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Indian great Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as the king of the chase, playing yet another crucial knock to guide India to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy defeating Australia. Chasing 265 is never easy on the tricky Dubai surface, but when Kohli plays like he usually does, it becomes easy. His innings featured just five boundaries, but it was his ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships that stood out. “I was not feeling desperate, and I was pretty happy knocking ones around,” Kohli said after the match. “And when, as a batter, you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket and know you are in for a big partnership. It settles down the nerves. That was the most pleasing factor for me today,” as he quoted by the ICC. While chasing 265, India suffered early setbacks losing the openers cheaply. They were reeling at 43 for two. But that was the point when Kohli stood strong, and stretched important partnerships with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and KL Rahul to guide India to the track. Ravindra, Williamson centuries power New Zealand to 362 in Champions Trophy semifinal The Dubai pitch has made life difficult for batters throughout the tournament, forcing teams to rely heavily on spinners. India’s bowling unit, led by their spin trio, kept Australia in check, bowling them out for 264 in the final over.  “For me it is about understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, rotating strike,” Kohli said. “Big partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing and my effort today was to string enough partnerships [together]. The pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly.”  While Kohli missed out on a century, he insisted milestones were never his focus. “For me, it is all about taking pride and doing the job for the team. If I get to the three-figure mark then great. If not, on nights like these, you win, it is a happy dressing room,” he said after the match. India will now face winners of the second semifinal— either New Zealand or South Africa— in the final aiming to lift their third Champions Trophy title.

Virat Kohli has returned from a knee injury as England won the toss and opted to bat against India in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday. India won the first ODI in Nagpur by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The hosts had won the preceding T20 series 4-1. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy made his ODI debut for the hosts. He took 14 wickets in the recent five-game T20 series. The 33-year-old is India’s oldest debutant since their inaugural ODI team in 1974 (against England at Leeds). Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was rested for Chakravarthy’s inclusion. Kohli returns to the playing eleven after recovering from a knock to his knee prior to the first ODI. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in Nagpur, was left out. Most wickets in men's test cricket history England made three changes, with Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton all included. Pacer Jofra Archer was rested, while all-rounder Jacob Bethell out with a hamstring issue. The pitch here is a black soil wicket, and could exhibit variable bounce as the game progresses. Spin will likely come into play on the abrasive surface as the sun beats down. Short square boundaries could aid the batters for a high scoring game. Line-ups: India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami. England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood.

The two-month-long IPL 2022 comes to an end with the championship match between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals on Sunday (May 29) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans were crowned IPL 2022 champions following a 7-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals in the final. The Indian Premier League's fifteenth season included a total of 74 matches. There were several outstanding individual performances in this year's league that captivated the cricketing world. Let's take a look at the best players from the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League. IPL 15: Top Performers in Each Category  Some well-known T20 players had a disappointing season, including some embarrassing moments. Oppositely, some had a fantastic season. Moreover, some new outstanding