Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has hinted at a potential move for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Raina revealed that Pant met with CSK legend MS Dhoni in Delhi, sparking speculation about a possible transfer.The Indian Premier League (IPL) player retention lists were announced on Wednesday, with Dhoni retained by CSK as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore. Pant, on the other hand, was released by the Delhi Capitals (DC) after eight seasons with the franchise.Speaking to JioCinema, Raina said, "I met MS Dhoni in Delhi, Pant was also there. I think something big is to happen. Someone will be wearing a yellow jersey soon."This statement comes amidst reports that Pant is set to join CSK. The move would not be surprising, as Dhoni is nearing the end of his career and Pant could become the franchise's next star wicketkeeper-batter or even captain.In 111 matches for DC, Pant scored 3,284 runs at an average of 148.93, with a century and 17 fifties. He is the franchise's leading run-getter. Under his captaincy, DC reached the playoffs in 2021 but failed to progress beyond the league stages in 2022 and 2023.In the last season, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches for DC, averaging over 40 and striking at over 155. He scored three half-centuries and had a best score of 88*. While he was the franchise's top run-getter, DC missed out on the playoffs, finishing sixth with seven wins and seven losses.DC have retained all-rounder Axar Patel, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, batters Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel ahead of this year's mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has retained five key players ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and the legendary MS Dhoni. Dhoni's retention at a modest price of INR 4 crore has sparked discussions among fans and experts.The new IPL rule classifies players who have not represented India in the past five years as "uncapped." This rule has drawn criticism from former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Sanjay Manjrekar.Kaif believes that CSK has cleverly exploited the rule to save money and acquire big-name players at the auction. He argues that Dhoni, despite his age and lack of recent international appearances, should not be considered uncapped due to his exceptional IPL performances.Manjrekar echoed Kaif's sentiments, stating that the rule has been reintroduced solely to accommodate Dhoni's return. He humorously pointed out that even Kaif and himself would now be considered uncapped players under this rule.The retention of Dhoni has been a major talking point, with fans and experts debating the value of his experience and leadership. Some argue that his presence is invaluable to CSK, while others question whether he can still perform at the highest level.Despite the controversy surrounding the uncapped rule, CSK's retention strategy has been praised by many. The team has managed to retain its core players while also freeing up funds to acquire new talent at the auction.The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams looking to strengthen their squads. CSK's shrewd retention strategy has positioned them well to compete for the title once again.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are planning for the future without their iconic wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni. The five-time IPL champions have identified India star Rishabh Pant as their top target in the IPL 2025 auction.Dhoni is expected to be retained by CSK as an 'uncapped player' under the new rule. However, the franchise is looking at a long-term plan. According to the Indian Express, Pant has emerged as the top pick for CSK. The franchise is keen on acquiring Pant if he enters the auction pool.CSK has decided to retain skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and Dhoni. The decision on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will depend on Pant's situation at Delhi Capitals.If Pant enters the auction, CSK believes he will command a price around Rs 20 crore. This may result in the franchise not retaining Jadeja. However, CSK may use the Right To Match (RTM) option for Jadeja in that case.Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) is likely to retain skipper Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, young opener Sai Sudharsan, and explosive hitters Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.These retentions will leave GT with one RTM card option at the upcoming auction. With the amount given to each player still unknown, GT will have around Rs 51 crores deducted from their overall purse of Rs 120 crores for retaining three international players and two uncapped players.All franchises must submit their list of retained players by October 31. Each team can retain six players, with a maximum of five capped and two uncapped. This can be done via retention or the RTM option.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Franchises Finalize Retained PlayersWith the mega auction for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaching, the ten franchises have until October 31, 5pm IST, to submit their lists of retained players. Here's a detailed breakdown of the players set to be retained by each franchise:Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK will retain five players: captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni. The amounts paid to each player are yet to be confirmed, but CSK will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)KKR will retain four players: spinner Sunil Narine, batter Rinku Singh, all-rounder Harshit Rana, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Star all-rounder Andre Russell and 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be retained.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG will retain five players: wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, batter Mayank Yadav, spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and uncapped duo Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception, is unlikely to be retained.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)SRH will retain five players: South African power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Klaasen will receive the highest salary of INR 23 crore, followed by Cummins at INR 18 crore and Sharma at INR 14 crore.Key Takeaways:* CSK retains MS Dhoni and four others, losing a significant portion of their purse.* KKR retains Narine and three others, with Russell and Iyer likely to depart.* LSG retains Pooran and four others, with Rahul's future uncertain.* SRH retains Klaasen as their top earner, along with Cummins, Sharma, Head, and Reddy.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaching, the focus intensifies on the retention strategies of the participating teams. Among the most anticipated decisions are those of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), two franchises with immense fan followings.According to reports, CSK has finalized its five retentions: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. This move signals the departure of star players like Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. The retentions are estimated to cost CSK around Rs 65 crore from a total purse of Rs 120 crore.Meanwhile, speculation runs rampant regarding the retention plans of other teams. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, has confirmed his participation in IPL 2025. He is expected to be retained for a mere Rs 4 crores due to a BCCI rule that classifies Indian players as "uncapped" if they have not played for the national team in the past five years.The IPL auction is known for its unpredictable nature, and Dhoni himself has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the process. "Everyone is a team owner now," he quipped at a recent event. "We should be prepared for whatever players they decide to purchase."As the October 31 deadline for releasing retention lists approaches, the IPL community eagerly awaits the official announcements. The mega auction promises to reshape the landscape of the league, with several big names likely to be released and new stars emerging.

