Cricket

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni: A Tale of Two CaptainsRohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, two of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history, have led the national team to numerous victories and ICC titles. While Dhoni won three ICC trophies during his tenure, Rohit opened his account with the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024.Over the past year, Rohit's leadership has been highly praised, particularly for his ability to guide the team through challenging situations. However, comparing the two captains is a difficult task, especially for players who have played under both.Shivam Dube, who has played under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings and Rohit in the Indian team, was recently asked to choose between the two. His response was both diplomatic and insightful."When I am playing for Chennai, MS Dhoni is the best, when I am playing for India, Rohit Sharma is the best," Dube said.This answer highlights the different strengths of each captain. Dhoni is known for his calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and ability to inspire his players. Rohit, on the other hand, is a more aggressive leader who leads by example and encourages his team to play with freedom.Rohit Sharma, who was also a guest on the show, spoke about the intense pressure during the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa."They had wickets in plenty and a settled batter on the field. We were all tense, freaking out. But at that moment, a captain has to show a strong front for the whole team, signaling that there is no need to panic," Rohit said.He further added that the team expected South Africa to face similar challenges in their batting lineup, which ended at the seventh position."We had to take a wicket at any cost since Klaasen and Miller were playing," Rohit said.It was at this point that Pant went down with an injury concern, and the break in the game helped Team India disrupt South Africa's momentum.The contrasting leadership styles of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have both proven successful for the Indian cricket team. While Dhoni's calm and strategic approach has led to numerous victories, Rohit's aggressive and inspiring leadership has also brought success. Ultimately, the choice between the two captains depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the team.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating century in India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the Chepauk Test has reignited comparisons with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. However, former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has cautioned against hasty conclusions, emphasizing the need to give Pant time to prove his greatness.Pant's 109 in the second innings propelled India to a mammoth 515-run target, which proved insurmountable for Bangladesh. The visitors were dismissed for 234, handing India a 280-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.Pant's century was his sixth in just 58 Test innings, equaling Dhoni's record for most Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter. However, Karthik believes it's premature to declare Pant as India's greatest ever in the longest format."It's very unacceptable to say that he's (Pant) played 34 Tests and he's already India's greatest wicket-keeper batter," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. "Let's take time, let's not jump to conclusions."Karthik acknowledged Pant's potential but stressed the need to consider Dhoni's all-round contributions. "Don't discount Dhoni's credentials as a wicketkeeper as well," he said. "He not only kept brilliantly, batted and scored runs when it mattered very very well for India but also he led India to a World Test Championship mace which is becoming number 1."Pant's free-flowing innings against Bangladesh showcased his attacking prowess and ability to dominate the opposition. His century came at a crucial juncture, helping India set an imposing target and secure a comfortable victory.The second and final Test of the series will commence on September 27 in Kanpur, where Pant will have another opportunity to cement his status as one of India's most promising wicketkeeper-batters.

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.

Yograj Singh, the father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has reignited his feud with MS Dhoni, accusing him of ruining his son's career. Yograj, who played seven international matches for India, has repeatedly criticized Dhoni on public platforms, alleging that he sabotaged Yuvraj's chances of success.In a recent interview with Zee Switch YouTube channel, Yograj expressed his unwavering resentment towards Dhoni. "I won't forgive MS Dhoni. He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a great cricketer, but what he has done against my son is unforgivable," he said.Yograj's accusations stem from his belief that Dhoni deliberately sidelined Yuvraj in the Indian team. He claims that Dhoni's jealousy of Yuvraj's talent led him to manipulate the selection process and limit his opportunities.This is not the first time Yograj has attacked Dhoni. Earlier this year, he blamed Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) poor performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He alleged that Dhoni's "bad deeds" had come back to haunt him, resulting in CSK's failure.Yograj's comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans expressing their support for Yuvraj and criticizing Dhoni's alleged actions. However, Dhoni has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to engage in a public feud with Yograj.Meanwhile, Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020 but continues to play in the IPL. His future with CSK remains uncertain, as there is no clarity on whether he will participate in the tournament next year.Yograj's accusations have cast a shadow over Dhoni's legacy, raising questions about his conduct as a captain and his relationship with fellow players. The ongoing feud between the two former cricketers highlights the complexities of team dynamics and the potential for personal conflicts to impact sporting careers.

Jasprit Bumrah: MS Dhoni's Current Favorite BowlerIndia's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a formidable force in the world of cricket, earning the admiration of legendary players like MS Dhoni. At the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the Americas, Bumrah showcased his exceptional skills, leading India to their second T20 World Cup title and earning the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.Bumrah's performance at the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. He finished as the tournament's third highest wicket-taker, claiming 15 wickets in just 8 matches. His economy rate of 4.17 RPO was a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs and put pressure on the opposition.Dhoni, a two-time World Cup winning skipper, has been vocal in his praise for Bumrah. At a recent event, when asked to choose his favorite India batter and bowler, Dhoni毫不犹豫地选择了Bumrah。"Picking a current favorite bowler is easy. Bumrah is there," Dhoni said. "Picking a current favorite batter is tough because there are quite a lot of terrific batters in our side at the moment. I don't want to pick a batsman. Hopefully they will keep scoring runs."Bumrah's success at the T20 World Cup was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He has consistently been one of India's most reliable bowlers, and his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a nightmare for batsmen.After the T20 World Cup triumph, Bumrah was rested from the tour of Sri Lanka to manage his workload. However, he is expected to return to action soon and continue his impressive run of form.With Bumrah leading the charge, India will be confident of continuing their success in the upcoming ICC tournaments. His exceptional skills and unwavering determination make him a key asset for the team, and he is sure to play a pivotal role in India's future triumphs.

