A fairy-tale ending of lifting the World Cup on home soil wasn't meant to be for Kohli, but his record-breaking 765 runs at 95.62 was a monumental effort on his part
By Eastern EyeNov 24, 2023
VIRAT KOHLI has long been on the cusp of batting greatness, and at 35, he is making a solid case to be considered the greatest 50-overs player of all time after a run-laden World Cup.
A fairy-tale ending of lifting the World Cup on home soil wasn’t meant to be for Kohli and his India teammates, but his recordbreaking 765 runs at 95.62 was a monumental effort on his part.
Sachin Tendulkar was the game’s premier batsman until he retired in 2013, and Kohli has inherited that mantle from his compatriot, dominating the game for long stretches in the past decade.
Initially, Kohli was part of batting’s “Fab Four” alongside England’s Joe Root, Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. While others have faded somewhat recently, Kohli has been burning brightly, and pulling ahead of his peers.
From 2011 to 2019, Kohli scored more than 1,000 ODI runs a year seven times before going nearly three years without a hundred in international cricket. But the right-hander ended that drought in September last year and has been at his prolific best at the World Cup, where he was the runaway topscorer, hitting three centuries in the tournament.
He overtook Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds in Mumbai last Wednesday (15) and it was only fitting that his idol was present at the Wankhede Stadium to see it.
“I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record,” Tendulkar wrote on X, formerly Twitter, to congratulate his protege.
The star batter is consoled by his wife Anushka Sharma after India’s finals defeat to Australia
“And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup semi-final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.”
The pace at which Kohli broke Tendulkar’s record also stands out. He achieved his 50th ODI ton in 279 innings to his predecessor’s 49 in 452 innings.
Kohli seems immune to the pressure that other batters feel while chasing, and 27 of his 50 hundreds have come batting second.
His dominance has invariably drawn comparisons with West Indies great Viv Richards, who himself is an admirer of Kohli’s batting.
“I am a huge fan of Virat ... and he continues to show why he has to go down as one of the all-time greats, right up there with the likes of the great Sachin,” Richards wrote in his column for the International Cricket Council.
“Many people have made comparisons between the two of us over the years, partly because of our shared intensity on the field.
“I love Virat’s enthusiasm... He is always in the game and I like individuals like that.”
Age and fatherhood may have mellowed him, but Kohli can still put on an arresting display when he steps onto the field. Once out in the middle, Kohli hogs the spotlight – even when celebrating a rival’s dismissal in which he has played no role.
Fans love him. And many obey him as well – with a gesture or a stare he can whip up frenzied support from the stands when the team need extra motivation, or stop the crowd from booing a rival, such as Steve Smith, or taunting a fellow India player.
But it is with the bat that he is at his best, and there is hardly a more impressive sight in contemporary cricket than his checked cover drive.
Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram’s post on X this week best summed up Kohli’s impact on batting. “We live in @imVkohli era. Congratulations emperor,” the bowling great wrote after Kohli’s Mumbai masterclass.
England Women post 258/6 in first ODI at The Rose Bowl
Sophia Dunkley top-scored with 83, sharing a 106-run stand with Alice Davidson-Richards
India Women reach 34/0 after 6 overs, needing 225 more to win
Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal remain unbeaten
Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana take two wickets each for India
England build solid total after winning toss
In the first match of the three-game ODI series between England Women vs India Women, the home side posted a competitive total of 258/6 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, after choosing to bat first.
England’s innings was anchored by Sophia Dunkley, who struck 83 runs off 92 balls, including timely boundaries and smart rotation of the strike. She shared a crucial 106-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alice Davidson-Richards, who added a steady 53 from 73 deliveries.
Earlier in the innings, Emma Lamb provided a solid platform at No. 3, scoring 39 from 50 balls, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 41 off 52 deliveries. Their top-order consistency ensured that England kept the scoreboard ticking throughout.
Dunkley’s knock came to an end on the final ball of the innings, bowled by Amanjot Kaur, as England closed at 258/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
India share the wickets
India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Sneh Rana (2/31) and Kranti Goud (2/55) leading the attack. Both bowled their full 10-over spells, containing the scoring while picking up key wickets.
Amanjot Kaur and Shree Charani chipped in with one wicket apiece, with Amanjot dismissing the dangerous Dunkley at the death. Despite the strong partnership in the middle overs, India managed to restrict England to under 260.
India’s chase begins solidly
In reply, India got off to a calm and composed start. At the end of 6 overs, the visiting side reached 34 without loss, requiring 225 more runs from 264 balls at a required run rate of 5.11.
