تحدث محمد عبد الواحد، المدرب المساعد في جهاز منتخب مصر، عن الأزمة التي نشبت بين لاعب الأهلي إمام عاشور وحسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة خلال الفترة الماضية.
وكانت العلاقة بين إمام عاشور وحسام حسن توترت خلال الآونة الأخيرة، وكشف مدرب منتخب مصر أن استبعاد إمام عاشور هو قرار انضباطي، قبل أن يعتذر لاعب الأهلي عقب نهاية الموسم الماضي للتوأم، لكن الإصابة هي التي منعت تواجد إمام في صفوف المنتخب في الفترة الأخيرة.
طالع | أخطأ مرتين وهذا شرط عودته.. حسام حسن يعلن سبب استبعاد إمام عاشور من منتخب مصر
إمام عاشور يغيب في الفترة الأخيرة عن صفوف فريقه الأهلي، بسبب إصابته بفيروس A، ويخوض مرحلة من التأهيل للتعافي، خلال الوقت الحالي.
وقال عبد الواحد خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت 2” لبرنامج “هاتريك”: “كانت توجد مشكلة صغيرة حدثث، وهو لم يأخذ رد الفعل السليم، فحدثت فجوة، وبالمناسبة الفترة التي لم يكن ينضم معنا فيها للمنتخب لم يكن مستواه الفني كما هو الحال الآن”.
وأضاف: “إمام عاشور كان يفتعل أشياء خارج الملعب تثير جمهور الزمالك، فكان غائبا عن التركيز، وليس في مستواه، هو لاعب كبير ونجم وهو عنصر أساسي معنا في المنتخب”.
وتابع: “قبل تعرضه للإصابة، اعتذر للكابتن إبراهيم، والجميع يعمل لمصلحة منتخب مصر، ولا توجد أي أغراض من أي شخص داخل جهاز المنتخب تجاه أي لاعب”.
وأكمل: “عندما تولينا المسؤولية، الجميع قال إن هناك خلافات ستحدث بين التوأم ومحمد صلاح، لكن لم يحدث أي شيء، محمد صلاح يقوم بدور رائع جدًا معنا كجهاز، ورائع مع كابتن حسام، ومساند لنا”.
وكان منتخب مصر اختتم مشواره في تصفيات كأس العالم بمواجهة غينيا بيساو في الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة من مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.
واستطاع منتخب مصر تحقيق الفوز على غينيا بيساو، بنتيجة 1-0، ليؤكد صدارته للمجموعة في تصفيات كأس العالم برصيد 26 نقطة، علمًا بأنه حسم التأهل إلى كأس العالم منذ الجولة التاسعة بالفوز على جيبوتي 3-0.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign showcases the job Thomas Frank has on his hands as he enters his first year in charge in North London.
He would’ve certainly faced an easier task had he had Harry Kane at his disposal, with the England international a player who is undoubtedly one of the best to ever ply his trade for the Lilywhites.
The 32-year-old rose through the ranks before making a huge impact on the first team, often being the man the supporters relied on for goals in crucial moments.
Kane ended up registering a total of 280 goals during his stint in the capital, the highest of any player in the club’s history, also slotting in at second place in the Premier League’s record books.
However, after his departure back in 2023, the club have ultimately failed to replace his goals, leaving Frank with such a task during his first window in charge.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new striker this summer
After the Dane’s appointment, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been a player who has been hugely linked with a move to follow his former boss across the capital.
Such rumours are unsurprising given his tally of 19 league goals for the Bees last season, leading to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also interested in his signature this window.
However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muani another player they’re pursuing, according to journalist Santi Aouna.
He claims that the Lilywhites have already entered talks over a deal to land the French forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.
Aouna also states that Frank’s side face competition from Manchester United for the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, but Daniel Levy is working hard to reach an agreement before the September 1st deadline.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Kane
Two players have mainly shared the responsibility of providing the goals at the top end of the pitch for Spurs since Kane’s departure – Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke
Both have endured their injury struggles over recent times, posting respectable tallies, but ultimately, there’s still huge room for improvement in such an area.