players demonstrated their potential during the IPL 2022. These are the tournament's top performers. Champion: Gujarat Titans Gujarat Titans created history by winning the Indian Premier League title in their maiden season. They were incredibly consistent throughout the season, finishing first in the league and qualifying for the playoffs. They won the IPL 2022 title after defeating Rajasthan Royals twice in the elimination stages, including the final. Read: Gujarat wins Indian Premier League at first attempt Most Runs: Jos Buttler   Rajasthan's English hard-hitter Jos Buttler was the tournament's most consistent batter. He hit a record four hundred and racked up 863 runs in the process. Top 3 Most Runs Player Innings Runs Jos Buttler 17 863 KL Rahul 15 616 Quinton de Kock 15 508 Source: https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2022 Most Wickets: Yuzvendra Chahal Rajasthan’s spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal had an outstanding season with the ball. He picked up 27 wickets at an average of 19.51. Top 3 Most Wickets Player Innings Wickets Yuzvendra Chahal 17 27 Wanindu Hasaranga 16 26 Kagiso Rabada 13 23 Source: https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2022 High Scores: Quinton de Kock Lucknow SuperGiants wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 140*-run against Kolkata Knight Riders was the highest individual score in IPL 15. Top 3 Highest Scores Player Opposition Runs Quinton de Kock Kolkata Knight Riders 140* Jos Buttler Delhi Capitals 116 Rajat Patidar Lucknow SuperGiants 112* Source: https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2022 Best Bowling Figures: Jasprit Bumrah  Mumbai Indians pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s 5-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders was the best bowling figures in the 2022 Indian Premier League.  Top 3 Best Bowling Figures Player Opposition BBI  Jasprit Bumrah Kolkata Knight Riders 5/10 Wanindu Hasaranga Sunrisers Hyderabad 5/18 Umran Malik Gujarat Titans 5/25 Source: https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2022 Most Dismissals: Sanju Samson Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson had the most dismissals in the tournament with 16. Read: Tigers' spin bowling coach Rangana to conduct the camp Top 3 Most Dismissals Player Innings Dismissals Sanju Samson 17 16 Wriddhiman Saha 11 13 Ishan Kishan 14 13 Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Most Catches: Riyan Parag Riyan Parag of the Rajasthan Royals took the most catches with 17. Top 3 Most Catches Player Innings Catches Riyan Parag 17 17 Mayank Agarwal 13 10 Kane Williamson 13 10 Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Highest Partnerships: Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul The only 200-run partnership came in the IPL 2022 between Lucknow’s KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock against Kolkata Knight Riders. Top 3 Highest Partnerships Partners Opposition Runs Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul Kolkata Knight Riders 210* Ruturaj Gaikwad & Devon Conway Sunrisers Hyderabad 182 Robin Uthappa & Shivam Dube Royal Challengers Bangalore 165 Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Most Sixes: Jos Buttler Jos Buttler of the Rajasthan Royals hit the most sixes in the competition with 45. Top 3 Most Sixes Player Innings 6s Jos Buttler 17 45 Liam Livingstone 14 34 Andre Russell 12 32 Source: https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2022 Bottom Line Rajasthan Royals' English batter Jos Buttler was one of the most talked-about players in the IPL 2022. He was on a different level throughout the competition. He set several records and assisted the Rajasthan Royals in reaching the final. Buttler was rewarded for his efforts and was named player of the series. Hardik Pandya's captaincy was very noticeable this season. He was appointed captain of the Gujarat Titans. There were doubts about Pandya's leadership, but he proved everyone wrong by leading Gujarat to victory in the Indian Premier League in their inaugural season. Besides, Hyderabad's bowler, Umran Malik drew everyone's attention by consistently bowling over 150 km/h. Hasaranga de Silva, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kagiso Rabada, KL Rahul, and Quinton de Kock also enjoyed successful seasons with their respective teams.  Read IPL 2022 Final: Who is favourite to win title between Rajasthan and Gujarat?