Sachin Tendulkar's Role in MS Dhoni's Captaincy AppointmentIn 2007, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) offered the captaincy to batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. However, due to health concerns, Tendulkar declined the offer. Instead, he recommended MS Dhoni for the role, recognizing his calm demeanor and decisive leadership qualities.Tendulkar's decision was based on his observations of Dhoni's behavior on the field. While fielding in the slips, Tendulkar noticed Dhoni's sharp cricketing mind and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. He believed that Dhoni possessed the necessary qualities to lead the Indian team effectively.In a recent viral video, Tendulkar explained his reasons for declining the captaincy. He stated that his body was experiencing significant discomfort, making it difficult for him to handle the additional responsibilities of captaincy. He emphasized that his commitment to the team would remain unwavering, regardless of his official role.Tendulkar's recommendation proved to be a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history. Dhoni went on to become one of the most successful captains in the country's history. Under his leadership, India won the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni also guided India to the top of the Test cricket rankings.Tendulkar's decision to decline the captaincy and recommend Dhoni instead was a testament to his selfless nature and his unwavering commitment to the success of the Indian cricket team. His foresight and leadership played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of Indian cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most celebrated spinners in cricket history, has attributed his success to the guidance of legendary captain MS Dhoni. Ashwin, who began his career with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under Dhoni's leadership, has become a formidable force for Team India.Initially, Ashwin struggled to make an impact, but Dhoni's unwavering belief in his abilities proved pivotal. Dhoni recognized Ashwin's potential as a powerplay bowler and entrusted him with the responsibility. Despite some initial setbacks, Ashwin persevered and eventually became a key component of CSK's success.Dhoni's advice to Ashwin was simple yet profound: "Continue being funky." This mantra encouraged Ashwin to experiment with new variations and reinvent himself constantly. Even at the age of 37, Ashwin continues to add new tricks to his arsenal, keeping batters on their toes.Ashwin's admiration for Dhoni extends beyond his cricketing acumen. He credits Dhoni with instilling a mental strength and adaptability that has served him well throughout his career. Dhoni's ability to identify and nurture talent has also been evident in his handling of other players, such as Tushar Deshpande.Ashwin's journey under Dhoni's guidance is a testament to the importance of mentorship and belief in the potential of young players. Dhoni's unwavering support and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping Ashwin's career and transforming him into one of the most successful spinners in the world.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's prolific spinner, has unveiled his aspiration as a young cricketer: to earn the recognition of MS Dhoni. Despite his current status as one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation, Ashwin's journey began as a budding player in the Chennai Super Kings squad, eagerly awaiting his opportunity.In his recently launched book, "I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story," Ashwin recounts his arduous path to gaining Dhoni's attention, which culminated in 2009. Despite being selected by Chennai Super Kings in 2008, Ashwin admits that Dhoni was unaware of his presence during the inaugural IPL season."MS Dhoni didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008. So, I made it my life goal, from 2009, to get the wicket of MS Dhoni," Ashwin reveals.Ashwin's determination manifested in an exceptional performance at the Challenger Trophy in Nagpur. "I bowled an unbelievable spell. MS struggled throughout the spell. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through the gates. I got him out in the final," Ashwin recalls.This pivotal moment marked a turning point in Ashwin's career. "From then on, MS Dhoni saw me as someone with skill, and the relationship matured," he says.While Ashwin played only two games in IPL 2009, he became an integral part of CSK's lineup from 2010 onwards, contributing to the franchise's maiden IPL title.Ashwin attributes his success to Dhoni's unwavering belief in his abilities. "If MS decides a horse is not ready to race, he won't use you. He needs to know you're a horse. But once he knows you're a horse, he will look past you only when you feel like giving up," Ashwin explains."That is MS Dhoni. He believes in you," he adds.Ashwin's recent appointment at India Cements and his potential return to CSK in the upcoming IPL season further cement his bond with the franchise and its iconic captain.

Suresh Raina Aids Limping MS Dhoni After CSK's Triumph Over Mumbai IndiansFormer Indian batsman Suresh Raina displayed his camaraderie with MS Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Raina was seen assisting Dhoni back to the team bus as the latter appeared to be limping.Dhoni, who is on the verge of surpassing AB de Villiers as the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, has amassed 5121 runs in 255 matches. He needs just 40 more runs to achieve this milestone.In a video posted by CSK, Raina can be seen lending a helping hand to Dhoni as he boards the team bus after the match. The defending champions emerged victorious by 20 runs in the 29th fixture of the IPL 2024.Raina, who is fifth on the list with 5528 runs in 205 IPL matches, has played a crucial role in CSK's success over the years. He has scored runs at an average of 32.51 and at a strike rate of 136.73 with the best score of 100*.In the match against MI, Rohit Sharma's valiant second IPL century went in vain as a four-wicket haul from Matheesha Pathirana restricted MI to 186/6 in their 20 overs. CSK, in response, posted a strong 206/4 thanks to big half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Dhoni's hat-trick of sixes in the final over sealed the victory for CSK.With this win, CSK moved to third place in the standings with four wins and two losses, while MI remained in eighth place with two wins and four losses.