The Journey Begins: Debut to Dominance

Virat Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. In the beginning, there were doubts. His technique outside off-stump was questioned, especially after a difficult 2014 tour of England. But true champions rise not by avoiding setbacks, but by embracing them.

Kohli returned to England in 2018 and scored a stunning 593 runs in 5 Tests, proving he was built different. This wasn’t just a comeback it was a message.

Test Career Stats: Virat Kohli by the Numbers

Matches: 123

Innings: 210

Not Outs: 13

Runs: 9,230

Batting Average: 46.85

Centuries: 30

Half-Centuries: 31

Highest Score: 254*

Catches: 121

These numbers don’t just define a cricketer they define an era.

Captain Kohli: A New Era for Indian Test Cricket

Virat Kohli took over the Test captaincy in 2014. What followed was a transformation no one saw coming:

India ranked #1 in ICC Test rankings for 5 consecutive years (2016–2020)

Historic Test series win in Australia (2018–19)

Built a fearsome fast-bowling unit that thrived in all conditions

Promoted aggressive, results-driven Test cricket

He turned India into a dominant Test side, not just at home, but overseas  something Indian fans had craved for decades.

A Dry Patch And the Roar Back

Every legend has their low phase. Kohli went over 1,200 days without a Test century a statistic that haunted the headlines. But he never gave up. In 2023, he brought up his 28th century with sheer grit and followed it with two more, finishing his career with 30 Test tons.

His consistency, hunger, and work ethic became the gold standard for young cricketers.

More Than a Cricketer: A Global Icon

Virat Kohli didn’t just fill stadiums he inspired a generation. With his aggressive celebrations, intense focus, and unmatched fitness, he made Test cricket cool again.

His influence transcended cricket. He became a brand, a youth icon, and a symbol of ambition and discipline.

The Legacy: More Than Just Stats

Kohli’s retirement marks the end of a golden era. But legends never truly retire. His impact will echo in every youngster picking up a bat, every team walking out with belief, and every Indian cricket fan who dared to dream.

Final Thoughts: Thank You, Virat

You made us believe.

You made us proud.

You didn’t just play Tests you passed life’s toughest test.

As fans, we’re lucky to have witnessed your journey.

Thank you, Virat Kohli, for the memories, the madness, and the magic.

A Dream Debut

Rohit made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. It couldn’t have been more dramatic: he scored a magnificent 177 in his very first innings. Just days later, at Wankhede Stadium, he followed it up with an unbeaten 111*, in what was also Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test.

Two matches. Two centuries. A fairy-tale start.

The Struggle to Find a Place

But Test cricket is never easy, and Rohit soon discovered that. Between 2014 and 2018, Rohit’s red-ball career remained stop-start. He was in and out of the side, rarely trusted for overseas tours. His Test average hovered around the low 30s for years, and many believed he wasn’t suited for the format.

Between his debut and the end of 2018, he had played just 27 Tests in five years.

2019: The Reinvention

Everything changed in October 2019. Rohit Sharma was asked to open the innings in Tests—a bold, almost desperate move by the team management. But Rohit grabbed it with both hands.

In the 3-Test series against South Africa at home, he scored:

176 (1st Test)

127 (1st Test, 2nd innings)

212 (3rd Test, Ranchi – his career-best)

From middle-order doubts to a dominant opener—the transformation was stunning.

Numbers Post-Promotion (Oct 2019 – Dec 2021)

Matches: 20

Runs: 1,611

Average: 52.00+

Centuries: 5

Fifties: 6

He played crucial innings in Australia, England, and at home. His technique against spin and newfound patience against seam made him a complete Test batsman.

Iconic Knocks That Defined Him

127 at The Oval, 2021 – Rohit’s first overseas century in SENA countries. A masterclass of control and grit.

161 vs England, Chennai 2021 – On a difficult pitch, this was Rohit’s finest home innings.

212 vs South Africa, Ranchi 2019 – His highest Test score, showing aggressive dominance.

