Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next mega auction, scheduled for November or December 2025. This highly anticipated event will witness a significant shift in player retention rules, with franchises reportedly allowed to retain up to five players ahead of the auction.According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the decision to increase the retention limit from four to five players aims to provide greater flexibility to franchises in building their squads. However, the Right To Match (RTM) option will not be available in this mega auction.This change in retention rules is expected to have a major impact on team strategies. Mumbai Indians, for instance, could potentially retain their star-studded lineup of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and a fifth player of their choice.The IPL has held two mega auctions in the past decade, with four-year intervals in between. The first major auction was held in 2014, followed by the 2018 auction that marked the return of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings after their two-year suspensions.The 2021 mega auction was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in teams extending the contracts of their players for an additional year. The upcoming IPL mega sale is likely to be a two-day affair, similar to the previous auctions held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.While some franchises advocate for a larger retention cap of up to eight players, others prefer the existing limit of four or five. The optimal number of retained players remains a topic of debate among IPL teams.

MS Dhoni's Rare Outburst: A Breach of the IPL Code of ConductMS Dhoni, renowned for his composure under pressure, rarely succumbs to emotional outbursts. However, during the 2019 IPL season, fans witnessed a rare moment when his calm demeanor shattered. In a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Dhoni's frustration boiled over due to a controversial no-ball call, leading to a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct.Former CSK teammate and current Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma recently shed light on this unusual incident on the "2 Sloggers" podcast. Recalling the event, Mohit revealed that Dhoni was already furious after getting out and was sitting in the dugout when the drama unfolded. In the final over of the match, Ben Stokes bowled a high full toss to Mitchell Santner, which appeared to be a no-ball. The umpire at square leg initially raised his arm to signal it, but quickly retracted the call, deciding it wasn't a no-ball.This reversal of decision enraged Dhoni, who stormed onto the field to confront the umpires. "We were in the dugout, shouting, 'Don't go, don't go.' But he didn’t even look back. The way he walked onto the field, (laga ki bhai sher ghus gaya hai) it felt like a lion had entered the arena," Mohit recalled.Despite his teammates' efforts to hold him back, Dhoni's frustration got the best of him as he fiercely contested the call. "He had just got out and was already furious. He wanted to be in there because generally, he doesn't leave it to others. He came, sat and all of a sudden, the incident happened. He asked, 'Did he (the umpire) give it a no-ball?' We were like, 'Yeah, he did signal.' Then he just didn't stop," he added.Dhoni’s outburst led to a fine of 50% of his match fees for violating the IPL Code of Conduct, marking one of the few instances where he allowed his emotions to boil over.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the enigmatic former Indian cricket captain, holds a special bond with the city of Chennai. As the former skipper of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni has led the team to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, cementing his status as the city's most beloved son.Former CSK teammate Mohit Sharma has shared some intriguing anecdotes about Dhoni's fiery nature and his unique approach to player management. "He gets angry and we've heard a lot of abuses from him," Sharma revealed on the '2 Sloggers' podcast. "But he always says, what happens on the field, stays there. Later, he will make you understand but never be angry with you."Sharma recalled an incident involving Deepak Chahar, who also faced Dhoni's wrath. "In 2019, Deepak was playing and I wasn't. The game was in Chennai, and everyone was sweating profusely. He bowled a knuckle ball that was hit for a boundary. Dhoni bhai told him not to bowl it again. He said, 'ok Mahi bhai'. After bowling the next 2-3 balls, he bowled the knuckle ball again.""Mahi bhai came up to him, kept his arms around Deepak's shoulder, said a few things to him, and went back. We didn't know what happened. So when the match got over, we asked what happened? He said, 'You know what he said? He said a few wonderful things (likely abuses), and then he added 'Bewakoof tu nahi hai, bewakoof main hu (You're not the fool, I am).' So that is a tale we always remember."Despite his fiery temper, Dhoni is known for his love and support for his players. "Dhoni bhai loves Chahar equally," Sharma emphasized.As the IPL 2025 season approaches, there is still uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's participation. However, his legacy as a legendary captain and a beloved figure in Chennai remains unchallenged.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its mega auction, and franchises are eagerly awaiting the BCCI's announcement on retention guidelines. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in particular, is keen to know the rules as they could determine the future of legendary captain MS Dhoni.According to reports, CSK has shortlisted five players for retention: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni. Notably absent from the list are Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Maheesh Theekshana.CSK's decision to let go of some of its top players is a bold move, especially considering Dhoni's potential retirement after the 2025 season. The franchise is reportedly hoping that the BCCI will reinstate the old rule that allowed teams to retain a retired player in the uncapped category.This rule, which was in place from 2008 to 2021, would allow Dhoni to be retained in the lowest-paying category. CSK has previously requested the BCCI to bring back this rule, but a decision is yet to be made.Dhoni's future in the IPL hinges on the BCCI's retention policy. If the old rule is reinstated, he could continue playing for CSK beyond the 2025 season. However, if the rule is not brought back, Dhoni's retirement could be imminent.The BCCI is expected to announce the retention guidelines soon, and CSK will be closely monitoring the decision. The franchise's future and Dhoni's legacy in the IPL could depend on the outcome.

