Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance at Chepauk, where he claimed 105 wickets in a single match, was met with mixed emotions from his wife, Prithi. While she was overjoyed with his achievements, she couldn't help but express her disappointment over the lack of attention she received on the first day of the match.In a heartwarming conversation shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Prithi confronted Ashwin about his absence on the opening day. "Kids want to know what would you give them on Daughter's day?" she asked. Ashwin responded with a playful suggestion of giving them the ball he used to pick up a fifer. However, his daughter quickly dismissed the idea.Prithi then asked Ashwin how it felt to perform so well in front of his home crowd. "I don't know how to react because the first day was something that happened really quickly," Ashwin said. "I didn't expect to walk in to bat here and get a hundred. I hadn't batted in a while. It feels great. Every time I come here it feels special. I don't know there is some energy in his ground that keeps me going."Prithi couldn't resist a cheeky question, wondering if Ashwin's performance had refueled his energy levels, as he had neglected her on the first day. Ashwin, however, managed to justify his actions. "Do you think this energy added anything to your energy?" Prithi asked. "She kept complaining that I didn't see her on the first day. I didn't. For me, it's very difficult for me to look out for the family when I am playing. In the middle of the game, but I do make a conscious effort because the children are always asking me, 'Why didn't you say hi'?" Ashwin said jokily.Prithi defended herself, saying that she didn't always expect Ashwin to greet her, but she felt neglected when he didn't acknowledge her presence at all. "I would like to defend myself here. I don't always say hi. When you sit in the seat for 9 to 5 and all I see is Raj waving back at me like I have made up the two days."Despite the playful banter, Prithi expressed her pride in Ashwin's achievements. "But congratulations. A second hundred and a fifer at Chennai. The kids are here they really had a good time. A perfect Sunday morning, it has been a decent weather," she said.Ashwin concluded the conversation by thanking Prithi for her support and bringing him good luck.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's seasoned all-rounder, is poised to achieve a significant milestone at his home ground, Chepauk, in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh. With 296 Test wickets to his name, Jadeja is just four scalps away from becoming the third Indian spinner to reach the 300-wicket mark.In the first innings of the series opener, Jadeja claimed two wickets, further bolstering his impressive Test record. He also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring a solid 86 in a crucial 199-run partnership with centurion Ravichandran Ashwin.Jadeja's dismissal by Taskin Ahmed prevented him from reaching a century, but he remained upbeat about his performance. "I got out today, but it's part and parcel of the game," he said. "Now we have to put up a good score on the board in the second innings. I am very happy with my bowling, the way I went through today. It's a good opportunity to take the 300th wicket on this ground."India are in a commanding position, having extended their overall lead to 308 runs. The hosts were 81 for three at stumps after dismissing Bangladesh for 149 in their first innings. India had made 376 in their first innings.Jadeja, who has extensive experience playing at Chepauk due to his long tenure with Chennai Super Kings, emphasized the importance of batting well in the second innings. "First we have to bat very well, we have to put somewhere around 120-150 from hereon," he said. "We'll be in a good position and then we'll come out and bowl and try and get them out as early as possible."A record 17 wickets fell in a day at Chepauk, indicating that the pitch offered something for both pacers and spinners. "It's pretty good for batting but there's still something in the wicket for the fast bowlers," Jadeja observed. "Odd ball was seaming, odd ball was swinging, it's not that easy for batters. If fast bowlers bend their back, they can take something out of the wicket."Jadeja also praised his partnership with Ashwin, who scored a brilliant 113 at his home ground. "First of all, Ashwin doesn't need any advice," he said. "I was just talking to Ash that we are not gonna miscall or try and make errors because the wicket was so good and we both were batting very well.""I said we'll look to take easy singles, I'll try and not make you run hard and that was the conversation between us. Well played to Ashwin, he played a brilliant knock at his home ground."Jadeja concluded by highlighting the potential for all five Indian bowlers to make an impact in the second innings. "There's something in the wicket for the fast bowler and for spinners also, odd spin and odd ball is keeping low," he said. "All the five bowlers will be in play."

