NEW DELHI: Wherever Virat Kohli goes, a sea of fans is never far behind. From selfies and autographs to a simple greeting, such scenes have become routine whenever the former India captain is around. That familiar frenzy was on display once again in Vadodara as Kohli prepared for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11.The 37-year-old has been leaving nothing to chance in his build-up, spending long hours in the nets as he looks to extend his impressive run in the 50-over format.

Kohli’s recent ODI numbers underline his rhythm and hunger. In his last four appearances for India, he has struck two centuries and two fifties, and the upcoming series against the Blackcaps offers another opportunity to maintain that momentum.Amid the intense training sessions, Kohli found time for a lighter, heartwarming moment that quickly caught the attention of fans online.

During a brief break, he interacted with supporters and signed autographs when a young fan stood out for his uncanny resemblance to a young Kohli. Photos of the two soon made the rounds on social media, triggering a wave of amused reactions.One fan remarked, “19-20 ka bhi farak nahi hai,” pointing out how little difference there was between the two. Others chimed in with comments like “Really looking like same to same,” while some simply dubbed the youngster “Mini VK.” Another user humorously wrote, “Very funny, King Kohli. Same to same copy.”On the cricketing front, Kohli has stayed busy even outside international duty. Following the ODIs against South Africa, he turned out for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring a century and a half-century in two matches before missing the game against Railways. Despite questions surrounding his future after retiring from Tests, Kohli answered critics emphatically, bouncing back with big scores after early setbacks against Australia.Alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli also stitched together two double-century partnerships recently, one each against Australia and South Africa. The duo will aim to carry that form into the New Zealand series, with matches scheduled in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore.

IND vs NZ Live Score, 1st ODI: India will bank heavily on the rich vein of form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the hosts, at full strength, take on a revamped New Zealand side in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Sunday. Even with the T20 World Cup less than a month away, the spotlight over the next week will firmly be on the senior duo as India look to build momentum in the 50-over format.

Kohli and Rohit have not lacked match practice, having turned out in the Vijay Hazare Trophy league stage and piled on the runs, reinforcing their enduring value in the format. Their performances have ensured that India enter the series with confidence at the top of the order.

Attention will also be on captain Shubman Gill, whose return comes amid scrutiny after his omission from the T20 World Cup squad. Injuries limited his involvement against South Africa late last year, and his response in this series could be crucial. Gill’s inclusion is likely to push Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the top order, despite the latter scoring his maiden ODI century in the previous series.

The comeback of Shreyas Iyer is expected to bring stability to the middle order, with the 31-year-old set to reclaim his preferred No. 4 position after a phase of experimentation. KL Rahul is likely to continue in the dual role of wicketkeeper and lower-order batter after Rishabh Pant ruled of the series due to injury.

The series opener marks the first men’s international at the new Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi.

For New Zealand, the series offers a platform to test depth despite missing several frontline players. Mitchell Santner is sidelined with a groin injury, Tom Latham is away for family reasons and Kane Williamson is on SA20 duty. Michael Bracewell will captain the side, with eyes on Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok and a batting group that still features Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young and Glenn Phillips.

Teams (from):
India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway (wk), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.

NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a major setback on Saturday after picking up a side strain during a training session in Vadodara, ruling him out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting Sunday.Pant was batting for an extended period in the nets when he was struck on the ribs, just above the waist, by a delivery from a throwdown specialist late in his session.

Support staff rush in as Pant grimaces in painThe 28-year-old was immediately attended to by members of India’s support staff, with head coach Gautam Gambhir also present at the BCA Stadium’s Ground B. Pant was seen grimacing in discomfort as treatment was administered on the field.After receiving initial medical attention, Pant walked off the ground but did not resume training.Medical diagnosis confirms series-ending injuryA medical assessment later confirmed the severity of the injury.“He has been diagnosed with a right-sided strain with internal oblique muscle tear, and has thus been ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against New Zealand,” a reliable source told TOI.With Pant unavailable, the selectors are expected to announce a replacement soon. KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI setup.Gill-Agarkar conversation draws attentionFollowing Pant’s exit from the nets, India captain Shubman Gill was seen engaged in a lengthy discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar at the venue, underlining the sudden nature of the setback ahead of the series opener.Pant’s recent cricketing journeyPant last featured in an ODI against Sri Lanka in July 2024. Although part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2025, he did not play a match. He recently led Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring two half-centuries against Services and Railways.The left-hander had made a return to competitive cricket after recovering from a toe fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester.Jurel replaces PantDhruv Jurel has been named as Pant’s replacement in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in fine form for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and joined the Indian team on Saturday night.India gear up for series openerThe ODI series against a revamped New Zealand side will begin at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, which will host its first men’s international match. The second and third ODIs will be played in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, respectively.

