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Cricket

Legendary South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher recently revealed how he motivated star India batter Virat Kohli quite early in his career to be the next Sachin Tendulkar. 

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cricket

Mark Boucher recalls how he motivated Virat Kohli to be next Sachin Tendulkar

As the sun sets on Kohli's Test empire, we look back on how his resolve to make India the most formidable Test team in the world turned their fortunes in whites and brought a cultural shift for the generations to follow. 

From Dhoni’s bystanders to Virat’s warriors: How India’s greatest revived Test fortunes

Former India spinner R Ashwin said he couldn't shake the feeling that Virat Kohli still had one or two more years of red-ball cricket left in him. Kohli retired from Test cricket on Monday, drawing the curtain on a stellar red-ball career.

Virat Kohli had one or two more years of Test cricket left in him: R Ashwin

New Zealand’s Mike Hesson has been appointed Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach. He brings global experience and stability to a role frequently changed by PCB amid recent turbulence in team management and performance.

Mike Hesson appointed Pakistan's white-ball head coach

बिहार

मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार के साथ-साथ सांसद भी बैडमिंटन स्टेडियम में प्रवेश कर रहे थे। स्टेडियम में बिछाए गए प्लाई मेट पर उनका पैर फिसला, जिसके कारण वे असंतुलित होकर गिर पड़े। घटना के तुरंत बाद मौके पर मौजूद डीएसपी अजय चौधरी और अन्य पुलिसकर्मियों ने उन्हें उठाकर मेडिकल रूम में पहुंचाया, जहां प्राथमिक उपचार के बाद उन्हें मायागंज अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया.

Bihar

CM नीतीश के कार्यक्रम में गिरे JDU सांसद, पैर में हुआ फ्रैक्चर

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests, R Ashwin believes Indian cricket is now firmly entering the Gautam Gambhir era, as the team prepares for a tough five-match series in England.

Start of Gambhir era: R Ashwin on Tests post Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli retirements

Start of Gambhir era: R Ashwin on Tests post Rohit, Kohli retirements

World Test Championship final: South Africa announced their 15-man squad for the summit clash against Australia in London. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi returned to the Test set-up for the first time since October 2024. 

Watch: Temba Bavuma unveils South Africa's WTC 2025 Final squad in fiery video

Star India batter Smriti Mandhana climbed to second spot in the ICC women's ODI batting rankings following her prolific run in the India's recent tri-nation series triumph in Sri Lanka. 

Smriti Mandhana rises to 2nd spot in ODI batting rankings after prolific tri series

Tennis

Novak Djokovic ended his partnership with coach Andy Murray after enduring a horror run on clay. Djokovic has not won a match on one of his favourite surfaces in the lead-up to this year's French Open. 

tennis

Novak Djokovic ends partnership with coach Andy Murray after poor start to season

More than any other batters in the post-Tendulkar era, stories of triumph and failure of Rohit and Virat became pivotal sub-plots. These narratives shaped the larger story of the game.

The nonchalance of Rohit, the intensity of Virat: Oh, what a jodi!

RCB fans plan to wear whites in emotional tribute to Virat Kohli’s iconic Test career during the team’s first match after IPL 2025’s restart against KKR at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

RCB fans call on crowd to wear Test whites for Virat Kohli tribute vs KKR

IPL 2025

With Kohli and Rohit retired, India enter a new Test era. Here's a look at 15 players likely to feature in the squad for the England tour.

India's Predicted squad for England Tests

Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble feels that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma deserved proper farewells and the authorities must look into it. Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from Tests within a space of six days. 

Both Kohli and Rohit deserved proper send-off, BCCI must look into it: Anil Kumble

Here's a look at five players who can be Virat Kohli's replacement at number four in Tests:

5 players who can replace Virat Kohli in Test squad

Star India batter Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has said that he has set an example by announcing his retirement as often senior players are forced to leave the team. 

Virat Kohli has set an example, often senior players are removed: Childhood coach

India batter Cheteshwar Pujara recalled how Virat Kohli revolutionised the team’s Test cricket culture by prioritising fitness, intensity, and a results-driven mindset — setting new standards that reshaped the way India approached the red-ball format.

Virat Kohli brought the fitness culture to India Test team: Cheteshwar Pujara

Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka visited Vrindavan’s Premanand Maharaj a day after his sudden Test retirement. The popular couple have made multiple visits to spiritual centres in recent years, often in times of transition as this one.

Virat Kohli arrives in Vrindavan with wife Anushka day after Test retirement

The Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) is all set to clash with the international calendar as it re-starts on May 17 with a fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

IPL 2025 set to clash with international calendar after resumption

Other Sports

Sairaj Pardeshi stole the spotlight at the Khelo India Youth Games with three national records in weightlifting, while athletics saw multiple meet records shattered and Kerala surged up the medal tally with a kalarippayattu sweep.

other-sports

Sairaj breaks youth national records to win 81kg weightlifting gold

Shashi Tharoor’s emotional tribute to Virat Kohli captured the collective sentiment of fans, expressing admiration for the Test legend while lamenting the suddenness of his retirement without a farewell match on home soil.

