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‘You want your milestones…’ – Star India batter’s cryptic take on Virat Kohli’s approach against Bangladesh creates stir on social media

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2023

Ahead of India’s clash against New Zealand star India batter Virat Kohli, he faces criticism on social media. Kohli’s approach for his 48th ODI tonne received mixed reactions on social media. While some praised the former India skipper’s fitness level, others questioned his approach.

Adding to the ongoing debate, India batter Cheteshwar Pujara took a dig at Kohli’s approach. While speaking with ESPNcricinfo, Pujara said that he also wanted Kohli to score that century, but not at the cost of the net run rate. He said one should always want to keep their team’s NRR at the top. He said that in the future if the team fights with NRR, this might hurt India.

“As much as I wanted Virat Kohli to score that hundred, you have to keep in mind that you want to finish the game as early as possible. You want your net run rate to be at the top. If you are in a position where you are fighting for the net run rate, then you don’t want to look back and say, ‘You could have done that’,” said Pujara.

“You have to sacrifice a bit”, says Cheteshwar Pujara

Further speaking about the same, Pujara said that while thinking about a team’s collective effort, one has to sacrifice personal milestones. “That’s where I feel that, as a collective decision, maybe you have to sacrifice a bit. You want to look at the team; you want to put the team first. That’s how I look at it. You want your milestone, but not at the cost of the team”, says Pujara.

“As a player, you always have a choice. But some players feel that if they get a hundred, it helps them in the next game. So it depends on what kind of mindset you have,” he added. However, Pujara praised Kohli’s batting abilities on the slow wicket. He said, “The pitch was getting slower and slower, and it was becoming more difficult to bat. So Virat slowed down a bit to make sure that he didn’t get out. And it worked out for him because he was able to get a century.”

It’s worth noting that India will next lock horns with table-toppers New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on October 22. Both teams are coming here with four out of four wins and will look to continue their winning run. However, India will also want to avenge their 2019 World Cup semifinal defeat against the Kane Williamson-less Kiwis.

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Janakpur Bolts Clinch Victory in Inaugural Nepal Premier League Final

Published

14 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

Nepal Premier League Final! Janakpur Bolts clinched the inaugural Nepal Premier League title by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in a thrilling final. The Bolts showcased remarkable resilience, chasing down a target of 187 runs with five wickets in hand at the TU International Cricket Ground.

Sudurpaschim Royals, batting first, set a competitive total of 184 for nine wickets, led by Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. Zaib scored a solid 69 runs, while Bhandari added a crucial 41. However, their middle order failed to capitalize on a strong start, succumbing to disciplined bowling from Janakpur’s attack.

Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Mohisin starred with the ball for Janakpur, each claiming three wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled an exceptional spell, conceding just 15 runs, including a maiden over. Their efforts restricted Sudurpaschim from posting a more imposing total.

In response, Janakpur’s Lahiru Milantha led the charge with a stunning 87 runs off 49 balls, including six fours and as many sixes. His innings anchored the chase, despite early pressure from Sudurpaschim’s bowlers. Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur captain, played a vital supporting role, ensuring a composed finish.

This victory is a milestone for Nepali cricket, highlighting the league’s competitiveness and its potential to elevate local talent. Fans celebrated the intense final, hopeful for the league’s promising future.

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Captains Gear Up for NPL Final Showdown

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

Captains Share Strategies Ahead of NPL Final

The stage is set for the highly anticipated NPL final between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts at TU International Cricket Ground. Both captains expressed their excitement and shared their strategies during a pre-match press conference, building anticipation for the thrilling clash in the NPL Final.

Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and playing with determination. He assured fans the team was fully prepared to deliver their best performance. Airee highlighted teamwork as the key to their successful journey to the final.

Janakpur Bolts captain Aasif Sheikh reflected on their previous losses to Sudurpaschim but emphasized a strong mental approach for the final. Sheikh urged his players to focus on executing their skills under pressure and remain confident despite the challenges. He also acknowledged the significance of fan support, calling on supporters to cheer positively for both teams.

Both captains praised the contributions of Nepali players in their squads, emphasizing their pivotal role in the tournament’s success. They also encouraged a spirit of sportsmanship and appreciation for the growing standards of Nepali cricket.

The final promises an exhilarating contest as two formidable teams compete for the championship title. Fans can expect a captivating battle between Sudurpaschim’s consistency and Janakpur’s determination. The match is scheduled to start at 12:15 PM, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the outcome.

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Janakpur Bolts Secure Spot in NPL Final to Face Sudurpaschim Royals

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Janakpur Bolts in the NPL final! Janakpur Bolts defeated Karnali Yaks by two wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Qualifier 2 to secure their spot in the final. Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, Janakpur overcame early setbacks and achieved victory in 19 overs, finishing with eight wickets down.

New Zealand batter Jimmy Neesham played a pivotal role, scoring a rapid 45 runs off just 17 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes before being dismissed by Bipin Sharma. Contributions from Mayan Yadav (14 runs) and Sher Malla (16 runs not out) also proved crucial in the lower order.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 118 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Gulshan Jha top-scored for Karnali with 25 runs off 20 balls, while Dev Khanal added 24. Janakpur’s bowlers, including Lalit Rajbanshi, Jimmy Neesham, and Muhammad Mohsin, each picked up two wickets to restrict the opposition.

Janakpur’s journey to the final wasn’t without challenges. They suffered a defeat against Sudurpaschim Royals in Qualifier 1, forcing them into this must-win game. Despite an unsteady start, with key players like Aasif Sheikh and Lahiru Milantha departing early, the team showed resilience under pressure.

The final, set for Saturday, will feature Janakpur Bolts facing Sudurpaschim Royals in what promises to be an intense battle. Both teams, having proven their mettle throughout the season, are eager to clinch the prestigious NPL title.