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Skipper Kohli backs Rayudu for fourth spot
Guwahati, Oct 20 (IANS) Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday backed Ambati Rayudu for the number four slot ahead of their first ODI against the West Indies here.
“The team felt there — and I also watched him — he is designed to play that middle order batsman role. We feel that our middle order is more or less balanced now,” Kohli said on the eve of their match against the West Indies.
“We believe he is the right person to capitalise. He is experienced and has won many games for his state and also in the IPL. He has a great ODI record already for India. I think the batting order is sorted.”
India are slated to play about 18-odd ODIs including the five-match series beginning at the Assam Cricket Association Barsapara Stadium here.
“Now these 18 games would be to give the perfect combination that we want to take into the World Cup,” Kohli added.
Kohli said the challenge was only to find someone for the No 4 slot.
“With Rayudu coming in and playing well in the Asia Cup, it’s about giving him enough game time till the World Cup that particular slot will be sorted for us.”
Rayudu scored 175 runs, averaging 43.75 from six innings in Kohli’s absence in the Asia Cup.
“The only position we were trying to figure out was number four for a long time. We tried many players who unfortunately could not capitalise or cement their places in a way we wanted.
“Barring injuries or niggles, we want one combination to play through and through. Apart from bowlers resting here and there in ODIs, we only changed the No 4 slot because we wanted someone to cement the place,” he reasoned.
There has been criticism about Dhoni’s waning batting ability and when asked if he was open to adjusting 5, 6, 7 slots, Kohli said: “Here, more often than not people want to create controversies out of nothing.”
“You look at things the way you want to. You see anyone stepping out at number three according to the situation for a side in England.
Kohli said that in the recent past the bulk of the scoring was done by the top three batsmen so the lower order did not get much chance.
“Batting order is always ready, especially after four. The guys below four are always flexible in terms of the situation. You want the best thing for team. Being flexible is very very important,” Kohli said.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.