Sports
Were Argentina under more pressure than usual in World Cup final? Lionel Messi’s tunnel pep talks fuel fan theories – WATCH | Football News
Fresh footage of Lionel Messi‘s pre-match and half-time team talks has reignited debate over whether Argentina entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup final carrying more baggage than just the weight of defending their title.The newly surfaced videos, recorded inside the dressing room and players’ tunnel before Sunday’s final against Spain, have prompted widespread fan speculation after Messi repeatedly urged his teammates to “forget everything” and focus solely on football. The footage has gone viral after Argentina produced one of their most subdued performances under Lionel Scaloni, eventually losing 0-1 after extra time to Spain at MetLife Stadium.While Spain dominated proceedings throughout, Argentina failed to register a meaningful attacking threat for long periods, with their first shot arriving only deep into extra time.
Messi’s repeated message raises questions
The first video, filmed moments before the players left the dressing room, shows Messi attempting to calm an unusually tense-looking squad.“Calm, let’s stay calm, lads. Let’s think about playing, nothing else. Stay calm. Let’s forget about everything, let’s forget about everything. Let’s focus on playing,” the Argentina captain told his teammates.Another clip from the tunnel captures Messi delivering a similar message moments before kick-off.“Come on, boys, let’s forget what happened, as if nothing had happened,” Messi was heard telling his teammates.The wording immediately caught the attention of supporters, particularly because several players — including Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez — appeared visibly emotional and unusually subdued.Martinez was later forced off injured during the first half, while Fernandez was sent off late in normal time after receiving a second yellow card.
Half-time rally alongside Emiliano Martinez
Messi’s leadership continued during the interval as television cameras picked up another motivational speech before Argentina returned for the second half.“Come on, lads. Personality, people, personality. We’ve always had it, so why wouldn’t we have it now? We have the personality to play,” Messi urged.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also attempted to inspire the squad with an equally passionate message, saying, “With heart, lads. Let’s move forward, not backward… Only cowards play backward.”Despite the rallying cries, Argentina struggled to impose themselves before Ferran Torres eventually scored the winner in the 106th minute.The unusual nature of Messi’s comments has triggered numerous theories on social media. Adding to the mystery, Scaloni remarked after the final that “things happened” before the match but declined to elaborate “out of respect for the tournament.”
Emotional aftermath
Messi later reflected on the defeat in an emotional Instagram message.“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal,” he wrote. “But I also hold on to all the good… this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.”Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul also dismissed accusations surrounding Argentina’s tournament run, criticising those who spread “baseless conspiracy theories” during the World Cup.For now, the viral footage has only deepened intrigue. Messi’s repeated plea to “forget everything” remains unexplained.
The World Firefighters Games will involve competitors from 70 countries / World Firefighters Games
Italian Exhibition Group the organiser behind Dubai Active and Dubai Muscle Show will organise the Health and Wellness Expo and Fire and Safety Expo alongside the 2026 World Firefighters Games in Saudi Arabia
The event is expected to attract more than 7,000 competitors, 200,000 spectators and participants from 70 countries
The exhibition will showcase functional fitness, occupational health, recovery, nutrition, healthcare technology and specialist training solutions designed to support firefighter performance and resilience
The appointment highlights growing opportunities for the commercial fitness sector in adjacent markets
Italian Exhibition Group – the organiser behind industry events Dubai Active and Dubai Muscle Show – has been appointed to deliver the Health and Wellness Expo and Fire and Safety Expo at the 16th World Firefighters Games.
The events will take place at Dhahran Expo in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, from 6 to 8 November 2026 with the games happening from 5 to 13 November.
The World Firefighter Games is expected to attract more than 7,000 competitors, 200,000 spectators and participants from 70 countries to compete in 56 sporting disciplines.
For the commercial fitness sector, the appointment highlights the growing role of health, fitness and wellness expertise in adjacent performance markets. It also reflects the increasing popularity of large-scale participation events built around physical challenge and community.
While aimed at firefighters rather than consumers, the games demonstrate the commercial potential of combining sport with an exhibition ecosystem – a model aligned with events such as Hyrox and Athx.
The Health and Wellness Expo will showcase products and services spanning functional fitness, occupational health, recovery, healthcare technology, nutrition and specialist training programmes designed to support firefighter health, performance and resilience.
Alongside the Fire and Safety Expo, it will create opportunities for networking, business development and knowledge exchange between firefighters, health professionals, equipment manufacturers and technology companies, while promoting best practice in occupational health and wellbeing.
