Cricket

MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian cricket captain, has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has remained an active player in the IPL, leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to four titles.However, a knee injury plagued Dhoni throughout the 2023 IPL season, forcing him to wear a knee brace. Concerns about his fitness emerged, but a recent video clip on social media has allayed those fears. The 43-year-old was seen hitting a jump smash at lightning speed on a badminton court, showcasing his remarkable fitness.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering reintroducing the provision for franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped players. This rule was abolished in 2021, but its reinstatement could pave the way for Dhoni's return to CSK as an uncapped player.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied that the franchise has requested this rule change, but the BCCI has indicated that it may be implemented. If the rule is reinstated, CSK could retain Dhoni without using one of their retention slots, giving them greater flexibility in building their squad.Dhoni's availability for the 2025 IPL season remains uncertain, but his recent display of fitness has fueled speculation about his potential return. The mega auction will precede the season, and Dhoni's decision will be closely watched by fans and franchises alike.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, remains an icon in the world of sports. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to captivate fans with his presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL).As the IPL 2024 season approaches, Dhoni has relinquished the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Ruturaj Gaikwad. This move signals the franchise's search for a successor to the veteran skipper.Recently, a heartwarming video emerged on social media, showcasing Dhoni's enduring popularity. The former CSK skipper delighted a fan by signing an autograph on his motorcycle. Such gestures underscore Dhoni's enduring connection with his admirers.However, speculation persists regarding Dhoni's future in the IPL. While the mega auction is scheduled for the upcoming months, the player has remained tight-lipped about his participation in IPL 2025.Earlier, reports surfaced that CSK had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate the "uncapped player" rule. This rule would have allowed Dhoni to be retained at a lower price. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied these claims, stating that the franchise has not made such a request.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in the IPL remains secure. Under his leadership, CSK has emerged as one of the most successful franchises, winning five IPL titles, including the most recent one in 2023.Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. He led the team to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His astute captaincy and exceptional wicketkeeping skills have earned him widespread admiration.As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, fans eagerly await Dhoni's next move. Whether he continues to play or decides to retire, his impact on the game of cricket will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanath has dismissed rumors that the franchise requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate a scrapped rule to acquire MS Dhoni at a reduced price. Previously, international players who had retired for five years were classified as "uncapped" in the IPL, allowing them to be acquired at a lower cost. However, this rule was abolished after the 2021 IPL season.Reports emerged that CSK sought the reintroduction of this rule to retain Dhoni as an "uncapped" player, potentially reducing his salary to as low as Rs 4 crore. The franchise had previously retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore in 2022.However, Viswanath has denied these claims, stating, "We've not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the 'uncapped player rule' may be kept, that's all. They (the BCCI) haven't announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI."The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future in the IPL persists ahead of the upcoming mega auction. The 43-year-old has remained silent on his participation in IPL 2025, fueling speculation about his retirement.If Dhoni decides to retire, CSK will face a dilemma. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available before the auction. However, the franchise is reluctant to part ways with the legendary cricketer, who has led them to five IPL titles.CSK's decision will be influenced by Dhoni's performance in the upcoming season. If he continues to perform at a high level, the franchise may consider retaining him. However, if his form declines, they may opt to release him to free up a slot for a younger player.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is approaching, and the fate of MS Dhoni's participation remains uncertain. The legendary cricketer has not yet announced his retirement, but speculations are rife that he may call it quits after the upcoming season.Dhoni's age (43) and recent retirement from international cricket suggest that he is nearing the end of his playing career. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise ahead of the auction.CSK is reportedly seeking the reinstatement of a rule that would allow international players with over five years of retirement to be classified as "uncapped." This would enable them to retain Dhoni as an "uncapped" player, freeing up a "capped" player slot for another potential talent.Ravichandran Ashwin, a former CSK teammate of Dhoni, has weighed in on the matter. He believes that Dhoni's status as an "uncapped" player is technically correct, but questions whether it is appropriate for a player of his caliber to be classified as such.Dhoni's future with CSK is further complicated by the team's recent leadership transition. He stepped down as captain before the start of the 2023 season, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. While CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, Gaikwad's leadership showed promise.The CSK management faces a difficult decision. Retaining Dhoni as a player would provide stability and experience, but it could also limit their options in the auction. Excluding him would be a tough call, given his legendary status and contributions to the franchise.The IPL mega auction is scheduled to take place in December 2023. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future will continue to cast a shadow over CSK's preparations for the upcoming season.

