Don't know what I would do on the field without intensity: Virat Kohli

CAPE TOWN: Intensity is the hallmark of his batting and India captain Virat Kohli says he has no idea what he would do if that was gone, the primary reason behind his obsessive focus of physical fitness.

The 29-year-old run-machine slammed his 34th one-day hundred in the third ODI against South Africa on Wednesday, once again playing a pivotal role in a massive India win.

"Look I am going to be 30 this year...I want to play this kind of cricket even when I am 34-35. That's why I train so much because I am a guy who likes to play with intensity. Once that is gone, I don't know what I am going to do on the field," Kohli said reflecting on his unbeaten knock of 160, which guided India to a 124-run triumph for an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

"I try to protect that. I try to train as much as I can. Keep a check on my diet. Those things pay off on days like these. When the team needs it, and you stand up, and you are able to pull through. As an athlete you crave for days like these," he added.


Kohli said Wednesday's hundred was special in the sense that he had to continuously change his game through the innings. He said these were hard earned runs on a tough wicket against a good bowling attack.

"International runs are never easy. They are hard earned. Some might come on more batting-friendly pitches, but I think with their attack, and the pace and bounce they were getting initially, you had to adjust your game.

"Then the wicket got considerably slower after the 30th over, so you had to again adjust your game, and make sure, with wickets falling also, that you continued adjusting through the innings," Kohli said.

Kohli said thinking of the team's requirements helps him gloss over the physical strains of playing a marathon knock.

"I was pleased from that point of view that I was able to bat through because I was struggling with a bit of cramp around the 90s. Then wickets kept falling, I decided to hit out, because I thought I might not have enough energy left.

"Then amazing things can happen when you are thinking about the team all the time. You can push your body beyond limits that you might not push yourself otherwise. I experienced that today, and that was an amazing feeling," he added.

This was Kohli's second highest ODI score. He also became the first Indian batsman to score a hundred against South Africa at Newlands. Overall, he scored his 12th ODI hundred as Indian skipper, going past Sourav Ganguly's record of 11 centuries.

Kohli said that there is a marked difference in how he approaches scoring runs when batting first and when chasing.

"Today I wanted to accelerate at different times. When Shikhar Dhawan was batting, my job was to take singles...and keep rotating the strike, to be able to get the partnership going. When he got out I wanted to accelerate but we lost 2-3 wickets immediately.

"When batting first, you switch roles -- one guy is aggressor and you become the guy who is rotating strike. When he goes, you take that role up and another guy rotates strike. That is how it is usually done," he said.

While chasing, Kohli said, it is easier to compartmentalise since the target is already there to be chased.

"Batting second is very different in terms of knowing what you need to do, when to accelerate, when to keep those singles coming, etc. Batting first, you want to score as many as possible but sometimes the situation doesn't allow you to play in a certain way that you want to throughout the innings," he explained.

India have now won three matches in an ODI bilateral series in South Africa for the first time. So much so, they are now on the cusp of a series win should they win the fourth ODI in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Given the Proteas' problems against wrist spin though, there is a possibility of a 6-0 scoreline as well, even if Kohli didn't agree to it just yet.

"We have to make sure we're not letting our guard down because we worked really hard from that last Test to win four games in a row on a tough tour of South Africa. We are really proud of ourselves as a team. But I think the job is not even half done yet.

"It's quite a far-fetched thing and still three games to go in the series," he said about the possibility of a 6-0 whitewash.


Kohli promised to up the ante in the remaining three games.

"Biggest positive out of today, with 3-0 up, is that there is no way we can lose the series now. That is certainly something that lifts the team even more. As I said we would have more intensity and more passion when we step out for the fourth game," Kohli signed off.


source: news agency

BCCI seeks suggestions on shifting headquarters to Bengaluru

New Delhi: BCCI acting president C. K.Khanna on Monday wrote to all the board members seeking their suggestions on shifting the national cricket board's headquarters from the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to Bengaluru once the National Cricket Academy (NCA) takes shape in the next couple of years.

