Cricket

MS Dhoni Responds to Viral 'Thala for a Reason' Meme, Expresses Gratitude for FansMS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has finally addressed the viral 'Thala for a reason' meme that has taken social media by storm. In a recent video, Dhoni acknowledged the meme's existence but expressed uncertainty about its origins."I do know about the meme, but I don't know the reason behind it," Dhoni said. "I'm not sure whether it's funny, meant to pull my leg, just banter, or a meme. But whatever it is, I think my fans have turned it into something positive for me."Dhoni's response highlights his humility and appreciation for his fans. He emphasized that he doesn't need to defend himself or explain the meme's meaning because his fans are always there to support him."I've got brilliant fans," Dhoni added. "I don't need to speak up or say anything; they're the ones who step up if someone questions me. I'm just keeping quiet and enjoying my life. I try to play good cricket, and that's what matters to me."Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK has won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title five times, tying with the Mumbai Indians as the league's most successful team. Their first title came in 2010, followed by a back-to-back victory in 2011. CSK added to their legacy with titles in 2018, 2021, and 2023.Dhoni's leadership and strategic brilliance have played a crucial role in CSK's success. His ability to inspire and motivate his team, along with his calm and composed demeanor under pressure, has made him one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the world.

MS Dhoni's future with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2025 has become a topic of intense speculation. The new IPL retention rules have designated Dhoni as an 'uncapped player,' significantly increasing his chances of being retained. However, the franchise and Dhoni himself have yet to confirm his status.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently disclosed a message from Dhoni regarding his retention. He emphasized that CSK is eager to retain Dhoni, but the veteran cricketer has not yet confirmed his decision. Dhoni has indicated that he will inform the franchise before October 31, the deadline for IPL retentions."We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, 'I will tell you before October 31.' We hope that he will play," Viswanathan stated.The IPL Governing Council's reinstatement of the old rule allowing franchises to register retired or inactive players as 'uncapped' has prompted a re-evaluation of retention strategies. Many believe that this change was specifically implemented to accommodate MS Dhoni, enabling CSK to retain him for a modest INR 4 crore.Despite CSK's claims that they have not yet discussed the matter with Dhoni, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is convinced that the IPL rules were modified solely to ensure Dhoni's continued participation."You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK," Kaif said.

Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who has been a part of India's T20I squads, has expressed his preference for playing for Chennai Super Kings or Mumbai Indians if not retained by Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL auction.Jitesh, who has captained Punjab Kings in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran, has been a key contributor to the team's middle order with his aggressive batting. Despite not playing in the recent India-Bangladesh series, Jitesh remains hopeful of being retained by Punjab Kings.However, if not retained, Jitesh has revealed his desire to play for either Chennai Super Kings or Mumbai Indians. Having played for Mumbai Indians in 2016-17, Jitesh holds a special fondness for the team and the Wankhede Stadium."I have experienced the MI atmosphere, and I love Wankhede because, as a Maharashtrian, it has always been close to my heart," said Jitesh. "During my younger days, I watched matches at Wankhede and sat outside, feeling the vibe. I want to experience that feeling while playing inside the stadium for Mumbai Indians."Jitesh also expressed his admiration for Chennai Super Kings and their captain MS Dhoni. "I would like to play for Chennai Super Kings because of Mahi bhai and because Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK captain) is my good friend and I enjoy playing under him the same way I enjoy playing under Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) bhai," he said.Despite the pressure of performing in the IPL, Jitesh believes that it is important to perform well at all levels. "No, performing everywhere is important," he said. "Riyan Parag made it into the ODI side because of his performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. You have to perform at every platform you get, and the rewards will follow."Jitesh rose to prominence during the IPL 2022 season when he was acquired by Punjab Kings for INR 20 lakh. Serving primarily as a finisher, Jitesh made a significant impact, scoring 234 runs with a strike rate of 163.64. He continued his strong performance in the 2023 season, accumulating 309 runs with a strike rate of 156.06.Over his tenure with Punjab Kings, which spans 40 matches, Jitesh has maintained a batting strike rate of over 151.14, solidifying his reputation in the league. Despite his previous successes, his performance in IPL 2024 was below expectations. In that season, he managed to score only 187 runs across 14 innings, holding an average of 17.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has sparked a debate by suggesting a bold retention strategy for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ashwin believes that CSK should retain MS Dhoni as a capped player rather than an uncapped player, as allowed by the IPL Governing Council's recent rule change.Ashwin's proposal stems from his belief that CSK should prioritize retaining a strong Indian core. He suggests retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and Dhoni as the five primary retentions. This would leave CSK with the option of retaining Sameer Rizvi as an uncapped player, a move that Ashwin supports despite Rizvi's underwhelming performance in IPL 2024.Ashwin argues that Rizvi has shown promise in the UP T20 League and could be a valuable asset for CSK. He also points out that Rizvi's price would not be significantly higher than other similar players in the market. However, former South Africa performance analyst Prasanna Raman disagrees with Ashwin's assessment of Rizvi's value.The IPL Governing Council's decision to allow Indian players who have not played internationally for five or more years to be retained as uncapped players has given CSK a route to retain Dhoni for just Rs 4 crore. However, Ashwin believes that retaining Dhoni as a capped player would allow CSK to retain a stronger Indian core.Ashwin's perspective could have significant implications for CSK's retention strategy. By retaining Dhoni as a capped player, CSK would have more flexibility in retaining other Indian players. This could help them build a more balanced and competitive team for the upcoming IPL seasons.

