Cricket

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain, Suresh Raina Advocates for Continued MentorshipThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is eagerly awaiting the return of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, but doubts linger over his participation in the upcoming season. However, Dhoni's close friend and former teammate Suresh Raina believes that the veteran should continue playing for at least one more year to guide young captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.Raina, who retired from international cricket in 2020, expressed his admiration for Dhoni's batting prowess during the last IPL season. "I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year," Raina said. "I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). However, Ruturaj has done a great job."Dhoni, who handed over the CSK captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, has been troubled by a knee injury in recent times. Despite this, he played a crucial role as a finisher, scoring 161 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 220.25.The IPL will hold a mega players' auction ahead of the 2025 season, and Dhoni is expected to make a decision on his future after the auction rules on player retention are announced. "We have to see what decision they take on player retention, etc...So once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK)," Dhoni had said earlier.Raina's comments highlight the importance of Dhoni's experience and leadership for the CSK franchise. Gaikwad, who led the team to the IPL final in 2023, is still relatively inexperienced as a captain. Dhoni's continued presence would provide invaluable guidance and support for the young skipper.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is poised to be a transformative event, with the potential to reshape the landscape of the tournament. As teams prepare to release and retain players, the focus has turned to the number of retentions allowed and the fate of star players like Rohit Sharma.Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in IPL history, face a dilemma. They possess a formidable core of Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, retaining all four players could prove challenging under the new retention rules.Amidst the speculation, rumors have emerged that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are willing to offer Rohit Sharma a staggering Rs 50 crore salary package. However, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has dismissed these claims, questioning the feasibility of such a move."Whether Mumbai Indians will release Rohit Sharma or not, whether he is coming to the auction or not, even if he comes if you are going to use 50 per cent of your salary cap on one player, how will you manage the other 22 players?" Goenka asked.Goenka acknowledged that all franchises have wishlists, but emphasized the importance of practicality. "You want the best player, the best captain to be in your team. It is not about wanting. What you have got and what is available. What can you do with that. This is that thing. I can want anyone but the same goes for all the franchises. You will not get everyone," he said.The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a fascinating affair, with teams weighing their options and making strategic decisions that could shape their fortunes for years to come. The fate of Rohit Sharma and other star players remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding this mega event.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is poised to be a blockbuster event, with several high-profile players potentially switching franchises. Among the most sought-after names is Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians captain.Rohit's departure from the Mumbai Indians has been widely anticipated since his removal as captain ahead of the 2024 season. The move, which saw Hardik Pandya take over the reins, drew criticism from fans and former cricketers alike.Given his immense brand value, Rohit is expected to attract significant interest if he enters the auction pool. With the BCCI likely to limit teams to retaining only six players, the chances of Rohit playing for a new franchise next season are high.One team that has openly expressed interest in Rohit is the Punjab Kings, who are yet to win an IPL title. Sanjay Bangar, the team's Director of Cricket Operations, acknowledged their desire to acquire Rohit but emphasized that it would depend on their financial situation."It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe he is going to go for a high price," Bangar said in an interview.With Shikhar Dhawan retiring from all forms of cricket, the Punjab Kings are in need of a new captain. Rohit, with his experience and leadership qualities, would be an ideal candidate for the role.Despite being 37 years old, Rohit's performances in the recent T20 World Cup demonstrated that he still possesses the skills and determination to excel at the highest level. His presence in the Punjab Kings lineup would undoubtedly boost their chances of success in the upcoming IPL season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant move that could impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. According to sources, the BCCI is likely to categorize Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an uncapped player, a move that would significantly reduce the cost of retaining the legendary cricketer.Under the current IPL player regulations, players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years are placed in the uncapped category. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, would qualify for this category under the proposed rule change. This means that CSK could retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crores, a significant reduction from the Rs 12 crores they paid in 2022.The BCCI's decision to revisit the uncapped player rule is reportedly driven by the CSK management's request during a meeting with IPL franchise owners on July 31. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the inaugural IPL season, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the franchise.Despite handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the CSK batting lineup. In the 2023 season, he scored 161 runs in just 73 balls, showcasing his ability to contribute in the death overs.Dhoni has indicated that he will wait for the official IPL player regulations before making a decision on his future. However, the BCCI's move to categorize him as an uncapped player could make it more financially feasible for CSK to retain his services.The BCCI's decision is expected to have a ripple effect on other IPL franchises, as it could set a precedent for the treatment of retired international players. It remains to be seen how the other teams will respond to this potential rule change and whether it will lead to a shift in the retention strategies of the franchises.

Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions, are reportedly set to undergo a major coaching shakeup ahead of the 2025 season. According to sources close to the franchise, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki are likely to depart, with legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh emerging as a potential replacement for Nehra.Nehra and Solanki have been instrumental in Gujarat Titans' success since their debut in 2022, guiding the team to the title in their inaugural season and a runner-up finish in 2023. However, the franchise is reportedly seeking a fresh approach to maintain their dominance in the IPL.Yuvraj Singh, a former India all-rounder and two-time World Cup winner, is said to be the frontrunner to take over as head coach. His experience as a player and his understanding of the modern game make him an attractive candidate for the role.The coaching staff changes are part of a wider restructuring within the Gujarat Titans franchise. The IPL owners are scheduled to meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31 to discuss the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. The meeting will focus on determining the number of retentions, the Impact Player rule, and the salary purses for each franchise.Meanwhile, former India head coach Rahul Dravid is reportedly in talks with Rajasthan Royals about a potential role in the IPL. Dravid, who recently guided India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, is highly sought after by several franchises.The coaching changes and the upcoming IPL auction are expected to shape the landscape of the league in the coming years. Gujarat Titans will be keen to maintain their status as one of the top teams, while other franchises will be looking to challenge their dominance.