Smriti Mandhana, batting at her fluent best, is on 14 off 12 deliveries, while young debutant Pratika Rawal has shown early promise with 12 runs off 18 balls. The pair has rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries, including two boundaries from both batters.
Mandhana's elegance was on display when she clipped Lauren Bell off her pads for four in the fifth over and followed it up with a crisp drive. Pratika too showed confidence, threading a boundary through cover-point off Kate Cross in the fourth over.
Match situation: India well placed in early chase
With a healthy scoring rate and all wickets intact, India appear comfortable in their pursuit of 259, though they will need to navigate the upcoming middle overs cautiously. The England pace attack of Kate Cross, Lauren Bell, and Sophie Ecclestone will look to break the opening stand early and expose India’s middle order.
As of the latest update:
India Women: 34/0 in 6 overs
Smriti Mandhana: 14 (12)
Pratika Rawal: 12 (18)
Kate Cross: 0/18 (3 overs)
Lauren Bell: 0/16 (3 overs)
Match details
Fixture: 1st ODI – England Women vs India Women
Venue: Utilita Bowl (The Rose Bowl), Southampton
Date: 16 July 2025
Toss: England Women won the toss and opted to bat first
Series: 3-match ODI series
Playing XIs
England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
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Charles told India captain Shubman Gill that he had watched the final moments of the game on television.
KING CHARLES met and consoled Indian cricketers at Clarence House on Tuesday, a day after their narrow defeat to England in the third Test at Lord's.
The King hosted the Indian team less than 24 hours after they lost the match by 22 runs in the final session of the last day. India, chasing a target of 193, were bowled out before the close.
The last wicket fell when Mohammed Siraj tried to block a delivery from Shoaib Bashir, but the ball spun back and dislodged the bail.
Charles told India captain Shubman Gill that he had watched the final moments of the game on television. Referring to the ball that dismissed Siraj, he said: "really annoying just to touch the bails".
India now trail 2-1 in the five-match series. The fourth Test is scheduled at Old Trafford next week, followed by the final match at The Oval in London.
Gill said, "He did tell us that the way our last batsman got out was quite unfortunate – the ball rolling on the stumps, and he was just asking us how did we feel after that.
"And we told him it was an unfortunate match for us, but it could have gone either way and hopefully we'll have better luck in both the next games."
(With inputs from agencies)
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Despite the fracture, Bashir returned to the field and dismissed Mohammed Siraj after tea on the final day of the Lord's Test. (Photo: Getty Images)
SHOAIB BASHIR has been ruled out of the remainder of England’s Test series against India, less than an hour after taking the final wicket in the third Test at Lord’s on Monday.
The 21-year-old off-spinner sustained a fracture to the little finger on his non-bowling left hand after dropping a return catch from Ravindra Jadeja during India’s first innings. He spent much of the match off the field due to the injury.
Despite the fracture, Bashir returned to the field and dismissed Mohammed Siraj after tea on the final day. Siraj defended the ball, which rolled back onto the stumps, sealing a 22-run win for England.
The win gave England a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. With Bashir now ruled out, the team is expected to bring in a new specialist spinner for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, starting 23 July. Liam Dawson and Jack Leach are among the options being considered.
Bashir has taken 10 wickets in three Tests during this series, with an average of over 54. His place in the team has been under discussion.
England captain Ben Stokes has continued to back Bashir.
“It was great that Bash was able to get that last wicket with everything he had to deal with this week,” Stokes said.
“He’s 21-years-old and he’s got a very badly broken finger. To go out there and bat for us and to be willing to sit there on the bench, waiting for his moment to come on and bowl, I think just proves how much it means to everyone who gets the opportunity to put the shirt on.
“Not even a couple of breaks is going stop anyone getting out there. To finish that game off was written in the stars.
“It’s not good news for Bash, it’s very disappointing for us as a team and for him, but I think the courage that he showed (was outstanding).”
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Bashir’s injury.
“England spinner Shoaib Bashir has sustained a fracture to his left finger and has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rothesay Test series against India,” the ECB said.
He is scheduled to undergo surgery later this week.
“England will name their squad for the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford in the next couple of days.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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The match ended when Shoaib Bashir bowled Mohammed Siraj for four.
