The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made a bold move ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, appointing Rajat Patidar as their new captain. The announcement, made on February 13 at a star-studded event attended by head coach Andy Flower, team director Mo Bobat, and the newly anointed skipper, marks a new chapter for the franchise. With this decision, Patidar becomes the eighth captain in RCB’s history and the fourth Indian to lead the team, joining the ranks of legends like Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble.

The decision has sparked excitement among fans and players alike, with former captains Kohli and Faf du Plessis sharing their t??houghts on Patidar��s elevation to th?e leadership role.

Virat Kohli’s heartfelt message to the new skipper

Kohli, who led RCB for nearly a decade and remai??ns one of the franchi?se’s most iconic figures, was quick to extend his support to Patidar. In a video shared by RCB on social media, Kohli expressed his confidence in the new captain, highlighting Patidar’s growth and contributions to the team.

�?em>Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat. The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved,�?Kohli said.

Kohli’s words carry significant weight, given his deep connection with RCB and his understanding ?of the pressures that come with leading the team. His endorsement is a testament to Patidar’s hard work and the trust he has earned within the squad.

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌

??“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, ?Rajat�? Virat Kohli

“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”�?pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

Also READ: IPL 2025: Why Rajat Patidar was chosen as RCB Captain? Andy Flo?wer highlights 3 key qualities

Faf du Plessis passes the baton with wise advice

Du Plessis, who captained RCB in the prev??ious seasons, also shared a message for Patidar. The South African stalwart emphas??ized the honour of leading RCB and urged Patidar to rely on the team’s leadership group for support.

�?em>Congrats to you on being the new RCB captain and officially passing over the baton to you. It’s a great honor captaining any IPL team, but it’s really special being captain of RCB as it’s truly a great fan base, and you’ll see the owners will be there to support you all the way,�?Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis�?advice underscores th??e importance of collaboration and leveraging the experience of senior players, a strategy that could prove crucial as Patidar steps into his new role.

Passing the Baton ft. Captain Faf du Plessis

Once an RCBian, always an RCBian! Former RCB Captain Faf congratulates Rajat on being named his successor at RCB, with a special request at the end that all of you would concur with. ❤‍�?a href="//twitter.c??om/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBCaptain #Rajat�?pic.twitter.com/NJkuj71Dwn

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

Rajat Patidar’s captaincy credentials: A proven leader

Patidar’s appointment as captain is not just a leap of faith; it is backed by his impressive track record as a leader. Before donning the RCB jersey, Patidar led Madhya Pradesh in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Under his captaincy, Madhya Pradesh reached the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in 2024, where they narrowly lost to Mumbai. Patidar’s leadership was complemented by his stellar? batting performance, as he finished as the tournament’s?? second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs at an average of 61 and a strike rate of 186.08.

In the IPL, Patidar has been a consistent performer for RCB. In the 2024 season, he amassed 395 runs at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13. Over his 27 matches for RCB, he has scored 799 runs at an average of 34.74 and a strike rate of 158.85. These numbers reflect his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that? will serve him well as captain.

Can Patidar lead RCB to their maiden title?

RCB’s journey in the IPL has been a mix of thrilling performances and heartbreaks. Despite reaching the finals three times,? the franchise is yet to clinch its maiden title. With Patidar at the helm, the team will be hoping to turn the tide and finally lift the coveted trophy.

Patidar’s leadership style, combined with the support of seasoned players like Kohli, could be the catalyst RCB needs to break their title drought. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the new captain to see if he can lead RCB to glory and etch his name in the franchise’s history books. In the words of Kohli, this is a �?em>well-deserved�?opportunity for Pati?dar. Now,?? it’s up to him to seize the moment and make it count.

Also READ: 3 reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can win IPL 20??25 under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy

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The third ODI between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was not just about cricketing action but also some light-hearted moments that left fans in splits. One such incident involved India’s star batter Virat Kohli and England’s all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who engaged in a playful exchange over a DRS reprieve that saved Kohli during his innings. The banter between the two players added a touch of humo??ur to the high-stakes match, showcasing the camaraderie that exists even ?amidst fierce competition.