The IPL 2022 playoffs were finalized after the round-robin league round ended on Sunday (May 22). A new arrival to the Indian Premier League, Gujarat Titans ended the league phase in first position with 20 points. Understandably, they will be favourites to advance to the knockout stage. In addition, the Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow SuperGiants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have all qualified for the playoffs. Let's take a look at the schedule and the favourites to make it to the championship game. Lineups for the IPL 2022 Playoffs The Gujarat Titans were the No. 1 team in the points table. The Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow SuperGiants, and Royal Challengers finished second, third, and fourth, respectively, in the league phase. There will be three matches in the playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2. The final match of the IPL 15 will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 29). Read IPL 2022: Who will make the playoffs from Delhi and Bangalore? Qualifier 1 (Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals) Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Date: May 24 | Time (Bangladesh Standard Time): 8 pm Gujarat Titans are having a fantastic season in IPL 15. They secured 10 wins out of 14 in the league phase, including a 37-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. Gujarat have found the right balance and they are the most confident side at the moment. On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals are also having a great season. For the first time since winning the inaugural IPL in 2008, they have seemed like a competitive team to win another edition of the tournament. It will be a tough game, but Gujarat can consider themselves the favourite. Verdict: Gujarat Titans Gujarat Titans predicted playing XI Top-Order: Wriddhiman Saha, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Middle-Order: Matthew Wade, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Yash Dayal, Lower-Order: R Sai Kishore, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami Rajasthan Royals predicted playing XI Top-Order: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Middle-Order: Riyan Parag, Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Lower-Order: Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Obed McCoy. Read RR vs MI: Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2022 playoff dream is about to sink Eliminator (Lucknow SuperGiants vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore) Venue: Eden Gardens | Date: May 25 | Time (Bangladesh Standard Time): 8 pm Lucknow is one of the new teams in the IPL. Like the Gujarat Titans, they have done an excellent job so far and have secured a place in the playoffs by finishing third in the league phase. They will be up against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who tipped Delhi Capitals to finish fourth in the points table. Predicting the winner of this match is difficult as both teams are pretty confident of overcoming each other. Verdict: Lucknow SuperGiants Lucknow SuperGiants Predicted Playing XI Top-Order: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, Evin Lewis, Middle-Order: Deepak Hooda, Manan Vohra, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, K Gowtham, Lower-Order: Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi Royal Challengers Bangalore’s probable playing XI Top-Order: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Middle-Order: Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lower-Order: Mohammed Siraj, Siddharth Kaul, Josh Hazlewood. Read IPL leader Gujarat beats Bangalore despite Kohli 58 Qualifier 2 (GT/RR vs LSG/RCB) Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | Date: May 27 | Time (Bangladesh Standard Time): 8 pm The winner of the eliminator and the loser of qualifier 1 will battle for the last berth in qualification 2. No one stands out as a clear favourite at this stage. Whomever plays to their best capacity can defeat their opponent on that particular day. Given the teams' accomplishments this season, the loser of qualifier 1 may be the favourite to win qualifier 2. Verdict The Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals are the favourites to reach the IPL 15 final this season. They will try to continue their good run of form into the playoffs round for the quest for the championship match. Oppositely, the Lucknow SuperGiants and Royal Challengers are also very competitive teams. They will hope to find a way to reach the championship game. However, they will have to win two matches in the playoffs round to do so. Three of the four knockout round teams have never won an IPL trophy. Therefore, a new team can win the IPL 2022 this year.  Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs

The round-robin league phase of the ongoing IPL 2022 season will come to an end on Sunday (May 22). Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants have already secured their place in the playoffs, while Rajasthan Royals’ participation in the knockout phase is all but confirmed given their current position in the points table and significant edge over others in terms of run rates. Therefore, only one spot is left for the playoffs, and as per the latest standings, a team from Delhi or Bangalore will advance to the next stage. Let's have a look at who has the best chance of making it to the playoffs round. Also read: IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Who are the favourites to reach 2022 IPL Playoffs? The Delhi Capitals are ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2022 round-robin league points table at the moment. Delhi also have better run rates than Bangalore, which could be vital in the end if both teams finish the first phase with the same points. Both Delhi and Bangalore have accumulated 14 points in 13 games. However, what really separates the two teams are the run rates. Delhi have a 0.255 in comparison to Bangalore’s -0.323 run rate. