Cricket

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has hailed Mohammad Rizwan's appointment as Pakistan's white-ball captain, comparing his leadership style to that of legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni.Rizwan's tenure began with a historic series victory in Australia, where Pakistan overcame a loss in the opener to win the subsequent two ODIs and seal the series 2-1. Haider believes Rizwan's 360-degree view of the field as a wicketkeeper-captain gives him an advantage in setting fields and guiding bowlers."A wicketkeeper-captain is a big help for a team," Haider said. "Rizwan is doing the same. He is an effective batter, a good wicketkeeper, and now, a captain. This can help the team immensely."Haider also noted the positive impact on Babar Azam's batting since relinquishing the captaincy. "Babar Azam was overburdened," Haider said. "The moment he gave up captaincy, his batting improved. Now we can see him playing freely, without any burden."The series also showcased the brilliance of pacer Haris Rauf, who claimed 10 wickets and was named Player of the Series. Haider attributed Rauf's growth to his experience bowling against Virat Kohli in the 2022 T20 World Cup."Bowling to Virat has made Haris Rauf a more mature bowler," Haider said. "That was a huge learning curve in his career, and I am certain he took many lessons from that match."Haider also expressed his desire for India to tour Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. "India should come to Pakistan," he said. "Let's forget everything and start afresh. Fans love India vs Pakistan cricket matches more than anything else in this world. Let's love the game, not politics."

Mumbai's 17-year-old prodigy Ayush Mhatre continues to impress, scoring a commanding second first-class century against Services in the Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match. His 116 off 149 balls, studded with 12 boundaries and three sixes, gave Mumbai a 13-run lead.Mhatre's rise has been meteoric. Earlier this season, he showcased his talent with a marathon innings of 176 against Maharashtra. His consistent performances have established him as a key player in Mumbai's batting lineup, and now, with his U-19 selection, he is on the cusp of greater opportunities.Mumbai's innings began on a shaky note in their response to Services' total of 240. However, Mhatre anchored the innings, combining aggression with composure. He found valuable support from Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 47 off 46 balls. Together, they stitched a crucial 109-run partnership in just 104 balls, helping Mumbai regain their footing.Meanwhile, Mumbai's pace bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur delivered an impressive performance, taking four wickets to wrap up Services' innings. Thakur, overlooked by the national selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcased his grit with figures of 4 for 46 in 19 overs.Mhatre's performance has also caught the attention of the Indian Premier League (IPL) giants Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has been approached by CSK for IPL trials and has expressed his interest in playing alongside legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni."Yes, I got a call from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talent scout team for the trials a few days back. I think I will go for the trials, but right now, my focus is on red-ball cricket. Since this is the last match of the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, I want to finish it on a high note," Mhatre said."I can't say if I will be picked in the auction, but yes if I get a chance to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, I will try to be productive for the franchise. Playing alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni is every youngster's dream and it will be a dream come true for me. I haven't met him yet, but let's see what happens," he added.Mhatre's rise is a testament to his talent and hard work. He is a player to watch out for in the future, and his potential is limitless.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon, is set to return for his 18th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. This confirmation comes amidst widespread speculation that the upcoming season would mark his final appearance.CSK has retained five players for the 2024 season, including Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. Notably, Dhoni has agreed to a significant salary cut, signing for Rs. 4 crore for the season. His retention falls under the 'uncapped player' category, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s reinstatement of a rule allowing teams to classify players as uncapped if they haven't represented India in over five years.CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan hinted at Dhoni's future, suggesting that the former Indian captain aims to end his career at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. This aligns with Dhoni's 2021 statement during a CSK victory celebration, where he expressed his desire to play his last game in Chennai."As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he'll play his last game in Chennai, we're hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I'm sure he'll always take the right decision," said Viswanathan.Dhoni, who led CSK since 2008, briefly joined Rising Pune SuperGiants in 2016 and 2017 before passing CSK's captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season.

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman and former Indian captain, has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a sum of Rs 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. This move comes as a surprise, as Dhoni had previously hinted at retirement after the 2023 season.The retention of Dhoni is significant due to a recent rule change in the Indian Premier League. The new rule states that India players who have not played any international game or held any BCCI central contract within five years will be considered uncapped. This rule change has allowed CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, which gives them a significant advantage in the upcoming auction.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed confidence in Dhoni's continued presence in the team. He stated that the doors are always open for the legendary player and that he is sure Dhoni will make the "right decision" regarding his future."As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he'll play his last game in Chennai, we're hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I'm sure he'll always take the right decision," said Viswanathan.Following CSK's unexpected exit in the group stage of IPL 2024, Dhoni has remained reserved about his plans for the league's next season. However, he recently shared how professional sport often makes it difficult for players to purely enjoy the game. The 43-year-old said he now wants to savor cricket for the next few years."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play, like when we used to go out to play at 4 pm during our childhood, simply enjoying the game. But in professional sport, it becomes challenging to enjoy it as just a game. There are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy it for the next few years," Dhoni said.Dhoni last represented India in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, a match that ended in disappointment for India. Since his retirement in 2020, Dhoni has only appeared in the IPL. In the 2024 season, he scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220, fulfilling the role of a finisher for the five-time champions.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Phuket, Thailand, with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. The former India captain, who turned 43 in July, is widely regarded as one of the most successful skippers in the history of the game. Under his leadership, India triumphed in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni remains an active player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was recently retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the mega auctions, highlighting his enduring value to the franchise.Dhoni's daughter, Ziva, has shared some heartwarming and picturesque moments from their family's trip to Phuket on her Instagram account. In one of the photos, Dhoni is seen sporting a black vest and sunglasses, posing in the sea with a stunning sunset as the backdrop.Dhoni's retention by CSK as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore has been met with widespread approval. The five-time champions also retained their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube.Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his admiration for Dhoni's remarkable career and his continued impact on CSK. "Two seasons ago he probably had his worst season, but then last year again, he bounced back into really impacting some games like the MS Dhoni of old," Ponting said.Ponting believes that Dhoni's presence in the CSK team is invaluable, even if he may not play every game. "Any team that he's in, whether he's captain or not, he's always going to be a mentor and a leader around that group, whether he's playing, whether he's sitting on the sidelines, that's just who he is...he's crucial to Chennai, for that leadership that he brings on and off the field," Ponting stated.Despite recent injuries, Dhoni's ability to evolve and remain impactful has been a hallmark of his illustrious career. He continues to be a source of inspiration for young cricketers and a respected figure in the cricketing world.