Virat Kohli’s close save

The incident unfolded in the 15th over of India’s innings when Adil Rashid bowled a delivery that Koh?li failed to connect with, resulting in the ball hitting his back foot. The England team, convinced it was a plumb LBW, went up in a loud appeal. However, the umpire remained unmoved, prompting England to opt for a DRS review.

The replay revealed that the ball was pitched marginally outside the leg stump, which meant Kohli survived by the narrowest of margins. While the ball-tracking technology showed that the delivery would have comfortably hit the stumps, the rules of the game saved Kohli, much to England’s dismay.

Also READ: Netizens react as clinical India whitewash England in th??e?? ODI series

Liam Livingstone playfully teases Kohli

As the DRS decision went in Kohli’s favour, Livingstone couldn’t resist poking fun at the Indian batter. Walking up to Kohli with a cheeky grin, Livingstone playfully teased him about the close call. Kohli, known for his competitive spirit, responded in good humour by giving Livingstone a gentle push, sparking laughter among the players and fans alike.

The light-hearted moment was a refreshing break from the intense competition and highlighted the mutual respect and friendship between the players. Interestingly, Livingstone and Kohli are set to share the dressing room in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, as the English all-rounder was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a whopping INR 8.75 crore i?n the 2024 auction.

Here’s the video:

Virat Kohli and Liam Livingstone pic.twitter.com/YOANKn4aJt

— Spycricket24x7 (@Spycricket1) February 12, 2025

Shubman Gill’s century steals the show in 3^rd ODI

While the Kohli-Livingstone banter provided a moment of levity, the match itself was dominated by India’s stellar performance. Shubman Gill was the star of the show, scoring a sublime century (112 off 102 balls) that laid the foundation for India’s massive total of 356 runs. Supported by crucial knocks from Shreyas Iyer (78), Virat Kohli (52), and KL Rahul (40), India posted a challengin??g target f?or England.

England’s bowlers, barring Rashid (4/64) and Mark Wood (2/45), struggled to contain the Indian batters. Despite a strong start in the chase, with Philip Salt and Ben Duckett adding 60 runs for the first wicket, England crumbled under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. India’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, each picked up two wicke??????????????????????????ts to bundle out England for 214, securing a comprehensive 142-run victory.

The win completed a 3-0 series sweep for India, providing a significant confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. With Rohit Sharma leading the side, India’s dominant performance against a strong England team sends a clear message to their rivals in the tournament.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant’s heartwarming encounter ?with a young fan

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Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli registered his 73rd ODI half-century in a crucial knock of 52 runs against England at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on February 12. This innings marked his first ODI fifty since the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup and came at a pivotal moment in India’s innings. Batting at number three, Kohli walked in as early as the second over and steadied the innings alongside Shubman Gill. His composed 55-ball stay featured seven exquisite boundaries and a towering six, showcasing his class and determination in leading In?dia’s recovery.

Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Apart from ending his fifty drought, Kohli also achieved a historic batting milestone by becoming the fastest cricketer in history to complete 16,000 international runs in Asia across all formats. He reached this feat in just 340 innings, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record by achieving the la??ndmark in 353 innings. Kohli’s feat solidifies his statu??s as one of the greatest batters to have played in the subcontinent, where conditions often demand exceptional adaptability and skill.

With this achievement, Kohli now has an astounding 16,025 runs in Asia across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. His consistency and ability to dominate b?owling attacks in the region have been unparalleled. His remarkable tally comprises numerous match-winning knocks, including multiple centuries and fifties, reinforcing his stature as one of the finest batters in cricket history.

Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah’s fit enough r??ep?ort proved insufficient for selectors�?approval

Another feat unlocked against England

In addition to his Asian record, Kohli also became the first Indian and sixth overall cricketer to amass 4,000 international runs against England. The 36-year-old batter accompli?shed this milestone in his 87th match against the Three Lions. His record against England includes eight centuries and 23 half-centuries, with an average of 41.23. This milestone further underscores his ability to excel against top cricketing nations across formats. Among active players, Steve Smith leads the charts with 4,815 runs against England. Kohli, however, is the fastest Indian? to achieve the feat, further solidifying his stature as one of the most prolific run-getters of his era.