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals’ place in the playoffs haven’t been secured yet. If they lose against Chennai Super Kings and both Delhi and Bangalore register big wins in their respective final fixtures, then Rajasthan won’t advance to the next stage. However, this scenario is highly unlikely, just like Punjab and Hyderabad’s chances of securing a place in the next round. The Punjab and Hyderabad teams will play against each other in their final fixture of the league stage, and the winner of this match has a chance to advance to the playoffs. However, to make that happen, both Delhi and Bangalore have to lose their respective matches. The IPL 2022 playoffs scenario is now down to the last few games, which will determine which two teams will join Gujarat and Lucknow in the next round. Also read: IPL leader Gujarat beats Bangalore despite Kohli 58   Delhi Capitals The 2022 IPL season has been an up and down season for the Delhi Capitals. They have won seven matches and lost six so far in the league phase. With one game remaining in the league stage, the Delhi Capitals have yet to confirm a playoff spot. However, they have maintained a solid position in the race for the playoffs since the beginning of the season. Delhi’s fate is in their hands, which means they will advance if they beat Mumbai Indians in their league stage final fixture. Delhi Capitals’ final fixture 21/05/2022 (Saturday): Mumbai Indians (at Wankhede) | Time: 8 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) Royal Challengers Bangalore Like the Delhi Capitals, the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2022 season hasn’t been so consistent. They have also won seven matches and conceded six defeats so far this season. They have to push hard against Gujarat Titans in their final league fixture in order to increase the run rates. Because only winning won’t take them to the next round if Delhi win against Mumbai.  Royal Challengers Bangalore’s final fixture  19/05/2022: Gujarat Titans (at Wankhede) | Time: 8 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) Also read: RR vs MI: Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2022 playoff dream is about to sink Verdict As per the current scenario, the Delhi Capitals team should feel confident in advancing to the IPL 2022 playoffs as they will face the bottom team, Mumbai Indians, in their last fixture of the league phase. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Gujarat Titans, the top team in the points table. So, they not only have to win the fixture but also have to rely on the outcome of the Delhi vs Mumbai fixture. Therefore, the RCB vs GT match on Thursday evening will be a do-or-die contest for the Bangalore side.

The Gujarat Titans have surprised everyone by becoming the first team to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs with two games left. Oppositely, the first team to be knocked out of the league phase is the Mumbai Indians. There are still three spots up for grabs for the next round. Seven teams are fighting for these remaining spots. With 13 matches left before the end of the league phase, the battle for a place in the next round is heating up. Let’s take a look at the playoffs qualification scenarios for the 15th season of the Indian Premier League. Which teams have the best chances to make the IPL 2022 playoffs? Most teams have three games left in the league round in the fifteenth season of the Indian Premier League. Dropping points now will have a huge influence on the team's chances of making the playoffs. Here is the latest points table situation for the present IPL season. Read: Rain interrupts Sri Lanka’s preparation for Bangladesh Tests 2022 Indian Premier League Points Table (as on May 10) Position Team Match Win Loss Points NRR 1 Gujarat Titans (Q) 12 9 3 18 0.376 2 Lucknow SuperGiants 12 8 4 16 0.385 3 Rajasthan Royals                      11 7 4 14 0.326 4 Royal Challengers Bangalore 12 7 5 14 -0.115 5 Delhi Capitals 11 5 6 10 0.150 6 Sunrisers Hyderabad               11 5 6 10 -0.031 7 Kolkata Knight Riders              12 5 7 10 -0.057 8 Punjab Kings               11 5 6 10 -0.231 9 Chennai Super Kings                11 4 7 8 0.028 10 Mumbai Indians (E) 11 2 9 4 -0.894         Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Lucknow, Rajasthan, and Bangalore's chances of making the playoffs The Lucknow SuperGiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in pole position for the quest for an IPL 2022 playoffs berth. Lucknow have 16 points and they can secure a spot in the next round even without winning their remaining matches in the league phase. But for that, they will have to rely on the outcomes of the other fixtures. On the other hand, Rajasthan and Bangalore are currently sitting in the third and fourth positions in the points table with 14 points each. Both teams are one win away from securing a place in the knockout phase. Read: BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh The remaining fixtures of these three teams  Lucknow SuperGiants: Rajasthan Royals (May 15), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 18) Rajasthan Royals: Delhi Capitals (May 11), Lucknow SuperGiants (May 15), Chennai Super Kings (May 20) Royal Challengers Bangalore: Punjab Kings (May 13), Gujarat Titans (May 19) What are the chances for Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Punjab, and Chennai to advance to the next round? Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Punjab all have 10 points each. However, Delhi still have a strong chance to make it to the playoffs as they have three matches left. In addition, the Capitals have better run rates than the bottom teams in the points table. Chennai have 8 points and, mathematically, they are also in contention for a place in the playoffs. However, they have to rely on other fixtures to advance to the next phase. Read: Shakib tests positive for Covid-19 The four teams' remaining matches Delhi Capitals: Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Punjab Kings (May 16), Mumbai Indians (May 21) Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kolkata Knight Riders (May 14), Mumbai Indians (May 17), Punjab Kings (May 22) Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 14), Lucknow SuperGiants (May 18) Punjab Kings: Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 13), Delhi Capitals (May 16) Chennai Super Kings: Mumbai Indians (May 12), Gujarat Titans (May 15), Rajasthan Royals (May 20) Aftermath The Gujarat Titans have shown real promise in their maiden season in the Indian Premier League. They are the most consistent team in the season and have secured a place in the playoffs as the first team in this year’s edition. Among the other teams, Lucknow SuperGiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in good position for a playoff berth. Read Shakib tests positive for Covid-19 However, the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, and Chennai Super Kings all have an outside chance to advance to the next round of IPL 2022. Aside from that, the most successful team in Indian Premier League history, Mumbai Indians are having a particularly difficult season this year. They are already out of contention for the knockout phase after only two victories in eleven games.