Bangladesh Opts to Bowl First in Historic Chepauk TestIn a historic move, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bowl first after winning the toss in the first Test against India at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. This marks the first time in 21 Tests that a team has chosen to bowl after winning the toss at this iconic venue.The decision raised eyebrows as the Chepauk pitch is traditionally known for its spin-friendly nature, favoring teams batting first. However, Bangladesh's decision suggests they believe their pace attack can exploit the seam-friendly conditions on offer.India, on the other hand, has opted for a balanced attack with three seamers and two spinners. Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will provide spin support.Bangladesh has also opted for three pacers, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana. The spin department will be handled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.The last time a team elected to bowl first at Chepauk was in 1982, when India chose to field against Sri Lanka. India went on to win that match by an innings and 119 runs.The Bangladesh team will be hoping to create history by becoming the first team to win a Test match at Chepauk after bowling first. However, they face a formidable challenge against a strong Indian side that is looking to extend its unbeaten streak at home.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is preparing for what could be his final Test match at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As he turns 38, Ashwin reflects on his journey and the significance of this venue in his illustrious career.Growing up in Chennai, Ashwin faced adversity early on when a coach dismissed him from a game. However, he persevered and embraced rejection, ultimately becoming one of India's most successful bowlers. With 516 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin is now chasing Anil Kumble's record of 619.The Test against Bangladesh could mark Ashwin's last appearance at Chepauk, a ground he holds dear. He has fond memories of playing there as a child and has created countless unforgettable moments throughout his career.In 2013, Ashwin cemented his place as India's premier off-spinner by taking 12 wickets against Australia at Chepauk. He also played a pivotal role in India's victory over England in 2021, scoring a crucial century on a challenging pitch.Despite his age and occasional knee issues, Ashwin remains determined to perform at his best. He has been working tirelessly in practice, honing his skills with both bat and ball.As the Test match approaches, Ashwin is focused on delivering a memorable performance for the Chennai crowd. He hopes to create another special moment at the venue that has been his home for so many years.

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of Team India, recently attended the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 final between Lyca Kovai Kings and Dindigul Dragons at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Dravid, who guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2023, was warmly welcomed by the crowd and shared his fond memories of playing at Chepauk.In an interview with a presenter, Dravid expressed his delight at being back at the ground where he had achieved several milestones in his illustrious career. He recalled playing league cricket with friends, scoring his 10,000th Test run, and winning a World Cup match against Australia at Chepauk.Dravid also spoke about his association with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the impact of playing league cricket in Chennai on his development as a cricketer. He praised the TNPL for providing opportunities to young players and creating a platform for them to showcase their talent."These leagues like TNPL, KPL, have been terrific as they provide a lot of great opportunities to so many young people," Dravid said. "Look at this kind of crowd, for these young boys to be able to play in front of this crowd I think it's just phenomenal and it really gives them a great boost."Dravid also acknowledged the contributions of veteran players like Ravichandran Ashwin, who led the Dindigul Dragons to victory in the TNPL final. He praised Ashwin for his continued excellence and his ability to inspire young players.Dravid's presence at the TNPL final underlined his commitment to the development of cricket in India. His insights and encouragement will undoubtedly motivate the young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star spinner, has emerged as a crucial player for the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. After battling an abdomen injury, Ashwin has regained his form and is now a key figure in the team's quest for an IPL title.Ashwin's journey in the IPL has been a tale of two halves. In the first half of the tournament, he struggled with an abdomen injury that hindered his performance. However, as the tournament progressed, the injury healed, and Ashwin began to find his rhythm.The Chepauk pitch, where the Royals will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the qualifier, is expected to favor spinners. Ashwin's experience and understanding of the conditions will be invaluable to the Royals.In the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ashwin showcased his versatility by employing a variety of variations, including the slower off-break, the faster off-break, and the drifter. His ability to control the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets has made him a formidable force in the Royals' bowling attack.Ashwin's resurgence has coincided with the emergence of Yuzvendra Chahal, India's No. 1 T20 leggie. The duo has formed a formidable spin partnership, providing the Royals with a potent weapon in the middle overs.With the Chepauk pitch offering assistance to spinners, Ashwin and Chahal will be looking to make a significant impact in the qualifier. If they can replicate their recent performances, they could lead the Royals to a memorable victory and a place in the final.