Leading India

Rohit Sharma became India’s full-time Test captain in 2022, succeeding Virat Kohli. Under his leadership:

India remained unbeaten at home.

Reached the World Test Championship Final 2023.

Though India lost to Australia at The Oval in that final, Rohit’s calm leadership and support for young players stood out.

Final Career Test Stats

Matches: 67

Runs: 4,301

Average: 40.57

Centuries: 12

Fifties: 16

Highest Score: 212

Catches: 60+

The Decline and Decision

In his final 19 Test innings, Rohit scored only one century. With younger players knocking on the door and his own form dipping, the decision to retire was as graceful as it was timely.

He exits not as a struggling veteran, but as someone who transformed his career and earned respect worldwide.

A Legacy Carved in Grit

Rohit Sharma’s Test career is a lesson in patience, adaptability, and evolution. He may not have been the most natural Test cricketer, but he worked hard to become one.

From being told “he doesn’t belong in Tests” to becoming India’s most consistent opener since Sehwag—Rohit proved everyone wrong.

He didn’t just play Test cricket. He conquered it. On his own terms.
Thank you, Rohit.The whites will miss you. But your story will inspire forever.

This isn’t just about reaching the final; it’s about settling scores and sending a message. India’s batting lineup, though facing challenges, remains resilient. Rohit Sharma is expected to lead from the front. Virat Kohli, playing his 300th ODI, is on the verge of another historic milestone.

The bowling attack has adapted in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Shami brings experience and precision, while young talents like Harshit Rana are eager to make their mark. The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav adds depth and versatility to the attack. 

New Zealand, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, continues to be a formidable opponent. The return of Daryl Mitchell from illness strengthens their batting lineup. Their bowlers, have the capability to challenge any batting order. 

For India, a win here isn’t just a win it’s dominance. It’s a statement that the world’s best team won’t let history repeat itself. But if New Zealand pulls off another upset, the ghosts of the past will grow stronger.

So here we are. Another India vs. New Zealand clash. Just a match? Not even close.

Kohli-Rohit Duo Fails:India’s most reliable players, Rohit and Kohli, couldn’t step up when it mattered. “Puji aur Rahane ke jagah kaun lega?” remains an unanswered question. Neither could anchor the innings, nor could they score runs. Defensive cricket aur lack of runs—don’t work together!

Pant’s Reckless Batting:Rishabh Pant’s aggressive shots turned into careless dismissals. “There’s a fine line between aggression and recklessness, and Pant crossed it.” Jab team ko stability chahiye thi, tab unhone wickets throw kiye.

Batting Collapse:The middle order, especially KL Rahul, completely failed. A position change shouldn’t lead to form loss! Yashasvi Jaiswal was unlucky, but the rest lacked intent. Without a strong middle order, victories are impossible.

Over-Dependence on Bumrah: Bumrah ko har baar team ka burden uthana padta hai. Cricket is a team game, not a one-man show! 

Fielding Errors: Catches win matches, but India kept dropping them. Missed run-outs and no-balls turned crucial moments into disasters. Fielding discipline pura missing tha.

Ab WTC Final ek sapna ban gaya.

Melbourne Test showed that skill isn’t enough—a winning mindset, execution, and intent are equally crucial. Without it, the road ahead looks tough.

Recent Achievement: Maiden Test Century at MCG

On December 28, 2024, during the fourth Test against Australia, Reddy showcased exceptional skill and composure by scoring an unbeaten 105 runs off 176 balls. Entering the crease with India in a precarious position, he forged a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50), steering India from 221 for seven to a more stable 358 for nine by the end of day three. This innings not only marked his maiden Test century but also set several records:

First Indian to Score a Century at No. 8 in Australia: Reddy’s century is the highest by an Indian batting at this position on Australian soil, surpassing Anil Kumble’s 87 in 2008. 

Third Youngest Indian to Score a Test Century in Australia: At 21 years and 216 days, he joins the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant. 

First Indian No. 8 to Score a Century at MCG: This achievement adds a significant milestone to his burgeoning career. 