The Indian Premier League's 15th season began on March 26, with 10 franchises competing in this year's edition. A total of 74 matches are to be played in the IPL 2022, with 38 of them already finished. With half of the league stage matches completed, the current position of each team in the point standings is becoming apparent. The Gujarat Titans currently top the points table with 12 points, while the Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, are in the last position with no wins. Let's have a look at the ten-team IPL 2022 playoffs qualification scenarios. Scenarios for the IPL 2022 Playoffs The fifteenth season of the Indian Premier League has reached the halfway mark. The points table scenario is discussed here. Gujarat Titans Gujarat Titans are having a fantastic season in the IPL 2022. They have only lost one of their seven games so far. The Gujarat Titans are expected to win as many points as possible in the next seven matches in order to finish first in the standings and proceed to the playoff round to play qualifier 1. Read Former South Africa cricket captain Smith cleared of racism Remaining Fixtures: Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 27), Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 30), Punjab Kings (May 3), Mumbai Indians (May 6), Lucknow Super Giants (May 10), Chennai Super Kings (May 15), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 19) Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore With 10 points apiece, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Lucknow, and Bangalore are in second, third, and fourth position, respectively. The net run rates are separating each other in the points standings. They are all in solid positions in the points table and poised to make a push for the top four. Remaining Fixtures (Sunrisers Hyderabad):  Gujarat Titans (April 27), Chennai Super Kings (May 1), Delhi Capitals (May 5), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 8), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 14), Mumbai Indians (May 17), Punjab Kings (May 22).  Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis Remaining Fixtures (Rajasthan Royals):  Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 26), Mumbai Indians (April 30), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 2), Punjab Kings (May 7), Delhi Capitals (May 11), Lucknow Super Giants (May 15), Chennai Super Kings (May 20) Remaining Fixtures (Lucknow Super Giants):  Punjab Kings (April 29), Delhi Capitals (May 1), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 7), Gujarat Titans (May 10), Rajasthan Royals (May 15), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 18) Remaining Fixtures (Royal Challengers Bangalore):  Rajasthan Royals (April 26), Gujarat Titans (April 30), Chennai Super Kings (May 4), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 8), Punjab Kings (May 13), Gujarat Titans (May 19). Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Mustafizur's versatile bowling could have been beneficial for Bangladesh Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings Punjab are in the sixth position with eight points from eight games, followed by Delhi and Kolkata, both with six points. Chennai are in ninth place with four points. Among these clubs, Punjab have a greater chance of making the playoffs than the rest. However, Delhi and Kolkata can advance to the next round if they win their remaining games. On the other hand, Chennai have a very slim chance of making the playoffs. Remaining Fixtures (Punjab Kings): Lucknow Super Giants (April 29), Gujarat Titans (May 3), Rajasthan Royals (May 7), Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 13), Delhi Capitals (May 16), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 22) Remaining Fixtures (Delhi Capitals):  Kolkata Knight Riders (April 28), Lucknow Super Giants (May 1), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 5), Chennai Super Kings (May 8), Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Punjab Kings (May 16), Mumbai Indians (May 21). Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top Remaining Fixtures (Kolkata Knight Riders):  Delhi Capitals (April 28), Rajasthan Royals (May 2), Lucknow Super Giants (May 7), Mumbai Indians (May 9), Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 14), Lucknow Super Giants (May 18)  Mumbai Indians The most successful team in IPL history, Mumbai Indians are yet to win a game this season. They presently have 0 points and are at the bottom of the standings. In reality, the Rohit Sharma-led team has no chance of progressing to the next round. Aftermath The top four teams in the points table will advance to the playoffs. As a result, teams compete against one another to finish in the top four positions in the standings. As of now, the Gujarat Titans are in a prime position to qualify for the playoffs as the first team. Apart from that, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are all in fine shape in their quest for a playoffs berth. Mumbai Indians, who have failed to gain a point after eight IPL 2022 group matches, are virtually out of playoffs contention among the bottom teams.  Read Sheikh Jamal, Legends of Rupganj in Pole Position to Win DPL 2022