Shashi Tharoor pens special post for immortal Virat Kohli's Test retirement

Cameron Green's return headlines Australia's strong squad for the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, as Pat Cummins leads a balanced mix of experience and youth into the high-stakes clash at the Lord's Stadium in London.

Cameron Green returns as Australia name squad for World Test Championship final

Cameron Green returns as Australia name squad for WTC final

Sunil Gavaskar believes Jasprit Bumrah was the ideal choice to lead India’s Test team, dismissing concerns around his workload and backing the pacer’s ability to manage his fitness and responsibilities as captain.

Make Jasprit Bumrah Test captain: Sunil Gavaskar rubbishes workload concerns

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, just 770 runs short of 10,000, marks the end of an era defined by passion, grit, and unmatched intensity. Despite calls to continue, Kohli chose to exit on his own terms—before the game could make the decision for him.

Did Virat Kohli time his Test retirement right?

Cricket Australia has confirmed it will support players' individual choices regarding their return to IPL 2025, allowing them to prioritize safety, recovery, and preparation for upcoming international commitments, especially the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Australia board to support players' individual decisions on IPL 2025 return

Others

Conor McGregor honors rival Jose Aldo’s UFC retirement with a heartfelt tribute. Relive their iconic 2015 clash and Aldo’s legendary career legacy.

Conor McGregor shares his response to MMA icon Jose Aldo's UFC retirement

MMA veteran doubts Islam Makhachev’s welterweight leap as Jack Della Maddalena emerges as UFC’s new champion. Can the lightweight king conquer 170 lbs?

Fresh challenger to Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title emerges with UFC backing

Jon Jones' former rival reveals why he turned down coaching against him on reality TV. Discover the untold story behind their feud’s unresolved tension.

Jon Jones' longtime nemesis reveals why he backed out of a high-profile reunion

Baseball

Los Angeles Dodgers target Cubs’ star in a blockbuster $500M offseason move. Can they outbid rivals to secure the star outfielder?

Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing Chicago Cubs star as they look to bolster their roster for winter season

The 2025 French Open is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Grand Slam tournaments in recent years, with Paris once again hosting this iconic clay-court event at Roland Garros.

French Open 2025: Dates, Schedule, How to Watch – Alcaraz Defends, Sinner Returns from Suspension

Coco Gauff credits her new skill as the secret weapon in her Italian Open rout of Emma Raducanu. Discover how she mastered tough conditions to advance.

Coco Gauff reveals the secret weapon behind her dominant victory over Emma Raducanu

Motor Sports

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch doesn’t see much value in having his son Brexton race in the ARCA Menards Series, even when the young talent becomes eligible.

Motor sports

Kyle Busch shuts down NASCAR plans for son Brexton: ‘Complete Waste of Time’

Novak Djokovic’s French Open prep hits snags as practice footage reveals ongoing struggles. Can the icon rebound in Geneva before Roland Garros?

Novak Djokovic's French Open hopes in doubt as new practice footage raises concerns

Basketball

Basketball icon Michael Jordan is stepping back into the NBA spotlight.

Michael Jordan returns to NBA spotlight as part of NBC sports team

Coco Gauff unveils what led to her doubles partnership with Alexandra Eala at the Italian Open. Discover their instant chemistry and next challenge.

Coco Gauff reveals how she joined forces with Alexandra Eala for doubles at the Italian Open

IPL 2025: The BCCI confirmed that the Indian Premier League will restart on May 17 and the final will be played on June 3. The remainder of the season will be played across six venues. 

IPL 2025 to resume on May 17, 6 venues decided, final on June 3: BCCI

As the 2025 Formula 1 title race heats up, former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has issued a word of caution to reigning champion Max Verstappen. 

'Piastri is loved He's like golden child right now, If something happens he won’t be given penalties': Max Verstappen receives stern warning

Football

Soccer analyst warns Mikel Arteta faces sack if Arsenal fails to win silverware in 2025. Can the Gunners end their trophy drought under pressure?

Soccer analyst makes bold prediction on Mikel Arteta getting sacked after another trophy-less season

How many trophies has Carlo Ancelotti won with Real Madrid?

Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet at Real Madrid

India will go through a difficult phase of transition as they try to replace three senior players - R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, feels Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar said that any team in the world would have found it tough to replace three players in one go.

Sunil Gavaskar highlights the tough phase ahead for India as they look to fill the void left by three senior cricketers. He emphasises that replacing multiple key players simultaneously is a challenge any team would struggle with.

