India head coach Rahul Dravid has indicated that the team management will continue to back Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane even if Hanuma Vihari's wait for regular chances gets a tad longer. Pujara and Rahane are going through a lean patch in their careers. Both of them had a disappointing 2021 and their place in the team was questioned time and again.

However, some relief has come for the under-fire batters as they scored crucial half-centuries in the second innings of the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg. Vihari too played an unbeaten knock of 40 in India's fourth innings target of 240 for the Proteas.

Read Also: "When KG's got his tail up, there is no one better than him", Dean Elgar describes how he fired up Rabada

"Firstly I must say Vihari played really well in both innings. In the first innings, he got a nasty one and unfortunately for him. It popped up and the fielder just got his fingertips to it and really got a good catch. He batted beautifully in the second innings and that gives us confidence you know,"

Rahul Dravid said after India's seven-wicket defeat in the second Test (PTI)

The coach also praised middle-order batter, Shreyas Iyer. Iyer is warming the bench after a memorable debut against New Zealand at home late last year.

"Shreyas (Iyer) obviously done that two or three Test matches ago. He has obviously done that and they have just got to take heart from the fact that whenever they are getting opportunities, they are doing well and hopefully their time would come,"

Rahul Dravid added

Virat Kohli is set to comeback in the next game at Cape Town

The effusive praise doesn't mean that Iyer will be preferred over Rahane or Pujara in this set-up. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is set to come back in the next game.

"If you look at some of our guys now senior players and being sort of considered senior players. They have also had to wait for their time and also have had to score a lot of runs at the start of their careers. So it happens (wait) as its nature of the sport," he said adding, "We can take a lot of heart from the manner Vihari batted in this game and that should give him a lot of confidence and that should give us a lot of confidence."

Also Read: New Cricket Rule for T20 Cricket

Rahul Dravid said that Siraj is not fully fit and will take some time to recover

During the second Test, pacer Mohammed Siraj picked up a hamstring injury and managed to bowl only 15.5 overs in the match.

"Siraj is not fully fit and we need to check going forward what is his fitness status. In the next 4 days, whether he can get fit and the physio will be doing scans. As far as Hanuma Vihari's on-field hit is concerned, I am not in a position to tell the extent of the injury as I haven't had a detailed chat with the physio."

Providing an update on Siraj's fitness, Dravid said

The hosts chased down the target comfortably and won the match by 7 wickets. Proteas skipper Dean Elgar's unbeaten 96 and Rassie van der Dussen's 40 helped the hosts to get over the line.

Siraj's injury did pose a problem as the hosts chased down the fourth-innings target comfortably.

Read Also: Indian Cricket Team's 2022 schedule and fixture

"Losing Siraj (was a factor) as he wasn't 100 percent in the first innings," said Dravid. "We had the fifth bowler and we couldn't use him as much as we would have liked in that first innings and it did affect our strategy."

With this victory, South Africa has leveled the series 1-1. The third and final Test will be played in Cape Town from January 11.

The Indian Premier League is just around the corner with the tournament set to start on 22 March.

As usual, it is highly anticipated and is set to draw a huge viewing audience.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Which player has lost the most games in IPL history?

As we move towards the first fixture, between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, let’s take a moment to go back in time and see which batsmen have scored the most runs in IPL since 2018.

Most Runs in IPL (2018-2024)

8. Suryakumar Yadav | 2986 Runs

Suryakumar Yadav had his IPL debut in 2011 for MI. But he got his breakthrough in KKR under Gautam Gambhir but didn't perform up to that level. 2018 saw him return to the Mumbai Indians, where he made massive strides in his IPL career.

Surya has scored 2986 runs during this period in 84 games at an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 148.71. He has two centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name. He struck 440 boundaries, including 331 fours and 109 sixes.

In 2023, he had his greatest IPL season, where he was appointed as the vice-captain of MI along with scoring 605 runs with a strike rate of 181.14 in 16 innings.

7. Sanju Samson | 2993 Runs

Rajasthan Royals' skipper and wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has always been a player to rely on in the IPL. He has scored 2993 runs during the 2018-2024 season with two centuries and 18 half-centuries.

IPL 2024 was one of the best seasons for Samson with the bat as he amassed 531 runs at an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46. He also led the team to the playoffs for the second time after taking over the reins in IPL 2021.