Virat Kohli has opted to step down as Test captain following India's 2-1 series loss to South Africa on January 14. Virat has already notified BCCI Secretary Jay Shah of his decision over the phone. The Indian Cricket Board is unlikely to choose Virat Kohli's successor in the next few days, given the team's next Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled for February. Therefore, the BCCI may name India's new Test Captain just before the Lankan series. Virat Kohli was India's most successful Test captain, but let's take a look at where Virat Kohli ranks among the greatest captains of all time.  Virat Kohli’s Record as Test Captain Virat Kohli has captained India in 213 matches in all formats. He has 135 wins, 60 losses, 11 draws, and 7 no-results matches to his belt. Virat Kohli was relieved of his ODI and T20 captaincy positions by the Indian Cricket Board last year, and he has also resigned as Test captain after the South Africa series. According to multiple sources, Virat's main priority currently is to focus only on his batting, as he hasn't achieved an international century since November 2019. Read: Virat Kohli steps down as India's Test skipper Virat Kohli’s Test Captaincy Record  Match Won Lost Draw Winning % 68 40 17 11 58.82      Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Virat Kohli has led India to 68 Test matches. He has a record of 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws. He took charge of India for the first time against Australia in the Adelaide Test in 2014, which India lost by 48 runs. Virat also lost his final Test match as skipper by seven wickets against South Africa. Overall, he led India to fifteen bilateral series victories, six series losses, and two series draws. Last year, Virat Kohli led India to the inaugural Test Championship final in Manchester. However, India lost the final against New Zealand by eight wickets. Read:Tigers return home from a different tour of New Zealand Virat Kohli has scored 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80 in 68 Test matches as captain. Virat Kohli's 20th century in 27 Tests came after he was named captain. Virat Kohli’s batting record as Test Captain Match Runs HS Ave 100s 68 5,864 254* 54.80 20      Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Virat Kohli's record among the greatest captains of Test cricket Virat Kohli is the fourth-most successful Test captain in history in terms of victories. He trails only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh in terms of wins. Most Wins as Test Captain (Top Five) Player Match Won Lost Draw Winning % Graeme Smith 109 53 29 27 48.62 Ricky Ponting 77 48 16 13 62.33 Steve Waugh 57 41 9 7 71.92 Virat Kohli 68 40 17 11 58.82 Clive Lloyd 74 36 12 26 48.64      Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Virat Kohli is in sixth place in terms of the number of matches he has captained, with 68. Graeme Smith of South Africa is the only captain to lead a national team in more than 100 matches. He led South Africa for 109 matches, followed by Allan Border (93), Stephen Fleming (80), Ricky Ponting (77), and Clive Llyod (74).   Read Cricket Qualifier for 2022 Commonwealth Games: Bangladesh Women’s team to start Campaign on January 18 The most successful captain of the 'Men in Blues’, Virat Kohli has captained India for most of the matches. Most matches as India’s Test Captain (Top Five) Player Match Won Lost Draw Winning % Virat Kohli 68 40 17 11 58.82 MS Dhoni 60 27 18 15 45 Sourav Ganguly 49 21 13 15 42.85 Mohammad Azharuddin 47 14 14 19 29.78 Sunil Gavaskar 47 9 8 30 19.14      Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Given Virat Kohli's Test captaincy stats, it's clear that he is a great leader and deserves to be considered among the all-time greats in the longer-version format. Read:U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh to start campaign taking on England Sunday Aftermath India have had its most successful period in Test cricket to date under Virat Kohli's captaincy. India won a Test series in Australia for the first time in 12 attempts in 2018 under the leadership of Virat Kohli. Among the all-time greats, his winning percentage as captain is also incredible. India's pace bowling unit has improved significantly under his captaincy and is currently one of the best in the world. Kohli will be remembered as the skipper who changed the culture of India's national team, both in terms of approach and discipline.