A return to form for India after Test cricket struggles

Kohli’s return to form in ODIs comes after a series of underwhelming performances in Test cricket. His innings in Ahmedabad was a much-needed boost, displaying his trademark composure and stroke play. His ability to anchor the innings and counter England’s disciplined bowling attack demonstrated why he remains India’s most reliable batter across formats.  Kohli’s latest fifty – his 73rd in ODIs – marked his return to form after a lean patch in Test cricket. He was eventually dismissed for 52 off 55 balls by England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid. With multiple records to his name and his insatiable hunger for runs, Kohli continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest batters in cricket history. As India gears up for upcoming challenges, his form will be crucial in determining the team’s success.

Also READ: IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill surpas??ses Hashim Amla to achieve a major milestone?? in ODI cricket

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It has been a silent season for Virat Kohli with the bat. The former Indian skipper had a dreadful tour to Australia with just 190 runs in 5 Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The horror-show with the bat continued as he could only score 6 runs in his return to his hometown, Delhi to play a Ranji Trophy match against the Railways. Following that, the 36-year-old missed out on ODI action in Nagpur. But not much has changed upon his return as he was dismissed yet again on a score of just 5 runs in the Cuttack ODI. Amidst rising concern over his form and questions over his position in the Indian team, former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has come out in support of K??ohli and ask??ed to leave Kohli out of the spotlight.

Arjuna Ranatunga wants Virat Kohli to decide on his future

Former Sri Lankan captain and 1996 World Cup winner Ranatunga believes that the continuous sp??otlight on Kohli is unnecessary and unwarranted. He feels that the star batter should be given t??he space and freedom to make his own decisions regarding his future without excessive scrutiny. According to Ranatunga, constant speculation and pressure from the media and fans only add undue stress to a player of Kohli’s caliber. He emphasized that a cricketer of his experience knows what is best for his career and should be trusted to decide accordingly. Instead of relentless attention, Ranatunga suggests allowing Kohli the privacy and independence he deserves.

“For a player like Kohli who has scored so much of runs, I feel it’s best if that’s left to him. It’s a call that Kohli needs to take, so let him take it. Why always have the spotlight on him? It’s quite unnecessary, I feel. It’s his decision, so let him take that,” Ranatunga remarked while talking about Kohli on the Telegraph.

Also Read: ????Top 5 oldest debutants for India in the ODIs ft. Varun Chakravarthy

Ranatunga advises Kohli to chat with legends of the game

Ranatunga also advised Kohli to seek guidance from cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, or Rahul Dravid to overcome his poor run of form. The former Sri Lankan captain believes that the insights and experience of these stal?warts could prove invaluable in h??elping Kohli regain his touch.

“I think what Kohli needs to do is speak to people like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar or a Rahul Dravid. That’s what he can do. They can certainly help him out,” Ranatunga further concluded.

Additionally, he also talked about Rohit Sharma‘s remarkable century against England in the 2nd ODI and elucidated that it was only a matter of one good innings for a player of his caliber to regain his for?m and make some runs for his country on a consistent basis.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: Here’s how to buy tickets for the third ODI betw?een India and England

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In a remarkable display of cricketing excellence, New Zealand‘s former captain, Kane Williamson, has surpassed India’s Virat Kohli to achieve a major milestone in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. This historic achievement took place during the second match between New Zealand and South Africa in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Kane Williamson shines with a stunning century

South Africa set a challenging target of 304 runs for 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs, largely due to a stunning debut performance by Matthew Breetzke who scored a record-breaking 150. However, New Zealand’s response was led by a masterful innings from Williamson. Facing a formidable bowling lineup, Williamson showcased his class, scoring an unbeaten 133 runs off 113 balls. His innings included 13 fours and 2 sixes, guiding New Zealand to a victory by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare.

Also READ: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway propel New Zealand to an emphatic win ov?er South Africa in Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025

Williamson goes past Virat Kohli

During his brilliant knock, Williamson also attained the milestone of 7000 ODI runs and with that he overtook Indian legend Kohli. The Black Caps star reached his 7,000th ODI run in his 159th innings, thereby overtaking Kohli’s record of 161 innings. Though, the fastest to this milestone remains South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who achieved it in 150 innings. This feat not only highlights Williamson’s consistency but also adds another remarkable achievement to his cricketing resume.