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction pool, scheduled for next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sundar, who impressed with 11 wickets in the second Test against New Zealand, is unlikely to be retained by his current franchise, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).According to reports, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Titans have expressed interest in acquiring Sundar's services. The all-rounder is keen on entering the auction, where he could potentially command a significant sum.While SRH has the option to retain Sundar using the Right to Match (RTM) card, they are reportedly considering retaining only three players ahead of the mega auction. Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma are expected to be the retained players.Interestingly, Cummins, who captained SRH in 2024, will reportedly receive a pay cut of INR 2 crore, despite leading the team to the finals last season. SRH is expected to finalize the retentions of Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy soon.The IPL has set October 31 as the deadline for retentions. If SRH finalizes five retentions, they will have one RTM card available at the auction, which can only be used for an uncapped Indian player.Sundar's impressive performances in recent matches have made him a valuable asset for any IPL franchise. His all-round abilities, including his effective spin bowling and solid batting, make him a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways.The upcoming IPL auction promises to be an exciting event, with several top players set to go under the hammer. Sundar's availability will undoubtedly attract the attention of multiple franchises, and he is likely to fetch a substantial contract.

Indian pacer Mohsin Khan has expressed his lifelong admiration for former Indian captain MS Dhoni, citing his iconic match-winning six in the 2011 ODI World Cup final as his favorite cricketing moment.Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Mohsin revealed that Dhoni's ability to hit sixes in crucial situations has always inspired him. "Dhoni bhai is my idol. The way he hits those sixes in the end is unbelievable," he remarked.Mohsin recalled the national jubilation that followed Dhoni's match-winning six, saying it felt like a Diwali celebration everywhere. "I was just 13 or 14 years old at the time, watching the final. As soon as he hit that six, it felt like a Diwali celebration everywhere," he added.Despite his admiration, Mohsin admitted that he gets too nervous to approach Dhoni. "I feel happy just seeing him from afar. I can't talk to him directly, but watching him gives me joy," the 26-year-old bowler confessed with a smile.Meanwhile, Dhoni has hinted at extending his cricketing journey despite stepping back from active captaincy. At a recent promotional event, Dhoni shared that he wants to enjoy the "last few years of cricket" at a relaxed pace.His words have fueled speculation that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might retain him for IPL 2025, even though he passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last season."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni explained. "In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. That's what I want to do."With Dhoni's future in the IPL still uncertain, fans eagerly await whether CSK will retain their beloved "Thala" under the revised retention rules. If Dhoni continues, it would mark yet another unforgettable chapter in his illustrious IPL career.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has expressed his desire to savor the remaining years of his cricketing career. While his availability for IPL 2025 remains uncertain, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has expressed optimism about Dhoni's participation in the upcoming season."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play," Dhoni stated at a promotional event in Goa. "Like how during our childhood we used to go out and play at 4[pm], just enjoying the game. But when you play professional sport it becomes difficult to enjoy the game just like a game. So what I want to do is, there are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy the game for the next few years."Dhoni's eligibility for retention by CSK as an uncapped player stems from the IPL's reinstatement of a rule that considers players retired from international cricket for five years as uncapped. This rule change opens the door for Dhoni's retention, as he retired from international cricket in 2019.During IPL 2024, Dhoni batted lower down the order, facing only a limited number of deliveries. While workload management due to his knee surgery played a role in this decision, Dhoni also revealed that it was intended to provide game time to Indian players vying for a spot in the T20 World Cup."My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well why do I need to come up the order," Dhoni explained. "If you're talking about last year (season) specifically, the T20 World Cup squad was going to be announced soon. So we have to give people who are fighting for a spot a chance. In our team (CSK) we had a few, [Ravindra] Jadeja was there, Shivam Dube was there so you give them an opportunity to prove themselves to get into the Indian team. There was nothing in it for me, no selection and other things. So I'm good behind [playing down the order] and my team was happy with what I was doing."Dhoni also expressed his admiration for the aggressive style of play known as "Bazball," which has become prevalent in Test cricket. He believes that the focus on results has made the format more exciting."You can give cricket any term that you want to, what we have seen is cricket has evolved," Dhoni said. "The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score, now that score is not safe in T20s too.""For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day of a match which is the last day when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw," he added. "I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening, you are just going through the motions. Yes, bowlers would like to take wickets, batters will try to score runs, [but] there is no result in the game. You think let's finish this and go, why do I have to be here. So I love the fact there's change in the way teams are playing Test cricket."

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has hinted at his continued participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This revelation comes as a welcome news for fans and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, who are eager to retain their iconic captain.Dhoni's intentions were made clear during an event where he expressed his desire to savor the remaining years of his cricketing career. "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni stated. "When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do. It's not easy."CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan echoed Dhoni's sentiments, expressing delight at the prospect of the former Indian captain continuing in the IPL. "When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.However, reports suggest that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who recently retired from T20 internationals, is the preferred retention choice for CSK ahead of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jadeja's exceptional all-round abilities and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for the franchise.The CSK retention list is expected to include Jadeja at the top, followed by Gaikwad and pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Two players among Shivam Dube, Devon Conway, and Samir Rizvi are also likely to be retained.Dhoni's continued presence in the IPL will undoubtedly bolster CSK's chances of success. His experience, leadership, and ability to inspire his teammates make him an invaluable asset for the franchise. Fans can eagerly anticipate Dhoni's return to the IPL, where he will once again showcase his exceptional skills and contribute to CSK's pursuit of glory.