6. Jos Buttler | 3055 Runs

Jos Buttler comes sixth in the list scoring 3055 runs in 73 matches at an average of 41.85 and a strike rate of 147.80. He has seven centuries and 18 half-centuries to his name.

Buttler had an unforgettable 2022 season, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 863 runs at an average of 57.53 and a blistering strike rate of 149.05.

The England star smashed four centuries and four half-centuries, playing a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the final. His ability to accelerate and play match-winning innings made him one of the standout performers of the season.

5. Shikhar Dhawan | 3208 Runs

Shikhar Dhawan is fifth on the list of most runs in IPL since 2018. He has been a consistent run-getter over this period, crossing the 400-run mark each season from 2018 to 2024. 

Dhawan has 3208 runs in 83 games at an average of 38.65 and a strike rate of 133.56, including 2 hundred and 23 half-centuries, with the help of 367 fours and 82 sixes. 

His best season came in 2020 when he made 618 runs with 2 hundred and 4 fifties. 

4. Shubman Gill | 3216 Runs

Shubman Gill made his IPL debut in 2018 season and scored 3216 runs so far in 85 matches at an average of 37.84 and a strike rate of 135.70. 

Gill was the leading run-scorer of IPL 2023, amassing 890 runs in 17 matches at an impressive average of 59.33. His strike rate of 157.80 included 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries, with a highest score of 129. He also smashed 85 fours and 33 sixes throughout the tournament.

Gill’s heroics helped Gujarat Titans reach the 2023 final, making him a player to watch for many seasons to come.

3. Faf du Plessis | 3276 Runs

Faf Du Plessis, who guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the playoffs last season, has the most runs in IPL during 2018-2024 period. He has scored 3276 runs in 84 matches at an average of 39.01 and a strike rate of 140.04.

He was also sensational with the bat as he scored 438 runs in 2022 season. It came after a brilliant run with the bat in 2023 when he scored over 700 runs for RCB.

Prior to his stint with Bangalore, Du Plessis enjoyed a highly successful tenure with the Chennai Super Kings, winning IPL titles in 2018 and 2021. 

The Proteas batter boasts an impressive record in the overall tournament, scoring 4,571 runs in 145 matches, including 37 half-centuries.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL history

2. Virat Kohli | 3586 Runs

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s struggles in recent seasons, Virat Kohli continued to shine with the bat in every season. He amassed 3586 runs since 2018 season at an average of 40.29 and a strike rate of 134.7, reminding everyone why he is one of the greatest batsmen in T20 cricket.

Kohli has four centuries and 25 half-centuries to his name. His IPL career has seen him hit 339 fours and 163 sixes during this period.

Kohli also scored the most runs in IPL in history with 8004 runs in 252 matches, including 8 centuries and 55 fifties.

1. KL Rahul | 3958 Runs

KL Rahul has hammered 3,958 runs in 79 matches since the start of IPL 2018. He has scored the most runs in IPL this period. 

The tally includes four tons and 33 fifties. Rahul is the only batter to slam 3,000-plus IPL runs in this period. Shikhar Dhawan (3,208), the only other batter to score 2,500-plus since IPL 2018, follows Rahul on this tally.

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has gone to achieve unprecedented success in global cricket scenario. Over its illustrious journey, the tournament has also accommodated several stars and match-winners.

The league is currently amid its eighteen edition and is all set to kick off on March 22. The 10 teams will lock horns against each other in a bid to clinch the title. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Captains of every franchise

So, before the start of the season let's take a look at the IPL facts that which player has lost the most games in IPL history.

IPL Facts | Most defeats for a player in IPL

1. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli has played 252 matches from 2008-24, in which he has scored 8004 runs at a strike rate of 132.0 and an average of 38.7. 

Even though Virat is the highest run scorer in IPL history, there is also a statistic that he is also the cricketer who has lost the most matches in IPL.

2. Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik's name comes second in the list of players who lost the most matches in IPL. Karthik has scored 4842 runs at a strike rate of 135.4. He played for many IPL teams and finally retired while being a part of RCB.

3. Rohit Sharma 

The most successful skipper of the tournament– Rohit Sharma's name comes third in the list of players who have lost the most matches in IPL. He has played 257 matches in IPL, in which he has faced defeat in 119 matches. During this period, his bat has scored 6628 runs at a strike rate of 131.14.