The BCCI has now got its own land -- a huge 40 acre plot on the outskirts of the Garden City where a state of the art NCA will be built with five-star lodging facility.

Khanna, in his letter has sought suggestions from all the members so that it can be brought up at the governing body meeting.

"People are of strong view that present administrative premises of the Board do not have adequate and appropriate office infrastructure nor is there any further scope of expansion," Khanna wrote in his letter.

"I strongly suggest that since BCCI has acquired 40 acres of land at Bengaluru which is in the close vicinity of airport for its most ambitious project of NCA, this whole land can be used optimally along with NCA," he wrote.

The acting president wants all the meetings to be held at its upcoming new set-up, where the members can also put up, thereby cutting down on hotel costs. Also a part of the premises can be rented out for commercial activities.

"BCCI also uses a part of this land to build a new state of the art headquarter.

"This plot after earmarking major part of the land for NCA on the advice of experts, may also be used for BCCI's new office and residential accommodation, after assessing the need for various categories of guests that are likely to use the same such as our own Board officials, affiliated states officials, VIP guests, cricketers and others," the letter added.


source: news agency

CoA chief Vinod Rai backs under-fire Kohli

KOLKATA: BCCI Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai backed under-fire Virat Kohli, saying there is nothing wrong in giving the India skipper a free hand in selection matters.

Kohli was criticised for his bold selection decisions in the ongoing Test series against South Africa with former batsman Virender Sehwag saying there is no one in the dressing room to point out Kohli's mistakes.

However, Rai said there's nothing wrong in giving Kohli a "free hand".

"He has motivated the players. He's very aggressive and systematic on the field. He's doing an excellent job," Rai said.

"A captain should be given a free hand in the matter (of team selection). You can't have a captain being controlled from outside. I think he's given a total free hand and he's been able to mould an excellent team."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is pushing for an Olympic return of the sport, probably with the T20 version, in the 2024 edition.

But the ICC's hopes hinge on India as without the BCCI approval, the cricket's international body can't dare to make the bid.

Rai said: "It's still under consideration. We will see. It depends a lot on the cricket loving population of the country. What's the kind of cricket they want. It will take place slowly."

Rai also urged former greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev to get into cricket administration.

"I think it's high time that cricketers come into administration too. The pain of playing was demonstrated this year and Sourav will agree," he said while speaking at a session on cricketers at the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet.

"The Lodha Committee has done a very good thing. They have said that one of the members in the BCCI has to be an ex-cricketer. I've been feeling for a long time that people like Sourav, Sachin and Kapil whom I've personally requested come into cricket in a big way.

"They are the people who have come up the hard way. They learnt at every level what it means to be playing cricket. Cricket administration must at least some sprinkling of former cricketers in it to make the game much better in terms of quality."

On the upcoming IPL, he said they are trying their best to maintain the sanctity of the sport as there's an "emotional connect".


"The number of people who follow the sport passionately are Indians all over the place. We would very much like to ensure their interest and trust and the way forward for them is preserved for this country."

He said they would like to nurture the team in a way that they deliver the 2019 World Cup.

source: news agency

Delhi to clash with Rajasthan in Mushtaq Ali T20 final

Kolkata: Delhi maintained their composure under pressure to edge out former champions Uttar Pradesh by three runs in a low-scoring thriller to set up a summit clash with Rajasthan in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament.

The domestic Twenty20 competition will have a new champions this season as both Delhi and Rajasthan have made their maiden final slated at Eden Gardens under lights tomorrow.

In group A at the Eden Gardens, Rajasthan choked in their paltry chase of 130 to suffer a five-run defeat but they still sneaked into the final on better net runrate (0.519-0.080).

In the end, Yuvraj Singh's slow batting against Karntaka (29 off 25 balls), Jharkhand (33 off 17 balls) and in today's game (4 off 11 balls) cost Harbhajan Singh led team dearly.

