Cricket

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Paris with his family while the Indian cricket team competes in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States. Dhoni has been spotted posing in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva, and has also been seen taking selfies with fans while exploring the city.Dhoni's wife, Sakshi, has shared several pictures from their vacation on her Instagram account, showcasing their family's happiness and joy. The couple has been seen enjoying the sights and sounds of Paris, taking in the city's rich culture and history.While Dhoni enjoys his time off, questions remain about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is unclear whether the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain will continue playing for the franchise or retire from the sport altogether.According to CSK sources, Dhoni is planning a trip to London for treatment of a muscle tear injury. The sources indicate that Dhoni will make a decision about his future after recovering from the injury, which is expected to take five to six months.CSK was eliminated from the IPL 2024 Playoffs after a heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a do-or-die match. Dhoni's injury played a role in CSK's disappointing performance, as he was not fully fit during the tournament.Sources close to Dhoni have revealed that he will only make a decision about his retirement after undergoing surgery in London. "Dhoni might head to London for his muscle tear surgery which saw him struggling during the IPL. He is not fully fit but wants to continue to play cricket and he will only decide about his future after treatment which will take him five to six months to recover," the sources said.Dhoni's future in cricket remains uncertain, but his fans will be eagerly awaiting his decision. The legendary cricketer has had a remarkable career, leading India to victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He is also one of the most successful captains in IPL history, having led CSK to four titles.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) following Royal Challengers Bangalore's exit from the competition in 2024. Karthik, widely regarded as one of the finest Indian finishers in recent times, was once again a top performer for RCB, scoring 326 runs at a strike rate of 187.36.In an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, Karthik revealed that his decision to retire was primarily driven by mental factors rather than physical limitations. Despite being physically fit to play for "another three years," Karthik admitted that he was doubtful about his ability to maintain the mental intensity required for such long tournaments."I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years. Especially with the Impact Player rule, it becomes that much easier. So in terms of playing the sport, easily I think I could've pushed for another cycle," Karthik said. "I don't have too many issues in my life. Touch wood, I have never missed a game because of an injury through my three decades. I've been blessed that way. I was never worried about my body or my fitness. It was all about the mental side of things, whether I'll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don't play as many matches, will I be okay with it."Karthik further explained that he felt he was no longer able to push himself mentally to the same extent as before. The fact that he was unlikely to be selected for the Indian cricket team again also contributed to his decision."I am a big believer of whatever I look to do, I try to give it 100% commitment and do whatever I can to be the best in that. And I thought from hereon for me to play X amount of matches is going to be hard. Mentally pushing myself for so long in terms of doing everything in the lead-up, even if I falter a little bit I wouldn't be... even though from the outside people wouldn't know, but internally I would find it very hard and I would be living with guilt. I don't want that," he added."Taking all that into account, I thought this is the time [to retire]. And most importantly, the fact that no matter what I do, I cannot play for India again was very evident. So it was the last nail in the coffin."Karthik's retirement marks the end of an illustrious IPL career that spanned 16 seasons and saw him represent six different franchises. He played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' two IPL title triumphs in 2012 and 2014 and was also a member of the Mumbai Indians team that won the tournament in 2015.

Dinesh Karthik Embraces New Challenge: Javelin Throw with Neeraj ChopraFollowing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has embarked on a unique adventure: javelin throw. In a viral video shared on social media, Karthik was seen practicing the sport alongside Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.The video captures a light-hearted moment between the two athletes. Karthik, clad in a casual t-shirt and shorts, prepares for his throw while Chopra offers encouragement. "Chalo ho jayega Dinesh bhai," Chopra says, instilling confidence in the cricketer. Karthik then executes a commendable javelin throw, showcasing his athleticism and determination.Prior to his foray into javelin throw, Karthik had announced his retirement from the IPL, citing mental challenges as a significant factor. Despite being physically fit to continue playing for another three years, Karthik emphasized the mental demands of the game as a determining factor in his decision.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik highlighted his robust physical condition throughout his cricketing career, expressing gratitude for never missing a game due to injury. However, he acknowledged the mental aspect of the sport as more challenging, particularly concerning his ability to maintain motivation and adapt to fluctuating playing opportunities."It was all about the mental side of things, whether I'll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don't play as many matches, will I be okay with it," Karthik elaborated on the mental challenges he faced.Karthik's venture into javelin throw is a testament to his versatility and willingness to embrace new experiences. It also highlights the growing popularity of the sport in India, inspired by Chopra's historic Olympic gold medal.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing mental fatigue as the primary reason. Despite being in peak physical condition, Karthik believes that the mental demands of the game have taken their toll.Karthik, 38, has been a constant presence in the IPL since its inception in 2008, playing 257 matches and becoming the joint second-most capped player in IPL history alongside Rohit Sharma. However, despite his physical fitness, Karthik admits that the mental aspect of the game has become increasingly challenging."I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years," Karthik said. "But it was all about the mental side of things, whether I'll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don't play as many matches, will I be okay with it."Karthik's decision to retire comes after a challenging IPL season last year. However, he remained motivated by his intrinsic drive and the belief that if he got one chance, he would make the most of it."I am internally very, very motivated," Karthik said. "I just believed if I get one chance, I should make the most of it. I never cribbed. I was always thinking like I got a chance but I missed it. I got a tournament here, but I probably could have done better in this match. And that kept me going."As he navigates retirement, Karthik is keeping himself occupied with family functions and reflecting on his illustrious career. He admits that the emotions leading up to his final match were a mix of relief and sadness."I don't think it's sunk in yet," Karthik said. "It's a tad bit emotional, a tad bit relief. In a way, I was mentally prepared for whenever it had to happen. But I was so much more prepared for 18th May."

Veteran Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has hinted at a possible retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the end of the ongoing 2024 season. Karthik, who is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will see his contract expire at the conclusion of this season, as the competition will have a mega auction next.In a recent interview, Karthik discussed his possible future and took a sly dig at former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi for his multiple retirements and comebacks. "Unless you are Shahid Afridi (on retirement), but in most cases, once it's done, it's done," Karthik said.Karthik also revealed two big regrets of his IPL career: not being retained by Mumbai Indians in the 2014 season and never playing for Chennai Super Kings despite being a local boy. "I think I missed the opportunity; they were keen on me not playing for the Super Kings because I am from Chennai. They have always bid for me but could never get me," Karthik said.Karthik, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2018-20, admitted to having some "tough conversations" with spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who had to stay benched after taking just four wickets in nine games in the 2019 season. Karthik revealed that Yadav was not performing as well as he is now and that he had to be "honest" with him. He expressed happiness at Yadav's progress since then, saying that he has become a better bowler and a "world-beater."Karthik also spoke about the challenges of leading a franchise. "Leading a franchise is altogether a different job. There are many other cultures, and you will find it challenging to deal with other individuals. You can be very honest with them. As a leader, you will lose out on certain friendships," he said.