Cricket

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu believes that MS Dhoni's IPL career is not over yet and urges the BCCI to retain the impact player rule to facilitate Dhoni's continued participation in the tournament.Chennai Super Kings' hopes of reaching the playoffs were dashed after a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. Dhoni's team needed 17 runs in the final over to qualify, but RCB bowler Yash Dayal held his nerve to secure the victory.Rayudu, who played alongside Dhoni at CSK, believes that Dhoni is not ready to retire. "I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note," Rayudu said. "He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That's very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year."Rayudu also highlighted the importance of the impact player rule in keeping Dhoni involved. "With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact," Rayudu said. "BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not."Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also commented on Dhoni's performance, noting that while his physical abilities may be diminishing, his leadership and cricketing knowledge remain invaluable. "As a leader, he is The Thala of the Chennai Super Kings. This is telling me that nothing here is about becoming anything else other than first place. He's desperately using his brains, all of that cricket knowledge," Hayden said.Despite the disappointment of the loss, RCB continued their impressive run of form with their sixth consecutive win, securing a place in the playoffs.

MS Dhoni Reflects on Challenges of Competing in IPL at 42, Balancing Life After International CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has opened up about the physical and mental challenges of competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the age of 42. Despite stepping down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, Dhoni played a crucial role in the team's campaign this season. However, CSK failed to make the playoffs, finishing fifth with seven wins, seven losses, and 14 points.In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's YouTube channel, Dhoni emphasized the importance of fitness in competing with younger players. "The toughest thing is... I am not playing cricket throughout the year. So I have to be fit. Once I come, you are competing against youngsters who are fit and playing international cricket. Professional sport is not easy, nobody gives you a discount for age," Dhoni said.Dhoni highlighted the need for a strict diet and training regimen to maintain fitness. He also noted that social media distractions are minimal for him as he is not active on those platforms.Since retiring from international cricket, Dhoni has enjoyed spending more time with his family. "Once I quit international cricket, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my family. But, at that same time, to be mentally active, to have that passion to stay focused -- for me, I love farming, for me it is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me," he explained.Dhoni also mentioned his love for pets, particularly dogs, which provide him with unconditional love and a sense of normalcy even after tough matches.Despite managing his workload due to a knee surgery last year, Dhoni made a notable impact in IPL 2024. Batting in crucial moments, he scored 161 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 53.67 and a staggering strike rate of 220.55.

