Cricket

Chennai Super Kings Seek Redemption Against Lucknow Super Giants in Home StretchThe defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are eager to avenge their recent defeat when they host the unpredictable Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their reverse IPL fixture in Chennai. Both teams are desperate to break out of the mid-table logjam and secure a playoff berth.In their previous encounter in Lucknow, LSG's opening duo of KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock put up a record-breaking partnership, leading their team to victory. CSK's bowling unit struggled to contain the rampaging duo, and the onus will be on pacers Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Mustafizur Rahman to deliver a better performance in the rematch. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja also had a disappointing outing and will need to step up on his home turf.CSK's top-order has been inconsistent, with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube doing the bulk of the scoring. The failure of opener Rachin Ravindra is a concern, and the team has experimented with promoting Ajinkya Rahane as an opener, pushing Gaikwad down to number three. Gaikwad will have to decide whether to stick with this shuffle or return to his preferred opening position.Despite the top-order struggles, Jadeja's composed fifty in the previous match allowed Moeen Ali and MS Dhoni to produce late fireworks and give CSK a fighting total. However, the team will hope for a more consistent performance from their top-order in the upcoming fixture.CSK has been a formidable force at home, and they will look to set the record straight after their away loss. With three consecutive home ties coming up, the Super Kings have an opportunity to march towards the playoffs. Revenge will be on their minds as they seek to avenge their defeat against LSG and secure a crucial victory.

Suresh Raina Recounts Dhoni's Uncharacteristic Anger After CSK's IPL 2014 Qualifier 2 LossFormer Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Suresh Raina has shed light on an untold incident involving legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni after CSK's heartbreaking loss to Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2014.Raina, who was a key member of the CSK team at the time, recalled that he had never witnessed Dhoni as furious as he was after that match. He revealed that Dhoni vented his frustration by throwing his pads and helmet in the dressing room."I have never seen Dhoni that angry. He vented it out after that match. He was like 'we don't score runs, we don't do this, that'. He threw his pads and helmet in the dressing room. He was irritated that we lost a match that we should have won. He was angry because we lost a match that we shouldn't have. Otherwise, we would have won the IPL that year as well," Raina said during a discussion on Lallantop.Recalling the match, Punjab had posted a mammoth 226/6 after Dhoni invited them to bat in Qualifier 2. Virender Sehwag led the charge with a 122-run knock off 58 balls while David Miller smashed 38 off just 19 balls.In reply, Raina smashed 87 off just 25 balls to give CSK a brisk start. However, CSK lost the match by 24 runs with Dhoni unbeaten on 42 off 31 balls. Dhoni was later criticized for his slow knock.Raina also recalled his own knock in the match, saying that he felt like no one could stop him that night."I felt like a man possessed. The previous day, I had a dream that I would do something special. I was seeing the ball like a football. But, I was run out. The ball hitting the bat gave me a very different sound. I was feeling like no one could stop me," he added.Meanwhile, Raina retired from all forms of the game after the IPL 2021 season and has been actively involved in commentary since then.

Chennai Super Kings Gear Up for Crucial Clash with Lucknow Super GiantsAhead of their highly anticipated encounter with the Lucknow Super Giants, the Chennai Super Kings have unveiled a glimpse of their preparations on social media. A video posted on the official CSK handle showcases the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sameer Rizvi showcasing their formidable hitting abilities in the nets.Dhoni, known for his legendary six-hitting prowess, was seen unleashing powerful strokes, reminiscent of his trademark style. The video serves as a reminder of the Thala's ability to turn the game around single-handedly.In their previous encounter, despite Dhoni's heroics with the bat, LSG emerged victorious over CSK. Dhoni's innings of 28 off just nine balls showcased his ability to inspire his team. CSK will look to use that inspiration as an impetus to secure a positive result in this crucial match.With both sides tied at eight points in the league standings, a win in this encounter becomes imperative for their playoff aspirations. CSK, known for their formidable record at home, will be eager to redeem themselves after their recent loss to LSG.The last match witnessed stellar performances from LSG's KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, whose record-breaking opening partnership led their team to victory against the five-time IPL winners. CSK will need to find a way to counter their formidable batting lineup.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. CSK will look to rely on their experience and home advantage, while LSG will aim to continue their impressive form. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the playoff race.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in his final IPL season, according to Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey. Dhoni, who recently stepped down as CSK captain, is batting at an unprecedented strike rate of 255.88, showcasing his explosive form.Hussey believes that Dhoni's current state of mind is contributing to his exceptional performance. "He's just in a wonderful place in his career," Hussey said. "He's comfortable, happy, and enjoying his cricket."Despite facing different bowling strategies designed to counter his finishing prowess, Dhoni continues to evolve and improve. "He'll continue to evolve and make himself better," Hussey said. "He's making it harder for bowlers to bowl to him."Hussey also expressed confidence in Rachin Ravindra, a young Kiwi batsman who has faced some recent setbacks. "He's going well," Hussey said. "He's just one inning closer to that big score."Ahead of CSK's home match against Lucknow Super Giants, Hussey emphasized the importance of moving the ball quickly and dismissing key batsmen like KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock early on. "Rahul has been a fantastic player for a long time," Hussey said. "He's very difficult to bowl to."While CSK will play three consecutive home games, Hussey is taking a cautious approach. "Wins are important at any time of the tournament," he said. "But it's dangerous to think too far ahead."