For suppliers serving the commercial fitness market, the event also represents another route to market beyond traditional health clubs, reflecting growing demand from emergency services and other sectors where physical capability is fundamental to job performance.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of Italian Exhibition Group, said: “IEG Arabia’s partnership with the World Firefighters Games 2026 reflects our ambition to expand internationally and consolidate our presence in strategic growth markets. The Middle East is a key priority for us, and trade fairs also have an important role to play in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, creating platforms for investment, knowledge exchange and industry development.”
Francesco Santa, CEO of IEG Middle East, added: “The Firefighter Health and Wellness Expo at the World Firefighters Games 2026 is one of the most important global events for the firefighting community and a platform that aligns with our experience in organising large-scale events dedicated to health, fitness and wellness.
“We’ll bring together the world’s leading brands, organisations and innovators to support the health, performance and wellbeing of firefighters, while creating a dynamic environment that promotes collaboration, innovation and industry connections.”
Preparations are already underway, with the organisers expecting the exhibitions to attract tens of thousands of visitors, including industry professionals, athletes and delegates from around the world.
More: www.wfg26.com/about
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The lineup for this year’s WNBA All-Star 3-point contest has been a talking point in the sports world since it was announced. New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was among the most notable players absent from the annual competition.
Ionescu addressed the speculation ahead of Wednesday’s Liberty-Sky matchup, pushing back against reports that she chose not to participate in this weekend’s WNBA 3-point contest in Chicago. “I can’t decline an offer I never got officially invited to. So was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited,” the defending 3-point contest champion told reporters during her pregame media availability.
Caitlin Clark and Kayla McBride were also among the high-profile stars who reportedly declined invitations to the competition.
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New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu competing in the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest on July 18, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Whether it’s against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try and beat my record, every single time I’ve gone out.” Ionescu has won the 3-point contest twice, highlighted by her record-setting 37-point performance in 2023.
“I just kind of wanted to set the record straight,” she continued. “Like that was just false, but I’m really excited for the participants in it, and obviously there’s going to be a new winner, so I’m excited to see who wins.”
Ionescu later referenced her previous 3-point showdown with Stephen Curry when asked a follow-up about the issue, “Maybe I’ll do it with Steph again at NBA All-Star and get a really nice official invite.”
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu celebrates after winning the WNBA Starry 3-Point Contest on July 18, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (A.J. Mast/NBAE via Getty Images)
The confirmed list of 3-point contest participants includes: Dallas’ Azzi Fudd, Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, Golden State’s Janelle Salaün, Portland’s Bridget Carleton, Toronto’s Marina Mabrey and Seattle’s Natisha Hiedeman. Howard and Mabrey are the only players in that group with prior 3-point contest experience at All-Star weekend.
Earlier this week, Ionescu refuted a report that she had opted out of this year’s festivities, commenting “lies” under a since-deleted Bleacher Report Instagram post. McBride also weighed in via social media, saying her agent had texted her about the event in the 48 hours before her Instagram Story post, but that no formal invitation ever came.
“Posting things like I’m afraid of shooting smoke is weird and if you didn’t hear it from me prob shouldn’t believe it,” McBride wrote. “We should focus on the great shooters in it already!!! Because there’s some killas in there.”
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu competes in the WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star weekend at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 18, 2025. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Despite dealing with an ankle injury early this season, Ionescu entered Wednesday night’s game averaging 13.8 points per game over 14 appearances.
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Jul 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies infielder Kyle Karros (12) is caught in a run down against Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli (24) in the second inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Luis Garcia Jr. homered, Cade Cavalli tossed six strong innings, and the Washington Nationals beat the Colorado Rockies 8-0 in the rubber game of the series in Denver on Wednesday.
Cavalli (7-4), making his second start since serving a five-game suspension, scattered four hits, walked a pair and struck out eight in his six innings.
CJ Abrams had four hits and Jorbit Vivas, Nasim Nunez, Dylan Crews and Jose Tena finished with two each for Washington. The Nationals, who entered the afternoon leading the majors in runs, RBIs and home runs, have scored seven or more runs in four of their last five games.
Jake McCarthy doubled to extend his on-base streak to 17 games and Kyle Karros singled and walked twice for Colorado, which finished 2-4 on its homestand. The Rockies committed three errors that resulted in two unearned runs.
Colorado starter Gabriel Hughes (0-2), making his second career start at Coors Field and fourth overall major league appearance, was locked in a pitching duel with Cavalli. Hughes struck out five through four shutout innings before the Nationals got to him to start the fifth.