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked confusion and speculation with a cryptic post on social media. On October 8, 2024, Singh took to Twitter to write, "Nowadays, some ants are teaching bees how to make honey."The enigmatic message has left the internet baffled, with many trying to decipher its meaning. Some have suggested that it is a reference to another cricketer, while others have speculated about a political connection, as the post coincided with the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results.Singh's post comes after he shared his thoughts on the thrilling IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). RCB emerged victorious, securing a spot in the playoffs.In a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Singh revealed an incident that occurred after the match. He claimed that CSK legend MS Dhoni lost his composure and punched a screen while walking back to the dressing room."RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens," Singh said.Singh's cryptic post and the revelation about Dhoni's reaction have further fueled speculation and discussion among cricket fans. The true meaning behind the message remains unknown, but it has certainly sparked a buzz on social media.

MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: Harbhajan Singh Reveals MI's Strategy to Dominate CSKIn the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL), two legendary captains stand tall: MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. While Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple titles, Rohit's Mumbai Indians (MI) have also enjoyed immense success. However, when it came to head-to-head battles, MI seemed to hold a distinct advantage.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who played for both franchises, recently shed light on MI's dominance over CSK. Speaking on a podcast, Harbhajan revealed that MI meticulously studied Dhoni's tactics and devised counter-strategies."We were aware of the tricks Dhoni used as captain," Harbhajan said. "We worked on finding solutions to undo his tactics."Harbhajan emphasized that MI's success against CSK was not solely due to Dhoni's absence. "Even when I left MI to join CSK, I got a lot of love," he said. "I bowled well and won a championship, and got a runners-up medal as well."However, Harbhajan acknowledged that MI's superior planning and execution played a crucial role in their victories over CSK. "To overcome Dhoni, you have to think better, play your cards better," he said. "MI had better players and the planning was also good."Harbhajan also addressed the ongoing debate over who is the better captain between Dhoni and Rohit. "Why do you compare the two?" he asked. "Dhoni led the team and took it forward, Rohit is also doing the same.""The better captain is the one who inspires you to win," Harbhajan continued. "If we talk about achievements, Rohit is not lesser than Dhoni. Every cup you win, you put hope in others. That is important."Harbhajan's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and dynamics that have shaped the rivalry between two of the most successful teams in IPL history.

MS Dhoni's Future with CSK: Jadeja Believes Icon Unlikely to Seek Top RetentionFormer India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja has expressed his belief that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni has no desire to be retained as the top pick ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction.The IPL governing council recently announced new player retention rules, allowing teams to retain up to six players, including one uncapped player. This has raised speculation about Dhoni's future with CSK, given his status as an uncapped player.However, Jadeja believes that CSK should have no hesitation in retaining Dhoni, citing his immense contributions to the franchise. "MS Dhoni for sure. There's no doubt about that, especially because he's now an uncapped player. He's done a lot for the team and has no desire to be treated as the No. 1 player on the squad. His value is unquestioned," Jadeja said on Jio Cinema.Jadeja also suggested that CSK should prioritize retaining captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain, and he's had a good year, so you'll hope to retain him as well. Ravindra Jadeja can't be left out either, so these three, I think, are perfect for them," he added.Former India batter Aakash Chopra echoed Jadeja's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of retaining Gaikwad and Jadeja. "I don't think they'll (CSK) retain five players. They might go for 3-4. I see two players worth 18 crore in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. If you want to keep them, you have to match that price," Chopra said.With the IPL mega auction approaching, CSK faces a crucial decision regarding Dhoni's future. While the franchise has remained tight-lipped, Jadeja's comments suggest that Dhoni may be willing to take a backseat and allow younger players to lead the team.

MS Dhoni's Uncharacteristic Outburst After CSK's IPL LossFormer Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed an incident that has shocked fans of the legendary captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni.During an interview with 'Sports Yaari', Harbhajan narrated an incident that occurred after CSK's crucial loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year."RCB were celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there," Harbhajan said."CSK had lined up to shake hands. RCB were a little late to reach there. By the time, RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside. Dressing room se pehle jo screen hai, uspe mukka bhi maara (he punched a screen outside the dressing room). I was watching from above, but it is okay, it happens when you win or lose."Harbhajan's revelation has surprised many, as Dhoni is known for his calm and composed demeanor. However, Harbhajan suggested that Dhoni's outburst may have been due to the disappointment of losing the match and the realization that his dream of retiring with the IPL trophy was shattered."It's their (RCB's) right to celebrate, even if they take three minutes. But he (Dhoni) went away. That was his thinking...Maybe he was not so calm that day, maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered," Harbhajan added.Despite Dhoni's outburst, both RCB and CSK failed to reach the IPL final, which was contested between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). KKR emerged victorious, winning their third IPL title.It is expected that Dhoni, now 43, will return for another season with CSK, as the new IPL Player Regulations allow the franchise to retain him.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, which could have a significant impact on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise. According to the revised guidelines, any Indian cricketer who has not represented the national team in the past five calendar years will be classified as "uncapped." This change will substantially reduce the retention cost for franchises, potentially opening up new opportunities for CSK.One player who could benefit from this rule is former India captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has not played for India since July 2019. Under the new rules, CSK could retain Dhoni's services for a mere Rs 4 crore, a significant reduction from his previous salary.However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has indicated that the franchise is still uncertain about Dhoni's future in the IPL. "We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni. It's still too early to comment on this because we haven't had discussions with him," Viswanathan said in an interview with Times of India.Viswanathan added that CSK is hopeful of Dhoni continuing to play, but the ultimate decision rests with the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman. "We are hopeful of him playing, but it's a call Dhoni will himself make," he said.The new retention rules have been met with mixed reactions from fans and experts. Some believe that the changes will create a more level playing field for franchises, while others argue that it could lead to a decline in the quality of the IPL.Regardless of the differing opinions, the new rules will undoubtedly have a major impact on the IPL landscape. CSK, in particular, will be closely monitoring Dhoni's decision as they prepare for the upcoming season.