Will Jacks, the rising star of English cricket, has made a remarkable impact on the international stage in recent months. His stunning performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his Test debut against Pakistan have showcased his exceptional talent and versatility.In the IPL, Jacks played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable comeback. After winning just one of their first eight games, the RCB men rallied to win six on the trot to qualify for the playoffs. Jacks' stunning 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans was a masterclass of T20 batting.Jacks' Test debut was equally impressive. He was told he was in the team just two minutes before the toss at Rawalpindi. Despite the short notice, he took six wickets with his off-spin, helping England secure a remarkable victory on a flat pitch.In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Jacks shared his thoughts on his recent performances and the upcoming white-ball series against Australia."I am excited about the series against Australia," said Jacks. "I have had a small taste of ODI cricket for England and I am enjoying the format. It's a nice mix of T20 and Test cricket."Jacks believes that bilateral series are important, despite criticism from some quarters. "Any time you play for your country, it's an important series," he said. "And England against Australia is the oldest rivalry in cricket."Jacks is particularly excited about the arrival of Brendon McCullum as England's white-ball coach. "It's really exciting," he said. "I have had a little bit of experience with Baz, having done two Test tours. The amount of positivity and energy he brings to the group is second to none."Jacks credits McCullum with changing the mindset of English cricket. "It's the positivity," he said. "It's wanting to take the game on at all stages, put everyone under pressure, instead of never taking a backward step. That's a good mindset to have right through the whole English cricket system."Jacks also spoke about his admiration for Kevin Pietersen and A.B. de Villiers, two of his cricketing idols. "Kevin Pietersen was my hero growing up," he said. "He was at the forefront of the 2005 Ashes series and I remember his knock at the Oval on the final day. From that moment on, he was my hero.""A.B. de Villiers is as good as it gets across all formats," Jacks added. "Every time he was on the TV, I made sure I was there watching."Jacks is confident that England can continue their recent success under McCullum. "We have a lot of talent in the team," he said. "We just need to keep working hard and keep believing in ourselves."

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ponting's appointment marks a significant change for PBKS, who have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons.Ponting's coaching journey in the IPL began with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008. He later joined the Mumbai Indians, where he led the team to their first IPL title in 2013. In 2018, he took over as head coach of the Delhi Capitals, guiding them to three consecutive playoff appearances.Ponting's primary task at PBKS will be to identify players for retention ahead of the upcoming season. The team has not qualified for the playoffs since 2014 and finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season.Ponting acknowledged the pressure of winning a trophy as a coach but welcomed it. He said, "That is the thing that makes coaching inviting to me. I like having that pressure. It is as close to getting back to playing as you can possibly get."Reflecting on his IPL journey, Ponting called coaching MI an "awesome experience" and described the DC changing room as a "special place" despite not winning a trophy. He noted that coaching in the IPL has evolved and is now more specific, with teams covering every aspect by appointing specialized coaches.Key performers for Punjab last season included Harshal Patel, who won the Purple Cap for the second time, and the uncapped Indian players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. The squad also includes talents like left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, and leg-spinner Rahul Chahar. Notable overseas players in the team are England's Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada.With Shikhar Dhawan's recent retirement, identifying a new captain will also be a priority for Ponting and the team management.