ENGLAND defeated India by 22 runs on the final day of the third test at Lord’s on Monday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
The match ended when Shoaib Bashir bowled Mohammed Siraj for four. Siraj had tried to defend the ball, but it rolled off his bat and hit the stumps, leaving him looking back in disbelief. As England players celebrated, Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61 and walked off after coming close to pulling off a remarkable win for India.
Earlier in the day, England were in control, reducing India to 112-8 at lunch while defending a target of 193. But Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah added resistance, battling for nearly two hours and taking India close.
Late fight from Jadeja and Bumrah
Jadeja was given out lbw to Chris Woakes, but the decision was overturned on review. He followed it up with a six over mid-wicket, drawing loud cheers from Indian fans. England eventually broke the stand when Bumrah, on five, top-edged a pull shot off Ben Stokes and was caught by substitute fielder Sam Cook.
The crowd reacted with a mix of joy and relief, but Jadeja kept frustrating England. He reached his half-century off 150 balls by edging Stokes over the slips for four.
Siraj stayed in for 30 balls and made four runs while Jadeja farmed the strike. He managed several singles off the fourth ball of each over to retain the strike. Siraj took a blow on the shoulder from a Jofra Archer delivery before he was dismissed.
England dominate morning session
England took four wickets in the morning after India resumed on 58-4. Rishabh Pant hit a one-handed straight drive for four off Archer to move to nine, but Archer hit back two balls later by knocking out his off stump.
Stokes trapped KL Rahul lbw for 39. The umpire initially turned down the appeal, but the decision was overturned on review, leading to loud cheers from the crowd.
Washington Sundar was out for a duck, caught by Archer off his own bowling with a one-handed dive to his right.
Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy then shared a stand of 30 runs, showing solid defence. But just before lunch, Woakes found the edge of Reddy’s bat, giving England a key breakthrough. The team left the field to warm applause from the packed crowd.
The series now stands at 2-1 in England’s favour.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Brydon Carse celebrates dismissing Karun Nair during day four of the 3rd Test between England and India at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 13, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA were left needing 135 more runs to win with six wickets in hand after a top-order collapse on the fourth day of the third Test against England at Lord’s on Sunday.
Chasing 193 for victory, India ended the day on 58-4 after earlier bowling out England for 192 in their second innings. Washington Sundar was the pick of the bowlers with 4-22, dismissing Joe Root, Jamie Smith and England captain Ben Stokes on an increasingly challenging surface.
Both teams had posted 387 in their first innings.
India’s chase began poorly when Yashasvi Jaiswal was out for a duck, skying a hook off Jofra Archer to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Karun Nair was trapped lbw by Brydon Carse, before Shubman Gill – who already has a double century and two other hundreds in this series – also fell lbw.
In the final over of the day, Ben Stokes dismissed nightwatchman Akash Deep, triggering loud celebrations from the home crowd.
KL Rahul, who had scored exactly 100 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 33, hitting a few boundaries.
Earlier, Root and Stokes put on 67 for the fifth wicket after England had resumed on 2-0 and slipped to 87-4. Root, who made a century in the first innings, was bowled behind his legs for 40 while attempting a sweep off Sundar.
Smith, who came into the match with scores of 184 not out, 88 and 51 in the series, was bowled for eight by a Sundar delivery that kept low. England were 164-6 at that stage, with Sundar having taken 2-3 in 11 balls.
Stokes showed patience through the second session but was bowled for 33 while attempting a slog off Sundar. England were 181-7 when he walked back, hitting his bat on the ground in frustration.
Jasprit Bumrah then dismissed Carse and Chris Woakes before Sundar ended the innings by bowling Shoaib Bashir.
England’s second innings began with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett at the crease on 2-0. Duckett hit a four off Mohammed Siraj but was soon dismissed when he miscued a pull and was caught by Bumrah at mid-on. Siraj celebrated by shouting in Duckett’s face, and the incident, which also included shoulder contact, may draw attention from match referee Richie Richardson.
Crawley and Ollie Pope then negotiated a spell from Bumrah, who had taken 5-74 in England’s first innings after being rested for the previous Test.
Siraj got Pope lbw on review, and England quickly slipped from 42-2 to 50-3. Crawley was caught in the gully by Jaiswal off Nitish Kumar Reddy, playing a drive that edged straight to the fielder.
Reddy appeared to exchange words with Crawley as he walked off, following Saturday’s time-wasting incident.
Harry Brook came in and hit three boundaries off Akash Deep – two scoops and a six over long-off – but was bowled for 23 trying to sweep. Deep had the last word as Brook missed an over-ambitious shot.