However, Punjab bowlers were superb at the death as they conceded just 21 runs and took two wickets in the last five overs to restrict Rajasthan to 124/8.

It was not enough as Punjab were to restrict Rajasthan under 106 to make their third final appearance.
Earlier, Delhi were the first to book a maiden final berth upsetting a strong Uttar Pradesh in a group B match at the Jadavpur University second campus ground in Saltlake.

On a day India veteran and two-time IPL champion Gautam Gambhir failed to get a big score, Rishabh Pant again did the star turn smashing 34-ball 58 (5x4, 3x6).

Delhi reached 140/9 after being sent in by Uttar Pradesh skipper Suresh Raina.

Fresh from three successive fifty-plus scores that included an ominous 126 not out, Raina (16) failed when it mattered the most as Uttar Pradesh batting caved in for 137 off the last ball.

It was Subodh Bhati, who triggered the collapse to return with a brilliant 2/28 as the Delhi medium pacer also held his nerve in a nail-biting last over to confirm their maiden final berth from Super League group B.

Needing 13 off the last over, diminutive lefthander Saurabh Kumar was all fired up when he started off with a six off Bhati.
But in the next ball, his quickfire 18-ball 33 (2x4, 2x6) was halted by a brilliant runout while he was attempting for a double to retain the strike.

With six needed off four, Bhati bowled two dot balls and conceded two singles to knock out Uttar Pradesh.

Raina gave Uttar Pradesh a brisk start to be 43/1 in the Powerplay but a bowling change did the trick for Delhi as they dismissed three wickets in as many overs including the in-form duo of Raina and Umang Sharma (17) in space of five balls.

First it was Raina who was caught by Milind at deep point, before Umang and Akshdeep Nath departed in successive overs as their batting began to crumble.
Promoted to No 4, Rinku Singh (34 off 26 balls; 4x4, 1x6) was their topscorer but he was dismissed by Pawan Negi (2/13) as Uttar Pradesh kept losing wickets after Raina's failure.

Earlier, Gambhir, who had scores of 21, 7 and 1 in the previous three matches of the Super League, got out in the fifth ball of the day to continue his woeful form.

Gambhir edged pacer Amit Mishra to be caught behind while in-form Dhruv Shorey (12) got out cheaply after his failed pull attempt was caught by Raina at slip.

Pant revived their innings with his seventh T20 halfcentury but before he could make it big a brilliant direct hit by Rinku Singh from the midwicket ended his stellar innings.

In the second 'virtual' semifinal, a star-studded Punjab were restricted for 129/9 as Rajasthan continued their impressive show in bowling that paved their way for a maiden final apperance.

Medium pacer Deepak Chahar led the show with excellent figures of 2/9 from 1.5 overs before limping off the field as Mahipal Lomror finished the over.
Deepak's brother Rahul Chahar also grabbed two wickets including the prized scalp of Yuvraj Singh.

The stylish left-hander had another forgetful stay at the crease with four from 11 balls befor being stumped, while Khaleel Ahmed (3/17) was their top wicket taker.

Skipper Harbhajan Singh, batting at No 3, top-scored with a 31-ball 32 (2x4) while Barinder Sran's 13 not out from nine balls (1x4).
Rajasthan began their chase shakily to be 4/2 in 1.1 overs when Ankit Lamba's 37-ball 47 (7x4, 2x6) revived their hopes.
They kept losing wickets and Deepak Chahar also retired hurt for 15 from 15 balls (1x4, 1x6) to hand Punjab a consolation win.

Brief Scores:At Jadavpur University Second Campus ground, Salt Lake: Delhi 140/9 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 58, Milind Kumar 32; Israr Azim 2/12, Mohsin Khan 2/29, Ankit Rajpoot 2/33) beat Uttar Pradesh 137 in 20 overs (Rinku Singh 34, Saurabh Kumar 33; Pawan Negi 2/13, Subodh Bhati 2/28) by three runs.