Ryan Rickelton continued his love affair with the Wanderers as the MI Cape Town opener became the first batter in SA20 history to score multiple centuries, powering the defending champions to a thumping 36-run win over Joburg Super Kings in the tournament’s showpiece El Clasico.After being put in, MI Cape Town produced a blistering start through Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen, the pair reviving memories of their famous 200-run stand two seasons ago with another dominant opening partnership. Van der Dussen was ruthless against anything short or full, racing to 65 off just 32 balls, while Rickelton anchored the onslaught with authority and control. Their 129-run stand in 10.2 overs left the Super Kings reeling and set up a massive total.

Although Nicholas Pooran and Jason Smith could not fully cash in, Rickelton ensured the platform was not wasted. The left-hander launched Nandre Burger for a sequence of boundaries and a reminder of his six-hitting range to reach a sparkling century off 55 balls, eventually finishing unbeaten on 113. A late cameo from Karim Janat pushed MI Cape Town to a formidable 234 for 3.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Joburg Super Kings were immediately on the back foot in reply, made tougher by the absence of captain Faf du Plessis. Kagiso Rabada and George Linde struck early to rip through the top order, leaving JSK chasing the game. James Vince played a superb counter-attacking hand, compiling 77 off 43 balls, and with Dian Forrester briefly raised hopes through a fourth-wicket stand.

But once Vince fell, the target proved too steep. Forrester’s brave 80 not out was not enough as Linde and Rabada closed out the chase at 198 for 5, completing a clinical all-round performance that keeps MI Cape Town firmly in the title hunt.Brief Scores MI Cape Town: 234 for 3 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 113 not out, Rassie van der Dussen 65; Daniel Worrall 2/37) Joburg Super Kings: 198 for 5 in 2o overs (Dian Forrester 80 not out, James Vince 77; George Linde 2/30, Kagiso Rabada 2/34)

NEW DELHI: After an impressive showing in the ODI series against South Africa, India’s batting mainstay Virat Kohli has quickly turned his focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. As the Indian team assembled in Vadodara to begin preparations, Kohli returned to the national camp in a relaxed and cheerful mood, setting a positive tone ahead of the series opener.The senior batter was seen in his element during training, cracking jokes, exchanging high-fives with teammates and sharing laughs as India eased into their practice sessions. Kohli’s light-hearted presence kept the atmosphere upbeat, offering a glimpse of the confidence within the camp following recent successes.

That easygoing vibe was best reflected during a net session when Kohli briefly slipped into entertainer mode. Spotting left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh running in to bowl, Kohli playfully mimicked his distinctive run-up, exaggerating the strides and movements to comic effect. The impromptu act drew instant laughter from teammates nearby and momentarily cut through the intensity of the session.While the mood was relaxed, the intensity of preparation was unmistakable. Senior batters Kohli and Rohit Sharma both looked in good touch as India went through a rigorous training session on Friday. The upcoming ODI series, beginning on Sunday, marks the start of a demanding stretch for the team, which will be followed by a long T20 season featuring a five-match series against New Zealand, the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League.Kohli and Rohit spent close to one-and-a-half hours batting against Indian pacers, spinners and throwdown specialists, following their recent appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli, who struck scores of 77 and 131 in the domestic competition, took on both pace and spin with authority, though variable bounce from one of the practice nets posed a brief challenge.Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and pacer Mohammed Siraj were absent from the three-hour training session, having represented their respective state teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday. The trio is expected to link up with the squad later in the evening.India captain Shubman Gill also completed his training drills comfortably, batting in the nets after recovering from a toe injury that had ruled him out of the final two T20Is against South Africa. The team had trained at the BCA Stadium at Kotambi on Thursday as well, with the venue set to host its first-ever men’s international match.

Axar Patel is now a member of India’s T20I leadership group after the selectors named him vice-captain for next month’s T20 World Cup. The all-rounder spoke to TOI on a range of topics ahead of the big ICC tournament. Excerpts:With the T20 World Cup around the corner, the next two months will be big for you…

