Suresh Raina has thrown his weight behind RCB, saying this could finally be the season they break their title drought - and that Virat Kohli might lift the trophy after 18 years of waiting.
'You're the guiding light of all of our lives. We love you so much more everyday.'
After the grand wedding reception of Vedant Birla (son of businessman Yashovardhan (Yash) and Avanti Birla), and Tejal Kulkarni (Supriya and Sanjeev Kulkarni's daughter), the Birlas threw a private party for selected celebs.
The once familiar sight of nimble-footed, whippywristed Indian batters dominating spin looks a distant memory, replaced by the horror of watching South Africa off-spinner Simon Harmer wreak havoc by taking 17 wickets over the two Tests.
Even as the rain poured, the mood in the stands never did. Ponchos, cheers and chants filled the arena as fans danced through the drizzle, refusing to let the weather wash away their excitement.
The 25-year-old captain struck 13 fours and eight sixes to make 161 off 162 balls, following up his first-innings' 269 to become only the second Indian after legendary Sunil Gavaskar to have scored a double century and a ton in a Test.
Some people criticised Kohli's selection in 2008, they are forgotten now: Jagdale
Afghanistan keeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has no hesitation in admitting former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir as the "best coach" that he has played under.
He was seeking a new purpose -- something to reignite his passion and spark a personal resurgence. But under the current team management, Kohli felt that he wasn't getting the environment, autonomy, or energy he needed.
Questions will remain as to why he ended his Test career at the age of 36, despite being one of the fittest cricketers, and why he didn't wait to cross the 10,000-run mark, observes veteran cricket correspondent K R Nayar.
Though Kohli had an exciting challenge ahead of him in the five-Test series in England, the end seemed near for India's most successful Test captain.
'Constant changes to the playing XI, batting orders, and frequent rotations prevent stability.'
It's all for you -- the fans: Kohli, Patidar dedicate RCB's triumph to faithfuls
RCB batting coach Karthik, who has shared the same dressing room with Kohli and has been with him since the announcement of the surprising decision, revealed the 36-year-old is enjoying the sport.
Gill scored a sensational 269 in the first innings and followed it up with 161 in the second-earning comparisons to Don Bradman from Shastri himself.
Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in his illustrious career.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni warmly hugged Virat Kohli before they shared a brief yet heartfelt conversation.
According to a report Kohli had originally planned to announce his retirement on May 7-the same day Rohit Sharma bid farewell to the format
Virat Kohli has been with RCB since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, including nine seasons as captain of a franchise that made the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but lost every time.
Rohit won the 'Player of the Match' award and the 'Player of the Series' award as well for top-scoring in the series with 202 runs, including a century and a fifty each.
No communication from Rohit on playing Vijay Hazare for Mumbai: MCA official
Kohli, who has been with RCB since the tournament's inception has been facing a lean patch.
Anushka Sharma, 37, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram praising her husband.
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell believes Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket stemmed not from a decline in skill but from the toll the game had taken on him over the years.
Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket, after a 14-year career.
Expect some fireworks for the highly-versatile Cameron Green along with Quinton de Kock, Matheesha Pathirana, Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi.
Virat Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma arrived in Mumbai on Thursday, a couple of days after winning the IPL title.
While Kohli didn't resume batting after the incident, the Indian coaching staff said the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fit for the final.
Grind pays off for Ruturaj Gaikwad, now upto him and luck to prove his 50-over mettle.
Virat surprised me, he had at least 2-3 years of Test cricket left in him: Shastri
Cheteshwar Pujara refuses to believe India's recent poor record at home is because of transition.
Ollie Pope believes the young Indian side, led by a 'fantastic' Shubman Gill, has plenty of depth and talent, but it will miss the aura of Virat Kohli
The contrast between Iyer's selflessness and Kohli's perceived self-interest fuelled online discussions, with many interpreting Shastri's comment as a veiled critique of Kohli's actions.
The towering presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian ODI team can only help newly appointed captain Shubman Gill grow as a leader, said Axar Patel.
Chappell said Kohli's exit from Tests marks a "seismic shift in energy".
A formal complaint has been lodged against Royal Challengers Bengaluru's star batter Virat Kohli Cubbon Park Police Station in Bengaluru on Friday by social activist H M Venkatesh.
'It was good fun. I was obviously really nervous. Super stoked for the boys to get the win.'
It won't be easy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to remain fit and find a place in India's ODI World Cup squad in 2027, said former captain Sourav Ganguly.
'Don't bring up this whole age issue that he is touching 40.' 'He's fit, batting well and catching brilliantly at slips.' 'What else do you need?'
Over four decades, the India-Australia ODI rivalry has mirrored the evolution of both teams, from Australia's supremacy in the 2000s to India's resurgence post-2010. Come Sunday, this rivalry will be renewed as Shubman Gill will commence his first assignment as ODI captain in the opening game of the three match series, at the Optus stadium in Perth.
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