No cricket fanatic in the world can claim to be unaware of the current India captain's name. Born and brought up in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, Kohli emerged on the international radar after leading India to the title win at the ICC U19 World Cup in 2008. However, Kohli didn't exactly announce himself at the highest level till 2012 - four years after his debut - when in Australia he hit his maiden Test century (116) in Adelaide. By the end of that tour Kohli had also shown the world just how good a batsman he could become when his 86-ball-133 helped India chase down a mammoth 330 in less than 40 overs against Sri Lanka in the triangular series. Since then he hasn't looked back and has grown from strength to strength by proving his prowess all over the world. Having hit centuries on tough away tours Kohli improved his shorter format game several notches especially with the help of the IPL, where in 2016 he smacked a record 973 runs! A established chaser of totals, he has hundreds in all Test playing nations - except Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - where he has played just a single match. He is also a World Cup winner(2011) and was adjuged the Player of the Tournament at the 2014 ICC World T20. Being counted amongst the four great batsmen of the modern age along with Steven Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root, Kohli's meteoric rise over the past couple of years has seen him rise above everyone else in the art of batting. He is the only batsman yet to average more than 48 in all formats of the game and after his exploits in England in the summer of 2018, he has proved that he is the best batsman across the globe under any given conditions. For his exploits on the field he has also been awarded the country's highest sports honour - Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2018. But with the accolades there also have been questions regarding team selection and his aggressive mindset resulting in failures to win tough series overseas. The fact remains though that just like his runs, there are many more Indian victories to come under his leadership and only time will tell how great a legacy Captain Kohli will leave behind. But regarding his batting skills, it's safe to assume that the debate has been settled for now. There is only one Kohli and he sits right at the top.
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The stage is set for the opening clash of Indian Premier League 2019 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Here is the probable Playing XIs of CSK and RCB at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Kohli was speaking on the eve of the Indian Premier League opener between his team Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings.
Virat Kohli said, "We have to be practical about why we haven't won one. That boils down to bad decision making in pressure situations. If I think like people from outside, I can't even sustain five games. I would be sitting at home."
Former India opener Gambhir, recently said that in a result-oriented franchise environment, Kohli has been "lucky" to have survived despite RCB never winning the coveted title in his eight years as skipper.
Every cricketer needs guidance from their senior players so that the performance pressure gets lighter from the youngster's shoulder. Indian skipper Kohli and former captain Dhoni have played the same role in Pant's career so far.
McGrath feels that there is no obvious weakness in Kohli's game.
An official of one of the franchises applauded the move as it will give the teams playing on Sunday time to strategise with their captains.
Virat Kohli, who is currently preparing for IPL 12, wished everyone a colourful Holi.
Indian captain's biggest asset is his ability to keep things simple, feels iconic Proteas all-rounder Jacques Kallis.
Jos Buttler said that he wants to emulate Virat Kohli's mindset and be at the top of his game every day.
Sourav Ganguly backed Virat Kohli as RCB captain and said that he will turn around because he is a champion player.
Virat Kohli had invited Sunil Chhetri to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where RCB are training ahead of their IPL 2019 opener against CSK.
Gambhir said that Kohli should be grateful to his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) that they didn't cut ties with him despite the poor results under his leadership.
Virat Kohli has been the best player in the world with the bat but his captaincy has been on the opposite side of the spectrum and with the World Cup in sight, IPL 2019 will be a major chance for the India and RCB captain to prove his doubters wrong.
IPL 2019: Royal Challengers Bangalore 2019 Team, Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad Indian Premier League and Time Table, Match Schedule, Points Table, Results at India TV Sports.
On his return to Chinnaswamy after international duty, Kohli can't wait to hit the field for his team RCB's first match against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 23, which is also the season opener.
The hugely popular Suresh Raina (56), coming in at number three, was the only batter to post a half-century.
The all-rounders' table continued to be headed by Rashid Khan, but no Indian figures in the top-5.
World Cup-winning former India coach Gary Kirsten feels that IPL would serve as good preparation for the Indian players ahead of the World Cup.
RCB have come as close to three finals and three semis, but have failed to counter their opponents which has left them trophyless for the past 11 years.
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