Cricket

MS Dhoni's IPL Future: Hussey Hopes for 'Another Couple of Years'Michael Hussey, Chennai Super Kings' batting coach, remains uncertain about MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but expresses his desire for the legendary wicketkeeper-batter to continue for a few more seasons."Your guess is as good as mine at this stage," Hussey said on ESPN's Around the Wicket show. "He keeps his cards very close to his chest. We are hoping he does keep going."Despite undergoing knee surgery after the previous IPL season, Dhoni has been in impressive form this year, scoring 136 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 226.66. Hussey attributes this to Dhoni's meticulous preparation and ability to hit the ball cleanly from the first delivery."He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls," Hussey said. "He has been in good touch all season really."However, CSK has been managing Dhoni's workload due to his knee surgery, often sending him in to bat at lower positions. Hussey acknowledges that fans may prefer to see Dhoni bat higher in the order, but emphasizes the need to protect his body."I know fans probably want to see him batting a little bit higher in the order," Hussey said, "but that [the knee surgery] is why we have had to manage him a little bit and he only comes in at the back end."At the start of the season, Dhoni surprised many by handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Hussey reveals that Dhoni's decision was not entirely unexpected, as Gaikwad had been groomed for the role for some time."MS sort of announced that he was not going to be attending the pre-tournament captains meeting. And we're like, 'Oh, no. What's going on?'," Hussey said. "He said Ruturaj was going to be captain from then on. So it was a little bit of a shock to start with but it has been managed really well."Under Gaikwad's leadership, CSK has won seven out of 13 games and is currently third on the points table. Gaikwad himself has been a key contributor with the bat, scoring 583 runs at a strike rate of 141.50."He is a great guy, Ruturaj, very calm," Hussey said. "He is a good thinker of the game. I mean it was always going to be a massive challenge for him, you know, how do you follow someone like MS Dhoni - it was going to be tough. But he has done a great job."Hussey believes that Gaikwad will continue to improve as captain and that his batting has not been affected by the added responsibility.

New Zealand's T20 World Cup preparations have been impacted by the absence of official warm-up matches. However, the team is confident that their recent experiences in the IPL, Pakistan tour, and CPL will provide them with the necessary preparation.Head coach Gary Stead explained that logistical challenges and the staggered arrival of players from the IPL made it impractical to arrange warm-up fixtures. Instead, the team will rely on additional training sessions to fine-tune their game plan.Nine players have gained valuable experience in the IPL, while others participated in the Pakistan tour. However, match time has varied significantly for key players in India. Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Kane Williamson have had limited opportunities, while Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra have featured more prominently.Trent Boult has been a consistent performer for Rajasthan Royals, taking 12 wickets. With the bat, only Mitchell has had a successful tournament, scoring 314 runs at a strike rate of 144.70.First-choice openers Devon Conway and Finn Allen are recovering from injuries and have not played since February. Conway is expected to be assessed upon his return from India, while Allen is still experiencing some discomfort.Tim Southee, who was rested for the Pakistan tour, has not played a game since the New Zealand season ended. Despite these absences, Stead remains confident in the team's preparations."We've only got two players who haven't been to a T20 World Cup that are in this squad," he said. "That shows our group is experienced and they can lean back on those past experiences."The team has been practicing on various surfaces to simulate the conditions they may encounter in Guyana and Trinidad. Stead believes the pitches could initially favor high scores but may deteriorate with repeated use.New Zealand faces a challenging group stage, with Afghanistan, West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea as their opponents. Stead acknowledges the difficulty of the task but is eager to embrace the challenge.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has not only dominated the sport but has also left an indelible mark on the global sporting landscape. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have inspired countless athletes and fans alike.Kohli's influence extends beyond the cricket field. His passion for the game and his ability to connect with audiences have played a pivotal role in cricket's inclusion in the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This historic achievement is a testament to Kohli's impact on the sport and its growing popularity worldwide.As Kohli continues to shatter records and redefine batting standards, the question arises: what drives his insatiable hunger for success? At a recent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) event, Kohli revealed his secret: a relentless desire to avoid regrets."I don't want to finish my career thinking 'oh, what if I have done this on that particular day,'" Kohli said. "I am just working backwards. It's about not leaving any undone business behind."Kohli's approach is rooted in the understanding that every athlete's career has a finite end. By working backward, he ensures that he gives his all while he still has the opportunity. This mindset has fueled his remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level.Once he retires from cricket, Kohli plans to take an extended break before considering his next steps. "I will be gone, you won't see me for a while," he said. "I want to give it everything I have till the time I play."Kohli's current form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to his unwavering commitment. He leads the tournament in runs scored, with 661 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 155.16. His tally includes five fifties and one century.RCB, currently ranked fifth in the IPL standings, faces a crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday. A victory with a significant margin is essential for RCB to stay in contention for the playoffs and improve their net run rate.Kohli's leadership and determination will be crucial as RCB aims to overcome CSK and secure a spot in the postseason. His unwavering hunger for success and his ability to inspire his teammates make him a formidable force on and off the field.