Fastest to 7000 runs in ODIs:

• Hashim Amla – 150 innings
• Kane Williamson – 159 innings
• Virat Kohli – 161 innings

This achievement is not merely a statistical highlight but a testament to Williamson’s resilience, especially considering his recent injury challenges. His form will be crucial for New Zealand as they look forward to international tournaments like the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. As one of the most consistent and technically sound batters in the world, his ability to anchor innings, accelerate when required, and read the game’s situation has always been central to New Zealand’s strategy. His recent milestone and current form provide a significant boost and will be key in navigating through tough matches, particularly against strong opponents. Williamson’s performance could very well be the difference between New Zealand lifting the trophy or falling short, making his role in the team more crucial than ever.

Also READ: Ne??w Zealand players to score ODI centuries in both India and Pakistan ft. Kane W??illiamson

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During the second ODI between India and England at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium, Virat Kohli and Kevin Pietersen were seen in anim??ated conversatio?n, sparking curiosity and speculation among fans and commentators.

Kevin Pietersen’s candid chat with Virat Kohli

The chatter between the Indian star and the former England captain has become a nota?ble sideshow during th??e series.

The two were observed conversing on multiple occasions during the 50-over series. Earlier, in Nagpur, Kohli showed Pietersen his inj?ured knee, which had kept h?im out of the first ODI. Later, they shared a light-hearted moment that led to laughter. On Sunday (February 9), while Kohli was fielding near the boundary, he was seen giggling and joking with Pietersen on the sidelines.

The nature of these exchanges has fuelled speculation on the internet. Some speculated that Kohli might be seeking information on London real estate, particularly property prices, considering ??his frequent stays in the city since the birth of his son, Akaay.

During his commentary, former India opener Aakash Chopra alluded to this possibility, saying, “Well, he lives abroad most of the time now, so he could well be asking him about real estate in London and some good localities there.”

Pietersen reacts to the rumours of real estate talk with Kohli

However, Pietersen has since addressed the rumours, dismissing assumptions about the conversation’s subject matter. When asked about the topic, Pietersen responded, “Never ever assume things. I can use an analogy about assumptions but won’t here.”

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s angrily tells DJ to shut off the music during IND vs ENG 2nd ODI

Instead, Pietersen hinted that the discussions with Kohli centred around golf. The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested he had been encouraging Kohli to take up the sport. “You’re not far wrong there, you know. I have told him [Kohli, you’ve got to start playing golf. What a great game it is,” KP told Suresh Raina, who had almost accurately predicted ??the conver??sation that took place near the boundary.

#KevinPietersen lets us in on his chat with #ViratKohli on the field, during the 2nd #INDvENGOnJioStar ODI, as #AakashChopra, #SureshRaina, #DeepDasgupta & the Indian fans got curious!

What do you think the 2 were talking about? #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/MIRSDgGrB5

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 9, 2025

The interaction between Kohli and Pietersen occurred against the backdrop of India’s 4-wicket victory over England in Cuttack, securing a 2-0 series lead. Kohli, returning to India’s ODI team after almost a year, scored 5 runs off 8 balls.

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Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan and the UAE. The prestigious tournament will bring together? the top eight ODI teams, competing for one of the most coveted trophies in international cricket. With high-stakes matches expected, fans are looking forward to intense rivalries, thrilling encounters, and standout performances from cricket’s biggest stars.

High expectations from Virat Kohli and other Indian batters

Team India will enter the tournament with a formidable squad, and all eyes will be on their star batters, especially Virat Kohli. Known for his consistency in ICC tournaments, Kohli has delivered on numerous occasions in high-pressure games. Alongside him, batters like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul are also expected to play crucial roles in India’s campaign. With the tournament being played in subcontinental conditions, India’s batting lineup will be key to their chances of lifting the trophy.

Also READ: Will Varun Chakravarthy play in the Champions Trophy 2025? Rohit ??Sh??arma weighs in

Suresh Raina predicts Virat Kohli’s century tally

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has shared his prediction for Kohli’s performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Speaking to Sports18, Raina expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to perform in ICC tournaments, highlighting his crucial innings in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He reckoned that Kohli will regain his form and deliver impactful performances in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Predicting a strong tournament for the Indian batter, Raina stated that Kohli is likely to score three cent?uries in the event.