The Mumbai Indians' (MI) decision to reinstate Hardik Pandya as captain proved to be a costly mistake, according to former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh. The team failed to perform as a cohesive unit, leading to a disappointing season.After a successful two-year stint with Gujarat Titans (GT), where Pandya led the team to the title in their inaugural season, MI brought him back as captain. However, the move was met with criticism on social media, as Rohit Sharma was replaced.Pandya and the team faced intense backlash during their matches, with MI finishing at the bottom of the standings with just four wins. Pandya's performances were also underwhelming, failing to produce game-winning efforts.Harbhajan believes that MI's decision to reinstate Pandya was a mistake that caused the team to become disunified. He suggests that the timing of the decision may have been off, and that it could have been better received if made a year later."MI has a big team. I have played for it. The management is great and runs the team well. But this decision has backfired. Maybe the thinking was to look for the future. It seems that it did not sit well with the team as they did not look united," said Harbhajan.Pandya's statistics for the season were underwhelming, with 216 runs at an average of 18.00 and 11 wickets at an average of 35.18. However, fans will be hoping to see a different Pandya in the blue jersey for India at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.As vice-captain, Pandya will be a key component of Rohit Sharma's Team India. His all-round ability and penchant for performing under pressure will be crucial for India's success in the tournament.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has sparked controversy with his recent comments on his demeanor during matches. Gambhir, known for his stern expression and aggressive approach, has faced criticism for not smiling or showing emotion on the field.In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir defended his serious demeanor, stating that his primary focus is on winning matches and creating a winning environment in the dressing room. He emphasized that fans attend matches to witness victories, not to see him smile."I don't understand why people talk about me not smiling or laughing," Gambhir said. "People come to watch me win. That's the kind of profession we guys are in. I can't help it."Gambhir further clarified that he is not in the entertainment industry and that his role as a cricketer is to perform to the best of his ability. He admitted to being obsessed with winning and that his intense demeanor helps him achieve his goals."I'm not a Bollywood actor," Gambhir said. "My job is to come back in a winning dressing room. And fortunately, unfortunately, a winning dressing room is a happy dressing room."Gambhir's comments have sparked a debate among cricket fans and analysts. Some have praised his unwavering focus on winning, while others have questioned whether his intensity is necessary or beneficial to the team.Meanwhile, KKR, under Gambhir's mentorship, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday. A victory for KKR would secure them a spot in the final.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain After CSK's Playoff ExitChennai Super Kings' disappointing IPL 2024 campaign has raised questions about the future of legendary captain MS Dhoni. The five-time champions crashed out of the playoffs after a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leaving Dhoni's role in the team uncertain.Dhoni, who has been a mainstay of CSK since the inception of the IPL, has seen his role diminish in recent seasons. Under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni has primarily operated as a lower-order finisher.Despite the lack of official communication, Dhoni's future with CSK has become a topic of speculation. Videos of the former India captain taking a bike ride around Ranchi have surfaced on social media, fueling rumors of his potential retirement from the IPL.Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that Dhoni's performance in CSK's final match of the season could be a sign of his impending departure. Dhoni was at the crease with the game hanging in the balance but was caught in the deep off the bowling of Yash Dayal."If Dhoni was unbeaten, CSK would have won the match," Chopra said. "He kept them alive. Maybe this was the last time we saw Dhoni."Chopra also praised Dhoni's batting performance, noting that he hit the longest six of the season (110 meters) and two fours on the leg side."From where he started, it didn't seem like winning the game was possible," Chopra added. "But Dhoni kept them in the hunt. However, Yash Dayal bowled well in the last over and RCB won with a decent margin."Whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK or retire from the IPL remains to be seen. However, his performance in the final match of the season has left fans wondering if they have witnessed the last of the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman in the IPL.

Mumbai Indians Boast Four Indian T20 World Cup Players, While Top IPL Teams Lack RepresentationAs the T20 World Cup approaches next month, the performance of Indian cricketers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a topic of interest. Surprisingly, the top two teams in the IPL standings, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), do not have any players in India's T20 World Cup squad.In contrast, the bottom-ranked Mumbai Indians (MI) have four Indian T20 World Cup players in their ranks: captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, batter Suryakumar Yadav, and bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Delhi Capitals (DC), currently ranked sixth, also have three players in the World Cup squad: wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, allrounder Axar Patel, and bowler Kuldeep Yadav.KKR, despite their impressive performance in the IPL, have only one player named in India's reserves: batter Rinku Singh. Other teams with no representation in the World Cup squad include Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).The absence of Indian T20 World Cup players in the top IPL teams raises questions about whether their performance in the league will have any bearing on their performance in the international tournament. Historically, players who have performed well in the IPL have often been rewarded with national team call-ups.However, the current situation suggests that the IPL may not be the sole determinant of selection for the Indian T20 World Cup team. Other factors, such as recent form, fitness, and team balance, may also play a role in the final selection.It remains to be seen whether the presence of four Indian T20 World Cup players in the Mumbai Indians squad will give them an advantage in the upcoming tournament. However, it is clear that the IPL is not the only factor that will determine the success of the Indian team in Australia.