At 32, Shashank Singh has spent nearly a decade in domestic cricket, earning his first IPL contract over six years ago. Yet, it is only now that he's being hailed as the big discovery of IPL 2024.Shashank's journey began in senior domestic limited-overs cricket during the 2014-15 season. Five years later, he made his Ranji Trophy debut. In this IPL, he has been one of the standout performers, consistently delivering impressive performances as a middle-order batter."It feels good when someone refers to me as a find. Ultimately, that's because I have been able to back myself, showcase my potential, and deliver frequently this IPL season," Shashank tells The Hindu. "People like you follow domestic cricket so closely that you know that I have been around the circuit for a decade now. I am not sure how I have fared, but I have survived. I have always been confident about my abilities, and I am glad I have been able to execute them better."Shashank doesn't shy away from hitting good balls out of the park, but one cannot ignore his tendency to downplay himself. The fact that it took him a lot of time to cement a place in a side — domestic or IPL — seems to have made him more practical in his approach.Growing up in Bhilai and representing Madhya Pradesh in Under-15 and Under-17 cricket, Shashank, the son of a police officer and telecommunications officer, moved to Mumbai with his family to pursue his cricketing dreams. Although he made it to the Mumbai Under-19 team, his senior debut was delayed. He finally made the cut as an all-rounder in 2014-15 season, but despite his effective medium-pace bowling, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the team.In 2018-19, he tried his luck in Pondicherry but eventually returned to Chhattisgarh, which was a recognized member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India by now. During his first season with Chhattisgarh, Shashank played a crucial role in securing its first-ever victory over Mumbai in all formats at the senior level.While competing in Mumbai's maidans, Shashank had caught the eye of IPL scouts, earning stints with Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Rajasthan Royals between 2017 and 2021. His IPL debut was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, but he was released and went unsold in the 2023 auction.Fast forward to 2024, and Shashank's fortunes have turned. His heroics for Punjab Kings, including a stunning unbeaten 68 off 28 balls, helped his team chase down the highest-ever IPL target of 262 with eight balls to spare. Shashank, unaffected by his past setbacks, embraces his success this time."This is a by-product of all the struggles I have had at various levels. I have learned from every failure and little success I have had over all these years." He chuckles at being called "old," just as he does when dubbed "the find of the season."Thanks to his morning yoga routine and countless hours on the cricket grounds across India, Shashank seems to be in his prime. His knack for breaking down challenging targets, like turning 127 off 54 balls into "six sixes and six fours," shows his confidence. Age doesn't bother him; he's focused on emulating his Mumbai teammates to reach his dream of playing for India."I have been playing with Pravin Tambe at D.Y. Patil (in Mumbai's corporate leagues) and have seen him debut in the IPL and in Ranji in his 40s," Shashank says. "And I have a friend in Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) with whom I have been playing for Parsee Gymkhana for the last 15 years."Shashank emphasizes the Suryakumar example, noting how both he and Suryakumar excel at turning high-risk shots into calculated risks with precision, especially under pressure. "The world sat up and took notice when Surya hit Jofra Archer for a six off his first ball in international cricket, but I had been watching him do the same for well over a decade, so I knew he would do it. Similarly, I know what I am capable of, and I support my abilities."Being the mature individual he is, on and off the field, Shashank doesn't require pep talks from