Before shifting his base to the Mumbai franchise, Rohit was a part of the now-defunct Deccan Chargers side.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL history

4. MS Dhoni 

While MS Dhoni holds the record for playing the most matches in IPL, he is fourth in the list of players who have lost the most matches in IPL. Mahi has played 264 matches in IPL, in which he scored 5243 runs at a strike rate of 137.54 and an average of 39.13.

Mahi, who made Chennai champion 5 times, comes at number 6 in terms of scoring most runs.

5. Shikhar Dhawan 

Shikhar Dhawan, popularly known as Gabbar, comes at number 5 in the list. He has played 222 matches, in which he has faced defeat in 108 matches. During this time Dhawan has scored 6769 runs at a strike rate of 127.14 and an average of 35.26.

Hello and welcome to the LIVE coverage of the India vs New Zealand Final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be played today at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

Exactly a week ago, India faced off against New Zealand in the last group game of the Group A. India won the match by 44 runs to finish first in the group stage.

However, India defeated Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final, whereas New Zealand posted a dominant win by 50 runs against South Africa in the second semi-final.

Both teams have displayed supreme cricketing action so far in this tournament, setting up a potential thrilling final. So just relax and enjoy the epic clash as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, images and match commentary of the epic India vs New Zealand Final in the ICC CT '25.

This is Koushik Biswas and Soumit Bhattacharya who bring you all the LIVE Updates from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

Indian cricket team star Virat Kohli has marked his name in cricket history during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai. 

India reached the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after a close win against Australia in the semi-final. Kohli was important in this win, scoring 84 runs off 98 balls at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments for India

While chasing a target of 265 runs, Kohli played calmly and helped keep the score moving, forming important partnerships before getting out to Adam Zampa while trying to hit a big shot. His innings included five boundaries.

Virat Kohli's stats in ICC tournament finals

Virat Kohli has played in eight ICC finals and has made a big impact. In ten innings, he has scored 410 runs, often shining when it matters.

Kohli’s skill to perform well under pressure is a key part of his career. Although he has some low scores in ICC finals, he has also made important runs that helped India in big matches.

His best score in an ICC final was 77 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2014 T20 World Cup, but India did not win. 

Now that India is in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, fans hope Kohli keeps up his good form and gives another great performance in the final.

So, let's take a look at the Virat Kohli stats in ICC tournaments.

Virat Kohli stats in ICC tournament 

Virat Kohli has played a total of 94 innings across various ICC events, amassing 3,975 runs.

His performances showed his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.

Here is a look at Virat Kohli's performances across various ICC tournaments.

Captained the team in ICC event in 2017

Kohli captained the team for the first time in an ICC event in 2017, guiding India to the finals. Despite their strong run, India lost to arch-rivals Pakistan by a massive 180-run margin.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan in ICC tournament results

CT debut came in 2009

Virat Kohli's Champions Trophy debut came in 2009 when India was knocked out in the group stage after losses to Pakistan and Australia. 

However, it was during that very tournament that Kohli had his first breakthrough moment, scoring a crucial 79* against the West Indies in a tense chase of 130.

The 2013 tournament saw Kohli rise to even greater heights, with MS Dhoni leading India to the trophy after a thrilling final win against England.

Virat Kohli stats in ICC Champions Trophy 

Virat Kohli has played 17 matches in the ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 746 runs in 16 innings.

His highest score is an unbeaten 100, with an impressive strike rate of 90.09.

Kohli has hit six half-centuries and one century in the tournament.

Here is a look at Virat Kohli stats in Champions Trophy.

India started their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a win over Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai. Despite a ton from Towhid Hridoy, Mohammad Shami's five-wicket haul had restricted Bangladesh to 228 in the first inning. Shubman Gill then scored his 8th ODI ton to take India home with six wickets in hands and 21 balls remaining. Here are the highlights of the Bangladesh vs India match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Shami gave India a perfect start

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. With three pacers in the team and two excellent spinners, they were confident to defend anything on that Dubai wicket, which everyone knew would get slower with time.

However, to put pressure on a team like India, the Tigers needed at least a respectable total on the board. A fiery opening spell from Mohammad Shami and Harshit Rana put them in a spot of bother. Shami nicked off Soumya Sarkar in the first over on a duck while captain Shanto was sent back by Rana in the next over on a duck as well. 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) tried to build a partnership with Tanzid Hasan but Shami got the better of him in the seventh over.