The emotional highlight of the day was witnessing Reddy’s father in the stands, overwhelmed with pride and tears, reflecting the sacrifices made for his son’s cricketing journey. 

Past Achievements: Foundations of a Promising Career

Vijay Merchant Trophy (2017-18): Reddy announced his arrival by amassing 1,237 runs, including a monumental 441 against Nagaland. This remains the highest tally in the tournament’s history and earned him the BCCI’s Best U-16 Cricketer award. 

T20I Debut (October 6, 2024): Reddy made his T20 International debut, showcasing his versatility across formats. 

Test Debut (November 22, 2024): He earned his Test cap during the 2024-25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy, quickly becoming a pivotal player for India. 

Reddy’s journey from the streets of Vizag to international cricket is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Overcoming financial challenges, with support from Andhra Cricket and mentorship from MSK Prasad, he has emerged as a new superstar in Indian cricket. 

As he continues to break records and inspire millions, Nitish Kumar Reddy embodies the spirit of perseverance and passion, heralding a bright future for Indian cricket.

Let’s dive into the multifaceted life of this cricket maestro, beyond the boundaries and wickets:

Cricketing Milestones:

Team India Captaincy: Led India across all formats, achieving historic Test series wins in Australia.

Runs Galore: Surpassed the 80-century mark across formats.

ODI Achievements: Fastest to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.

T20 Dynamism: Holds the record for most runs in T20 internationals.

The ICC Titan:

ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade (2011-2020): A title befitting his dominance, reflecting a decade of unmatched consistency.

ICC ODI Player of the Year: 2012, 2017, 2018.

ICC Test Player of the Year: 2018.

ICC Spirit of Cricket Award: 2019, for his heartfelt gesture towards Steve Smith, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship.

Only player to have won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year twice (2017, 2018).

Off the Field – Business Ventures:

Brand Endorsements: Kohli’s market appeal is unmatched, endorsing top global brands like Puma, Audi, and Myntra, commanding up to ₹10 crores per day.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Wrogn: Co-owner of this luxury clothing brand since 2013.

One8: Launched an athleisure brand and ventured into hospitality with One8 Commune restaurants.

Stepathlon Kids: Promoting an active lifestyle for children.

Nueva: A sophisticated dining experience reflecting Kohli’s refined taste.

Social Media Powerhouse:

Commands an enormous digital following, with social media charges of ₹8.9 crores per Instagram post and ₹2.5 crores per tweet.

A Sports Enthusiast Beyond Cricket:

His investment in FC Goa (Indian Super League) and UAE Royals (Tennis), highlights his passion for promoting sports beyond cricket.

As we wish this phenomenal cricketer a very Happy Birthday, we celebrate not just the cricketer but the leader, the icon, and the inspiration that is Virat Kohli. Here’s to many more centuries on and off the field, continuing to inspire millions with every step!

Bhaker became the first athlete in the history of independent India to win two medals in a single Olympics edition.

Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won a historic bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team shooting event after defeating South Korea on Day 4 of the Paris Olympics 2024.

Earlier, Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting with a bronze at Paris 2024 in the women’s 10m air pistol event.

Bhaker made history by becoming the first female shooter from India to win an Olympic medal. She joined an exclusive club of Indian Olympic medallists, which previously had just four male shooters.

Manu Bhaker is now only the second Indian woman, after badminton great PV Sindhu, to win two Olympic medals.

PV Sindhu made history by becoming the first Indian woman to collect two medals at the Olympics after defeating China’s He Bingjiao 21-13, 21-15 in the bronze medal match in Tokyo. She had won a silver in the last Olympics in Rio after losing in the final to Carolina Marin.

With two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, gold medals at the World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympic Games, Manu Bhaker has become the most successful Indian woman shooter in history at a very young age.