Pakistan advanced to the semifinals after winning four consecutive games in group 2, while their arch-rival India had a poor start to the T20 World Cup 2021 campaign.  Thankfully, the Indian team easily defeated the Afghan team by 66 runs in their third match. With this win, India are still in contention for a semifinal berth. However, the match between Afghanistan and New Zealand will ultimately determine the second semifinalist in Group 2. The match preview of the Afghanistan vs. New Zealand match is discussed in this article.    Notable T20I Records of Afghanistan and New Zealand Here are some notable records of Afghanistan and New Zealand in Twenty20 International. Significant T20I records: Afghanistan and New Zealand    Afghanistan New Zealand Most Runs Mohammad Shahzad (2011) Martin Guptill (3,069) Highest Score Hazratullah Zazai (162*) Brendon McCullum (123) Most Fifties Mohammad Shahzad (13) Martin Guptill (20) Most Wickets Rashid Khan (100) Tim Southee (102) Best Bowling Figures Rashid Khan (5/3) Tim Southee (5/18) Highest Partnership Hazratullah Zazai & Usman Ghani (236) DP Conway & GD Phillips (184) Most Catches Mohammad Nabi (47) Martin Guptill (61) Most Dismissals Mohammad Shahzad (57) Brendon McCullum (32) Most Matches Mohammad Nabi (85) Martin Guptill (105) Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ Read Dravid appointed Team India's new head coach Afghanistan Team    Afghanistan would have a huge test in the meeting against New Zealand. They must rejuvenate the team and need to identify an ideal playing XI, capable of posing a threat to New Zealand.    Afghanistan's bowling effort against India appeared to be ineffective because of the absence of off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Rashid khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Sharafuddin Ashraf all were expensive in the match. They must resolve the issue prior to the match against the Blackcaps. Mujeeb will surely make a comeback against New Zealand, which would be a big concern for the Kiwi side.    Read India get first points, beat Afghanistan at T20 World Cup Predicted Playing XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wicket-keeper), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Nabi (Captain), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan New Zealand Team New Zealand batters fared well against Scotland. Particularly opener Martin Guptill had a good outing in the match. Therefore, they will go into the encounter against Afghanistan with full confidence. In comparison, New Zealand's bowling unit has shown more consistency and they must continue to do so again in this encounter as well. This might be a do-or-die encounter for the Kiwis, so they will give it everything they have got in this crucial battle.    Predicted Playing XI: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (wicket-keeper), Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult. Read T20 World Cup: Imperious India post  210 vs Afghanistan  How AFG-NZ fixture would be the ultimate decider New Zealand and India have two games left, while Afghanistan have one game in hand in the Super 12 Round of the T20 World Cup 2021. New Zealand are anticipated to win over Namibia, but the match against Afghanistan will be difficult for them. The situation will change if New Zealand lose the match against Afghanistan.  On the other hand, India must win both of their remaining matches against Scotland and Namibia to be in contention for a semifinal berth. The team with the better run rates will advance to the semifinals if each of the three teams has six points.      Fixture: Afghanistan vs. New Zealand | Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Date: November 7  Read National Cricket: Khulna thrashes Dhaka with an innings defeat Verdict Afghanistan and New Zealand are now in second and third position in Group 2, however the fate of New Zealand in the competition is in their own hands. If they win the remainder of their Super 12 fixtures, they won't have to rely on the outcomes of other games. On the other hand, Afghanistan are ready to shatter their dream and they are more than capable of doing it. This will be one of the most exciting matches in the Super 12s of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.       

