Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Kohli proud of playing 100 Tests in IPL era

Kohli proud of playing 100 Tests in IPL era

India's star batsman Virat Kohli on Friday credited his level of fitness for achieving the landmark of 100 Tests in an age of relentless cricket that has included numerous Indian Premier League appearances.

The 33-year-old Kohli made 45 and put on a key 90-run stand with Hanuma Vihari after India elected to bat first in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali.


Kohli, who started off as a chubby boy from Delhi on his way to becoming a fitness icon with a chiselled physique, reflected on his Test journey that began in 2011 in West Indies.

"It's been tough from the point of view that I have played three formats of the game plus IPL every year for the last 10 to 11 years consistently, and that obviously is a big challenge in itself," Kohli told reporters.

"I am immensely proud of how I have handled my physique, my fitness levels to come this far. And obviously a lot of discipline, lot of lifestyle changes."

He added: "Especially playing 100 Test matches, for me personally, has been a kind of a test that I have in my own environment passed."

Kohli has played 207 Twenty20 matches for IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore, apart from his 357 limited-overs games for India. He also captained Bangalore between 2013 and 2021.

He surpassed 8,000 Test runs in his 76-ball stay before being bowled by spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and walking back to a standing ovation from the crowd.

Kohli is one of the best batsmen of the modern game across the three formats and was India's most successful Test captain -- with 40 wins and 17 losses in 68 Tests -- until he quit the job last month.

But his inability to land India a world title, including last year's inaugural World Test Championship, when they lost to New Zealand in the final, proved his undoing as a leader, and Rohit Sharma became captain across formats.

Kohli's form with the bat hasn't helped either, as the once-prolific scorer last recorded an international century in November 2019 in a Test against Bangladesh.

"I have been preparing exactly the way I have prepared, and as long as I am batting well, (I am) not bothered at all," said Kohli.

"I know for a fact that I have been involved in big partnerships for the team. Everyone has different points of view and if people are not getting to see me get those big scores, it's probably down to one's own expectations."

Kohli admitted he was "nervous" before coming in to bat in his landmark Test but said his mindset remained the same despite not being captain.

"Obviously (a) captain brings in a lot more responsibility, but even before (becoming captain), my mindset was exactly the same as it is today," he said.

Before the match, Kohli, alongside actress wife Anushka Sharma, was presented with a special cap by coach Rahul Dravid as top officials from India's cricket board including president Sourav Ganguly clapped from the balcony.

More For You

mumbai-wpl

Mumbai Indians players celebrate with the trophy after winning their second WPL title. (Photo: Mumbai Indians)

Mumbai Indians win second WPL title with victory over Delhi Capitals

MUMBAI INDIANS secured their second Women's Premier League title on Saturday with an eight-run win over Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium.

A strong bowling performance and a crucial innings from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur helped them claim the title.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liz Kendall

Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall will outline welfare reforms in a green paper next week, followed by chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement on 26 March.

Ministers may drop plan to freeze disability benefits: Report

MINISTERS are considering dropping plans to freeze Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for a year, according to a report.

Initial proposals suggested PIP would not rise in line with inflation, but strong opposition from Labour MPs has prompted a review.

Keep ReadingShow less
england-kabaddi-wc

Athira Sunil (England women's capt), councillor Bhupinder Gakhal,, Hardeep Singh (England men's capt) at official England kit launch.

Comment: ‘Kabaddi kabaddi kabaddi’ is go go go in the West Midlands

Bhupinder Gakhal

City of Wolverhampton cabinet member for resident services, councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, looks ahead to a historic Kabaddi World Cup, which takes place in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands, starting on Monday (17).

The city of Wolverhampton has many claims to fame – it’s home to the world’s oldest original digital computer, it was instrumental in forming the tournament now known as football’s Champions League, and it was the first place in the UK to pioneer automated traffic signals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Being money smart in the holy month of Ramadan

Month of fasting doesn’t need to break the bank

Being money smart in the holy month of Ramadan

Anjali Mehta

WITH the rapidly rising cost of living, many people worry about managing expenses during Ramadan and Eid.

Ramadan is a time to refocus on faith, grati tude, and community, and mindful spending with an emphasis on simplicity can honour the spirit of the month without causing financial strain. By planning meals wisely, finding creative ways to give, and prioritising spirituality over ex travagance, you can make the most of a modest time of year while keeping its true essence alive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harry Brook banned from IPL for two years

Harry Brook (Photo: Getty Images)

Harry Brook banned from IPL for two years

ENGLAND batsman Harry Brook has been banned from the Indian Premier League for two years after he pulled out at the last minute to focus on international cricket, local media reported.

The 26-year-old, considered a frontrunner to replace Jos Buttler as England's white-ball captain, was signed to Delhi Capitals for the IPL season beginning next week.

Keep ReadingShow less