Cricket

Suresh Raina's unwavering faith in MS Dhoni's cricketing prowess and leadership abilities was evident in a recent podcast interview. When asked who he would choose as his batting partner in a hypothetical scenario where his team needed 20 runs in the final over, Raina responded without hesitation: "MS Dhoni."Raina's unwavering trust in Dhoni stems from their long-standing camaraderie as teammates in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Indian national team. Despite Dhoni's recent retirement from international cricket, Raina believes that the legendary captain still has much to offer, particularly in mentoring the next generation of cricketers.Dhoni's decision to pass on the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024 signaled a transition within the team. However, Raina, who retired alongside Dhoni in 2020, believes that Dhoni should continue for one more season to guide Gaikwad and help him develop his leadership skills.Raina's faith in Dhoni's abilities is not unfounded. Despite battling a knee injury during the last IPL season, Dhoni adapted to a finisher's role, contributing crucial runs lower down the order. His 161 runs in 14 matches came at an astonishing strike rate of 220.25, proving that the "Thala" still has the ability to make a significant impact on the game.As the IPL approaches its mega players' auction for the 2025 season, Dhoni's future remains uncertain. However, Dhoni has stated that he will wait to see the auction rules, particularly concerning player retention, before making a decision. "It needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK)," Dhoni remarked.Raina's unwavering belief in Dhoni's abilities and his desire for Dhoni to continue playing for one more season highlight the deep bond and respect between the two former teammates. Dhoni's experience, leadership, and ability to adapt to different roles make him an invaluable asset to any team, and Raina's unwavering support is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of cricket's greatest captains.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a topic of intense speculation following his removal as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in 2024. The move, which ended Rohit's decade-long tenure at the helm, has sparked rumors that he may join a new team ahead of the 2025 IPL auction.Multiple reports suggest that Rohit's availability in the auction could trigger a bidding war among several franchises eager to secure his services. Punjab Kings Head of Cricket Development Sanjay Bangar has expressed interest in acquiring the star batter, stating that PBKS will "certainly go for him" if he enters the auction."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.Meanwhile, Rohit has paid tribute to his long-time opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, who recently announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Rohit hailed Dhawan as "The Ultimate Jatt" and credited him for making his cricketing journey easier."From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end," Rohit wrote on Instagram.Rohit's future in the IPL remains uncertain, but his availability in the auction is expected to generate significant interest from franchises seeking to bolster their batting lineups. The bidding war for his services could potentially set a new record for player acquisition in the IPL.

Zaheer Khan's Calm Demeanor to Benefit Lucknow Super Giants, Says Jonty RhodesFormer South African cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has expressed his belief that Zaheer Khan's appointment as the franchise's mentor will significantly benefit the team. Rhodes highlighted Khan's calm demeanor and experience as key assets that will enhance the team's performance."Zaheer Khan will definitely bring the calmness in the team," Rhodes said. "Having someone like Zak around will be of great help for the franchise. The team meetings, selections meetings, franchise meetings with owners, you need a calm head because the tournament goes up and down as per results. You need that support and consistency."Rhodes emphasized the importance of Khan's presence in maintaining a stable environment within the team, especially during challenging times. "The team is no longer a brand new franchise; it has been around for three years now, so obviously the pressure is there to perform," he said. "We need to achieve what we plan, to reach the playoffs. We haven't reached the final yet, so with Zak and his calmness, I think it will be very important for the franchise."Khan's technical expertise and bowling experience will also be invaluable to the team, according to Rhodes. "With the technique and bowling experience that he carries, he will benefit the franchise," he said.Khan joins LSG's coaching staff, which includes Justin Langer as head coach, along with assistant coaches Lance Klusener and Adam Voges. The team is currently without a bowling coach after Morne Morkel left the role to take up the same position with the Indian team.In the IPL 2024 season, Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the points table with seven wins and seven losses. The team will be hoping to improve its performance in the upcoming season with the guidance of Khan and the rest of the coaching staff.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently shared a viral image on social media featuring their iconic duo, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, enjoying a moment at a farm. The image has sparked excitement among fans, who have been speculating about the future of these two stalwarts in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in IPL history, has led CSK to a record-equalling five titles. Jadeja, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for the franchise, known for his all-around abilities. Both players have been integral to CSK's success over the years.The image shared by CSK shows Jadeja taking a selfie with Dhoni standing in the background. The caption reads, "Imagine Thala & Thalapathy in this field together!" Thala and Thalapathy are affectionate nicknames given to Dhoni and Jadeja, respectively.The original picture was shared by Jadeja on Instagram earlier this month, with the caption "Homeland." The image was taken at his farm, showcasing the bond between the two players.Dhoni has captained CSK to ten finals in their first 14 IPL seasons, winning five titles. He has played in every single edition for CSK, except for two seasons when the franchise was banned from the IPL. While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, there is no doubt that he still has a few seasons left in him.Jadeja, on the other hand, has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy, where he was set to be part of Team 'B'. This decision has raised questions about his availability for the next IPL season.The image shared by CSK has reignited speculation about the future of Dhoni and Jadeja with the franchise. Fans are eager to see the duo continue their successful partnership in the IPL. However, with both players nearing the end of their careers, it remains to be seen how long they will continue to play at the highest level.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has unveiled his all-time IPL XI, featuring a formidable lineup with a strong Indian presence. The team boasts seven Indian players, including some of the most iconic names in the tournament's history.At the top of the order, Ashwin has opted for the explosive duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the most prolific run-scorers in IPL history. They are followed by Suresh Raina, the "Mr. IPL," who has consistently delivered for Chennai Super Kings.The middle order is anchored by Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai Indians' "Mr. 360," known for his versatility and ability to score runs all around the wicket. The legendary Ab de Villiers, a former Royal Challengers Bangalore star, adds further firepower to the lineup.Behind the stumps, Ashwin has chosen MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings icon, as his wicket-keeper and captain. Dhoni's leadership skills and experience make him an invaluable asset to any team.In the spin department, Ashwin has picked the world-class duo of Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. Narine, a mystery spinner from the West Indies, has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Khan, an Afghan leg-spinner, has impressed with his variations and wicket-taking ability.The pace attack features three Indian stalwarts: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lasith Malinga. Kumar, a swing bowler, has been a consistent performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Bumrah, a fast bowler, has established himself as one of the best in the world. Malinga, a Sri Lankan legend, brings a wealth of experience and his signature yorkers to the team.Ashwin's all-time IPL XI is a formidable lineup that combines experience, skill, and versatility. It is a testament to the depth of talent that has graced the IPL over the years.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the third time this year, defeating SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final. This triumph marked their first IPL success since 2014, and former India head coach Gautam Gambhir played a pivotal role in all three of KKR's victories.In 2012 and 2014, Gambhir captained KKR to two IPL titles. This year, he transitioned into a mentorship role, joining KKR from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he had also served as a mentor.Gambhir's contributions to LSG were significant, as he helped build the team from the ground up. LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka acknowledged Gambhir's role in the franchise's success, particularly in the team's first auction."Gautam has played a significant role in building the side's foundation," Goenka said. "If you consider our first auction successful, it is only because of Gautam. We got the franchise barely two weeks before the auctions. We did not have an analyst or a research team. It was all Gautam Gambhir's team. He did everything and put together a very balanced team."LSG qualified for the IPL playoffs in its first two seasons before finishing seventh in IPL 2024. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions, LSG appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as the franchise's mentor.Zaheer expressed his commitment to serving the team in every capacity possible, including bowling. He emphasized the importance of decision-making and building on the team's existing strengths."It is a team game, so I will be serving the team in every capacity possible, and yes, it includes bowling," Zaheer said. "When you see LSG, their journey is only three years but they are as comparable to the teams who have played the IPL for 17-18 years. The building blocks are in place and we need to take them forward."