Ambati Rayudu, a seasoned middle-order batter who has played for both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared his insights into the contrasting work cultures of the two franchises.Rayudu, who has been a part of both CSK and MI's title-winning sides, highlighted the significant difference in their approaches to winning. While CSK emphasizes the process and remains relatively unaffected by results, MI places an unwavering focus on victory."CSK focuses more on the process. They don't analyze the results much. Their mood and mood swings are not because of the results," Rayudu explained. "MI is a bit different. MI mostly wants to win, and their culture is like, everything depends on winning. They have a culture of, 'win is a must at all cost.' Winning is non-negotiable."Rayudu acknowledged that the pressure to perform at MI is immense, as the franchise is result-oriented. However, he also praised MI for fostering an environment where players improve and become better versions of themselves."When I used to play for MI, my game improved a lot when I was in the franchise. If you have not won the match, they do not see an excuse. You also do not get a platform to give an excuse. At the end of the day, you have to perform. MI has an environment where you keep getting better," Rayudu said.In contrast, Rayudu described CSK's environment as more relaxed and focused on the long-term development of players. "CSK has a much better environment. You can play for longer years there. But if you play for more time at MI, your brain will explode," he joked.Despite the contrasting cultures, Rayudu emphasized that both CSK and MI are successful franchises that work hard. He also noted that the new captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Hardik Pandya for MI, are bringing their own unique styles of leadership to the teams.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former Indian opener, has sparked a debate about the leadership dynamics within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team. Sidhu believes that despite Ruturaj Gaikwad's official captaincy, it is still the legendary MS Dhoni who is effectively leading the team.Sidhu's observation underscores Dhoni's enduring influence and leadership prowess. Widely regarded as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history, Dhoni's presence continues to shape CSK's strategy and decision-making.Sidhu emphasized that Dhoni's leadership extends beyond his official title. "You can say as many times that Dhoni is not captaining, but ultimately he is leading the side," Sidhu said. "When Dhoni leaves, there might be no shadow of him."Sidhu also praised Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson for his maturity and skillful resource management. However, he named Australian skipper Pat Cummins, currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, as the best captain.Dhoni's tenure as CSK captain has been marked by remarkable achievements, including five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. His shrewd tactics and astute leadership have solidified his reputation as a cricketing mastermind.While Ruturaj Gaikwad has assumed the formal captaincy position, he may still be in the process of growing into his leadership role. Dhoni's experience, tactical acumen, and ability to mentor younger players likely play a crucial role in guiding Gaikwad and the rest of the team.Sidhu's remarks highlight the intricate dynamics of leadership within cricket teams. The presence of a seasoned veteran like Dhoni can continue to shape the team's performance and direction, even as newer leaders emerge. Dhoni's leadership legacy at CSK remains a cornerstone of the team's identity, with his influence extending far beyond his official title.

