Tag Archives: virat kohli

“When RCB won, I went crazy” – Bollywood actress’ stunning claim on love for Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2026 retention

Bollywood actress Shehnaaz Gill expressed her admiration for veteran batter Virat Kohli, admitting that she went crazy when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2025 title. In the final, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad by six runs to claim their maiden championship.

During her appearance on the YouTube podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, released on Monday, November 11, Shehnaaz revealed her conflicted emotions. She said she had wanted Punjab Kings to win, as she belongs to that state, but found herself being partial to Kohli.

The 31-year-old shared,
“When RCB won, I went crazy. I went completely crazy. I mean, I’m from Punjab, but a little bit because of my connection with Virat Kohli. Otherwise, there was nothing else. I wanted Punjab to win anyway, but because of Virat Kohli, I had to be a little partial.”

Shehnaaz also spoke about the special bond between Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. She noted that there’s something about the Delhi-born batter and his aura that makes so many people love him.

She said,
“I like his style and the bonding he has with Anushka, which we get to see in the stadium too. His focus is always there. I think the connection between them is a really sweet, pure bond. Also, the way he plays, his style, his attitude, and the way he gets into arguments in between—it looks good, the fight. I like him; there’s just something about him, the aura, everyone in the world likes him. Of course, everyone has their own preferences, but I like him.”

In addition to Kohli, Shehnaaz mentioned that she also admires the attitude of India batter and Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer. She said,
“I also like him from Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer. He’s good too. I like his attitude.”

In the 2025 IPL edition, Shreyas Iyer became only the second Punjab Kings captain to lead the franchise to the IPL final, after George Bailey achieved the feat in the 2014 season.

### “RCB belongs to him” – Shehnaaz on Supporting RCB Post-Kohli

During the same conversation, Shehnaaz was asked if she would continue supporting RCB after Virat Kohli retires. She replied,
“Why wouldn’t I? After all, RCB belongs to him. And they won after so many years, of course one feels proud.”

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, it will be intriguing to see which players RCB retains ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.

Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 including live scores, match schedules, points tables, and player news.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-when-rcb-won-i-went-crazy-bollywood-actress-stunning-claim-love-virat-kohli-ahead-ipl-2026-retention

“There are 2 zeroes, all he has to do is add the 1 on the side” – Former India coach on Virat Kohli ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 3rd ODI

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has suggested that Virat Kohli could bounce back from two ducks in the ongoing ODI series against Australia with a century in the final game. However, he acknowledged that the former India captain would need to show grit and determination to overcome his disappointing start to the tour.

Kohli was dismissed for a four-ball duck in India’s narrow two-wicket loss in the second ODI in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23. During an interaction on the Star Sports show *Game Plan*, Nayar noted that luck hasn’t favored Kohli so far in the series but emphasized that the modern batting great has the potential to turn things around with a century in the final game in Sydney on Saturday, October 25.

“You always say you need the rub of the green. He has not had it yet. That doesn’t mean he can’t. There are two zeroes, all he has to do is add the one on the side. It will take a lot of grit and determination from him, but those are stories,” Nayar said.

The former India all-rounder also highlighted Kohli’s ability to bounce back from failures in the past. “A Virat Kohli doesn’t become a Virat Kohli without overcoming failures. He has done that in the past. He has struggled in England. He has gone back and conquered it. He has got one more game to conquer his demons, but if there is someone whom I would rely and bet on, that would be Virat,” Nayar added.

### Virat Kohli’s ODI Record at Sydney Cricket Ground

It’s worth noting that Virat Kohli does not have a stellar ODI record at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He has scored 146 runs across seven ODIs at the venue, averaging just 24.33.

### Analysis of Kohli’s Dismissal in 2nd ODI

In the same interaction, Abhishek Nayar analyzed Kohli’s dismissal in the second ODI, describing it as falling prey to a ‘terrific’ delivery.

“To be honest, regardless of seeing Virat getting out or not, I just feel this was a terrific delivery. I think most batters in the world, who have studied his bowling and understand him, wouldn’t expect that delivery because even the way he released it, the seam position suggested the ball would leave him,” Nayar explained.

He further elaborated that most batters would have struggled against the delivery bowled by Xavier Bartlett, especially since the ball appeared to move away due to the seam position.

“Virat has always been someone who looks at the seam a lot. So he tries to pick the ball off the hand and off the seam. Just looking at the slow motion, you see the ball and you feel the ball is going to leave you, which is why he has taken that position. The ball pitches, it hits the other side of the seam, and nips back in. Most batters will struggle with that,” Nayar observed.

Kohli had initially left the first two deliveries outside the off-stump before defending the third ball. He missed the fourth ball while attempting to play across the line and was caught plumb in front of the wickets.

**About the Author:**

*Kartik Iyer* is a cricket writer at Sportskeeda with four years of professional experience. He focuses on delivering authentic and accurate news by obtaining information from credible sources. Kartik has nurtured a passion for cricket since childhood and is a keen follower of the sport. He supports Team India and counts Rahul Dravid among his all-time favorite cricketers, admiring Dravid’s impeccable technique and approach to the game.

Kartik has authored over 5,500 articles for Sportskeeda, demonstrating strong knowledge of SEO and journalism guidelines, with a readership close to 12 million. He holds a B. Tech degree and enjoys watching sports other than cricket in his free time.