Barinder Sran, the left-arm fast bowler who represented India in six ODIs and two T20Is, has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket at the age of 31.Sran's international career was brief but memorable. He made his ODI debut in January 2016 against Australia in Perth, taking 3 for 56. He also played in the white-ball tour of Zimbabwe in June 2016, where he made his T20I debut and took 4 for 10 in the second game in Harare.Sran's journey to international cricket was a remarkable one. He started out as a boxer at the Bhiwani Boxing Club in Haryana before switching to cricket after seeing a Kings XI Punjab advertisement calling youngsters to take part in a trial.Despite not getting an IPL contract initially, Sran's talent was evident. He was picked up by Rajasthan Royals at the 2015 IPL auction and made his ODI debut for India a year later with only eight List A matches under his belt.Sran's retirement marks the end of a promising career. He was a talented bowler who represented India with distinction. He will be remembered for his brief but impactful international career and his journey from village cricket to the highest level.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return for its 16th season, but the fate of the controversial 'Impact Player' rule remains uncertain. Despite calls for its removal, several players and experts have expressed their support for its retention.Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, believes the rule adds strategic value to the game. "It gives a little more value for strategy," he said. "The other side of that argument is it doesn't encourage all-rounders. But no one is stopping them."Former India pacer Zaheer Khan, now the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, echoed Ashwin's sentiments. "I'm all for it," he said. "It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents."Khan emphasized the rule's positive impact on young players. "That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole," he said. "The time spent in match time, it's something you cannot beat."However, not all players are convinced. Virat Kohli, the former India captain, has criticized the rule for disrupting the game's balance. Rohit Sharma, the current India skipper, has also expressed his reservations.The 'Impact Player' rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing tactical flexibility. However, critics argue that it undermines the role of all-rounders and disrupts the flow of the game.As the IPL auction approaches, teams will be weighing the pros and cons of the rule. While some may see it as an opportunity to bolster their squads with versatile players, others may prefer to stick with traditional team compositions.The ultimate decision on the rule's future lies with the IPL Governing Council. With the tournament set to begin in March, the fate of the 'Impact Player' rule will be closely watched by fans and players alike.

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a significant captaincy change at Mumbai Indians (MI), with Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma. This move sparked speculations of a rift between the two players. However, their performances and interactions during India's T20 World Cup victory have shed light on the true nature of their relationship.Veteran journalist Vimal Kumar revealed that Rohit and Hardik initially maintained distance during the first day of practice. However, on the second day, they engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation that resolved their differences. Kumar witnessed this interaction and described it as a defining moment for the team."When I went to the nets, on the first day I saw they were standing far apart and did not talk with each other. But by the second day, I saw them come over, one after the other, and sit together in a corner, talking for a long time. That moment for me defined this team," Kumar said.Kumar believes that this conversation played a crucial role in calming the atmosphere in the dressing room. He also praised India's then head coach Rahul Dravid for handling the situation effectively."The full credit goes to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for this. The way he handled the big guys - Virat, Hardik, Rohit - I think Rahul Dravid has a lot to do with it. Everyone gelled together. That was the leadership I had confidence in," Kumar added.India's T20 World Cup victory, with Rohit and Hardik making significant contributions, further solidified their bond. Their public displays of affection during the tournament put to rest any lingering doubts about their relationship.The captaincy change at MI may have raised questions, but the events during the T20 World Cup have demonstrated the strength of the bond between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Their ability to resolve their differences and work together for the success of the team is a testament to their professionalism and commitment to Indian cricket.