Is Kohli making Test comeback? Virat gives clear answer after Ranchi century
Ranchi: With speculation growing around a possible Test comeback, Virat Kohli put an end to the rumours after scoring a match-winning century against South Africa in the first ODI on Sunday.
Kohli, who struck 135 off 120 balls in India’s 17-run win, was asked by Harsha Bhogle during the post-match presentation whether he plans to remain a one-format player or reconsider his retirement from Tests. Bhogle slipped in the question while talking about Kohli now playing only one form of the game.
Kohli responded firmly, saying, “That's how it's always going to be – I'm just playing one form of the game,” making it clear there would be no return to red-ball cricket.
The 37-year-old, who was named Player of the Match, spoke at length about his batting and training approach.
“Today was really nice to kind of get into the game like that. Pitch played decently in the first 20-25 overs before it started to slow down. Was just about staying the space of enjoyment. Of course when you get a start, you get into the situation, you know what needs to be done. The experience kicks on,” he said.
Kohli added that his preparation is now mostly mental.
“I've never been a believer of preparation. All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it's fine. I took a day off before the game. I'm 37 and need time for recovery.”
He said that even at this stage of his career, he trusts his instincts.
“If you've played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you're hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you're hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it's about physically fit, mentally ready and excited.”
Kohli’s century set up India’s win in the opening match of the three-game ODI series, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