Shivam Dube's resurgence in international cricket has been a testament to his determination and the transformative power of a supportive environment. After a promising start in 2020, Dube's career stalled, but a move to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL proved to be a turning point.Under the guidance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming, Dube was assigned a specific role: to neutralize spin in the middle overs. With a stable position in the upper middle order, he received the confidence and belief that he could dominate with his power and timing. The backroom staff invested countless hours in honing his range-hitting prowess, and the results were spectacular.In the 2022 IPL season, Dube amassed 289 runs at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 156.22. His consistent performances earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in 2023. While he didn't have many opportunities to showcase his batting skills, his combined returns of 47 runs (undefeated) in 35 balls in two events earned him a shot against Afghanistan.Dube responded with aplomb, scoring an unbeaten 60 in Mohali and 63 not out in Indore. His power-hitting had stormed him into contention for a place in the T20 World Cup in the Americas, where he battled for the middle-order slot/finisher's role with Rinku Singh.Despite the introduction of the Impact Player in the IPL, which has stunted the growth of Indian all-rounders, Dube's selection for the World Cup was a testament to his pure batting prowess. He showcased another facet of his batting – the ability to adapt to the situation.On a challenging surface at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Dube played a measured innings of 31 off 35, helping India overcome a precarious position against the United States. As the tournament moved to the Caribbean, Dube's power-hitting returned, with vital contributions against Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.Dube's reintegration into the one-day format is seen as a middling long-term option, as an insurance for Hardik Pandya. However, his performances in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka have shown his potential. He picked up his maiden wicket and almost took India past the finish line with a quickfire 25 off 24.Dube's journey is a reminder that even after setbacks, hard work and the right environment can lead to a successful comeback. While he may not be the most athletic fielder, his hunger and desire with the bat make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Could MS Dhoni Return as an Uncapped Player for CSK in IPL 2025?During a recent meeting between the IPL and its ten franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) proposed the reintroduction of a rule that could allow retired international players to be classified as uncapped players. This rule, which existed from 2008 to 2021, would significantly reduce the cost of retaining such players.CSK is reportedly keen on retaining MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, as an uncapped player. If the IPL approves this proposal, Dhoni could be retained for a mere INR 4 crore, compared to the INR 12 crore he cost CSK in 2022.However, the majority of other franchises are opposed to this move. They argue that it would disrespect retired internationals and set a wrong precedent, as uncapped players bought at the auction could earn more than former internationals retained as uncapped players.Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran believes that retired players should be part of the auction, where their value would be determined by the market. Other franchises also expressed the view that former internationals should not be considered uncapped regardless of their retirement status.The question of Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he stepped down as CSK captain and played a limited role with the bat. Dhoni has stated that he will wait for the player retention rules to be finalized before making a decision on playing in 2025.Meanwhile, the franchises unanimously agreed that Indian players who have not played international cricket for five years should be allowed to lower their base price at the auction. This move aims to increase the chances of such players being bought at the auction.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is adopting a cautious approach regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the IPL governing council currently formulating plans for the 2025 season, including auction and retention strategies, Dhoni is keen to observe the rule changes, particularly those related to player retention, before making a decision on his participation."There is ample time for that," said Dhoni, who recently turned 43, at an event in Hyderabad. "We need to ascertain the decisions they make on player retention and other matters. Currently, the decision-making authority lies with them.""Once the rules and regulations are finalized, I will make a decision that aligns with the best interests of the team," he added.The IPL governing council recently convened a meeting with franchise owners and officials in Mumbai to discuss various rule changes. Among the topics on the agenda were the Impact Player rule, the number of players to be retained, and the frequency of the mega auction.Questions about Dhoni's IPL future have been raised consistently over the past few years. Earlier this year, he addressed one aspect of these concerns by handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of the season.Under Gaikwad's leadership, CSK narrowly missed out on a playoff berth, finishing fifth on the table with 14 points, equal to RCB but behind on net run rate.During the previous season, Dhoni assumed the role of a six-hitting specialist in the death overs. He typically entered the crease in the final stages of the CSK innings and amassed 13 sixes and 14 fours in the 73 balls he faced, resulting in a boundary every three balls. His impressive strike rate of 220.54 marked the first season where he surpassed 200, and he remained unbeaten in eight of his 11 innings.

The future of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as the league prepares for a mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. Dhoni, who stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the start of the 2024 season, has not yet confirmed his plans to continue playing.According to reports, Dhoni's continuity in the league as a player depends on the retention policy set by the IPL management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With a mega auction scheduled, there is speculation that the BCCI may allow franchises to retain a limited number of players.If the BCCI allows the retention of only 3-4 players per franchise, it is unlikely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK. However, if the retention limit is increased to 5-6 players, Dhoni's experience and leadership could make him a valuable asset for the franchise.Currently, CSK's most likely retention candidates include skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and all-rounder Shivam Dube. The order of retention could vary depending on the team's priorities.The IPL bosses have reportedly invited franchise owners for a meeting on July 31 to discuss the retention matter. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has sent text messages to the owners, indicating that the meeting will likely take place in the late afternoon or evening at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.Sources suggest that the BCCI may allow the retention of 5-6 players per franchise, which could open the door for Dhoni's continued involvement in the IPL. However, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the meeting between the IPL management and the franchise owners.

Following the recent acquisition of India Cements' promoters stake by UltraTech Cement, it has been clarified that the transaction will not impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).India Cements acquired CSK when the IPL was established in 2008. However, in 2015, the team was transferred to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), a separate company. Former CSK captain M.S. Dhoni serves as one of India Cements' vice presidents.According to the company's 2023 annual report, former BCCI president N. Srinivasan (Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements) and his family are the promoters of CSKCL, holding a 28.14% stake. They will continue to own the five-time IPL champion.Apart from CSK, India Cements has been actively involved in promoting cricket in Chennai through its support of various clubs in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league across divisions. The company employs numerous former first-class and international cricketers. It also operates three teams in the top-flight First Division: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).Sources indicate that most of the cricketers employed by India Cements have been transferred to CSKCL and will not be affected by the acquisition. "The sporting activity of India Cements will not be affected, and the club activities across various divisions will continue without any change. The former cricketers who are employed have already been moved to CSK and will be taken care of," said a highly placed source.With the IPL Mega Auction approaching later this year, all eyes will be on whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK for another season.