Cricket

Pakistan-born fast bowler Zahoor Khan, who represents the UAE cricket team, had a memorable stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI) as a net bowler in 2014. Despite not featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Zahoor gained invaluable experience and insights from his interactions with some of the world's top cricketers.In a recent interview, Zahoor shared his experiences with MI, particularly his encounters with Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma. He revealed that Bumrah was so impressed by his slower deliveries that he sought advice on his grip."I spent three months with Mumbai Indians and had the opportunity to interact with Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah," Zahoor said. "Bumrah was particularly interested in my slower ball and asked me how I grip the ball. It was a huge honor for me, considering he's the world's No. 1 bowler."Zahoor also recalled bowling to Rohit Sharma in the nets and noted that the Indian skipper struggled to pick his slower delivery. "I bowled a slower ball to Rohit, and he couldn't believe how slow it was," Zahoor said. "He even commented that even if a batter picked it, it would never go for a six."Zahoor praised Rohit Sharma's leadership and humility, describing him as a legend who treats everyone with respect. He also commended Bumrah's resilience and determination, highlighting his impressive return to form after an injury layoff."Rohit is a true leader and a wonderful human being," Zahoor said. "Bumrah is a superstar, but he's also a great person. He's shown that he's back to his best after his injury."Zahoor's time with MI provided him with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. His interactions with Bumrah and Sharma have undoubtedly enriched his cricketing knowledge and will serve him well in his future endeavors.

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is currently enjoying a vacation in the United States with close friends. Dhoni's presence at an American football game was captured in a video shared by his friend Hitesh Sanghvi on Instagram. The video features a collage of photographs from the trip, showcasing Dhoni and his companions traveling in a private jet and having a memorable time at the game."Fun trip to Michigan for American football and back...with these amazing people," Sanghvi wrote in his Instagram post.Dhoni's last appearance on the cricket field was during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year. While the 43-year-old legend hinted at retiring from the game in Chennai, there is speculation that he may return for one final IPL season.The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are eagerly awaiting guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding player retention for the upcoming IPL season. The team has expressed a strong desire to retain the services of their most successful captain, who has led them to five IPL championships.However, there is uncertainty surrounding the potential classification of players who retired over four years ago as uncapped. The BCCI has not yet provided any official confirmation or made any formal statements regarding the retention regulations.Despite the speculation, Dhoni's presence at an American football game suggests that he is still enjoying his time away from cricket. The video shared by Sanghvi has garnered significant attention on social media, with fans expressing their admiration for Dhoni's adventurous spirit and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Virat Kohli's Gesture of Respect Inspires Young Sarfaraz KhanFor a 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan, being greeted by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli with a bow and folded hands was a surreal experience. The gesture, which came after Khan's impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left an unforgettable mark on the young batter.On April 29, 2015, Khan had just scored a blistering 21-ball 45 for RCB, helping his team reach a formidable total of 200 for 7 against Rajasthan Royals. As Khan returned to the pavilion, Kohli, the RCB captain, approached him with a warm smile and a respectful bow.Recalling the moment, Khan expressed his admiration for Kohli's humility and leadership. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him; it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity," Khan told Jio Cinema.Khan also praised Kohli's unwavering passion and dedication to the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Khan said.The mutual respect between Kohli and Khan is set to continue as they prepare to team up for India in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Kohli has been training in Chennai, Khan is expected to join the squad soon after completing his Duleep Trophy commitments.Khan's journey from a young prodigy to a potential Indian star has been marked by hard work and determination. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering belief in his abilities have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. With Kohli as his mentor and guide, Khan is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

