Cricket

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.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer renowned for his astute strategies and tactical brilliance, has been widely acclaimed for his exceptional accuracy in Decision Review System (DRS) calls. However, Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary has shed light on a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that while Dhoni's DRS calls are often accurate, they are not always infallible."It's not always the case that Dhoni is right," Chaudhary stated in an interview with Shubhankar Mishra. "Sometimes it's the other way around, but he's close to accuracy."Chaudhary attributed Dhoni's proficiency in DRS calls to his deep understanding of the game and his ability to analyze replays effectively. He also praised young Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant for his significant improvement as a keeper, emphasizing the importance of experience and attention to detail in making accurate DRS calls."Wicketkeepers have the best spot to keep an eye on the ball," Chaudhary explained. "They're still and can follow the ball's trajectory. In fact, the best umpires sometimes base their decisions on the movement of wicketkeepers because they follow the ball."Regarding Dhoni's potential as an umpire, Chaudhary expressed that the former India captain could excel in the role if he were willing to commit to the time and effort required. "He's close to accuracy," Chaudhary said. "He can become a good umpire provided he's ready to be inside the ground for seven hours."However, it remains uncertain whether Dhoni will continue playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beyond the 2025 season.

Yograj Singh, the father of legendary Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has reignited a long-standing grievance against former Indian captain MS Dhoni, accusing him of negatively impacting his son's career. Yograj's recent remarks have sparked a public debate, with Yuvraj himself expressing concern over his father's mental health.Yograj alleges that Dhoni's influence within the Indian cricket team led to Yuvraj's premature decline after 2014. He claims that Dhoni's selection decisions marginalized Yuvraj, despite his crucial contributions to India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup.Yuvraj, who retired from international cricket in 2019, has a stellar record with nearly 12,000 runs and 17 centuries across formats. His all-round performance in the 2011 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament, cemented his status as one of India's greatest cricketers.However, Yograj believes that Dhoni's influence prevented Yuvraj from reaching his full potential. In a recent interview, he stated, "I won't forgive MS Dhoni. He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a very big cricketer, but what he has done against my son can never be forgiven in life."Yuvraj has responded to his father's accusations by expressing concern over his mental health. In a podcast, he said, "I think my father has mental issues and he just doesn't want to accept it."The public debate surrounding Yograj's remarks has highlighted the complex relationship between fathers and sons, as well as the challenges faced by athletes in navigating their careers amidst external influences.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, two legendary figures in Indian cricket, have forged an unbreakable bond that has left an indelible mark on the sport. Their contrasting personalities and leadership styles have complemented each other perfectly, contributing significantly to India's cricketing success.Dhoni, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batsman, is known for his calm demeanor and astute decision-making. Kohli, on the other hand, is a fiery and passionate leader, renowned for his aggressive batting and unwavering determination. Despite their differences, they share a deep respect and admiration for each other.Their friendship extends beyond the cricket field, evident in their numerous interviews and social media interactions. Dhoni has often praised Kohli's batting prowess, while Kohli has expressed his gratitude for Dhoni's guidance and support.One memorable video that encapsulates their bond shows Dhoni answering questions from an audience. When asked about his relationship with Kohli, Dhoni responded, "We have been playing since 2008-09. There's still an age gap, so I don't know whether I would say like I am an older brother or colleagues or whatever name you give it. But at the end of the day we have been colleagues, you know, who played for India for a very long time. He (Virat Kohli) has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."Kohli has reciprocated Dhoni's admiration, acknowledging his calmness under pressure and his ability to handle the responsibilities of captaincy. He has credited Dhoni's support as crucial during his transition to the captaincy role.The transition from Dhoni to Kohli as captain was seamless, thanks to their mutual understanding and respect. Dhoni's decision to step down as captain in 2017 paved the way for Kohli to take over the reins, having already assumed the Test captaincy in 2014.Kohli has often mentioned that Dhoni continued to guide him even after stepping down as captain, especially during challenging times. He has referred to Dhoni as a mentor and someone he could always rely on for advice.On the field, Kohli and Dhoni have shared many memorable partnerships, both as captain and player and as teammates. Their understanding in the middle was often crucial in tight situations, especially in chasing targets. Dhoni's experience combined with Kohli's aggressive approach often made them a formidable pair in the limited-overs format.Kohli has mentioned in interviews that Dhoni will always have a special place in his heart because of the way he supported him throughout his career and that Dhoni will always remain his captain. Dhoni's influence on Kohli's career is undeniable. Kohli has often credited Dhoni for shaping his career and helping him develop as a leader.Their bond has been an example of how different generations of cricketers can work together for the greater good of the team. Even after Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, their friendship continues to be strong, with Kohli often speaking highly of Dhoni and the lessons he learned from him.Their friendship is a testament to the strong bond that can exist between teammates, transcending the boundaries of cricket and becoming a relationship of mutual respect, mentorship, and enduring camaraderie.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently shared a viral image on social media featuring their iconic duo, MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, enjoying a moment at a farm. The image has sparked excitement among fans, who have been speculating about the future of these two stalwarts in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in IPL history, has led CSK to a record-equalling five titles. Jadeja, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer for the franchise, known for his all-around abilities. Both players have been integral to CSK's success over the years.The image shared by CSK shows Jadeja taking a selfie with Dhoni standing in the background. The caption reads, "Imagine Thala & Thalapathy in this field together!" Thala and Thalapathy are affectionate nicknames given to Dhoni and Jadeja, respectively.The original picture was shared by Jadeja on Instagram earlier this month, with the caption "Homeland." The image was taken at his farm, showcasing the bond between the two players.Dhoni has captained CSK to ten finals in their first 14 IPL seasons, winning five titles. He has played in every single edition for CSK, except for two seasons when the franchise was banned from the IPL. While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, there is no doubt that he still has a few seasons left in him.Jadeja, on the other hand, has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy, where he was set to be part of Team 'B'. This decision has raised questions about his availability for the next IPL season.The image shared by CSK has reignited speculation about the future of Dhoni and Jadeja with the franchise. Fans are eager to see the duo continue their successful partnership in the IPL. However, with both players nearing the end of their careers, it remains to be seen how long they will continue to play at the highest level.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain, Suresh Raina Advocates for Continued MentorshipThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is eagerly awaiting the return of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, but doubts linger over his participation in the upcoming season. However, Dhoni's close friend and former teammate Suresh Raina believes that the veteran should continue playing for at least one more year to guide young captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.Raina, who retired from international cricket in 2020, expressed his admiration for Dhoni's batting prowess during the last IPL season. "I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year," Raina said. "I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). However, Ruturaj has done a great job."Dhoni, who handed over the CSK captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, has been troubled by a knee injury in recent times. Despite this, he played a crucial role as a finisher, scoring 161 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 220.25.The IPL will hold a mega players' auction ahead of the 2025 season, and Dhoni is expected to make a decision on his future after the auction rules on player retention are announced. "We have to see what decision they take on player retention, etc...So once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK)," Dhoni had said earlier.Raina's comments highlight the importance of Dhoni's experience and leadership for the CSK franchise. Gaikwad, who led the team to the IPL final in 2023, is still relatively inexperienced as a captain. Dhoni's continued presence would provide invaluable guidance and support for the young skipper.