The Englishman, who cost a club-record £65m last summer, and the Brazilian managed to net a combined tally of 13 league goals, whilst Kane scored double that figure on his own last campaign.
Replacing the record goalscorer was always going to be a near-impossible task, but the current lack of goals from the centre-forwards on the books highlights the need for a new talisman this summer.
Kolo Muani would provide the new boss just that, having the opportunity to claim the starting role as his own should he move to North London during the off-season.
He’s previously been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, managing to match or better the former Lilywhites in key areas throughout the recent campaign.
The Frenchman, who’s been dubbed “extremely dangerous” by compatriot Bixente Lizarazu, posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, evidently being more efficient with his chances in front of goal.
Games played
26
31
Goals & assists
12
35
Shot on target accuracy
48%
42%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Key passes made
1.4
1.3
Take-ons completed
1.5
0.8
Carries into opposition box
1.2
0.7
Aerials won
1.2
1
Kolo Muani also completed more key passes per 90, along with more take-ons achieved, highlighting his all-round talent with the ball at his feet, something which could hugely benefit Frank in his quest for success.
However, whilst he’s a technically gifted forward, the former Eintracht Frankfurt star also bettered Kane for aerials won per 90, potentially being the perfect fit for the Lilywhites’ current side.
All the aforementioned stats are undoubtedly important, but ultimately, the fans and manager will want him to provide the goods in front of goal throughout 2025/26.
His tally of 10 goals in just 22 loan appearances in Italy last season showcases that there is certainly a player there, with Frank able to land his own version of the record scorer if he can unlock such talents out of Kolo Muani.
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Chelsea are seen as a dream landing spot for one player who’s actively pushing to join Enzo Maresca’s side this summer, according to a new report on Wednesday.
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The west Londoners are showcasing major ambition in the transfer market yet again, as has been the ongoing theme since Clearlake Capital’s takeover from Roman Abramovich in 2022.
After sealing a triple deal worth £145 million for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro over the past few weeks, Maresca’s side are by no means done there, with reports suggesting they could still bring in multiple new attackers.
Much has been made of Chelsea’s serious spending, but going by the books, they’re in very good stead to invest even more cash into rejuvenating the squad.
Their often underrated status as an excellent selling club has yielded close to £130 million this window alone, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic, Mathis Amougou and João Félix all departing for pastures new so far.
Countless more fringe Chelsea players have been tipped to follow them as well, so BlueCo are likely to raise further funds from now until deadline day on September 1.
This, combined with their earnings from qualifying for the Champions League and £87.5m windfall from winning the Club World Cup, gives Chelsea the financial freedom to sign more players whilst sailing beneath the PSR threshold.
Whilst Chelsea are also forced to sell squad members after a settlement with UEFA for breaking FFP rules, they’re still in a very healthy position.
According to reports, their hefty cashflow will be partly reinvested into signing versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
Jorrel Hato
The Netherlands international is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge, and barring any last-gasp surprises, it is expected to happen pretty shortly.
Now, TEAMtalk has shared some further background on the story as Chelsea attempt to finalise a deal.
Jorrel Hato "now personally trying to force" Chelsea transfer
According to the news outlet, Hato is “now personally trying to force” a transfer to Chelsea in an attempt to wrap up his London move in quick fashion.
The 19-year-old, who would reportedly join as both a centre-back and alternative option to Marc Cucurella, is “pushing hard” to join Chelsea after agreeing personal terms – so much so that Ajax have reduced his initial £43 million asking price.
Chelsea, for their part, are prepared to go higher than their original valuation of £35m – which is the main reason why both sides are now seriously nearing an agreement.
Despite his teenage status, Hato already possesses a wealth of top-level and even Champions League experience, having made over a century of first-team appearances for the Eredivisie giants.
The Dutchman’s eagerness to join Chelsea is also a very encouraging sign for both supporters and Maresca that he’s ready to battle for his place in the squad, potentially keeping the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah firmly on their toes.
Aston Villa are now “ready to make a move” for a “special” £60m star, with Unai Emery believed to be a “big fan”, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed.