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian skipper, has shed light on his departure from the Delhi Capitals (DC) coaching setup, citing availability issues and the franchise's desire for a full-time head coach. Ponting's exit from DC after seven years paved the way for his appointment as the new head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) starting from IPL 2025.Ponting's IPL journey began as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, followed by a stint with Mumbai Indians, where he relinquished the captaincy in 2013. He later served as an advisor in 2014 and head coach in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, he took over as head coach of DC, guiding them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including their maiden final in 2020.Reflecting on his time with DC, Ponting emphasized the "family environment" he fostered. However, he acknowledged the franchise's desire for a full-time head coach, which he could not commit to due to other commitments and family time."I understand what they want; they said to me that my availability was becoming an issue. And they wanted to pretty much have a full-time head coach. I could not commit to that, so I was disappointed that it ended, but I understand the direction they wanted to head going forward," Ponting said.Despite the disappointment, Ponting expressed gratitude for the memories and relationships he built during his tenure. He also highlighted the pressure of winning a trophy, which he embraces as a coach."That is the thing that makes coaching inviting to me. I like having that pressure. It is as close to getting back to playing as you can possibly get," he added.Ponting acknowledged the evolution of coaching in the IPL, with teams appointing coaches for specific roles. He believes this has contributed to the improvement of Indian players, who benefit from exposure to top coaches.As for his new role with PBKS, Ponting will prioritize identifying players for retention ahead of the next season. Key performers from last season include Harshal Patel, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma. The squad also boasts notable talents like Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, and overseas players like Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Kagiso Rabada.With the retirement of Shikhar Dhawan, Ponting and the team management will also need to appoint a new captain.

Rajasthan Royals have appointed former India batting coach Vikram Rathour as their new batting coach, reuniting him with Rahul Dravid at the franchise. Rathour, a former India opener and selector, played a key role in India's Men's T20 World Cup victory in June this year.Rathour's appointment marks a significant move for the Royals, who are looking to strengthen their batting lineup. During his tenure as India's batting coach from 2019 to 2024, Rathour played a pivotal role in the development of several young batters, including Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul."It's a privilege to be part of the Royals family," said Rathour. "The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is hugely exciting. I look forward to contributing to the team's vision and working toward our goal of developing top-class players for the Royals and for India."Dravid, the Royals' head coach, expressed his delight at Rathour's appointment. "Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals," said Dravid. "Together, we've built a strong rapport, guiding India to key successes, and I'm thrilled to reunite with him."Rathour's appointment is expected to bolster the Royals' batting unit, which has struggled for consistency in recent seasons. The franchise will be hoping that Rathour's experience and expertise can help them develop a more formidable batting lineup and challenge for the IPL title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next mega auction, scheduled to take place in late November or early December 2025. The Board for Cricket Council of India (BCCI) is expected to release the rules and regulations for the auction in the coming days.The IPL has held two mega auctions in the past decade, with four-year intervals between them. The first major auction was held in 2014, followed by another in 2018, when the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings returned to the league after a two-year suspension.Sources close to the BCCI have confirmed that the upcoming mega auction is likely to be held over two days, similar to the 2022, 2023, and 2024 auctions. The auction will allow teams to rebuild their squads and acquire new talent ahead of the 2025 season.One of the key considerations for the auction is the number of players that teams will be allowed to retain. In the 2022 mega auction, teams were permitted to retain up to four players. However, there are differing opinions among franchises about the optimal number of retained players for the 2025 auction. Some teams advocate for a larger retention cap, possibly up to eight players, while others prefer the existing limit of four or five.The BCCI is expected to finalize the retention rules and other auction details in the coming weeks. The auction will be a crucial event for the IPL, as it will shape the composition of teams and the competitive landscape of the league for the next three years.