Vivas led off the inning with a triple off the wall in right and James Wood drove him home with a hit a sacrifice fly.
Washington broke it open in the seventh against reliever Jimmy Herget. Daylen Liles led off with a walk, went to second on a groundout and Vivas walked. Nunez singled to left to bring home Liles, and Vivas came home when the ball rolled under Mickey Moniak’s glove for an error.
One out later, Garcia blasted his 21st homer of the season into the Nationals’ bullpen to make it 5-0. Zach Agnos relieved Herget and gave up consecutive singles to Tena and Abrams. Crews followed with another single to drive in Tena, and two throwing errors on the play allowed Abrams to score.
Washington added to its lead in the eighth. Keiber Ruiz led off with a double, Vivas singled and Nunez followed with an RBI single.
–Field Level Media
The Burnaby, B.C., native appeared to run around the bases gingerly in the top half of the fourth inning before being removed from the game in the bottom half.
Dylan Beavers moved from centre field to right, and Colton Cowser entered the game to replace O’Neill and play centre.
O’Neill, 31, is having a second straight down season, slashing .205/.297/.360 with six home runs and 15 RBIs. He hit 31 home runs for the Red Sox in 2024.
The Red Sox tied their franchise record with a 15th straight win in Game 1 of a split doubleheader against the Orioles on Wednesday and have the chance to break it in Game 2.
When championship conditions turn baked-out and firm, the knee-jerk reaction among amateur players is to instantly strip bounce off every wedge in the bag. And YES, it did happen a bit last week at Royal Birkdale with players getting low bounce wedge grinds built up “just in case”.
The logic seems sound on paper: tighter lies demand a lower leading edge to prevent the sole from skidding into the middle of the golf ball. On Tour, however, the response from the trucks is far more personal. While firm fairways and tight turf do trigger an influx of low-bounce wedge options across the field, a player’s delivery geometry, swing path, and wrist release play a far larger role in grind selection than ground hardness alone.
A wedge grind never functions in isolation. Static bounce stamped on the sole only represents how the club rests on a flat surface; dynamic bounce is determined by how the player introduces the clubhead to the turf at impact. A steep attack angle with forward shaft lean converts a high-bounce wedge into a digging instrument, whereas a shallow delivery with shaft handle elevation can make even a mid-bounce sole prone to skipping if not fitted to the player’s specific lie angle requirements. Examining the wedge setups of Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry, and Nico Echavarria demonstrates how three distinctly different physical deliveries dictate three entirely different equipment solutions when playing on firm Tour conditions.
Theres a TON to learn here.
Ryan Fox: High bounce retention for steep turf engagement
Getty Images
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Ryan Fox wedge specs:
- 50° MID Grind: True Temper Dynamic Gold X100, 63° Lie Angle, Standard Length
- 56° MID Grind: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400, 63.5° Lie Angle, Standard Length
- 60° MID Grind: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400, 63.5° Lie Angle, Standard Length
Ryan Fox represents a category of ball-striker that defies standard conventional wisdom on baked-out courses. Fox is a heavy-striking player who drives the clubhead down hard into the turf through impact. Rather than sweeping the ball clean, he compresses it with substantial forward shaft lean and a steep angle of attack, taking distinct divots regardless of how firm the sub-base happens to be.
For a player with Fox’s delivery profile, dropping to low-bounce grinds under hard conditions creates a catastrophic scenario. When a steep attack angle is paired with a sharp leading edge and minimal sole geometry, the clubhead drives directly into the soil without resistance, leading to heavy contact and inconsistent distance control. By staying in Mid-Bounce profiles across his entire 50°, 56°, and 60° wedge setup, Fox maintains necessary ground clearance. The sole bounce acts as a safety valve, allowing the clubhead to pass down through the ball, compress it against the tight turf, and exit cleanly on the target line without stalling in the ground.
Furthermore, Fox frequently uses his lob wedge to play low, flighted shots off his back foot. Moving the ball back in the stance increases dynamic shaft lean, which effectively subtracts bounce from the club head at impact. Because Fox manipulates his delivery to deloft and drive the ball flat, the static Mid-Bounce is required simply to keep the leading edge elevated enough to prevent digging. His shaft build also reflects this mechanical split: a stiffer Dynamic Gold X100 in the 50° to match his iron transition and tight distance dispersion, followed by Dynamic Gold S400 shafts in the 56° and 60° to provide slightly softer tip feel and controlled spin on partial greenside shots.