Aston Villa eyeing striker amid Watkins uncertainty
Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently revealed that Villa have held talks over selling Ollie Watkins to Manchester United, and with the Englishman keen on a move to Old Trafford, Emery may need to bring in a replacement this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani is on the shortlist as a potential heir to Watkins, while the Villans have also set their sights on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, having made initial contact over a deal for the striker earlier this week.
There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Jackson, with O’Rourke revealing that Emery is a huge admirer of his former player, and the Football Insider report states the ex-Villarreal man could jump at the move.
O’Rourke said: “Unai Emery remains a big fan of Nicolas Jackson, so it’s no surprise that Villa are in the market for him.
“We know Villa need reinforcements in attack – they still haven’t really replaced Jhon Duran – and Jackson’s future’s is up in the air at Chelsea as well.
“If he does become available before the end of the window, there’s no doubt that Aston Villa will be one of those clubs ready to make a move for him, because Unai Emery is a huge fan of his.”
The Chelsea forward is thought to be unsettled by the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.
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Jackson could be "special" signing for Aston Villa
A deal for the Senegalese striker is unlikely to be cheap, with previous reports suggesting the Blues could hold out for £60m, but there are signs he could be an exciting signing for Villa this summer.
While the arrivals of Delap and Pedro suggest Enzo Maresca doesn’t fully trust the 24-year-old, he has maintained a solid goal and assist record since his arrival in the Premier League.
Nicolas Jackson
Journalist Rahman Osman was also left impressed by the improvements the Chelsea ace made to his game last season.
Jackson could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad, but if possible, the manager should also hold onto Watkins, given that the England international has amassed a very impressive 87 goals and 42 assists in 223 games since arriving at Villa Park.
“We are not ashamed of talking about it – there is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma,” Thorpe’s elder daughter Kitty says
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2024 • Updated on 13-Aug-2024Former England batter Graham Thorpe died after being struck by a train at Esher railway station, Surrey, the opening of an inquest into his death on Tuesday has heard. On Monday, Thorpe’s family had confirmed the 55-year-old took his own life following a battle with depression and anxiety.Speaking on Tuesday at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking, coroner Simon Wickens said Thorpe had suffered “traumatic injuries” after being struck by a train on the morning of August 4. Wickens offered “sincere condolences” to Thorpe’s family and to “all those touched by his life and career”. A date for Thorpe’s full inquest will be fixed at a later time.The coroner had received a referral regarding the incident from British Transport Police (BTP). On August 5, a spokesperson for BTP issued the following statement: “Officers were called to Esher railway station at 8.26 am on 4 August to reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”The loss of Thorpe was felt by all throughout the world of cricket, with many former and current players paying their respects to the left-handed batter, who later went into coaching. The Surrey and England man represented his country 182 times, and scored 16 hundreds in 100 Test matches.Thorpe had not worked in cricket since he was removed from his role as one of England’s assistant coaches in the aftermath of their 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes. He was due to take over as Afghanistan’s head coach but never did after a previous attempt on his own life in May 2022. At the time, he was described as being “seriously ill” in hospital.Related
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“For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety,” Amanda, Thorpe’s wife, told the . “This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit. Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe. We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.”Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”She described Thorpe as “a free spirit” and said that he had been well enough to attend a dinner at The Oval in late 2022. “He had his own mind and his own way of going about things,” Amanda said. “My favourite memory of him is in Barbados, which he loved, enjoying a rum punch and listening to his favourite reggae after a swim… He was funny and he made us all laugh so much.”Thorpe’s elder daughter, Kitty, said, “We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma. We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing. This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is. We’ve wanted to be able to talk and share and we’d now like to raise awareness, too.”He had loved life and he loved us but he just couldn’t see a way out. It was heartbreaking to see how withdrawn he had become. He was not the same person. It was strange to see this person trapped in the body of dad. That’s why we’ve been so happy that the many reflections have been about his life before this illness took over. I’m glad that’s how everyone does remember him, rightly so, as the complete character he was.”
Liverpool’s expeditious start to the summer transfer window has seen the double signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz wrapped up before the end of June, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is set to follow.
And there’s more yet to come. With a deal agreed for the transfer of Jarell Quansah to the BayArena, Liverpool have upped their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Of course, the Reds still need a striker too.
