Cricket

Rinku Singh's journey in Indian cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence with a stellar performance in the 2023 IPL. His international debut made him a fan favorite, but since then, he has faced challenges in securing regular game time.Despite the limited opportunities, Rinku remains focused on making the most of every chance he gets. His tattoo, "God's plan," serves as a reminder of his belief in a higher power guiding his path.In the recent T20I series, Rinku was given more responsibility to rebuild the innings. He responded with a half-century, showcasing his ability to adapt to different situations. The team management's trust in him has given him the confidence to play his natural game.Rinku acknowledges the cut-throat competition in Indian cricket, but he remains unfazed. He understands that his role is to contribute to the team's success, regardless of his position in the batting order.The Indian cricket culture encourages players to take risks and express themselves. This has helped Rinku shed any inhibitions and focus on hitting the ball hard.While opportunities in Indian cricket can be fleeting, Rinku has proven his worth. He has made the most of his chances and continues to strive for improvement. His determination and belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 mega auction, and all eyes are on Mumbai Indians (MI) as they finalize their retentions. Former MI captain Rohit Sharma's future with the franchise is uncertain, and his potential availability in the auction pool has sparked speculation.Harbhajan Singh, Rohit's former India and MI teammate, believes that the veteran opener would command a hefty price if he enters the auction. "Rohit Sharma is a top-quality player and leader. He's a proven match-winner, and even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him," said Harbhajan. "If he goes into the auction, he will fetch big bucks."Harbhajan also praised Rohit's off-field qualities, describing him as a "yaaro ka yaar" (friend of friends). "Rohit respects his elders, and that's one of his best qualities," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, with all teams, including India, participating. However, Harbhajan has raised safety concerns, stating that Indian players should not travel to Pakistan."There are significant safety concerns in Pakistan," said Harbhajan. "I've always said, and I still believe, that if there's no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn't travel to Pakistan."Harbhajan also commended Jay Shah for his contributions to Indian cricket. "Having an Indian representative at the ICC level, especially as the chairman, is a huge achievement," he said. "Under Jay Shah's leadership, there have been many changes in Team India. Women's cricket, in particular, has received a financial boost thanks to his efforts."

India's bowling arsenal has received a significant boost with the debut of Mayank Yadav, a fiery pacer who has consistently clocked speeds exceeding 150 kmph. Yadav made his international debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh, where he claimed a wicket and impressed with his raw pace.However, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has downplayed the threat posed by Yadav, suggesting that his team has similar pacers in their net bowling lineup. "We have some similar fast bowlers in the nets. I don't think we were too worried about (Mayank Yadav)," Shanto said after Bangladesh's seven-wicket defeat in the series opener.Despite Shanto's comments, Yadav's performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been nothing short of exceptional. His ability to generate express pace and swing the ball has made him a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.Meanwhile, Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has arrived in New Delhi ahead of the second T20I against Bangladesh. The hosts will be aiming to seal the series with a second consecutive victory on Wednesday.After their impressive seven-wicket win in Gwalior, India will be confident of extending their lead in the three-match series. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back and level the series.The second T20I promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting explosive batting lineups. India will rely on the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav to provide the fireworks, while Bangladesh will look to Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Liton Das to deliver.

Mayank Yadav, the young Indian pacer who set the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ablaze with his blistering pace, made his much-anticipated India debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday. While Yadav's debut was a memorable occasion, his pace was noticeably slower than his IPL exploits.In the IPL, Yadav famously bowled a delivery clocking 156.7 kmph, but against Bangladesh, his pace varied between 135 kmph and 150 kmph. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Yadav's slower pace may be attributed to several factors."Mayank Yadav bowled his first over as a maiden - Mayank 'Gatimaan' Yadav. He hadn't played cricket for four months. He was coming back after an injury. There were a few butterflies in his stomach. There was a little nervous energy as well," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.Chopra further explained that Yadav may have been prioritizing accuracy over pace in his debut match. "He wasn't trying to reach 150-160 kph because there was a little more focus on the body - 'Let's not push myself because I am coming back after an injury'. However, there is no doubt that this bowler has pace," said Chopra.Despite his slower pace, Yadav bagged his maiden international wicket in the match, marking his arrival on the big stage. However, Chopra believes that Yadav still needs some time to fully harness his exceptional skills."He bowled at a good pace and showed that he has got the ingredients. You are seeing the ingredients as of now with which an excellent dish can be prepared. However, that will take some time and the Indian team will give him time, that's what I feel," said Chopra.Yadav will be keen to build on his fine start to his international career and bag more wickets in the remainder of the series. With his raw pace and potential, he has the ability to become a key member of the Indian bowling attack in the future.

MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have yet to initiate talks with the legendary wicketkeeper-batter regarding his potential retention as a player. However, a recent report suggests that the two parties are scheduled to meet in mid-October to discuss the matter.The IPL Governing Council's decision to reinstate the rule allowing retired Indian players to be selected as uncapped players has opened up the possibility for CSK to retain Dhoni in the INR 4 crore category, freeing up funds for other players ahead of the auction.According to Cricbuzz, Dhoni has returned from his US trip and is expected to hold talks with CSK in the coming weeks. The ten IPL franchises are permitted to retain up to six players from their IPL 2024 squad, including a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players.Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes Dhoni's retention is a foregone conclusion. "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."Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, and Ravindra Jadeja are also expected to be retained. Ex-India batter Aakash Chopra suggests that CSK may use the Right to Match (RTM) card to acquire Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness."I don't think they'll retain five players. They might go for 3-4. I see two players worth 18 CR in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. If you want to keep them, you have to match that price. Other than that, they have MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana.""I think they'll keep Dube and use the RTM card for Deepak Chahar, maybe, depending on his fitness. The price for these players is really high, so the RTM card could be useful to get players for cheaper. If Dube is sold in the auction, he might fetch over 10 or 11 crores."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reintroduced the uncapped player rule, allowing teams to retain experienced players at a reduced cost. This rule has come as a boon for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who can now retain MS Dhoni for just Rs 12 crores over three seasons.Dhoni, who has been the face of CSK since the inaugural edition of the IPL, brings immense value to the team both on and off the field. His leadership, experience, and ability to mentor young players make him an invaluable asset.The uncapped player rule states that a capped Indian player becomes uncapped if they have not played in the starting XI in international cricket or do not have a central contract with the BCCI in the last five calendar years. This rule allows teams to retain players who may not be regular members of the national team but still have the ability to perform at the highest level.Former Australia all-rounder and ex-Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody believes the uncapped player rule is a positive move. He said, "I think it's a great rule. It allows players who are good enough and have longevity to continue playing on the big stage and perform."Moody also suggested that the five-year rule could be further reduced to three years. He said, "I personally think five years is a long time; I would like to see it as a three-year window."CSK has yet to have discussions with Dhoni regarding his future after the retention rules were announced. However, the team is likely to retain him as one of their three players. This would allow them to retain other key players such as Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Matheesha Pathirana.The reintroduction of the uncapped player rule is a significant development for the IPL. It allows teams to retain experienced players at a reduced cost, which could lead to more competitive and exciting matches in the future.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has outlined the retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Franchises can retain a maximum of six players, with the Right-To-Match (RTM) option available. The retention costs are set at Rs 18 crore for the first priority, Rs 14 crore for the second, Rs 11 crore for the third, Rs 18 crore for the fourth, and Rs 14 crore for the fifth. Uncapped players can be retained for Rs 4 crore.Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned whether Punjab Kings (PBKS) has any players worth retaining for Rs 18 crore. He believes that the franchise may release several English players, including Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Chris Woakes, due to the arrival of new coach Ricky Ponting.Chopra advises PBKS to release left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and use the RTM card to retain him at the auction. He believes that no Indian fast bowler, except for Jasprit Bumrah, is likely to fetch Rs 18 crore at the auction.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council's recent decision to reinstate the rule allowing franchises to register retired or inactive international players as "uncapped" has sparked a flurry of speculation. Many believe the move was specifically tailored to accommodate legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, enabling the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain him at a reduced cost of INR 4 crore.While CSK has denied any prior discussions with Dhoni, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is convinced that the rule change was solely motivated by the desire to keep Dhoni in the game. "You will see MS Dhoni again. He's fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, and keeping well. That's why I believe the rules will keep changing until he wants to play," Kaif said on Star Sports.Kaif believes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was justified in altering the rulebook, given Dhoni's exceptional status. "I believe the rule has been changed rightly. If he's fit and playing well, why not change the rule and let him play? Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not? You would want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni," Kaif asserted.Dhoni has hinted that his IPL future hinges on the league's retention rules. Now that the rules are clear, the veteran wicket-keeper batter is expected to make his decision known soon.The IPL's decision to accommodate Dhoni has raised questions about the fairness of the competition. Some argue that it gives CSK an unfair advantage, while others believe it is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in the game.Regardless of the controversy, it is clear that Dhoni remains a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. His presence in the IPL would undoubtedly boost the league's popularity and provide fans with the opportunity to witness one of the most iconic players of all time.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next season in 2025, and the highly anticipated "Big Auction" is set to take place in late November. While Dubai has been the traditional venue for overseas auctions, the BCCI is considering a move to Saudi Arabia for this edition.According to a report by Cricbuzz, Riyadh and Jeddah are the two Saudi cities being considered as potential hosts. While Dubai remains in the running, it is not the preferred option. The report suggests that the higher costs associated with hosting the auction in Saudi Arabia could be a factor in the final decision.Despite the potential financial implications, the BCCI, as the world's richest cricket board, is unlikely to be deterred by the increased expenses. However, the logistical requirements of the auction, including accommodating officials from the 10 teams and the two broadcasters, Disney Star and Jio, will need to be carefully considered.London was initially considered as a potential venue, but the onset of winter in the UK ruled it out. The auction is expected to be a two-day event, and the BCCI is keen to finalize the venue soon.The "Big Auction" is a crucial event in the IPL calendar, as it allows teams to bolster their squads ahead of the upcoming season. With a number of high-profile players expected to be available, the auction is likely to attract significant attention from fans and media alike.