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https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-there-2-zeroes-add-1-side-former-india-coach-virat-kohli-ahead-aus-vs-ind-2025-3rd-odi

“If match practice is not there, it’s not easy to score runs in international cricket” – Former keeper on Virat Kohli’s 2nd duck in AUS vs IND ODIs

Former India player Parthiv Patel has noted that it is difficult to judge Virat Kohli’s form as the batter hasn’t spent enough time in the middle. He highlighted that scoring runs in international cricket is challenging without adequate match practice.

Kohli was dismissed for a four-ball duck as India set a target of 265 runs in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23. The hosts registered a two-wicket win with 22 deliveries to spare, securing the series 2-0 ahead of the final game in Sydney on Saturday, October 25.

During an interaction on the Star Sports show *Follow the Blues*, Parthiv was asked whether Kohli’s second successive duck could be attributed to a mental or technical issue.

“If a batter spends time in the middle, then you try to see if he is in form or not, and if there is any technical fault or not. However, if he hasn’t spent that much time, you can’t say what form he is going through,” the former India wicketkeeper-batter responded.

“One thing is clear. All of us have been talking about it—that if match practice is not there, it’s not easy to score runs in international cricket. We don’t need to tell anyone that Virat is a great player, we know his numbers, but match practice is a massive factor when you come to play international cricket or any level of cricket,” he added.

Prior to the ODIs against Australia, Virat Kohli last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final on March 9. The former India skipper hadn’t played a competitive game since the IPL 2025 final on June 3.

### “You Don’t Need Motivation” – Parthiv Patel on Virat Kohli Ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 3rd ODI

In the same interaction, Parthiv was asked if Kohli needs to draw motivation from somewhere to get back to his vintage best in the third ODI against Australia.

“We all hope that he bats like that, and we have seen that kind of batting many times as well from Virat, but unfortunately, it’s not happening currently. You don’t need motivation and Virat Kohli is that kind of person,” he replied.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the modern batting great would be in search of one good knock that could change the tide.

“When he wears the Indian jersey, he knows he has to perform well. I don’t think he needs to search for something from outside. As coaches or former players, we always say that you need one inning to click and then everything changes. Virat will be in search of that one inning,” Parthiv observed.

### Match Recap

Virat Kohli was caught plumb in front of the wickets by a Xavier Bartlett delivery in the second ODI against Australia. His dismissal reduced India to 17/2 after 6.5 overs. Following this, Rohit Sharma (73 off 97) and Shreyas Iyer (61 off 77) added 118 runs for the third wicket, helping the visitors post a competitive total.

**About the Author: Kartik Iyer**

Kartik is a cricket writer at Sportskeeda with four years of professional experience. He specializes in news articles and is dedicated to delivering authentic and accurate content by sourcing information only from credible outlets.

Kartik’s love for cricket began in childhood, and he has been closely following the sport ever since. A passionate supporter of Team India, his all-time favorite cricketer is Rahul Dravid, admired for his impeccable technique and approach to the game.

With over 5,500 articles written for Sportskeeda, Kartik possesses strong knowledge of SEO and journalism guidelines, which has helped him gather a loyal readership of nearly 12 million. He holds a B.Tech degree and enjoys watching sports other than cricket in his free time.

*Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-if-match-practice-there-easy-score-runs-international-cricket-former-keeper-virat-kohli-s-2nd-duck-aus-vs-ind-odis

‘Australia series could decide future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli,’ says Ravi Shastri

**Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Playing After Australia ODIs?**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025, 07:13 PM*

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be a crucial juncture for two of Indian cricket’s greatest batting icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, ODIs remain their only active international format. Shastri asserts that their future in this format hinges on their “form, fitness, and hunger” during this high-profile series Down Under.

### Series Significance: Fitness, Hunger, and Form Are Key
Speaking at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch and in an exclusive conversation with cricket.com.au, Shastri emphasized the importance of the upcoming ODI series for Rohit and Kohli. He said,

*”That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”*

The former coach also drew parallels with Australia’s Steve Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year, highlighting how fitness and motivation are critical for longevity in the format.

### Experience Matters in Big Games
Shastri underlined the irreplaceable value of experience when it comes to high-pressure matches. He remarked,

*”But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”*

Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s recent successes, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

### Emerging Young Talent Challenging the Veterans
Alongside praising the veterans, Shastri also lauded the fresh wave of talent pushing for spots in the ODI squad. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma have shown promising potential. Shastri further appreciated India’s all-round options, mentioning Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel as key contributors.

He said, *”A lot of good young talent and a lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.”*

### Match Schedule: India vs Australia ODI Series
– **1st ODI:** October 19, Perth
– **2nd ODI:** October 23, Adelaide
– **3rd ODI:** October 25, Sydney

Following the ODI series, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29 in Canberra.

### Squad Update: Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
In a recent change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for the tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.

**India’s ODI squad for Australia tour:**
– Shubman Gill (Captain)
– Rohit Sharma
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
– Axar Patel
– KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Washington Sundar
– Kuldeep Yadav
– Harshit Rana
– Mohammed Siraj
– Arshdeep Singh
– Prasidh Krishna
– Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal

As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to see if they can prove their fitness, form, and hunger to continue representing India in ODIs, amidst fierce competition from emerging young stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-talks-about-future-of-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli/story