Bangladesh's hopes of reaching the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 were all but over following their loss to the West Indies on Friday (October 29). On the other hand, India's pursuit for a semifinal berth came to a halt after two successive losses to Pakistan and New Zealand. However, both teams have a chance to advance to the knockout rounds, but much will rely on the results of the remaining Super 12 round fixtures. Let's see how Bangladesh and India can make the semifinals. The way Bangladesh can reach the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semi-finals Bangladesh must first and foremost ensure that they win their remaining matches against South Africa and Australia by a large margin. Because a big winning margin will help Bangladesh in improving run rates, which will be the determining factor if all other group 1 outcomes go in Bangladesh's favor. Read Tamim to miss T20Is home series vs Pakistan Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semifinals will be aided by the following results:      # England must win by a large margin against Sri Lanka and South Africa.      # Sri Lanka must defeat the West Indies by a small margin.      # West Indies have to defeat Australia. Also Read: Can Bangladesh improve ranking before T20 World Cup 2021 Super 12’s ending? Bangladesh have a mathematical (run rates) chance of making the semifinals if the above results come true. Bangladesh’s remaining super 12s fixtures: Date: November 2 | Against: South Africa | Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi Date: November 4 | Against: Australia | Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Players to watch Mohammad Naim: T20I: 27 | Runs: 718 | HS: 81 | 50s: 4 | SR: 107.48 Afif Hossain: T20I: 34 | Runs: 427 | HS: 52 | SR: 123.05 | Wkts: 7 | BBI: 2/9 | SR: 17.1 Nasum Ahmed: T20I: 16 | Wkts: 21 | BBI: 4/10 | Econ: 6.59 | SR: 14.5 Read Vaughan laughs last in feud with Indian Twitter? Predicted Playing XI against South Africa Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad (captain), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wicket-keeper), Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed   How India can finish second in group 2 points table   India must first win their remaining matches against Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia by a huge margin. Because big margins of victory will increase their run rates. Also Read: India crushed again at T20 World Cup, this time by NZ India will also be wishing that Afghanistan defeats New Zealand by a small margin, allowing New Zealand to finish the group with only three victories. Because Scotland and Namibia are expected to lose against New Zealand. If these outcomes go in India's favor, they all (India, Afghanistan, and New Zealand) will get six points. The team with the best run rates will then progress to the semifinals. Read India crushed again at T20 World Cup, this time by NZ India’s remaining super 12s fixtures: Date: November 3 | Against: Afghanistan | Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi Date: November 5 | Against: Scotland | Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Date: November 8 | Against: Namibia | Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai  Players to Watch Rohit Sharma: T20I: 113 | Runs: 2,878 | HS: 118 | 50s: 22 | SR: 138.63    Virat Kohli: T20I: 92 | Runs: 3,225 | HS: 94* | 50s: 29 | SR: 137.93   Jasprit Bumrah: T20I: 52 | Wkts: 61 | BBI: 3/11 | Econ: 6.63 | SR: 18.3 Read Afghanistan thump Namibia by 62 runs in T20 World Cup Predicted Playing XI against Afghanistan KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli (C), Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah Aftermath Bangladesh are presently at the bottom of group 1's points standings with 0 points. As opposed to, India are currently placed the second bottom in group 2 in terms of points. England have a 100 percent winning record in Group 1 and they have already qualified for the semifinals. On the other hand, Pakistan have qualified for the semifinals after winning three matches in a row in Group 2. Read Shakib ruled out of T20 World Cup The prospects of Bangladesh and India reaching the semifinals are highly reliant on ifs and buts. However, India have a little edge in comparison to Bangladesh. Because India have three games left in the Super 12s of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, whereas Bangladesh have only two.