Liverpool chasing Premier League star
Darwin Nunez’s proposed transfer to Serie A champions Napoli could see efforts on that front doubled over the coming weeks.
Saying that, though, Liverpool love a market opportunity, and are monitoring a right-sided Premier League forward as Federico Chiesa expects to leave Anfield as well this summer.
As per French reporter Sébastien Vidal, in a bid to possibly replace Chiesa, Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, though they face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
The Cherries have valued the Ghanaian at £70m, a figure none of his suitors are willing to meet, but if that figure can be whittled down, Mohamed Salah would have the perfect understudy to cover him on the right.
This isn’t a priority for Liverpool, but the versatile Semenyo has the perfect profile for Slot’s system and could become the latest jackpot signing from the south coast.
Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool have raided a rising Premier League winger from the south coast before. Indeed, Sadio Mane is one of the club’s most iconic modern players, starring under Jurgen Klopp’s wing for many years after joining from Southampton for £35m in 2016.
Sadio Mane for Liverpool
Semenyo carries certain similarities to the prolific Senegalese, who was a deadly goalscorer but also a fierce advocate of his manager’s vision, working like a machine, covering numerous positions. Klopp once called Mane a “complete” and “world-class” player, and who would argue against him?
Hailed as a “workhorse” and a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Semenyo has been instrumental for Andoni Iraola’s system at the Vitality Stadium, scoring 13 goals and assisting seven more across all competitions last season.
Mane, let’s not forget, wrapped up his Saints career with 15 goals and seven assists across 43 matches in 2015/16, so, like Semenyo, he wasn’t the finished product and needed that move to a club on a higher rung of the ladder.
Right winger
46
13
3
Left winger
29
7
5
Centre-forward
6
1
0
As per FBref, the versatile forward also ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the English top flight last season for successful take-ons and the top 5% for shots taken per 90, underlining his prowess as a pressure-applying force in front of goal but also a player who can drive play into the danger area himself.
All told, Semenyo is a talented and proven Premier League star who would not only cover Salah but also use his dynamism to cover on the left flank too.
To reach Mane’s level would be difficult indeed, but he’s certainly underrated, and a move to Merseyside could help put his name on the map.
The next Torres: Liverpool preparing huge bid to sign "frightening" striker
Liverpool aren’t messing around in the transfer market this summer.
Manchester United have held talks with the entourage of a “world-class” striker, who is now keen to seal a move to the Premier League, according to a report.
Man Utd set sights on new striker
Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains of interest, but there is clearly a determination to bring in a new out-and-out centre-forward this summer, with an approach being made for Viktor Gyokeres.
That is according to Sky Sports, with United now said to be exploring the conditions of a potential deal, given that manager Ruben Amorim is a “big fan” of his former player.
Reports from elsewhere have suggested the Red Devils are preparing a bid for Gyokeres, but it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, considering European football will not be on offer next season.
The Sweden international is not the only option on the shortlist either, with Man United also holding talks with the entourage of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to a report from The Boot Room.
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Osimhen is said to be determined to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, having rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Amorim’s side engaged in discussions to bring the Nigerian to Old Trafford last month.
Osimhen
The centre-forward has no future with his current club, meaning he is expected to move on this summer, with Liverpool also in the race for his signature. The 26-year-old is protected by a relatively hefty £63m release clause, however, Napoli could accept an offer in excess of £50m.
"World-class" Osimhen could be real coup for Man Utd
The former Galatasaray loanee’s track record speaks for itself, having scored goals wherever he’s been over the past few seasons, most recently leading his side to the Turkish Super Lig title with a phenomenal return.
Season
League appearances
Goals
2020-21
24
10
2021-22
27
14
2022-23
32
26
2023-24
25
15
2024-25
30
26
The Lagos-born striker has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and he picked up six goals and two assists in the Europa League last season, indicating that he has a lot left to give in Europe, so it is little wonder he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia.
Rasmus Hojlund has recently suggested he is going nowhere this summer, saying: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”
However, with the Dane scoring just four Premier League goals last season, it would make sense to bring in an upgrade this summer, and Osimhen has proven he could be exactly that.