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) concluded their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 league campaign with a resounding victory over Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk on Sunday. The triumph not only boosted their playoff hopes but also provided a heartwarming moment for fans.After the match, CSK players and support staff embarked on a victory lap, expressing their gratitude to the loyal supporters who have stood by them over the years. Captain MS Dhoni, known for his enigmatic nature, surprised the crowd by smashing tennis balls into the stands using a racquet.Amidst the celebrations, a commentator posed a question that had been on the minds of many: would this be Dhoni's final game in Chennai? Suresh Raina, former India and CSK star, responded with a resounding "Definitely Not."CSK's post-match gesture further endeared them to their fans. Several supporters were invited to present medals to the players, creating a memorable and emotional moment.Despite being their final league game at home, Chepauk will host two more crucial matches this season: Qualifier 2 and the Final. Whether CSK will qualify for these matches remains to be seen.In the match against Rajasthan Royals, CSK chased down a target of 142 runs with 11 balls to spare. Pacer Simarjeet Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for his impressive performance.CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his delight after the victory: "It's a wonderful feeling, especially winning the final game of the league stage. We had a few hiccups, but we had the batters to finish the job. We prefer pitches that keep our bowlers in the game, especially the spinners."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his preference for the slow and spin-friendly Chepauk wicket, which has been a key factor in their success over the years. After a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a low-scoring IPL encounter, Gaikwad emphasized the importance of spinners on such surfaces."Definitely we would love to play on such wickets. It brings our spinners into play and with huge boundaries, there is an amount of risk to hit sixes," Gaikwad said.CSK's spinners, led by Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, played a crucial role in restricting RR to a below-par total of 141 for five. Ali picked up two wickets, while Jadeja was economical, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs.Gaikwad, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 41 deliveries, highlighted the need for patience on such wickets. "As a team, we have stroke-players so my job was to stay there till the end," he said.Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, CSK's strong start in the Powerplay helped them cruise to victory. "When we were 55-1, I felt we were cruising. One or two wickets can allow the opposition to get back. Generally, I thought we were cruising and there was no pressure until the end," Gaikwad added.RR skipper Sanju Samson acknowledged the challenges of playing on away wickets, especially with the onset of summer. "We are not really sure what to expect from away games. We thought batting first was the better option," Samson said.However, he noted that the wicket played better in the second innings than expected. "They had a better idea of what to chase being used to playing here, we thought it would have been slower in the second innings, but the wicket was instead better," Samson added.With two games remaining, RR is well-positioned to finish in the top two and secure a place in the playoffs.

MS Dhoni's Potential Farewell at Chepauk: A Moment of Nostalgia for Chennai Super Kings FansThe upcoming Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the iconic Chepauk Stadium has sparked speculation that it could be legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni's final game on home turf. This possibility has sent shockwaves through the state of Tamil Nadu, where Dhoni has become an icon over the years.The CSK franchise has further fueled the rumors by urging fans to stay back after the game, hinting at "something special." This has added to the drama surrounding Dhoni's potential farewell. The match against RR is CSK's final home game in the league stages, with their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 18 in Bengaluru marking their final game of the league stage.Dhoni, who has been a key figure in CSK's success over the years, has hinted at retirement in the past. In 2020, he stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja. However, he continued to play as a wicketkeeper-batsman, guiding the team to their fourth IPL title in 2021.This season, Dhoni has been in impressive form, scoring 136 runs in 10 innings at an average of 68.00 and a strike rate of 226.66. He has hit 11 fours and 12 sixes and has been dismissed only twice.If this is indeed Dhoni's final game at Chepauk, it will be a poignant moment for both the player and the fans. Dhoni has been a beloved figure in Chennai, leading the team to three IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. His calm demeanor, strategic leadership, and explosive batting have made him a fan favorite.The possibility of Dhoni's retirement has also raised questions about the future of CSK. The team has relied heavily on Dhoni's experience and leadership over the years, and his departure would leave a significant void. However, the franchise has a strong core of young players who are ready to step up and take on more responsibility.