“This journey started from the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. I’ve been maturing day by day as a cricketer. I understand better what I need to do in situations. Becoming captain of Delhi Capitals helped me understand my growth as a person. I got to know more about game awareness, like how to use players in different situations. A combination of confidence and clear mindset has made my journey smooth over the last two years. The reward is that I am also in the leadership group now.”You were part of the 2015 WC team but didn’t get a game, then missed out on the 2021 T20 WC and 2023 ODI WC after initially being named…“Those days were very difficult for me. Whatever I am today is because of those days. I made a comeback in the team in 2021 after I was dropped in 2018. During that phase I started identifying what I needed to do as a sportsperson, like staying positive in tough situations. Because all those things happened to me, I knew what to do in the last T20 World Cup final when I went out to bat under pressure. I was very calm.”(Axar scored 47 off 31 balls batting at No. 5 in the 2024 T20 WC final against South Africa.)Did that T20 WC final help you shed the image of being a backup choice for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja?“Absolutely. Since then or just before the T20 World Cup, I have never been seen as a replacement for Jaddu bhai. A spot was created for me. Jaddu bhai and I started playing together. I was never competing with Jaddu bhai. When I used to practice, I used to think what else I could add to my game so that they could never drop me. After the T20 WC final, I never thought I would be dropped again.”Axar the batsman has also been given greater responsibility…“I started as a batter but became a full-time spinner when I reached the NCA. In my early days I didn’t do well with the bat and started doubting myself. When I got dropped in 2018, I worked very hard on my batting. When MS Dhoni was mentor of the 2021 WC team, he told me that in my earlier days, under his captaincy, I put pressure on myself by thinking I had to perform all the time, rather than simply believing that I was a capable batter. Slowly I started implementing what Mahi bhai had told me and I regained my confidence.”How do you see your role in a flexible batting lineup?“If I’ve been sent up the order, that means the team trusts me and I have the talent to perform this role. When I go out to bat, I don’t think I am a floater. The team management tells me that I’m not sent to blindly accelerate the scoring or play out a difficult spell or target a particular spinner. I am given a role like any other specialist batter.”You come across as a happy-go-lucky character…“My nature is to be a fun-loving guy, but when you’re a senior player or in a leadership group, you have to draw a line. I believe in keeping a fun environment but it shouldn’t happen that people around you take it for granted. On the ground, it’s serious business. Yes, I do have fun in interviews but my teammates also know when there is work, I do it very seriously.”How do you switch off?“Hanging out with friends or chatting. I have a me-time which is very personal to me when I completely switch off. I lie on my bed. I don’t really watch content. Sometimes, I browse YouTube to follow the PUBG mobile tournament. I don’t play much but I try to follow who is doing well in the tournament. I avoid watching things related to cricket. I’ve started to like Korean drama recently.”Do you prefer watching videos of your performances from the past?“I don’t like to watch my previous performances but I watch clips of my better efforts when a tournament is about to start. I try to remember what I was doing and what my mindset was. A lot of changes happen to your game involuntarily. Once in a while, I take out an hour to see the differences, if any.”(The interaction was facilitated by JSW Sports.)

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra on Saturday announced that he has parted ways with Czech javelin great Jan Zelezny after one season, bringing to an end a coaching partnership that saw the Indian breach the 90-metre mark for the first time. Chopra said the association was defined by “progress, respect, and a shared love for the sport.” Chopra did not explain the reason for the split with Zelezny, the world record holder and former Olympic champion, under whose guidance the Indian crossed the 90-metre mark for the first time last year.

Looking back at the stint, Chopra said working with someone he had admired since childhood was a special experience and helped him gain a new understanding of the event, including a wider range of training methods and technical inputs. “Working with Jan opened my eyes to so many new ideas. The way he thinks about technique, rhythm, and movement is incredible, and I learned a lot from every single session we had together,” Chopra said. “What I’m most proud about is the friendship I’ve built with someone who has been my idol all my life. Jan is not only the best javelin thrower of all time, but also one of the best human beings I have ever met,” he added. Zelezny also spoke about the time spent working with Chopra and the progress achieved. “Working with an athlete like Neeraj was a great experience. I’m glad we met and were able to work together, that I got him to break the 90-metre barrier for the first time. Apart from the World Championships, he finished at worst second and that is not a bad record. Unfortunately, the back injury 12 days before Tokyo significantly affected his chances,” Zelezny said in a press release. The 59-year-old said Chopra has strong prospects going forward. “Our relationship is very positive also on the human side and we will continue to stay in touch, we will definitely meet at some training camp or, for example, on vacation with our families in Europe or India,” Zelezny said. Chopra said he now plans to take greater control of his training plans as he looks ahead to the coming seasons. “I’m looking forward to what 2026 has in store. I started my preparation in early November. As always, the goal is to stay healthy, and I am already excited to be competing again soon,” Chopra said. “At the same time, I’m especially looking ahead to the year with the World Championships in 2027, and the big goal beyond that is the Olympic Games in 2028,” he added. Chopra finished eighth at the World Championships after recording his 90-metre throw at the Doha Diamond League last year.

NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy has erupted in the Big Bash League after Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan was questioned over his unusual bowling action during a match on Saturday. The incident quickly grabbed attention as Australia star David Warner openly raised concerns on the field. Zaman Khan, known for his slingshot-style action, was playing his first match of the season for Brisbane Heat. He joined the team as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, his debut did not go as planned.