Shane Lowry: Upright angles, dynamic touch, and sole transition
Shane Lowry wedge specs:
- 50° MID Grind (bent to 51°): KBS Tour X, +.25″ Length, 2.5° Upright
- 56° MID Grind (bent to 57°): KBS Tour X, +.25″ Length, 2.5° Upright
- 60° LOW Grind (bent to 61°): KBS Tour X, +.25″ Length, 2.5° Upright
Shane Lowry possesses one of the most distinctive wedge setups on Tour, defined by upright lie angles and precise loft tweaks. Standing at a relatively standard height, Lowry’s lie angle configuration of 2.5 degrees upright across all three wedges is noticeably upright compared to tour averages. This spec stems from both a visual preference at address and a structural delivery mechanics issue where Lowry stands the shaft up during his backswing and delivers the clubhead with a toe-down, upright orientation.
Lowry’s lofts are each adjusted 1-degree weak (50° to 51°, 56° to 57°, and 60° to 61°). Bending a wedge weak increases static bounce by 1 degree while adding subtle offset and altering the leading-edge appearance. On his gap and sand wedges, this modification maintains controlled full-swing gapping and enhances spin rates out of rough and fairway lies alike.
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This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core allows us to shift the Center of Gravity closer to where you strike the ball, while simultaneously adding MOI.
UltiZip
UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from the fairway, rough, or bunker.
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Earlier in the season, Lowry transitioned away from a Full Face lob wedge profile into a 60° Low Bounce grind (bent to 61°). Lowry is an elite short-game artist who relies heavily on wrist manipulation, face opening, and shallow turf skimming around the greens. Because Lowry naturally adds dynamic bounce through impact by releasing his hands and laying the face open, a wedge with wide sole geometry or high static bounce becomes a liability on hard surfaces. Excessive bounce causes the trailing edge to strike the hard ground first, causing the leading edge to skip upward into the middle of the ball. The Low Bounce grind allows the leading edge to stay close to the dirt when the face is opened, trusting his hands to supply the necessary bounce dynamically at strike.
It just adds to what will be an especially special Games for Marshall, who is joined in the bowls team by his niece Beth Riva.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking really,” 59-year-old Marshall told BBC Scotland. “It’s not very often I get a bit emotional, but I certainly had a tear in my eye when I came out the lift this morning and all the athletes were there. It’s just a huge honour.”
Resplendent in full kilt on a sweltering day, and proprietorially clutching the flagstick like a child would a favourite toy, the East Lothian bowler was in his element when talking about the news on Wednesday.
Marshall conceded he would have to let it go for the evening before having it returned before the big show.
But he might have to battle with Adlington for first shot of it when that time comes. “And I’d win that fight,” joked the 39-year-old heavyweight.
Adlington, who won judo gold in 2014 and 2022 and is looking to end her career by completing the treble, revealed the two of them have known the news for a few weeks but had been sworn to secrecy.
“That’s been really hard,” she told BBC Sport Scotland. “I was told I could tell my nearest and dearest but for everyone else it will be a massive surprise.
“I’m just so excited. I was so nervous when I woke up this morning, and I think I’ll be even more nervous tomorrow. I might not even sleep tonight but if it’s even half as good as it was in 2014, it will be amazing.”
The Brasileirão leaders returned from the World Cup break with another win.
Palmeiras beat Coritiba this Wednesday (22) at Couto Pereira, thanks especially to their Paraguayans.
Recently naturalized, Maurício scored the match’s first two goals, both in the first half, making it 2-0 with less than 20 minutes played.
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Ramón Sosa provided the assist for the opening goal and extended the lead in the second half.
Paulo Roberto scored Coritiba’s only goal of the match, which came right after Palmeiras’ third.
Coxa still pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but created little.
Carlos Miguel‘s main moment in the match came in first-half stoppage time, with a spectacular save from a header by Thiago Santos.
See the match goals below:
9′ – Maurício
19′ – Maurício
67′ – Sosa
68′ – Paulo Roberto
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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Every once in a while, a big leaguer looks like a little leaguer on the diamond.
Unfortunately for the Philadelphia Phillies, star catcher J.T. Realmuto’s Little League-esque blunder ended the game.
In the bottom of the ninth inning of the Phillies’ 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies had runners on second and third with one out.
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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts tags Philadelphia Phillies’ Justin Crawford in a rundown with J.T. Realmuto heading back to second base during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Justin Crawford, who pinch-ran for Alec Bohm, was on third base, while Realmuto was on second base. Right fielder Brandon Marsh was up against closer Tanner Scott.