India to go through a difficult transition phase, Sunil Gavaskar

India faces challenging transition period as cricket team prepares to replace senior players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, says Sunil Gavaskar

खेल

विराट कोहली ने टेस्ट क्रिकेट से संन्यास ले लिया है, जिसके बाद BCCI और ICC ने उनकी प्रशंसा की है। सचिन तेंदुलकर ने उस धागे को याद किया जो कोहली ने उन्हें 12 साल पहले दिया था, और कहा कि "ये काफी दिल को छू लेने वाली बात थी"। रवि शास्त्री और गौतम गंभीर जैसे पूर्व क्रिकेटरों ने भी कोहली के योगदान को सराहा, जबकि कुछ ने उनके फैसले पर हैरानी भी जताई।

Virat Kohli Retire: सचिन से लेकर भज्जी तक, कोहली के टेस्ट संन्यास पर दिग्गजों ने दी प्रतिक्रिया, जानिए किसने क्या कहा?

विराट कोहली के टेस्ट से संन्यास पर क्रिकेट जगत हैरान, जानें दिग्गजों का रिएक्शन

The tournament was suspended last week, a day after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot. 

/ipl

IPL 2025: BCCI announces resumption of tournament from this week. Here are the new dates 

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar, speaking to India Today, said the selectors and the BCCI top brass would have discussed plans for the next cycle of the World Test Championship with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, influencing their decisions to retire before the England tour.

Not surprised by Virat Kohli’s Test retirement: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar has expressed doubts over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's chances in India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad. Rohit and Virat will be 40 and 38 respectively by the time of the tournament.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not play 2027 ODI World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not play 2027 ODI World Cup: Gavaskar

Carlo Ancelotti will become the head coach of Brazil after leaving Real Madrid. His appointment aims to restore Brazil's dominance ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

football

Greatest coach in greatest team: Brazil welcomes Carlo Ancelotti

पॉडकास्ट

बल्लाबोल

रोहित शर्मा के बाद विराट कोहली ने भी टेस्ट क्रिकेट को अलविदा कह दिया है. इन दोनों दिग्गज खिलाड़ियों के रिटायरमेंट के पीछे की पूरी कहानी क्या है, कब ये स्क्रिप्ट लिखी गई, अचानक संन्यास लेने का विराट का फैसला क्यों हैरान करता है, विराट कोहली ने अगर ये ग़लती नहीं की होती तो शायद आज भी टेस्ट टीम में उनकी जगह पक्की होती? रोहित शर्मा ने क्या टेस्ट क्रिकेट में अपनी प्रतिभा के साथ न्याय नहीं किया, दस हज़ार रन पूरे करने के लिए क्यों नहीं रुके विराट, किंग कोहली टेस्ट क्रिकेट में कौन सी बड़ी लकीर खींच गए और उन्होंने भारत को कप्तान के तौर पर क्या दिया? इसके अलावा इंग्लैंड में पांच टेस्ट मैचों की सिरीज़ में इन दोनों सीनियर क्रिकेटर्स की जगह कौन लेगा, टेस्ट क्रिकेट में टीम इंडिया का नया कप्तान कौन हो सकता है और कप्तानी के लिए ऋषभ पंत के मुक़ाबले शुभमन गिल की दावेदारी क्यों मजबूत नज़र आ रही है, सुनिए 'बल्लाबोल' के इस एपिसोड में कुमार केशव और सीनियर स्पोर्ट्स जर्नलिस्ट निखिल नाज़ की ये बातचीत.

वीडियो एडिट: आशीष रावत
साउंड मिक्सिंग: रोहन भारती/सूरज सिंह

Podcast

ballabol the cricket podcast

Virat Kohli कप्तान बनने को तैयार थे फिर रिटायर क्यों हो गए: बल्लाबोल, S3E78

The Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to complete the remainder of the Pakistan Super League in Rawalpindi and Lahore. 

Pakistan prepares to restart PSL 2025 by May 16: Report

As per the reports emerging from Austria, Christian Horner's stint with Red Bull could come to an abrupt end.

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BCCI president Roger Binny has praised Virat Kohli for his exceptional leadership in Indian Test cricket. Kohli’s retirement closes a significant chapter, highlighting his impact on India’s overseas success and cricket culture.

Virat Kohli refused to be 2nd best, changed the way India competed overseas: BCCI president

Virat Kohli changed the way India competed overseas: BCCI president

Delhi's Ranji Trophy coach, Sarandeep Singh, said Virat Kohli was keen on playing for India in the tour of England in June. The former India spinner said Kohli had told him that he was ready to play practice matches with India 'A' team before the Test series. 

Virat Kohli aimed for 3-4 tons in England, was ready to play for India A: Delhi coach

Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season to coach Brazil. Xabi Alonso is set to replace him, aiming to lead Real into the new era.