While batting for Sydney Thunder, David Warner looked uncomfortable facing Zaman. Warner, who went on to score a strong 82, was seen repeatedly stopping play and speaking to the on-field umpire about the pacer’s action. Cameras also caught him exchanging words directly with Zaman during the spell. “He is bowling like a four-year-old bowling. It stay so low,” Warner was heard as saying to Zaman. Warner’s reaction sparked immediate debate among fans watching the game. Some felt that Zaman’s low-arm action looked different. Others also believed Warner’s comments were harsh and unnecessary. On the field, Zaman couldn’t make an impact as he gave away 32 runs in his three overs and failed to trouble the batters consistently. It was a tough start for the young pacer. Brisbane Heat still ended the night on a positive note. They chased down the target to win the match by seven wickets. Former Australian international Usman Khawaja played a key role in the victory, having amassed a fluent 78 and guiding the team home with ease. The incident brought back memories of an earlier Big Bash controversy involving another Pakistani fast bowler, Muhammad Hasnain. During a previous season, Hasnain’s action was questioned after Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis raised concerns. Hasnain was later suspended from bowling, went through a long process to fix his action, and saw his international career badly affected.

NEW DELHI: Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was briefly treated after being struck above his waist during net practice as India put the final touches to their preparations for the three-ODI series against New Zealand, starting Sunday at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium. Pant was batting against Indian throwdown specialists when he copped the blow and was seen grimacing in pain.

The team’s support staff attended to him, and head coach Gautam Gambhir was also present during the treatment. After receiving initial attention, Pant walked off the field of Ground B at the BCA Stadium, where India captain Shubman Gill was later seen engaged in a long discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.Meanwhile, during the optional training session on Saturday, former India captain Rohit Sharma was waiting outside the net when pacer Mohammed Siraj came in early for a batting stint and struggled to connect while attempting to hoick the ball. Rohit offered tips to Siraj during the session. Other players, including India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who had captained Mumbai in a narrow one-run loss to Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday, batted in partnership with KL Rahul, while Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also had a hit in the nets. Pant, Iyer, and Siraj had all recently played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for their respective state teams, with their last matches taking place on January 8. The three-ODI series against a new-look New Zealand side begins at Baroda, with the second ODI set for Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium on January 14, and the final match scheduled at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

NEW DELHI: Phoebe Litchfield’s aggressive 78 off 40 balls could not prevent UP Warriorz from going down as Gujarat Giants registered a 10-run win in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League (WPL) match played on Saturday at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.Asked to bat first, Gujarat Giants put up a strong total of 207 for 4. Captain Ashleigh Gardner anchored the innings with a well-paced 65. Opener Sophie Devine set the tone early with 38 before being dismissed in the sixth over. Gardner then took control of the innings and built a key partnership with Anushka Sharma, who contributed 44 off 30 balls. The pair added 103 runs for the third wicket, placing the Warriorz bowlers under pressure.

Gardner’s innings came to an end in the 18th over when she was dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone. Georgia Wareham then provided the finishing touches with a quick unbeaten 27 off just 10 balls, which included one four and three sixes. Bharti Fulmali also chipped in with an unbeaten 14 off seven balls, hitting two sixes, as Gujarat Giants crossed the 200-run mark.For UP Warriorz, Ecclestone was the most effective bowler, returning figures of 2 for 32. Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin picked up one wicket each, while Deepti Sharma went wicket-less, conceding 32 runs in her three overs.Chasing 208, UP Warriorz had an early setback when opener Kiran Navgire was dismissed in the fifth ball of the innings by Renuka Singh. Captain Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield then steadied the chase with a 70-run partnership for the second wicket. Lanning scored 30 off 27 balls, rotating the strike as Litchfield played the attacking role.The match turned sharply in Gujarat’s favour during a brief collapse. Lanning, Harleen Deol, and Deepti Sharma were dismissed in the space of five balls for the addition of just one run. Warriorz slipped from 73 for 1 to 74 for 4 by the 10th over, leaving the chase in trouble.Litchfield continued to counter-attack and found support from Shweta Sehrawat, who scored 25. The pair added 69 runs, keeping Warriorz in contention. Litchfield struck eight fours and five sixes during her knock, but her dismissal in the 16th over effectively ended the chase.Asha Sobhana provided late resistance with an unbeaten 27 off 10 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, but the required rate proved too steep. UP Warriorz eventually finished on 197 for 8, falling short by 10 runs.For Gujarat Giants, Wareham completed a strong all-round outing with figures of 2 for 30. Renuka Singh and Sophie Devine claimed two wickets each, while Gardner and Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up one wicket apiece, sealing a hard-fought win.