Star batter Virat Kohli showcased his raw power during a net session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, smashing a shot that broke through a stadium wall ahead of India's Test series against Bangladesh. Kohli, who is returning to Test cricket after an eight-month hiatus, is gearing up for a crucial period in India's Test schedule.

Kohli returns to Test cricket after long break

Virat Kohli, one of India's greatest Test cricketers, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the longest format of the game as India prepares for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. The 35-year-old last featured in Test cricket during a two-match series against South Africa in January, after which he took a break to welcome his son, Akaay. Kohli missed India’s subsequent home Test series against England, where Rohit Sharma led the team to a 4-1 victory.

Now, Kohli is expected to play a key role in India’s upcoming 10 Test matches through January 2025. The schedule includes a two-match series against Bangladesh, three Tests against New Zealand, and a high-profile five-Test tour of Australia between November 2024 and January 2025.

Asteroid landed in Chepauk stadium#INDvsBAN #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #Virat pic.twitter.com/IVxALXCWbd

— Jr.VK (@simhadri03) September 15, 2024

Virat Kohli broke the wall of Team India dressing room at Chepauk during the practice session 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/A1IEG64Ms8

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) September 15, 2024

Kohli's brute force smashes stadium wall

During a practice session in Chennai, Kohli was seen in supreme form, hitting the ball with precision and power. One of his aggressive shots was so forceful that it punched a hole in a wall at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, leaving onlookers, including assistant coach Abhishek Nayak, in awe. The video of Kohli’s powerful strike quickly went viral on social media, further showcasing his readiness for the upcoming series.

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India currently leads the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 68.52, and their upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia will be pivotal in maintaining their top position. With Kohli back in the squad and showing impressive form, expectations are high as India looks to solidify their dominance in Test cricket.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik

Team India started their pre-season camp on Saturday (September 14), less than a week before the India vs Bangladesh Test series opener at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. Also, the possible pitch character has been revealed for the India vs Bangladesh Test series opener. 

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel just joined the Indian team as a new bowling coach. 

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India are getting ready for the crucial 10 Tests

The Indian pre-season camp isn’t only focussing on the upcoming home two-match Test series against Bangladesh; it is also looking at the next two Test series. After Bangladesh complete their India tour with another three-match T20I series, New Zealand will return to India for a three-match Test series.

In November, India will tour Australia for a five-match Test series. All these upcoming ten Test matches for India will be part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first two-time runners-up India are leading the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table. 

Chepauk is likely to offer a red-soil pitch

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, will host the first Test of India vs Bangladesh starting on September 19. While spinners have great records at this Test venue, India is likely to offer a red-soil pitch for the upcoming Test series opener. The pitch has good grass cover at present to prevent the pitch from breaking.

Bangladesh generally uses the black-soil pitches at home, which are typically slow wickets. While spinners also dominate these pitches, the uneven bounces create difficulties for the new and unsettled batters.  

On the other hand, batters can enjoy the initial phase on the red-soil pitches before its break up. With time progress, the soil comes off and cracks open up, which leads the spinners to enjoy dominating.  

Chepauk last hosted a Test match in February 2021, where India beat England by 317 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin won the Player of the Match in that Test after taking eight wickets (5/43 and 3/53), including a fifer, and scoring a crucial century (106) in the third innings of the match. Opener Rohit Sharma also scored a century in the first innings of that match, while Axar Patel recorded his first Test five-wicket haul in the fourth innings (5/60). 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has reached its climax as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prepare to battle it out in the final on Sunday, May 26. The grand showdown will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate cricket fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR has had a remarkable season, showcasing a blend of experience and young talent. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, KKR has emerged as a formidable force. Key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and the young Afghan sensation Rahmanullah Gurbaz have played pivotal roles in their journey to the final.

KKR’s Road to the Final

KKR’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. They secured a direct entry to the final by defeating SRH in Qualifier 1. Their performance was highlighted by Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling and Gurbaz’s impactful return to the team.

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3 Players to be in focus from KKR

The IPL 2024 Final is upon us, and all eyes are on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as they prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Among the many stars in the KKR lineup, three players stand out as key to their success: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, and Varun Chakravarthy.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the talented Afghan cricketer, has faced significant personal challenges this season. Mid-tournament, he returned to Afghanistan to be with his ailing mother. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders needed him back urgently after their primary keeper-batter, Phil Salt, left for national duties.

Gurbaz’s return to the team was nothing short of dramatic. In Qualifier 1 against SRH, he played a pivotal role. His quick 23-run knock off just 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes, set a blistering pace in KKR’s 160-run chase.

As KKR heads into the final, Gurbaz’s role will be crucial. His ability to provide a blistering start can put the opposition under pressure right from the beginning. Fans and teammates alike will be looking for him to replicate his explosive performance and set the tone for the match.

2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer’s journey to this final has been a rollercoaster. Despite a fine run in the ODI World Cup, he faced a tough period afterward. He lost his Test place in the home series against England, overshadowed by emerging youngsters. He also missed out on the T20 World Cup squad and, to add to his woes lost his BCCI central contract due to unavailability for domestic first-class games.

