I will answer questions when the time comes, says Dhoni

May 30, 2013
Birmingham, May 30: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today refused to break the BCCI gag on him in answering questions on the spot-fixing scandal that has hit IPL except to say that some players are "slightly mentally weak" compared to others.

dhoniAddressing a press conference here ahead of the Champions Trophy, he made it clear that he would not answer questions relating to the recent controversies, saying he would definitely speak at the right time.

At the brief press conference, an ICC official reminded the journalists that the interaction should be limited to the Champions Trophy much like the Indian team media manager's intervention during the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Dhoni had come under severe attack from media and commentators for his silence in refusing to answer questions at the Mumbai interaction.

"If I have not answered Indian journalists, there is no reason why I should answer you...at the right time (I will speak)," he said in reply to a question today by a reporter who asked him about the spot-fixing scandal.

Asked if the Champion Trophy is an opportunity to "restore the reputation" of Indian cricket, Dhoni said, "It is not that the reputation has gone. If I go ahead to explain that I would rather answer his question also. When the right time comes, I will answer it.

"As of now, I dont think we have lost the opportunity because whatever the set up is throught out the world or any sport, still you have some people who would be slightly mentally weak as compared to some of the others. I would have loved to elaborate but at the right time I will do it", he said.

When pressed further on the issue, Dhoni said "well, you are just forcing me to answer but definitely when the time comes I will answer".

Q: Imagine if you win the Champions Trophy, the faith of Indian fans will be restored?

A: Well, I know one thing I am a person who lives in the present, I don't really believe in imagining. I believe in doing the stuff right.

Q: Expand on it, do you look the same cool, relaxed guy as you have been over the years?

A: You are just forcing me to answer a few things but definitely when the time comes I will answer that. Just want to keep our side away from everything as of now.

Asked about the team spirit, he said "it was fantastic".

Yesterday also he avoided a series of questions on the spot-fixing.

Q: As the leader of Indian cricket fraternity, why we have not heard from you so far?

Q: Can you guarantee Indian cricket fans that during Champions Trophy, there will be no mischief on the field?

Q: Has there been an impact on the players going for Champions Trophy?

Q: Do you know Vindoo Dara Singh personally?.

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News Network
February 18,2020

New Delhi, Feb 18: Skipper Virat Kohli has become the first Indian to reach the 50M followers mark on social media platform Instagram. Kohli, who is breaking cricketing records with each passing match, has a great social media following.

The 31-year old has so far made 930 posts on the platform and his social media posts continue to enthrall fans worldwide. Overall, Instagram's official account has the most number of followers and it is followed by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 200M followers.

In terms of Indians with most number of followers, Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra is on the second spot with 49.9 followers while Deepika Padukone is on the third place with 44.1 followers.

Last year, Kohli had become the most successful Indian Test captain, surpassing Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Currently, Kohli is in action against New Zealand and his side would take on the hosts in the two-match Test series, slated to commence from February 21.

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News Network
February 18,2020

Feb 18: There are no half measures for fit-again New Zealand pace spearhead Trent Boult who is ready to challenge India captain Virat Kohli on his return to international cricket during the two-Test series starting in Wellington on Friday. Boult was out of action for the past six weeks due to a fracture on his right hand sustained during the Boxing Day Test against Australia and missed out on the limited-overs leg of the India series. Back for the traditional format, the left-arm fast bowler made his priorities clear ahead of the first Test.

"That's personally why I play the game, to get guys like that (Kohli) out and test myself against them, so I can't wait to get stuck in. But he's an exceptional player. Everyone knows how great he is," Boult said, sending out a warning after landing in the capital city for the opening Test.

New Zealand's last Test series in Australia was a nightmare as they lost 0-3 and India will be a tough test for the Black Caps.

"They are a great side and they are leading the ICC Test Championship. They are very clear on how they wanted to play the game. It was a tough learning curve in Australia. It's good to see where we are in terms of bouncing back," said Boult.

The Basin Reserve track will have a lot for the seamers and in conducive conditions, a wily customer like Boult will prove to be a handful for the travellers.

"I'm preparing for a solid wicket. It generally is very good here and goes the full distance (five days). I do enjoy playing here, the history that's involved, and it's going to be an exciting week building up. I can't wait to get out there," said the 30-year-old who has taken 256 wickets from 65 Tests.

It was frustrating for him to watch his side get walloped 0-5 in the T20 series but exhilarating when it got its mojo back in the subsequent one-dayers.

The Black Caps won 3-0 in the 50-over format. "I think it is what it is. I have just got to put the last six or so weeks behind me and just back myself to get out there and do my thing," said Boult, who warmed up by playing a club game at the picturesque Taupo ground.

Boult did find a bit of humour in his injury which, for him, was more of an accident.

"If I had to break a hand, (it would) probably be my right one. Breaking a hand, you don't really know how much you use it unless you break it," said Boult.

"I was pushing in off the long run. I think a couple of the clubbies from Taupo really enjoyed that. It was a good afternoon," added the pacer, who sent down eight overs in a friendly game for his club Cadets.

While bowling isn't a problem, Boult is hoping that catching doesn't become an issue.

"Everything has gone very well but catching will be the biggest issue for me," he said.

Professionally, Boult had to lie low due to injury, but it was also a good break as he and wife Lana welcomed their second child.

"Having some time away from the game and having my second son a couple of weeks ago came at quite a good time," said Boult.

Fighting fit, all he wants now is to get hold of a red kookaburra and get a few to tail into Kohli and company.

"I am hungry to be here and can't wait to get back in the white and get the red ball moving around," he said.

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Agencies
March 1,2020

New Delhi, Mar 1: Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif on Sunday heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja after the all-rounder took a spectacular catch on the second day of the Christchurch Test against New Zealand.

Jadeja grabbed a one-handed stunner at deep square leg in the 72nd over to dismiss Neil Wagner, who had to depart after scoring 21 runs.

"Sir Jadeja for a reason! Jadeja Airlines, flying high! Terrific stuff," Kaif tweeted.

In the match, Jadeja also impressed with the ball. The left-handed bowler took two wickets while giving away 22 runs.

On day two, India bundled out New Zealand on 235 runs in the second Test. However, in their second innings, Indian batsmen again struggled to tackle the New Zealand pacers and lost six wickets with a lead of just 97 runs.

India went to stumps at 90/6, with Trent Boult doing the majority of the damage with three wickets.

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