squad is Riyan Parag. The Rajasthan Royals batsman has been in scintillating form in the IPL, scoring three half-centuries in his last four matches. In his last 15 T20 innings, Parag has amassed 771 runs at an astonishing average of 90 and a strike rate of 170.7.

“He is somebody that the selection committee has kept an eye on. All he needs to do is keep playing,” said legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar about Parag.

Another player who has impressed the selectors is Shivam Dube. The all-rounder has showcased his exceptional striking ability against spinners, making him a valuable asset in the middle order. Venkatesh Prasad, a former India pacer, has advocated for Dube’s inclusion in the squad, along with Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav.

“Shivam Dube for his striking ability against spinners, Surya for being the best T20 international batter, and Rinku Singh for his exceptional finishing ability. It will be great if India finds a way to have these 3 in the 11 in the T20 WC,” Prasad posted on social media.

However, the wicket-keeper’s spot remains a contentious issue. Prasad did not mention any specific names, leaving the door open for a number of players to stake their claim.

The selection committee will have a tough decision to make when it comes to the batting unit. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being automatic selections, the remaining spots will be fiercely contested. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul will all be hoping to prove their worth in the IPL and earn a place in the World Cup squad.

Indian Grandmasters Rebound with Wins in Candidates Tournament Round 6

Indian Grandmasters Rebound with Wins in Candidates Tournament Round 6

Round 6 of the Candidates Tournament witnessed a resurgence for Indian grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and R Praggnanandhaa, who secured the only decisive victories in the Open section.

Praggnanandhaa, after a disappointing draw against Ian Nepomniachtchi in Round 5, bounced back with a win against the tournament’s lowest seed, Nijat Abasov. The endgame proved to be a thrilling affair, with Abasov desperately trying to avoid a second consecutive loss. However, his decision to capture a pawn on a6 proved costly, as Praggnanandhaa spotted a brilliant move (40.Nd7) that sealed the game.

Gujrathi, who had endured two losses and a tough draw in the previous rounds, found redemption against Alireza Firouzja. The French-Iranian GM, known for his stylish attire, has struggled in this tournament. Gujrathi capitalized on Firouzja’s early mistakes, taking a pawn with 13…Qxf2? that ultimately led to his downfall.

The marquee matchup between Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana ended in a quick draw, continuing the trend of drawn encounters between the two former Candidates winners.

In the Women’s section, all games in Round 6 were decisive, with three victories for Black. Former world champion Tan Zhongyi maintained her lead with a win over Anna Muzychuk. Indian players Koneru Humpy and R Vaishali suffered losses to Kateryna Lagno and Lei Tingjie, respectively.

Hardik Pandya's Stepbrother Arrested for Alleged Fraud

Hardik Pandya’s Stepbrother Arrested for Alleged Fraud

Indian cricketers Hardik and Krunal Pandya’s stepbrother, Vaibhav Pandya, has been arrested by the Mumbai Police for allegedly defrauding them of approximately Rs 4.3 crore. The arrest stems from a complaint filed by Hardik Pandya, who accused Vaibhav of diverting funds from a partnership firm they had established in 2021.

According to the agreement, Hardik and Krunal were to receive 40% each of the profits, while Vaibhav was entitled to 20%. However, instead of sharing the profits, Vaibhav allegedly formed a separate company and transferred the funds into it.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police charged Vaibhav with cheating and forgery. The arrest comes amid Hardik’s recent appointment as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Hardik’s captaincy tenure has faced criticism from fans following MI’s poor start to the season, losing their first three matches. However, the team secured their first win against the Delhi Capitals in their last game.

In a post-match interview, Hardik acknowledged the challenges faced by the team and the efforts made to improve their performance. He emphasized the importance of clearing minds and ensuring that plans and intentions were aligned.

The win against Delhi Capitals has provided a much-needed boost to MI’s campaign, and Hardik expressed optimism about the team’s future prospects. He highlighted the hard work and support within the dressing room as key factors in their success.

Mumbai Indians Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Crucial IPL Clash

Mumbai Indians Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Crucial IPL Clash

Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Both teams are looking to improve their standings in the points table, with Mumbai currently eighth and Royal Challengers ninth.

Mumbai Indians have shown signs of improvement in their recent matches, securing a 29-run victory over Delhi Capitals in their previous outing. Gerald Coetzee emerged as the top fantasy performer for Mumbai with 112 points, while Rohit Sharma and Tim David also contributed significantly.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, suffered a six-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in their last match. Virat Kohli was the standout performer for Royal Challengers, amassing 165 fantasy points. Faf du Plessis and Reece Topley also made notable contributions.

The pitch at the Wankhede Stadium is expected to favor pacers, with 75% of wickets taken by fast bowlers in the past 20 matches. The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions, which could further assist the pacers.

In terms of head-to-head records, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s all-rounders have been the most consistent fantasy point earners, while Mumbai Indians’ batters have been the most productive.

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