Shastri's high praise for Kohli, Rohit trolls Chahal and more - Cricket News Today, 5th February 2019

We're back with another edition of Cricket News Today, your daily dose of trending news from the cricketing world.

India and New Zealand are all set for the three-match T20I series, being played right after the end of the ODIs. Elsewhere, the Bangladesh Premier League is at the fag end of its 2019 season.

At Sportskeeda, fans will always be in touch with the sport. Be it match day or even a boring, non-match day, there's loads to catch up on the cricketing front.

Here are some of the headlines from the world of cricket:

Shastri compares Kohli to Viv Richards, Imran Khan

Shastri and Kohli during the India-Australia T20I series

It seems like there's no dearth of mutual respect when it comes to captain-coach duo Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, who keep reiterating each other's role in India's success over the years.

After series wins in Australia and New Zealand, Ravi Shastri, in an interview with Cricbuzz, compared Kohli to former greats Vivian Richards and Imran Khan, calling the Indian captain 'absolutely special'.

"Here is a guy who is as dominant as Sir Vivian Richards. The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable".

"I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri was quoted as saying.

Rohit Sharma trolls 'motivational' Chahal on Twitter

Chahal and Rohit

One glance at Yuzvendra Chahal's Twitter feed, and you'll know where to come next for your dose of random entertainment (his old tweets are pure gold). The fun-loving legspinner seems to enjoy great camaraderie with most of his teammates, given his ever-so-genial attitude.

Known better to the world for his skills with the ball, than with a bat in his hand, Chahal recently posted a picture from the fourth ODI between India and New Zealand, where he ended as the visiting team's highest top-scorer.

Chahal posted the picture on Twitter, inspiring caption and all, with a bat in his hand, next to Kuldeep Yadav. Interim captain Rohit Sharma decided to pull Chahal's leg on Twitter, observing something that most people had overlooked.

"Think big, believe big, act big, and the results will be big..!!" is how Chahal decided to caption his image.

"How about ironing your uniform," Rohit commented, pointing out the spinner's crumpled jersey.

Chahal cheekily responded to the comment too :"I will speak to the laundry guy for sure captain rohitaaa sharmaaa. @rohitsharma45 and my big brother trying to troll me hmm.. nice try bhaiya you improved little bit..keep it up".

Pakistan confirm Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain for World Cup 2019

Sarfaraz was recently banned for 4 ODIs

Pakistan have confirmed that Sarfraz Ahmed will be retained as captain for the 2019 World Cup, putting an end to speculations regarding his role after his recent four-match ODI suspension.

PCB's chairman Ehsan Mani announced that the wicketkeeper will also lead the side in the 5-match ODI series against Australia in the lead-up to the global event.

“There’s no doubt that Sarfraz Ahmed is our captain and he will remain so until any other decision is taken,” Mani was quoted as saying.

“There are speculations after every series in the media which is unsubstantiated. He will captain Pakistan in the Australia series (in the ODI series) and in the World Cup. After it, we will sit and evaluate the performance,” he said.

Warne's bold prediction for World Cup 2019

Warne in the Australian camp during the T20I series against India

Former Australian spinner Shane Warne has predicted Australia to win the 2019 World Cup for the sixth time, despite the team's poor performance in recent times. In a tweet,

He tweeted:

"As I'm putting my #worldcup squad together for my column, I really believe Aust can win it again. As we have the players for the conditions, match winners etc. I think England & India go in as hot favourites, but if the selectors play their part - then the Aussies can 100% win!"

As expected, not many were amused by his bold call, pointing at Australia's recent record, while others mentioned other teams that were stronger contenders for a title win this time.

Chances of Australia winning world cup = Chances of Rajasthan royals winning IPL in 2019. Ain't happening mate.

— Ram 🇮🇳 (@r_acharya) February 5, 2019

One can't really disregard Warne's comments, for he has an uncanny ability to predict things right when it comes to the game. Before the Australia series, he had predicted that whoever wins the first Test, will win the series 2-1 (which India eventually did). Even during the series, his hunches were spot-on, regarding certain dismissals and outcomes.