Jake Fraser-McGurk's exceptional performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has sparked discussions among Australian selectors about potential changes to their T20 World Cup squad. However, despite his impressive run, Fraser-McGurk has not been included in the final 15-man squad and will instead serve as one of two traveling reserves alongside Matthew Short.Fraser-McGurk's IPL campaign was nothing short of remarkable. As a replacement player for Delhi Capitals, he amassed 330 runs at a staggering strike rate of 234.04, including two blistering 15-ball half-centuries. His performances raised eyebrows and prompted selectors to consider his inclusion in the World Cup squad.However, Australia's well-established top three of David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh, along with the lack of an all-round option, ultimately led to Fraser-McGurk's exclusion. Head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged Fraser-McGurk's impact but emphasized the need to cover all bases in the squad's composition.Despite the setback, Fraser-McGurk remains optimistic about his future prospects. He has expressed his understanding of the decision and believes that his time will come. The 23-year-old is expected to feature prominently in Australia's white-ball sides after the T20 World Cup, potentially partnering Head as an opening batsman in the post-Warner era.McDonald hinted at this possibility, stating that Fraser-McGurk could play a role in the top three or even the middle order. Matthew Short is also in contention for these positions, highlighting the depth of talent within Australia's batting lineup.Meanwhile, David Warner, who will retire from international cricket after the T20 World Cup, has recovered from a hand injury sustained during the IPL. McDonald confirmed that Warner is fully fit and ready to play. However, Mitchell Marsh is unlikely to bowl early in the tournament due to a hamstring injury.Australia will have only 10 players available for their warm-up matches in Trinidad, with the five players participating in the IPL finals joining the squad in Barbados before the opening match against Oman on June 5.

Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders: A Rivalry of Strategic SimilaritiesThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several intense rivalries over the years, but the one between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stands out as a clash of strategic brilliance. Former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir recently shed light on the similarities between the two teams' approaches to the game.In a YouTube interview with Ravichandran Ashwin, Gambhir highlighted that CSK and KKR shared a common philosophy in their game plans. "I always felt that CSK and KKR were very, very similar in the way they approached the game," he said.Both teams relied heavily on their spin bowling prowess. CSK boasted the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Imran Tahir, while KKR had Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, and Kuldeep Yadav. The spinners played a crucial role in controlling the run rate and taking wickets at crucial junctures.The conditions at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai and the Eden Gardens in Kolkata also played a part in shaping the teams' strategies. Both grounds had large dimensions, which favored spinners and made it difficult for batsmen to score boundaries.Gambhir emphasized that KKR had to be at their tactical best to overcome CSK. "That's the reason why I always felt that CSK and KKR during those times were very very similar teams," he added.The rivalry between CSK and KKR has produced some memorable matches over the years. In the 31 head-to-head encounters since 2008, CSK has emerged victorious 19 times, while KKR has won 11. The remaining match ended in a no-result.Gambhir's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategic nuances that have defined this iconic rivalry. The similarities between CSK and KKR's approaches have made their matches a battle of wits, where the team that executes its plans more effectively emerges victorious.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, has emphasized the importance of a captain earning respect through their conduct in both victory and defeat. Dhoni, who has led India to numerous ICC trophies and Chennai Super Kings to multiple IPL titles, believes that true respect is earned by leading by example, especially during challenging times."You lead by example through ups and downs because when you are successful it's very easy to say this is what we do but when times are tough is the real-time and you have to walk that talk - in those moments if you are still the same, that time you earn the respect," Dhoni said in a video posted by Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel.Dhoni's philosophy of leadership is based on the principle that respect cannot be demanded but must be earned through one's actions and demeanor. He believes that a captain should set a positive example for their team, both on and off the field, and should be willing to take responsibility for both successes and failures."The important thing is that you need to earn the respect of the people you are leading. You cannot command or demand respect, it has to be earned. I may have a position in the institution and it needs to be respected. But I as an individual, sitting on that chair, need to earn that respect. I can't be saying you need to respect me because I'm sitting on this chair," he added.Dhoni's leadership style has been praised by many, including former teammates and opponents. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, even in the most intense situations. He is also known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players, and for his strategic acumen.Dhoni's comments come at a time when Chennai Super Kings are struggling in the ongoing IPL season. The team has lost several key matches and their chances of making the playoffs are slim. However, Dhoni has remained positive and has urged his players to continue fighting until the end."We have to keep fighting. We have to keep believing. We have to keep working hard. And we have to keep improving. That's the only way we can turn things around," Dhoni said after CSK's loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore.Dhoni's leadership will be crucial for Chennai Super Kings as they look to salvage their season. If they can turn things around and make the playoffs, it will be a testament to Dhoni's ability to lead his team through adversity.