Suresh Raina Opens Up on IPL 2020 Withdrawal: Family Tragedy and Bio-Bubble ConcernsChennai Super Kings legend Suresh Raina has shed light on the reasons behind his controversial withdrawal from the IPL 2020 season in the UAE. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Raina had initially traveled to the country with the rest of the players but pulled out before the start of the season, citing personal reasons and concerns about the bio-bubble arrangements.Addressing the rumors surrounding his decision, Raina revealed that he left the bio-bubble to be with his family after a tragic incident in Punjab. "There was bereavement in the family, I went to Punjab. In my uncle's family, there were deaths. The kaccha gang...who come with oil on their body. A group of gangsters killed the entire family, my grandmother was also there. It happened in Pathankot. So I went there," Raina said.Raina emphasized that the situation back home was chaotic, and the ongoing pandemic made it even more difficult. "Yes, I told this to MS Dhoni and the team management. Family comes first. Then I returned, we played the 2021 season. We won the trophy. But the previous year, the family was in chaos. They were all in depression already due to COVID-19 and then this happened. I thought I should go home and be with my family," he added.Raina's decision to prioritize his family over cricket sparked speculation and criticism at the time. However, he maintains that it was the right choice for him. "Cricket came next, I could play anytime, first, my family was important," he said.After missing the 2020 season, Raina returned to CSK the next year and helped them win the title. It turned out to be his last season as later that year, he decided to announce his retirement from all formats of the game.

Shivam Dube, the enigmatic all-rounder from Mumbai, has emerged as a captivating dark horse candidate for India's T20 World Cup squad. His stellar performances for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 have not only propelled his team but also caught the attention of cricket pundits and former players.Dube's impact for CSK this season has been undeniable. As the side's star batter, he has amassed an impressive tally of 245 runs in seven matches, emerging as their highest run-scorer with a staggering strike rate of 157.05. With notable contributions including two half-centuries and a highest score of 66*, Dube's consistency and power-hitting prowess have been key factors in CSK's campaign.Former Australian cricketer and wicketkeeping maestro Adam Gilchrist recently endorsed Dube as his dark horse pick for India's T20 World Cup squad during an interview with Cricbuzz. Gilchrist praised Dube's irresistible form and highlighted his ability to take on both spin and pace bowling with confidence and finesse."Shivam Dube, I think his form is irresistible," Gilchrist remarked. "He's taken on spin bowling, which we've known and witnessed for a while. But he's taking on the quick bowlers. He seems to be confident in his shot selection all around the ground."Gilchrist further emphasized Dube's all-round talent, suggesting that his bowling skills could add depth to the Indian team if utilized effectively. Despite limited bowling opportunities, Gilchrist expressed optimism about Dube's potential impact in the T20 World Cup, urging the team management to consider maximizing his bowling contributions in the nets."If they get the message to him, to make sure he is at least bowling a lot in the nets...he is too irresistible as a talent, an all-round talent to not take to the World Cup," Gilchrist added.With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee facing mounting pressure to assemble a formidable squad for the showpiece event, the inclusion of Shivam Dube as a dark horse candidate adds an intriguing dimension to the selection process. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the T20 World Cup.

Despite his impressive form, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has revealed that Mahendra Singh Dhoni cannot be promoted in the batting order due to his ongoing recovery from a knee injury.Fleming, who affectionately refers to Dhoni as CSK's "heartbeat," praised the 42-year-old's recent contributions, including a nine-ball 28 against Lucknow Super Giants. However, he emphasized that Dhoni's physical limitations restrict his ability to bat for extended periods."Other years he has obviously had problems with his knee and he is sort of recovering from that which is why there is only a certain amount of balls he can function well," Fleming explained.To compensate for Dhoni's limited batting time, Fleming has devised a "two-three over" approach. "I think everyone wants to see him for longer as we do but that amount of time is about right. We need him for the tournament and that 2-3 over cameo he is owning that space," he said.Fleming believes that the rest of the batting unit must step up and provide a solid foundation for Dhoni to finish the innings. "It's up to the rest of the batting unit to get us to a good position where he can push us over the top. He is doing that pretty much every time at the moment which is great to watch," he added.Despite the challenges, Fleming remains proud of Dhoni's contributions and the love he receives from fans. "We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved. We marvel at the amount of love that he gets. It's no surprise with what he has done with Indian cricket and with CSK with us. We are incredibly proud that he is a part of our side and is pretty much the heartbeat of the side. We thoroughly enjoy it," he said.