Marsh hit a weak ground ball to third base, and Crawford started to go home but stopped after a few steps.
Interim Phillies manager Don Mattingly said postgame the contact play was on, which means Crawford was supposed to run home no matter what. However, Crawford said the contact play was on unless the ball was hit to third base.
So Crawford, now caught between third base and home plate, got in a rundown. Realmuto ran to third base but inexplicably turned around to go back to second base when he saw Crawford run back to third base.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman reacts after tagging out Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 21, 2026. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
Mookie Betts tagged Crawford out and then whirled and fired to second baseman Tommy Edman to nab Realmuto going back to second, completing a chaotic 5-2-6-4 double play to end the game.
Phillies announcer John Kruk was in disbelief after seeing Realmuto run back toward second base.
“Oh no, JT! Oh no,” Kruk said.
Realmuto said postgame it was a bad baserunning play.
“Just a bad baserunning play, really,” Realmuto told reporters postgame. “We were going on seeing it through there, and once (Crawford) gets in the rundown and I’m on third base, there’s no reason for me to go back to second. Just a lack of judgment. You can’t make two outs on that play. I’ve just got to stay in scoring position.”
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Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman reacts after getting Philadelphia Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto out at second base for the final out of a game Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
“Just a lapse in judgment. I thought Crawford could get out of the rundown for some reason. The chances of that are so small, you just can’t take that chance there of making two outs on one play.”
Realmuto said he should have played it through in his head before it happened and been more proactive in his preparation. Mattingly said he wasn’t sure what his star catcher was thinking.
“I don’t know what JT was thinking there, honestly, because he got to third,” Mattingly told reporters postgame.
“With contact on,” Mattingly said, “just hoping (Crawford) stays in (the rundown) long enough to get Marsh to second, and you end up in the same spot.”
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J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on July 20, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa. The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 10-7. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
“I’m not quite sure what he’s thinking. I don’t know if he thought that (Crawford) was going to get back or they were going to let him get back. It’s something we’ll talk about.”
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The baserunning blunder comes in the midst of a down season for Realmuto. The three-time All-Star catcher is hitting just .215 with seven home runs, which well below his career batting average of .268.
The Phillies (56-46) will look to bounce back from the tough loss and take the third game of the three-game set against the Dodgers (64-38) on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET.
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Sports
Wasim Jaffer says KL Rahul ‘is at par’ with Virat Kohli, reveals one quality that separates them | Cricket News
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has made a bold comparison between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, saying the Indian wicketkeeper-batter possesses the same level of talent and technical ability as the batting great. However, Jaffer believes it is Kohli’s unmatched mentality and relentless consistency that have helped him scale unprecedented heights in international cricket.Rahul and Kohli have shared the Indian dressing room for over a decade, with the duo making their international careers around the same era. While Kohli has gone on to become one of the greatest batters of the modern era, Rahul has often been praised for his elegant strokeplay and versatility but has struggled to convert his immense potential into sustained dominance.Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Jaffer reflected on his time as part of the Punjab Kings coaching setup and recalled working closely with Rahul during the IPL.
‘KL Rahul is at par with Virat Kohli in talent’
Jaffer described Rahul as one of the most technically complete batters in world cricket and said the Karnataka star still has plenty to achieve.“KL is a top-class player who plays all three formats remarkably well. Technically sound, composed, and level-headed. Even though he is still actively playing, I believe he has somewhat underachieved given his skill set. He can get so many more runs for both India and his franchise,” Jaffer said. The former India opener then made a striking comparison with Kohli.“In terms of pure talent and quality, I genuinely believe he is at par with Virat Kohli, but it is Virat’s elite mentality that creates that ultimate separation between KL and Virat,” he added.
Virat Kohli vs KL Rahul: International career comparison
Although Jaffer rates Rahul’s talent alongside Kohli’s, the numbers underline the remarkable gap created by Kohli’s longevity and consistency as Kohli started his international career 6 years prior to KL Rahul.
| Stat | Virat Kohli | KL Rahul |
|---|---|---|
| International Matches | 562 | 238 |
| Runs | 28,359 | 9,830 |
| Batting Average | 52.71 | 40.45 |
| Centuries | 85 | 22 |
| Half-centuries | 148 | 62 |
| Highest Score | 254* | 199 |
Dow Jones Edges Higher Wednesday Morning Ahead of Key Alphabet and Tesla Earnings as Oil Prices Rise
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