Rohit messed up Axar's hat-trick

Post that wicket, Axar Patel was brought into the attack by Rohit Sharma and he nearly became the first Indian bowler to get a hat-trick in an ICC event for India. Patel first removed Tanzid Hasan on 25. KL Rahul took a sharp catch behind the stumps. In the next ball, Mushfiqur Rahim edged one to Rahul to bring Axar on a hat-trick. 

In the hat-trick ball, Axar did what he could have done, but Rohit Sharma missed an easy catch at the first slip to dismiss the historical moment. 

Record partnership from Hridoy and Ali

From being 35/5, Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy put up a massive 154-run partnership, which is the highest 6th-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in ODI cricket. But, the scenes would not have been the same if Hardik Pandya had not dropped Hridoy on 24 in the 20th over. 

Shami with a five-fer

Not only that two overs later, KL Rahul missed a stumping chance of Jaker Ali on 24. Finally, Mohammad Shami was able to break the partnership as Jaker Ali tried to change gears against Shami’s off-cutter on 68 off 114 balls. 

Rishad Hossain tried to score a few quick runs but Harshit Rana got the better of him with a short ball in the 46th over. Bangladesh would have gotten more runs if Towhid Hridoy had not cramped badly. The right-handed batter nearly had to drag himself out of the crease to complete his runs. He was on the ground in agonising pain multiple times. 

Shami meantime dismissed Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed to get his give-wicket haul. With that wicket, Shami also became the Indian bowler with the most wickets in ICC events. 

Fighting maiden ODI ton from Hridoy

Hridoy though kept himself going and completed his maiden ODI ton even under tremendous pain. He was finally caught in the short fine leg on 100 off Harshit Rana as Bangladesh finished on 228 in the first inning. 

Flying start to India's inning

In the break, Axar Patel stated that the wickets got slower as the ball got older. So, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order, it was quite evident they would have gone for some quick runs against the pacers. 

They did that as India reached 69 runs in the first powerplay but lost Rohit Sharma on 41 off 36 in the second last ball of the powerplay. Rohit tried to clear in the circle, but could not connect the short ball from Taskin and was caught around the edge of the circle. Rohit went back to the dressing room but not before becoming the second fastest to score 11000 ODI runs. 

Bangladeshi spinners controlled the middle overs

Virat Kohli came at number three and soon Shanto brought his spinners Miraz and Rishad to stop the modern master. The plan fell into place as well and Kohli (22) was caught at backward point while trying a cut shot against Rishad. 

However, Shubman Gill looked apart as he scored his fourth consecutive ODI fifty. Shreyas Iyer came at number four and after a few good-looking strokes, was outfoxed by a slower one from Mustafizur Rahaman on 15 from 17 balls.

Classy and consistent as ever! ✨

1⃣6⃣th ODI FIFTY for Shubman Gill 👏👏

Follow the Match ▶️ https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #ChampionsTrophy | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/4nvl8Bw90H

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025

With spinners bowling at random, India sent Axar Patel at number five as the run flow got stuck as well. It looked like India were waiting for the spell of spinners to finish. But, Patel could resist the wrong one from Risahd and top-edged to put the match somewhat level. 

Bangladesh could have made things worse for India if Jaker Ali would not have missed an easy catch at deep mid-wicket on 7 in the 37th over. 

KL Rahul dropped on 9 runs#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/0lj0f8PXaJ

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 20, 2025

With the net run rate being around 4 and 5, India decided to go slow and steady. Gill and Rahul started accumulating singles and doubles with a boundary here and there. They completed their 50-run partnership in 66 balls as Rishad Hossain finished his spell with 38/2 in 10 overs. 

As India got close to the target, Gill brought out his big shots and completed his consecutive ODI ton in 125 balls to take India home. Gill was patient and skilful enough to take the game deep and away from Bangladesh with his 8th ODI ton in just 51 games. 

Gill remained unbeaten on 101 from 129 balls while Rahul finished off in style with a six as he was undefeated on 41 from 47. India bagged their first win in the Champions Trophy and will face Pakistan in their next game on Sunday.

BAN vs IND: Match Summary

A solid start for Team India in the Champions Trophy!

Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 101* and KL Rahul’s steady 41* guided India to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. 🩵🇮🇳

A confident chase to kick off the campaign in style!

#INDvBAN #ShubmanGill #TeamIndia #KlRahul pic.twitter.com/8PqJorE0m8

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 20, 2025