Virat Kohli eager to put stamp on India and ‘go up the ladder’ in Test cricket

Virat Kohli has an opportunity to establish himself as India's long-term leader.

The stylish batsman, considered dynamic by some and brash by others, will lead India in their first home Test series of the post-Tendulkar era against top-ranked South Africa.

“We’re a young side looking to go up the ladder in Test cricket and so this series is special for us,” Kohli said Wednesday, the day before his 27th birthday and the eve of the first Test of a four-game series. “It’s an exciting day captaining my first game at home and being my birthday doubles up the excitement.”

Kohli has brought in his own brand of aggression and helped fifth-ranked India get a rare Test series win in Sri Lanka recently, coming back from 1-0 down to win 2-1.

Kohli made it clear he will be looking to win Test matches against top sides by playing an extra bowler rather than beefing up the batting like other Indian teams.

“Test matches are always won by bowlers. Batsmen will extricate the team once in a while or help chase a target, but more often than not, bowlers will be putting you in a position where you are chasing a small total,” Kohli said.

Kohli said his attitude has not changed much after taking over the captaincy and he believes in giving freedom and responsibility to players as he shepherds a young team after MS Dhoni’s retirement from Tests.

“I’ve not come up with a set of rules. The whole idea is if you want to take a team in a certain direction, you have to give them freedom of expression. You have to give them room to grow as cricketers, let them make mistakes and learn themselves,” Kohli said.

Kohli, who once came out to bat at a crucial juncture of a domestic match after his father’s death and then went back for the cremation, has grown in international cricket, scoring 2,794 runs in 37 Tests with 11 centuries. In the current batting line-up, Kohli has the most Test caps.

Team director Ravi Shastri said he feels the team has a bright future with Kohli at the helm.

“He’s going along beautifully,” Shastri said ahead of the series. “I thought the Sri Lankan win was a real test of character of the boys and he himself rose to the occasion. The average side of the team is 25-26 years, the captain is about the same age and there are plenty of years ahead.”

Shastri feels it will be a big learning curve for Kohli and his teammates as they take on a team that is balanced and known to perform well abroad.

“The best thing that is happening to them is that they are up against playing the best team. It’s good to play the best team in the world early because that’s when you learn the maximum,” Shastri said.

India recently lost a three-match Twenty20 series 2-0 and a five-match ODI series 3-2.

Checks continue

A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.

Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.

Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn

In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:

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The low down on MPS

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.

What is myofascial or trigger-point release?

Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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HWJN

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MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

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