Huge impact play by Impact Player:
In his first IPL season in 2023, Bengal’s Abishek Porel scored 33 runs across four matches for Delhi Capitals.
On Saturday, in Delhi’s opening game of IPL 2024, the 21-year-old almost matched that tally in just 10 deliveries, making an unbeaten 32 after coming in at No.9 as an impact sub.

Abhishek Porel Intro:
He is an upcoming Indian cricketer. He plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and playing for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. He is a wicket-keeper batsman who bats left-handed.

Abishek Porel is a left-handed wicketkeeper batter from India. He began his professional career by representing Bengal at the junior level. Despite a prolific showing in the 2022 Cooch Behar Trophy, low performances in the Challenger Trophy meant he was not selected for the 2022 Men’s Under-19 World Cup held in the West Indies.

However, he was called up mid-tournament as a backup for the players infected with COVID. After returning from the World Cup, he was fast-tracked to the senior Bengal team, and he made his first-class debut against Baroda in the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy season. Later in the year, he made his List A debut for Bengal against Puducherry in the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy. In October 2022, Porel made his T20 debut against Odisha in the 2022 Syded Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Before the 2023 Indian T20 League season, the Delhi franchise was in search of a replacement for the injured Rishabh Pant. Abishek Porel was called up to the trials, where he showed glimpses of his talent and put on an impressive showing. As a result, the Delhi franchise signed him up for the 2023 Indian T20 League, and he now has huge boots to fill.

Standing in a Team:
Abishek Porel bats in the middle order for Bengal in the first-class and List-A formats, while in the T20 format, he opens the innings for them. He is a free-scoring batter and has the ability to find boundaries at regular intervals.

Wicket-keeper too :
His glovework is equally good and can turn out to be the perfect replacement for Rishabh Pant.

Great future:
Abishek Porel’s talents have not gone unnoticed in the Indian T20 League, where he had the opportunity to represent Delhi. Porel’s experience in the Indian T20 League has undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a cricketer, allowing him to refine his game and adapt to the demands of the shortest format of the game.

When Dhoni took over the reins of CSK in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, few could have predicted the dynasty he would build. Under his astute leadership, CSK became one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, clinching the championship title multiple times and consistently reaching the playoffs.

Dhoni’s tactical acumen is another hallmark of his captaincy. He possesses an innate understanding of the game, often making shrewd decisions that turn the tide in CSK’s favor. Whether it’s setting innovative field placements, orchestrating bowling changes, or strategizing during run chases, Dhoni’s strategic prowess is second to none. His knack for outsmarting opponents has earned him widespread admiration and respect from fans and fellow cricketers alike.

Beyond his tactical brilliance, Dhoni’s leadership style is characterized by his unwavering belief in his players. He fosters a supportive environment where every member of the team feels valued and empowered to perform at their best. Dhoni’s faith in his squad has spurred many underdogs to rise to the occasion and deliver match-winning performances when it mattered most.

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK developed a reputation for being a cohesive unit that thrives on teamwork. He instilled a culture of camaraderie and unity within the team, where individual egos were set aside for the collective goal of success. This sense of camaraderie has been pivotal in CSK’s ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious in high-pressure situations.

Dhoni’s impact extends far beyond the cricket field. As the face of CSK, he has played a significant role in shaping the franchise’s identity and fostering a passionate fan base known as the “Yellow Army.” His leadership has helped CSK become not just a cricket team but a symbol of pride and unity for millions of fans across the globe.

Moreover, Dhoni’s leadership extends to nurturing young talent and grooming future stars. His mentorship has been instrumental in the development of budding cricketers within the CSK ranks, instilling in them the values of hard work, discipline, and resilience.

Dhoni captained in a total of 226 matches since the inaugural edition in 2008  leading CSK in 212 matches.

Dhoni is also the most successful captain in the history of the IPL with 133 wins — 128 as CSK captain and five while leading RPS. 

He currently is the only skipper with 100 or more wins as captain, both for a single franchise as well as overall.

Dhoni also has the highest winning percentage (59.37 per cent) among players who have played a minimum of 50 matches as captain.

In summary, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s tenure as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and unparalleled success.