Tamil Nadu 123/7 in 20 overs (S Anirudha 32 not out) lost to Baroda 125/5 in 17.1 overs (Kedar Devdhar 68) by five wickets.
At Eden Gardens: Punjab 129/9; 20 overs (Harbhajan Singh 32, Sharad Lumba 31; Khaleel Ahmed 3/17, Deepak Chahar 2/9, Rahul Chahar 2/19) beat Rajasthan 124/8; 20 overs (Ankit Lamba 47; Barinder Sran 3/22, Manpreet Gony 2/20) by five runs.

Source: News Agency

India will fight back, asserts Pujara

The Indian batsmen may have been dismissed for a paltry total in the first innings of the third cricket Test against South Africa here on Wednesday, but Cheteshwar Pujara is confident that the visitors are still in with a chance.

The visitors continued their poor show with the bat in the first two Tests and were bundled out for 187 runs on the opening day at the Wanderers Stadium here.

Pujara, dismissed on 50, was one of only three Indian batsmen along with skipper Virat Kohli (54) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (30) to reach double figures.

However, with the Proteas losing opener Aiden Markram early in their first innings, Pujara asserted that a fighting performance by the Indian pacers may prove to be crucial.

"It was one of the toughest pitches I've batted on. I really had to work hard to score runs. Overall, we batted well. The runs on the board are sufficient and we can bowl them out. I think it's a good batting effort at the end of the day," Pujara told the media at the end of the day's play.

Kohli and Pujara struck contrasting half centuries as they added 84 runs between them in an attempt to bail out their team.

Pointing out that the pitch is not easy to bat on, Pujara opined that the South African batsmen will struggle to score as well.

"A lot of deviation and it was initially very slow, but there was enough bounce in the pitch.

There was a lot of lateral movement and a lot of deviation off the cracks. This was tougher than the Cape Town surface. We were just surviving out there," he said.

Source: News Agency

Azharuddin dismisses HCA charges, writes to BCCI

HYDERABAD: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin on Saturday dismissed the charges levelled against him by the Hyderabad Cricket Association president G Vivek and said he has written to the BCCI about the developments in HCA.

Controversy broke out at the Hyderabad Cricket Association after it barred Azharuddin from attending its Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 7.

Azharuddin was initially not allowed to attend the SGM which was convened to pass the Lodha committee recommendations.

On being told that he was not allowed as he was a proxy at the meeting, Azharuddin said he is the vice president of a cricket club.

"They kept saying that I have not registered. I am actually the vice president of the National Cricket Club. The letter is there. It is endorsed by the then (HCA) secretary," he told.

The secretary, who was suspended subsequently, issued the card on January 3.

"How I am going to know that he is going to be suspended on the fifth of January. So, I had the card, he gave me this letter when he was in office. So, it is not my fault," he said.

He said he could have been allowed to attend the meeting as he is an international player.

On the charge that he is associated with a cricket association which is not recognised by the BCCI, he said he is not at all involved with the said association.

Azharuddin asked how can the SGM be convened for passing the Lodha panel recommendations as it had already been passed.

"How can he adopt Lodha report when it is already registered in the society. How many times you can adopt Lodha committee recommendation I fail to understand," he said.

Azharuddin, who had served a ban over allegations of match-fixing, asserted that he has been recognised by the BCCI.

"BCCI also has recognised me. I have been felicitated. If I was a banned member, if my thing was not cleared, I would not be sitting there (in felicitation). I have been felicitated by the BCCI even when I was serving the ban in 2005 by Sharad Pawar (former BCCI Chief)," he said.

He said there is no ban on him following a high court order.

Azharuddin said he has written to the BCCI on the developments in the HCA.

"Next course of action is, I have written to the BCCI. I have written to the CoA (Committee of Administrators). I think they need to take action. Whatever they (HCA) are doing is totally illegal," he said.

"I am sure there will be response (from BCCI)," he said.


"I think CoA chief Mr Vinod Rai is out of the country. When he comes back, I will definitely meet him," he said.

He said fresh elections should be held at HCA as per the Lodha panel recommendations.

Source: News Agency