mentors. He gleans pointers from short conversations as adeptly as he reads a bowler's wrist — it could be with former India cricketer Abey Kuruvilla or his head coach at one of his earlier teams, SRH's Brian Lara."We miss him (Kuruvilla) at D.Y. Patil since he is with BCCI now, but he calls and shares his observations regularly," said Shashank. "And he (Brian) texted me the other day to compliment me, and we had a short chat."Even Punjab Kings head coach Trevor Bayliss and director Sanjay Bangar are no exceptions. Just before the KKR game, Bangar and Shashank bumped into each other over breakfast. "All he told me was to be careful about a specific ball that Sunil Narine bowls, and I kept it in mind. Even Trevor — we had this meet and greet event with the fans, and someone was late by a couple of minutes — so in those two minutes, Trevor had a suggestion about a drive I played, and that's about it," Shashank says.Throughout the conversation, there is a wide grin on Shashank's face. Perhaps Jonny Bairstow should take credit for it. "I got a duck in our season opener (against Delhi Capitals on March 23), was sitting dejected in the dug-out, and suddenly Jonny tapped me from behind and said, ‘If I don’t see you smiling, I will stop speaking with you’. I have kept it in mind ever since."Despite his accomplishments, no conversation with Shashank is complete without mentioning the IPL Auction in Dubai on December 19. After the franchise raised the paddle for him, there was confusion as another player with the same name, a younger hard-hitting batter from Punjab, seemed to be preferred. The franchise issued a clarification the next day, but Shashank wasn't fazed. Bangar called him ‘around 6 a.m.’ and assured him of the franchise's trust."Hitesh Goswami sir, our Chhattisgarh head coach and talent scout for the franchise, indicated that Punjab Kings was interested in me," he recalls. "It's been reduced to nothing but a joke in our camp ever since."Shashank even appeared in a social media video for the franchise, humorously addressing the identity confusion with a famous dialogue from the Hindi film Andaz Apna Apna.With his confidence being sky-high and form at its peak, call him old or call him a find. Shashank Singh, at 32, does not mind!

With the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, overseas players have begun to withdraw from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season to prioritize their national duties. England cricketers have led the exodus, leaving the league to prepare for the ICC tournament starting next month.Liam Livingstone, Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Will Jacks, and Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) have all departed the IPL to join the defending champion England squad ahead of their T20I series against Pakistan, commencing on May 22.The absence of Livingstone and Buttler was evident in Rajasthan Royals' recent defeat to Punjab Kings, while RCB will also feel the void left by Jacks and Topley in their crucial encounter with Chennai Super Kings on May 18.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his displeasure with overseas players leaving the IPL during its crucial stages. "Either be available for the full season or don't come," Pathan stated on social media after the Royals' fourth consecutive loss.Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has also called for decisive action from the BCCI and IPL franchises against players and their respective cricket boards for withdrawing from the IPL prematurely."I am all for players choosing a country before anything else, but having assured various franchises about their availability for the full season, if they pull out now, it will be letting down the franchises," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid Day.Gavaskar advocated for measures to hold players and cricket boards accountable for breaching their commitments.Punjab's stand-in skipper Sam Curran confirmed after Wednesday's game that he and Jonny Bairstow will return home on Thursday, missing their side's final league game of the season.