The relationship between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, two prominent figures in Indian cricket, has been a complex one marked by both professional respect and occasional friction.During their early years as teammates, Gambhir played a significant role in mentoring Kohli, guiding him through the challenges of international cricket. However, their relationship has also been strained by moments of on-field aggression and differences in perspective.One notable incident occurred during the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), captained by Gambhir, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), captained by Kohli. After Kohli's dismissal, a heated exchange ensued between the two captains, requiring the intervention of umpires and players to restore order.In 2023, Kohli and Gambhir were fined for a post-match altercation following the RCB-LSG game. Despite these incidents, there have also been moments of mutual respect and camaraderie between the two players.One such instance occurred during a 2009 ODI match against Sri Lanka, where Gambhir and Kohli shared a 224-run partnership. Gambhir, who remained unbeaten on 150, praised Kohli's contribution and handed over his Man of the Match award to him, acknowledging the importance of Kohli's maiden ODI century.This gesture highlighted Gambhir's leadership and recognition of Kohli's talent. Despite their occasional differences, both players have always acknowledged each other's contributions to the team.The relationship between Gambhir and Kohli has evolved over the years, from one of mutual respect to moments of on-field aggression and differences in perspective. However, both players have maintained a level of professionalism in their interactions, recognizing the importance of their contributions to Indian cricket.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has strongly advocated for the inclusion of young pacer Harshit Rana in the Indian Test team. Rana's impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Duleep Trophy have caught Karthik's attention, who believes the 22-year-old deserves a spot in the national side.Rana emerged as a breakout star in the IPL 2023 season, claiming 19 wickets in 13 matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate good pace made him a key contributor to KKR's third IPL title triumph.Karthik, who played alongside Rana at KKR, was particularly impressed by the youngster's performance in the Duleep Trophy. Rana took four wickets in the first innings of the first round match against India C and another four-fer in the second round against India A.Despite his impressive form, Rana was not included in India's squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Karthik expressed his surprise at this omission, stating that Rana could have been considered for the first Test."I just thought, could there have been a spot for Harshit? I felt he bowled well and there is something really special about him," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.Karthik believes that Rana's unique skills, including his ability to generate backspin and kiss the pitch, would make him a valuable asset in Australian conditions. India is scheduled to tour Australia later this year for five Tests, and Karthik urged the selectors to pick Rana for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."Harshit Rana. He has special skills, a good backspin on the ball, kisses off the pitch, and is a very talented fast bowler. I really wish they take him to Australia because he will make a difference there," he added.The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has opted for four seamers in the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal. However, Karthik's comments suggest that Rana could be in contention for a place in the Test team in the near future.