Sanju Samson Surpasses Dhoni and Pant, Joins Elite List of Indian Wicket-Keepers in T20IsNew Delhi: Indian batter Sanju Samson has etched his name in the record books by surpassing legendary wicket-keepers MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in the shortest format of the game. During the first T20I against South Africa, Samson recorded his third 50+ score in T20Is, joining the likes of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, who also have three such scores as wicket-keepers for India.Samson's milestone came during an aggressive innings against South Africa, where he showcased his power and precision. The standout moment of his knock was when he smashed back-to-back sixes off Nqabayomzi Peter, reaching his half-century with a brilliant pull shot that sent the ball soaring in front of square.Samson's fifty came off just 27 balls, and his aggressive approach quickly put South Africa under pressure after they opted to bowl first. His remarkable strike rate of over 150 demonstrated his attacking mindset, as he carved up the South African bowlers with ease.Despite the early fall of Abhishek Sharma at 24, Samson and his partner Suryakumar Yadav took control, accelerating India's score and keeping a run rate of around 10 per over. Samson's innings played a crucial role in India's eventual victory, as they chased down South Africa's total of 106 with ease.With this feat, Samson has established himself as one of the most promising wicket-keepers in Indian cricket. His ability to combine aggressive batting with reliable glovework makes him a valuable asset to the team. As he continues to develop, Samson has the potential to become one of the best wicket-keepers in the world.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history as one of the most successful captains of all time. Known for his unwavering composure and astute tactical acumen, Dhoni led the Indian national cricket team to unprecedented heights, winning all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Dhoni's leadership style is characterized by his ability to remain calm under pressure, his keen understanding of the game, and his unwavering belief in his players. His ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing circumstances has been instrumental in India's success on the international stage.Beyond his cricketing prowess, Dhoni has also garnered immense respect from fans and opponents alike for his humble demeanor and sportsmanlike conduct. Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, Dhoni's calm demeanor and respectful attitude towards opponents have won over fans across borders.One such Pakistani cricketer who is a fervent admirer of Dhoni is Sajid Khan, the spinner who played a pivotal role in Pakistan's recent Test series victory against England. In a viral video, Khan expressed his admiration for Dhoni, stating, "The best captain is MS Dhoni, he is very cool and calm, and a successful captain too."Khan's admiration for Dhoni is a testament to the latter's enduring legacy as a cricketing icon. Dhoni's ability to inspire and motivate his players, coupled with his tactical brilliance, has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.

Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain who continues to inspire with his performances for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Ponting, speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, lauded Dhoni's enduring legacy in the sport. He highlighted Dhoni's ability to bounce back from a difficult season two years ago and regain his impact on the game."I think it will be exactly the same now...they might not get him through the whole season. They might think about leaving him out for a game and resting him up here and there to make sure that they're getting the best out of him," Ponting said.As a two-time World Cup-winning captain himself, Ponting understands the challenges of balancing playing and mentoring roles. He believes Dhoni's experience and leadership are invaluable, even when he's not captaining or playing."Any team that he's in, whether he's captain or not, he's always going to be a mentor and a leader around that group, whether he's playing, whether he's sitting on the sidelines, that's just who he is...he's crucial to Chennai, for that leadership that he brings on and off the field," Ponting said.Despite recent injuries, Ponting believes Dhoni still brings an irreplaceable presence to the CSK team. He highlighted Dhoni's ability to evolve and remain impactful, a trait shared by many cricket legends."The best players are the ones that are able to maintain such a high level for a long time...for 10, 12, 14-year careers," he said on Dhoni's longevity.Ponting also acknowledged that while Dhoni's role has shifted over time, with him now batting later in the innings, he continues to make significant contributions to the team."He's actually batting the last 20 balls of an innings now but still showing that you can make a big impact on the game by doing that," Ponting said.

Chennai Super Kings Retain Key Players for IPL 2025Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced the retention of five key players ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. The retained players include captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and hard-hitting batsman Shivam Dube.The decision to retain these players reflects CSK's commitment to building a strong and competitive squad for the upcoming season. Gaikwad, who has emerged as one of the most promising young batsmen in the IPL, will continue to lead the team's batting charge. Dhoni, despite his advancing age, remains an integral part of the CSK setup, providing invaluable experience and leadership.Pathirana, who made a significant impact in his debut IPL season, will bolster CSK's bowling attack with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability. Jadeja, a versatile all-rounder, offers a balanced combination of batting, bowling, and fielding skills. Dube, known for his power-hitting, will add depth to the team's batting lineup.CSK's retention strategy aligns with the IPL regulations, which allow each franchise to retain up to six players, including a maximum of five capped cricketers. The team's decision to retain these five players suggests that they are confident in their abilities and believe they can contribute significantly to the team's success in the upcoming season.