Dhoni's DRS Prowess: A Testament to His Uncanny Cricket AcumenMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has earned a reputation as one of the greatest wicket-keepers of all time. His razor-sharp judgment and uncanny ability to make match-defining decisions have made him a formidable force behind the stumps.Recently, India umpire Anil Choudhary shared his insights on Dhoni's exceptional reviewing skills. Choudhary, who has witnessed Dhoni's brilliance firsthand, emphasized the former captain's remarkable accuracy in DRS (Decision Review System) calls."He is very accurate, almost close to accurate," Choudhary said, highlighting Dhoni's ability to make correct judgments even in high-pressure situations. "His instinct and cricketing brain have set him apart over the years."Choudhary acknowledged that while Dhoni's decisions are not infallible, they are rarely off the mark. This has added to his aura on the field and earned him the humorous moniker "Dhoni Review System" among fans and experts.The veteran umpire explained the unique challenges wicket-keepers face when making DRS calls. "Sometimes, the keeper stays behind and can't see the position of the bowler," Choudhary said. "But Dhoni is very reasonable and makes decisions based on what he can see."Dhoni's remarkable accuracy with DRS calls has led to numerous match-defining decisions in favor of India and his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His ability to analyze the situation quickly and make the right call has often turned the tide of matches.As Dhoni's legacy continues to inspire, the term "Dhoni Review System" seems less of a joke and more of a fitting tribute to a player who revolutionized the way the game is played and analyzed. His uncanny cricket acumen and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure have cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

MS Dhoni Captures Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar JadhavIn a lighthearted moment captured on camera, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni filmed a comical scene involving Rohit Sharma and Kedar Jadhav. The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the playful camaraderie among the Indian cricket team members.The incident occurred during a team stay at a hotel. Dhoni, armed with his phone, began recording as Kedar Jadhav walked down a corridor. Rohit Sharma, standing nearby, instructed a team support staff member to pretend to be a fan. Another support staff member positioned himself to the right of Jadhav, acting as his bodyguard.As the trio walked down the corridor, Dhoni's voice can be heard saying, "Start kar diya hai" (It has started). Suddenly, the "fan" approached Jadhav for a selfie, but Rohit swiftly intervened, pushing him aside with a nonchalant gesture. The entire scene erupted in laughter, with Jadhav collapsing on the floor in amusement.The video highlights the close bond and playful nature of the Indian cricket team. It also showcases the lighter side of the players, who often engage in fun activities to relieve the pressure of international cricket.

India's 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign was a tale of both triumph and disappointment. The team, led by Virat Kohli, entered the tournament as one of the favorites and lived up to expectations in the group stages, winning seven out of nine matches. However, their journey came to an abrupt end in the semi-final against New Zealand, leaving Indian fans heartbroken.India's dominance in the group stages was evident from their consistent performances. They defeated South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while their match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain. Rohit Sharma emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 648 runs at an average of 81.00, including five centuries. Virat Kohli also contributed significantly with 442 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps.The semi-final against New Zealand proved to be a turning point for India. Chasing a modest target of 240, India's top order collapsed, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul all departing early. Despite a valiant effort from Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, who stitched together a gritty partnership, India fell short by 18 runs.The defeat was a bitter pill for Indian fans to swallow, as the team had been strong contenders throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma later expressed his belief that MS Dhoni should have batted at number four, a position that would have allowed him to play a more influential role in the chase.Despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit, India has since won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. The team remains one of the strongest in the world and will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet in the years to come.