MS Dhoni's Rare Outburst: A Moment of Frustration in CSK's Early IPL DaysFormer Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has shed light on a rare instance where Mahendra Singh Dhoni lost his composure during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the early years of the Indian Premier League (IPL).In an interview with InsideSport, Badrinath recalled a low-scoring game at Chepauk where CSK, chasing a modest target of 110 runs, suffered a shocking defeat. Captain Dhoni, renowned for his calm and collected demeanor, displayed visible frustration after this unexpected loss."In this match against RCB in Chennai, we were chasing 110 odd runs. We lost wickets in a hurry and we ended up losing the match. It was one of those matches where we couldn't get 110 against RCB in Chepauk," Badrinath recounted.Badrinath further described an incident in the dressing room after he was dismissed by RCB spinner Anil Kumble. "I got out to a lap shot against Anil Kumble. I got myself LBW. He (MS Dhoni) was coming inside the dressing room and I was standing right there. And there was a small water bottle in front of me and MS just kicked it out of the park and I was oh my god! We were all trying to avoid eye contact with him in that dressing room," Badrinath added.Despite this rare outburst, Dhoni's leadership is widely credited for guiding CSK to five IPL titles, establishing him as one of the most celebrated captains in cricket. Badrinath, who played for CSK from 2008 to 2013, scored 1441 runs in 95 matches, including 11 half-centuries.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to undergo a potential overhaul in its retention rules ahead of the 2025 season. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce any changes, media reports suggest that franchises are still negotiating the number of retentions allowed.Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is determined to retain the services of legendary wicket-keeper batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni, regardless of the number of retentions granted. According to Cricbuzz, CSK is willing to retain Dhoni even if he is placed in the "uncapped" category, a move that would significantly reduce his salary cap hit.Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, the franchise has won five IPL titles. Despite stepping down as captain in 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the team's success.Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has praised the transformative impact of former India captain Virat Kohli on Test cricket in the country. Ponting believes that Kohli's aggressive approach and belief in his team's ability to win overseas have inspired a new generation of Indian batters.Ponting also lauded the contributions of former head coach Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2022. Dravid's tenure saw India continue to excel in Test cricket, with memorable victories in challenging conditions abroad.Under Kohli's captaincy, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. His absence during the 2020-21 series due to the birth of his daughter did not deter the team, which rallied under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane to secure a historic 2-1 series victory.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering postponing the announcement of its Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules until September, according to sources within the league. The delay could extend until the conclusion of the BCCI's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru.The BCCI has not officially linked the AGM to the release of the retention policy, but there is speculation that the board may surprise everyone by unveiling the policy in the coming days. However, the prevailing sentiment among IPL officials suggests that the announcement is likely to be postponed by 10 days to a fortnight.While no official statement has been made regarding the delay, BCCI representatives have reportedly hinted to franchises that there may be a postponement in the announcement. The franchises have been seeking clarity on the matter, but the board has not provided a definitive timeline for the release of the policy.The BCCI had originally planned to reveal the policy by late August, as explicitly mentioned by Board officials after the owners' meeting in Mumbai last month. However, as the end of August drew near, franchise officials contacted the BCCI and were apparently notified of an additional postponement.The officials were given the impression that the policy would be announced towards the end of September instead.The BCCI's retention policy announcement date remains uncertain, but it has been revealed that franchises will have the deadline of November 15 to make their final decisions regarding player retention. It is expected that the auction, which is tentatively planned for December, will also include the Right to Match (RTM) options for the teams.The BCCI is reportedly considering a controversial decision to categorize retired international cricketers as uncapped players. However, it remains uncertain whether this move will have a significant impact on the auction purse.While some speculate that this policy might be designed to benefit Chennai Super Kings by allowing MS Dhoni to be placed in the 'uncapped' category, it is more likely that the league itself has a vested interest in ensuring Dhoni's participation for another season.Chennai Super Kings management has stated that if MS Dhoni chooses to continue playing in the next season, he will be one of their retained players, regardless of whether the BCCI allows only two retentions. This stance by the CSK officials highlights Dhoni's importance to the franchise and their desire to keep him on the team.The decision to retain players who have retired from international cricket could also impact other cricketers, such as Sunil Narine. Narine, who last played a T20I in 2019, announced his retirement from international cricket some time ago.The retention policies set by the BCCI and the stance taken by teams like CSK may influence the future of players who have stepped away from representing their countries but continue to participate in franchise-based leagues.

Piyush Chawla Hints at Retirement, Jokes About Playing with Prithvi Shaw's SonVeteran Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has playfully hinted at his retirement plans, suggesting that he might hang up his boots after former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.Chawla, 35, remains an active player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has expressed his desire to continue playing for several more years. In a recent interview on The Shubhankar Mishra Show, Chawla engaged in a light-hearted conversation with fellow cricketer Prithvi Shaw about his retirement plans."A while ago, Prithvi Shaw told me, 'Bas karo yaar ab PC bhai.' I said, I've played with Sachin paaji, and now playing with his son. I am playing with you, and after playing with your son, I will retire," Chawla said with a smile.Chawla's remarks underscore his enduring passion for cricket. Despite no longer being a part of the Indian national team, the two-time World Cup winner continues to make a significant impact in the IPL.When asked who might retire first, Chawla humorously pointed to his former India captain, MS Dhoni, saying, "Mahi bhai." Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, also continues to play in the IPL like Chawla.Both players are known for their longevity in cricket, continuing to perform at a high level despite their age. Chawla's comments suggest that he plans to stay in the game for a while longer, entertaining cricket fans for more seasons to come.