Gautam Gambhir, the former captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has expressed regret over not fully utilizing the potential of Suryakumar Yadav during his tenure. Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, acknowledged that Yadav's true potential emerged after he joined Mumbai Indians.Yadav, who played for KKR from 2014 to 2017, has since become one of the most formidable batters in T20 cricket. He currently holds the top spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings, showcasing his exceptional skills for both MI and the Indian national team.Gambhir attributed his inability to fully utilize Yadav's talent to team combinations. "As a leader, you have to think about the other 10 players in the XI as well," he explained. "He would have been way more effective at No. 3, but was equally good at No. 7."Despite not being given a consistent role in the batting order, Yadav remained a valuable member of the KKR team. "He was also a team man," Gambhir said. "Whether you play him at No. 6 or 7 or bench him, he was always smiling and always ready to perform for the team."Gambhir's recognition of Yadav's talent and character highlights the importance of identifying and nurturing potential in young players. It also serves as a reminder that even the most successful teams can have regrets about players who they may not have fully utilized.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has captivated fans with his exceptional batting skills and infectious personality. From his humble beginnings to his current status as a reserve player for Team India, Rinku's journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.Rinku's love for cricket began at a young age, and his talent was evident from the start. He honed his skills on the streets of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and eventually caught the attention of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).In the IPL, Rinku quickly made a name for himself as a fearless batsman with a penchant for hitting sixes. His memorable request for a bat from Virat Kohli during a match showcased his confidence and determination. However, despite his impressive strike rate, Rinku has struggled to consistently meet expectations in the IPL.Off the field, Rinku is known for his jovial nature and infectious smile. A recent video shared by KKR on social media captured a lighthearted moment during a photo and video shoot. In the video, Rinku playfully expressed his inability to dance, despite the director's attempts to convince him.Despite his struggles in the IPL, Rinku's talent has not gone unnoticed. He has been selected as one of the reserve players for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This selection is a testament to his potential and the belief that he can make a significant contribution to the team.As Rinku prepares for the World Cup, he will be determined to prove his worth and cement his place in the Indian cricket team. His journey has been an inspiration to many, and his infectious personality and unwavering determination are sure to continue to win him fans both on and off the field.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the renowned leg-spinner for the Rajasthan Royals, is known for his infectious humor and ability to lighten the mood both on and off the field. As the Royals prepare for their upcoming match against the Punjab Kings, Chahal's antics have once again brought laughter to the dressing room.In a video shared by the Royals on social media, Chahal is seen attempting to take photographs of his teammates, including local lad Riyan Parag. However, Parag initially ignores Chahal's attempts to get his attention, prompting the spinner to call out various nicknames, including "Chintu," "hello," and "tattoo wale bhaiya."Undeterred, Chahal persists, and when he finally calls out Parag's name, the batsman turns and gives a thumbs-up sign. Chahal then proceeds to click pictures of his other teammates, capturing the lighthearted atmosphere within the Royals camp.The Royals are currently in a strong position in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings, having secured a spot in the playoffs with eight victories and four defeats. Parag has been a key contributor with the bat, scoring 483 runs in 12 matches, while Chahal has taken 15 wickets in 12 games.Chahal's humor and camaraderie have played a significant role in maintaining a positive and relaxed environment within the Royals team. His ability to keep the atmosphere light has helped the players stay focused and motivated throughout the tournament.As the Royals prepare for their match against the Punjab Kings, Chahal's antics are sure to continue, providing a much-needed dose of laughter and camaraderie to the team.

Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's premier fast bowler, has returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an infection in the soft tissue of his lower limb. Despite the setback, Rabada is expected to be fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on October 16 in Australia.Rabada played 11 matches for the Punjab Kings in the IPL, taking 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.85. However, he will miss the team's final two matches as he undergoes treatment for the infection.The South African Cricket Board (CSA) released a statement confirming Rabada's condition and stating that he is being "closely monitored by the medical team" ahead of the World Cup.Rabada's inclusion in the South African squad is crucial, as he is the only black African player named in the 15-man provisional squad. This has sparked controversy, as CSA has targets for the national team to field an average of six players of color in every XI, with at least two being black African.South Africa will fall short of this target at the T20 World Cup, with only six players of color in the squad and only one black African (Rabada). Therefore, Rabada will need to play every game to ensure that the team does not fall too far behind the overall target.Lungi Ngidi is the only other black African player who was in contention for the squad and has been included as a traveling reserve. South Africa's other fast bowlers include Anrich Nortje, who has returned after a nine-month break due to a stress fracture, Gerald Coetzee, Ottniel Baartman, and Marco Jansen.