Derby County and Blackburn Rovers have been embroiled in an intriguing backstory this campaign, centred around John Eustace, who could now have a say in a transfer saga involving both clubs.
Derby County look to build on surviving relegation
Despite fighting for large parts of the campaign in the relegation zone, Derby secured their Championship status by the skin of their teeth after playing out an anticlimactic 0-0 draw with Stoke City on the final day. Working a minor miracle at Pride Park, John Eustace managed to guide the Rams to safety after they were previously seven points adrift of survival, losing only one of their final six league matches.
Derby County managerJohnEustaceand Jerry Yates
Controversially, the 45-year-old arrived at Derby from Blackburn Rovers, which was a surprise turn of events at the time due to the vast distance between both clubs in the English second-tier standings. Nevertheless, his decision proved to be worthwhile even in the face of doubters, something Eustace was quick to point out once the Rams confirmed they would be staying in the Championship.
Derby County’s great escape under John Eustace
19. Derby County
50
20. Preston North End
50
21. Hull City
49
22. Luton Town (R)
49
23. Plymouth Argyle (R)
46
24. Cardiff City (R)
44
Leaving some frosty relations at his former club, Blackburn missed out on a playoff berth by two points, creating more intrigue between both sides as they go head-to-head again next season. Crossing paths once again, Eustace’s Derby are now fighting his old side for the signature of a talented midfielder from League One, per reports.
Derby County and Blackburn Rovers fight to sign Ethan Erhahon
According to EFL Analysis, Derby and Blackburn both want to sign Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who is attracting interest from a clutch of other clubs in the second and third tier of English football.
Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Preston North End and Oxford United are also in the hunt for the Scotland Under-21 cap, who could fetch the Imps a seven-figure fee if he were to be sold.
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Labelled “brilliant” by Michael Skubala for his dominant nature in the middle of the park, Erhahon has won no fewer than 139 duels in League One this season as Lincoln secured a comfortable mid-table finish. Formerly of St Mirren, the 24-year-old is known for his abilities in both boxes, making him an ideal fit for a move up to the Championship if the correct opportunity presents itself.
Now, it remains to be seen who will win the battle for his signature. Derby and Blackburn have become foes on the pitch. Could they also continue that relationship away from the field of play?
Manchester United are now willing to make a £52m offer for a “special” Real Madrid player, who is likely to leave if Carlo Ancelotti remains in his post as manager, according to a report.
Man Utd set sights on attacking midfielder
Ruben Amorim’s side were put to the sword at St. James’ Park on Sunday, with Newcastle United emerging 4-1 winners, in a match that once again underlined the need for the manager to make major changes to his squad this summer.
Having recorded an xG of just 0.72 against Newcastle, Man United were clearly devoid of ideas once again at the weekend, which indicates they may need to bring in a new attacking midfielder this summer, and a number of targets have been identified.
The Red Devils are now plotting a bid for Lyon maestro Lyon Cherki, while they have also launched a £70m move for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, who has played a major role in the Villans’ success in both the Premier League and Europe this season.
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It may be difficult to convince Villa to strengthen a direct rival, however, which means it could make sense to pursue an attacking midfielder from abroad, and a report from Spain has revealed United are now keen on signing Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.
Such is their level of interest, Amorim’s side are willing to submit an offer of around €60m (£52m) for the attacking midfielder, who is also capable of playing at right-wing.
Injuries have stunted Guler’s development this season, and there is now a feeling the 20-year-old is likely to be moved on this summer, should Ancelotti remain in his post as manager.
"Special" Guler could be "genuine superstar"
It is a little strange Ancelotti could be willing to sanction the youngster’s departure this summer, given how highly the Italian has spoken of him in the past, saying: “I think the closer to goal, the better. He is very effective, he scores a lot with little space, he has a special talent. He shows it better closer to the goal.”
The Turkey international also received high praise from football writer Colin Millar, in light of his impressive performances for his national side at Euro 2024.
The 20-year-old hasn’t caught the eye quite as much for Madrid, picking up just one goal and four assists in La Liga this season, but it was always going to be a tall order to get on the scoresheet regularly, given that he has often been limited to appearances as a substitute.