“Look, I think Kohli will come into form. He has scored runs in the knockouts of ICC tournaments; we cannot forget his innings in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. I think Virat will score three centuries in the ICC Champions Trophy,” said Raina.

Also READ: Suresh Raina predicts the ‘Player of the Tournament�?for Champi??ons Trophy 2025

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Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli’s absence from the first ODI of the three-game series against England in Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium came as a shock to fans and cricket analysts alike.

Virat Kohli’s unexpected absence raises concerns head of Champions Trophy 2025

Kohli, known for his unwavering presence in India’s lineup, was forced to miss the match due to swelling in his right knee. Given Kohli’s durability over the years, this rare injury-related absence sparked concerns, particularly with the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching. Before the match, Kohli was spotted with heavy strapping on his right knee while undergoing a late fitness test in a last-ditch effort to prove his readiness. However, medical staff advised against his participation, leading to Yashasvi Jaiswal making his ODI debut and Shubman Gill stepping into the crucial No. 3 position.

Shubman Gill updates about Kohli’s injury

Following India’s thrilling four-wicket victory in the series opener, Player of the Match Gill, who played a defining knock, addressed the growing concerns surrounding Kohli’s fitness. Gill revealed that? Kohli had shown no signs of discomfort during the pre-match practice session but woke up with swelling in his knee on the morning of the match.

“When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee. He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry about. He will definitely be fit for the next game,” Gill assured during the post-match presentation.

The pos?itive update eased worries among Indian supporters, with Kohli expected to make a return in the second ODI.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: India takes a 1-0 series lead as Shubman Gill? stars in four-wicket win over E?ngland in Nagpur ODI

Stepping into Kohli’s shoes: Gill’s approach at No. 3

With Kohli unavailable, Gill embraced the res??ponsibility of batting at No. 3, showcasing his adaptability with a composed and match-defining 87-run innings. His approach ensured India successfully chased down England’s target, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Reflecting on his shift in batting position, Gill, who frequently plays at No. 3 in Test cricket, emphasized that it wasn’t a major adjustment for him.

“I think I play at number three in Test matches, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment. But, definitely, the situation is slightly different. If you are batting at number three and early wickets fall, you have to play according to the situation. However, if the openers have built a good partnership, then you have to carry that momentum forward. That was my thought process—to bat according to the situation and the over in which I had to come in,” Gill explained.

Also READ: IND vs ENG 2025: Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli sits out of the 1st ODI agains?t England

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The Indian cricket team dealt with a significant blow ahead of the first ODI against England, with star batter Virat Kohli ruled out due to a right knee injury. The news of Kohli’s exclusion has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, leaving fans in a frenzy and casting a shadow over India’s dominance in the ODI format. As the team prepares to take on England in Nagpur, Kohli’s absence has not only left a void in the batting lineup but also sparked debates about India’s strategy and the pressure on captain Rohit Sharma to deliver.

Virat Kohli’s absence: A major setback for India

Kohli, often referred to as the backbone of India’s batting order, has been a consistent performer in ODIs, and his absence is a significant setback for the team. The injury, which occurred just a day before the match, has left fans and analysts questioning India’s ability to maintain their usual dominance. Kohli’s exclusion has also opened the door for fresh talent, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana earning their ODI debut caps. While this presents an exciting opportunity for the newcomers, the pressure on the remaining players, especially Rohit, has ?intensified.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership under the microscope

With Kohli sidelined, all eyes are on captain Rohit, who has had a mixed run of form in recent international and domestic outings. Rohit’s inconsistent performances against New Zealand, Australia, and in the Ranji Trophy have raised questions about his ability to lead the team effectively. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy in 2025, this series against England is a c??rucial opportunity for Rohit to prove his mettle as a lead??er and a batter.

During the toss, Rohit acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “We wanted to bowl first. We want to come out and be aggressive at the start and see what we can do thereafter. Th?is series presents us with a fresh opportunity to come out and play well. Jaiswal and Rana make their debut, unfortunately, Kohli is not playing due to a right knee problem that happened last night.�?/em>