Rishabh Pant's Future with Delhi Capitals Uncertain, Chennai Super Kings Emerge as Potential DestinationIndian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant's future with the Delhi Capitals (DC) is in doubt ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, according to a report by Dainik Jagran. Despite being the franchise's most capped player and leading run-scorer, DC may not retain Pant despite support from Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly.The report suggests that if Pant is released by DC, his most likely destination will be the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With MS Dhoni set to retire in the near future, CSK is on the lookout for an Indian wicket-keeper batter and would be highly interested in signing a talented player like Pant.Pant's departure from DC would be a significant loss for the franchise. He has been a key player for the team since his debut in 2016, scoring over 2,500 runs and taking over 150 catches. However, DC may be looking to rebuild their squad ahead of the mega auction and may not be willing to retain Pant's high salary.Meanwhile, CSK would welcome Pant's addition to their team. The franchise has a strong track record of success in the IPL, winning four titles, and Pant's experience and talent would be a valuable asset.In addition to Pant's potential move, the article also highlights the impact of the IPL on Indian cricket. Shivam Dube, who played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup victory, credits the IPL for improving his skills and gaining confidence.The IPL provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent and learn from some of the best players in the world. It has played a significant role in the development of Indian cricket and has helped produce a new generation of talented players.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging victorious, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a lopsided final. As the three-year cycle of the tournament comes to an end, a mega-auction looms ahead of IPL 2025, bringing significant changes to the tournament's landscape.Teams will be permitted to retain only a limited number of players, with the majority of the squad going under the hammer. However, reports indicate that IPL owners are considering minor adjustments to the retention rules. KKR owner Venky Mysore has proposed an intriguing suggestion: eliminating retentions altogether and providing teams with eight Right To Match (RTM) cards. This would allow teams to retain players at market price.The last mega-auction, held before IPL 2022, saw teams allotted a purse of Rs 90 crore and allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with a maximum of three Indian players and two overseas players. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu had previously suggested that IPL winners should receive additional retention spots, but his proposal did not gain widespread support.The upcoming mega-auction will present a unique opportunity for teams to reshape their rosters and acquire top talent. With the introduction of RTM cards, teams will have greater flexibility in retaining key players while also exploring new options in the auction. The changes to the retention rules are expected to add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the IPL 2025 season.

Mumbai Indians Face Overhaul: Sehwag Calls for Release of Star PlayersFormer Indian opener Virender Sehwag has urged the Mumbai Indians (MI) to release several star players, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan, ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Sehwag believes MI should prioritize retaining only Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav for the upcoming season.Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, MI has struggled in IPL 2024, languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 13 games. Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma before the season, but the results have been disappointing.Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag emphasized the importance of performance over star power. He compared MI's situation to a Bollywood film, stating that having big names alone does not guarantee success. "You need a good script. Similarly, all these big names will have to come together and perform on the ground," he said.Sehwag questioned the contributions of MI's star players, highlighting Rohit Sharma's solitary century and Ishan Kishan's struggles in the Powerplay. He believes only Bumrah and Yadav have consistently performed for the team.Another former Indian batter, Manoj Tiwary, echoed Sehwag's sentiments, suggesting that MI should retain only Bumrah and Yadav. He also recommended appointing one of them as captain for the next season. Tiwary advised against retaining any overseas players, including Tim David."I am also looking at Bumrah and SKY as the two players who will be retained by Mumbai Indians. No one beyond them, and no foreign players either. Tim David has not lived up to the hype," said Tiwary.Sehwag and Tiwary's comments highlight the need for MI to reassess its strategy and focus on building a team that can consistently perform. The upcoming mega auction provides an opportunity for the franchise to make significant changes and rebuild for the future.

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, continues to captivate the world of cricket with his unwavering presence and exceptional skills. Despite stepping down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2024, the 42-year-old remains a dominant force on the field.Dhoni's recent onslaught against Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, where he smashed a hattrick of sixes, left fans and experts in awe. His ability to adapt to his age and set new benchmarks for the younger generation is a testament to his enduring legacy.Amidst the ongoing IPL season, speculation about Dhoni's potential retirement from the tournament has been rife. However, former CSK batter Suresh Raina, now a commentator with Jio Cinema, has provided a resounding answer to the question of whether Dhoni will continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025."Khelenge (He will play)," Raina declared confidently when asked about Dhoni's future.Former India pacer RP Singh, who was also part of the commentary panel, echoed Raina's sentiments, suggesting that Dhoni may have two more seasons left in him.Raina also revealed Dhoni's reaction to Bhojpuri commentary, a language spoken in Dhoni's home state of Jharkhand. "MS Dhoni was discussing Bhojpuri commentary. He said, 'Bahut hi gajabe commentary kar rahe Bhojpuriya me.' (they are doing a great job in Bhojpuri) I told him Haryanvi is also nice," Raina said.In the match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni's blistering four-ball 20 proved crucial in CSK's 20-run victory. His ability to deliver under pressure and guide his team to success remains unmatched.As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Dhoni to see if he can continue his remarkable journey and lead CSK to another championship title. His presence on the field is not only a source of inspiration for his teammates but also a reminder of the enduring power of experience and determination.