Despite these setbacks, Iyer has shown resilience and strong leadership. Gautam Gambhir’s influence on the team has been significant, but Iyer’s personal growth as a captain has also been evident. His previous success with Delhi Capitals, where he led them to their maiden IPL final in 2020, speaks volumes about his capabilities.

In IPL 2024, Iyer has had a decent run with the bat. Scoring 345 runs at a strike rate of 146.19 in 13 innings, he has largely batted in the middle order, capitalizing on the strong starts provided by the top order. As KKR’s captain, his strategic insight and batting prowess will be critical in the final against SRH.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy has been a standout performer for KKR this season. With 20 wickets to his name, he ranks among the top wicket-takers of IPL 2024. His mystery spin continues to baffle batters, making him a vital cog in KKR’s bowling attack.

In the crucial Qualifier 1 against SRH, Chakravarthy’s spin was instrumental. He took two important wickets, helping KKR to stifle the SRH batting lineup and secure their place in the final. His ability to perform under pressure highlights his importance to the team.

The final at Chepauk, known for its spin-friendly conditions, is the perfect stage for Chakravarthy to weave his magic. His performance will be crucial in breaking through SRH’s batting order and keeping the runs in check. If he can continue his form, KKR will have a significant advantage.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans were in for a disappointment when they visited the iconic Chepauk Stadium for a clash between their beloved team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The fervent supporters were denied entry into the stadium while carrying KKR posters and banners, leading to a wave of discontent among the fanbase.

Disappointment Among KKR Fans

The news of KKR fans being barred from entering the Chepauk Stadium with their team’s paraphernalia spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Fans expressed their dismay over the incident, labelling it as shambolic and unfair to the passionate supporters who had travelled to support their team.

See Also: IPL 2024: Jadeja’s spectacular spell helps CSK lead the show

Fan Outrage at Chepauk

The decision to prohibit KKR banners and posters inside the stadium was met with widespread outrage among the KKR faithful. Many questioned the legitimacy of denying entry to fans based on their allegiance to a particular team, especially in a league as inclusive and diverse as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSK’s Performance and Home Advantage

CSK’s decision to enforce strict regulations regarding banners and posters can be attributed to their desire to maintain a home advantage. With the team struggling to find form in the initial stages of the tournament, CSK’s management likely saw restricting KKR’s supporters as a means to tilt the scales in their favour.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Unbeaten Streak

Despite the setback at Chepauk, the Kolkata Knight Riders have been on a remarkable run in IPL 2024. With three consecutive victories under their belt, including impressive performances from both batsmen and bowlers, KKR currently sits comfortably at the second spot in the points table.

About the Match: CSK vs KKR

After losing the toss, KKR opened for batting, but kept on losing the wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 8 April. They scored 137/9 in 20 overs and gave Ruturaj’s CSK 138 runs target to chase. For CSK, Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja picked three wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets and Maheesh Theekshana clinched one. 

In a thrilling start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to clash with three-time finalists Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai this Friday.

CSK, renowned for their formidable performance at home, boasts an impressive record with over 70% victories at the iconic Chepauk stadium. Out of the 64 matches played at this venue, CSK emerged victorious in 45 encounters while facing defeat on 18 occasions.

However, the 2023 IPL season witnessed a rare breach of CSK’s fortress as they suffered defeats at the hands of Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Notably, it was the two-time champions KKR who last triumphed over CSK at their home ground.

Never missing updates of IPL of the team

During their encounter, CSK, opting to bat first, could only muster a total of 144 for six, courtesy of Sunil Narine’s economical spell of 2 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs. Despite a shaky start, Shivam Dube (48 off 34) and Ravindra Jadeja’s late contributions guided CSK to a respectable total.

In response, KKR faced an early setback, losing three wickets within the first five overs, thanks to Deepak Chahar’s fiery spell. However, a resilient partnership between Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh turned the tide in KKR’s favor. The duo’s 99-run stand for the fourth wicket, led by Rana’s unbeaten 57, secured a convincing victory for KKR with nine balls to spare.

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CSK’s journey in IPL history

In the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have established an impressive record at their fortress, the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk. Out of the 64 matches played at this iconic venue, CSK has emerged victorious in 45 encounters, showcasing their dominance on home turf. However, they have faced defeat on 18 occasions, highlighting the occasional challenge posed by visiting teams.

Remarkably, CSK has encountered only one tied match at Chepauk, with no matches resulting in no results (NR). Their highest score stands at a formidable 246 runs, underlining their batting prowess at home, while their lowest score is a modest 109, a testament to the occasional hiccups faced by even the strongest teams in the IPL. Overall, CSK’s stellar record at Chepauk solidifies their reputation as one of the most formidable teams in IPL history, particularly on their home ground.

Stay tuned as CSK looks to reclaim their dominance at Chepauk in the upcoming IPL season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.