Should Man United be willing to give Guler regular game time, there are signs he could become a star player in the future.
South Africa had plans for Virat Kohli, but they unravelled as he raced to a 52nd ODI century
Alagappan Muthu30-Nov-20254:46
Takeaways – Kohli in comfort zone; Jansen, Kuldeep and Rana sparkle
It’s there. He builds it every time he gets up to bat. The bubble. Inside it, he’s king.South Africa had a plan to break into it. In the first 10 overs, they had their fielders right up. Mid-on, mid-off and cover were 10 yards in from the 30 yard circle. The idea was to cut off the singles that fuel his risk-free run-scoring.It fell apart. Because reality inside Virat Kohli’s bubble and reality outside it are often different. From inside, he could see that the pitch had the pace to hit through the line. From inside, he could see the bowlers were spraying it around. From inside, he could see other options to score runs.Sixes. He had two of them as part of his first 10 scoring shots.An entire career’s worth of information went straight down the drain for South Africa with less than an hour on the clock. Kohli was playing his 294th innings in ODIs. Only twice has his sixes count risen as high as two inside the first 25 balls. And never when batting first.Related
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Kohli: 'If I'm arriving somewhere I'll arrive at 120%'
Kohli, Harshit, Kuldeep star to give India 1-0 lead
Ranchi 2025 joined Jaipur 2013 and Pune 2017. The other two were chases. Australia and England had put on 350-plus and he ran them down with a vengeance. South Africa dared him in other ways. At least their fielders did. The bowlers were out of sync.In the first 10 overs, when Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Ottneil Baartman hit a good length, they gave up only 29 runs at a strike rate of 66. When they missed it, they were thrashed for 51 at a strike rate of 243.Kohli made a play. He got India ahead of the game. From there, the reality inside his bubble dictated the reality outside of it. The only accommodation he made was for his batting partner.In the 14th over, Kohli nudged one to midwicket, waited for the ball to pass the fielder, then knowing it was a slower delivery that he had hit softly to one of the longer boundaries, he began sprinting. He believed there was three. Rohit Sharma knew he believed there was three too. That’s why he had his hand up even as he brought his bat down to complete the second run. Sunday marked the 20th time they put on a hundred-run partnership. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly have more.Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shared a 136-run stand•AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa began to pull the run rate back in the middle overs. They found their lengths against Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar and by doing that they managed to starve the set batter of strike. The third and fourth-wicket stands were 55 balls long. Kohli faced only 22 of them and hit just one four. The other end managed one six. The crowd got antsy. They were here to watch Kohli at home in India blue for the first time since February. They wanted the century.Kohli didn’t bat an eyelid. He did other things. Run between the wickets so hard the picture seemed incomplete without smoke flying off his heels. Practice chopping an imaginary short ball down onto the pitch so that the next time he faced one, it bounced over Dewald Brevis still close in at point. Note the gaps in the field and expend only the energy needed to find them.That’s how he moved from 94 to 98. Midwicket was up. Square leg was back. The ball was dug in and though it didn’t climb it was cramping him for room. Kohli was now so cozy inside his bubble that he arranged his body for a short-arm jab with a horizontal bat, knowing the outfield would take care of the rest.On 99, he took his guard again. Stretched his back out – finally a sign of what this innings against quality opposition was taking out of him. Recognised the ball wasn’t there. And just kept it out. By now the crowd was going wild… because everyone was blocking everyone else’s shot. Eventually, the glide to the deep third boundary, the jump, the punch, the scream, the kiss of his wedding ring and the raise of his bat all began to flood social media.It was a beautiful moment. No. 52. The only one Kohli spent outside his bubble. It is sacred to him. Especially now. He wants to make the 2027 World Cup. But he’s 37. That number – as much as any other from his legendary ODI career – looms large enough that every innings he plays from now until the squad is picked could be scrutinised. Even though the selectors have said otherwise.The surest way Kohli can realise his goal is to prove over and over that even in the twilight of his career he is twice the player anybody else is. He ticked that box on Sunday evening. And it will need ticking again. The pressure that must bring feels unimaginable. The way he ignores it and just goes about his business is incredible.