Cricket

MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian cricket captain, has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has remained an active player in the IPL, leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to four titles.However, a knee injury plagued Dhoni throughout the 2023 IPL season, forcing him to wear a knee brace. Concerns about his fitness emerged, but a recent video clip on social media has allayed those fears. The 43-year-old was seen hitting a jump smash at lightning speed on a badminton court, showcasing his remarkable fitness.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering reintroducing the provision for franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped players. This rule was abolished in 2021, but its reinstatement could pave the way for Dhoni's return to CSK as an uncapped player.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied that the franchise has requested this rule change, but the BCCI has indicated that it may be implemented. If the rule is reinstated, CSK could retain Dhoni without using one of their retention slots, giving them greater flexibility in building their squad.Dhoni's availability for the 2025 IPL season remains uncertain, but his recent display of fitness has fueled speculation about his potential return. The mega auction will precede the season, and Dhoni's decision will be closely watched by fans and franchises alike.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer renowned for his calm demeanor on the field, is equally admired for his deep passion for motorcycles. His fascination with bikes began long before he became a cricket icon. Growing up in Ranchi, he developed a love for motorcycles that evolved into a lifelong passion.Over the years, Dhoni has added iconic models like the Confederate X132 Hellcat, Kawasaki Ninja H2, and Harley-Davidson Fat Boy to his collection. Beyond collecting, Dhoni often enjoys taking his bikes for rides, frequently spotted cruising through his hometown.Recently, Dhoni, who led India to three ICC titles, made a fan's day by signing an autograph on his bike. The video of this heartwarming gesture went viral on social media, showcasing Dhoni's humility and love for his fans.Dhoni's passion for motorcycles extends beyond personal enjoyment. He is also an avid supporter of motorsports in India. In 2019, he became the co-owner of the Chennai Super Kings MotoGP team, further cementing his connection to the world of two-wheeled machines.Dhoni's love for motorcycles is a testament to his multifaceted personality. While he is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the cricket field, his passion for bikes reveals a more adventurous and spirited side to his character.

Dinesh Karthik's All-Time India XI: A Mistake RectifiedFormer Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has clarified his omission of legendary wicket-keeper and captain MS Dhoni from his all-time India XI across formats. Karthik initially left out Dhoni, sparking controversy among cricket enthusiasts.In a recent interview, Karthik admitted that the omission was an oversight. "I made a big mistake," he confessed. "I realized only when the episode came out." He explained that amidst various considerations, he forgot to include a wicketkeeper, leading to the assumption that Rahul Dravid would take on that role."Can you believe being a wicketkeeper, I forgot to have a wicketkeeper? It is a blunder," Karthik added.Karthik, who has played as a wicketkeeper for India, lavished praise on Dhoni, calling him "one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game." He clarified that if given the chance to redo his team, Dhoni would be his automatic choice for the No. 7 spot and would be the captain of any Indian team, irrespective of the format.Karthik's all-time India XI across formats features a mix of India's finest talents. The lineup includes Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma as openers, followed by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the crucial No. 3 and No. 4 positions. Virat Kohli is at No. 5, adding further depth and firepower to the batting lineup.For the all-rounder slots, Karthik chose Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja, both known for their match-winning abilities with both bat and ball. The spin department features Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble, two of India's most successful spinners, while the pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan. Karthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian cricket.Despite the initial mix-up, Karthik's selections underscore his respect for the greats of Indian cricket and highlight the depth of talent the country has produced over the years.

MS Dhoni's Future in Cricket Remains Uncertain Amidst Retirement SpeculationsFormer Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni's future in cricket has become a topic of intense speculation among fans. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been battling knee pain and has stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.Dhoni's performance in IPL 2024 raised concerns about his fitness and longevity. He struggled with his batting, often batting lower down the order, and his fielding was noticeably slower. These factors have led to questions about whether he will continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025.However, Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about his retirement plans. He is currently enjoying time with his family and friends in his hometown of Ranchi. Recently, he was spotted at a local dhaba with a group of friends, showcasing his humble and down-to-earth nature.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in cricket remains unblemished. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and wicketkeepers of all time, leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Young Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed recently paid tribute to Dhoni's mentorship and guidance. Ahmed recalled an incident in New Zealand where Dhoni handed him a bouquet of flowers and asked him to bowl the first over in an Asia Cup match. Ahmed expressed his admiration for Dhoni, calling him his "guru" and crediting him for his success as a bowler.As Dhoni's future remains uncertain, fans eagerly await any news regarding his retirement decision. Whether he chooses to continue playing or hang up his boots, his impact on cricket will be forever etched in the annals of the sport.

Legendary Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist has named India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni among the three greatest wicket-keeper batsmen of all time. Gilchrist, himself a renowned wicket-keeper batsman, placed fellow Australian Rodney Marsh ahead of Dhoni in his rankings.Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests for Australia, cited Marsh as his idol and role model. He praised Dhoni's calmness and composure, describing him as someone who "did it in his way, always calm." Gilchrist also included Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara in his top three, acknowledging his class and versatility as a batsman and wicket-keeper.Gilchrist's comments come as India prepares to tour Australia later in 2024 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India has won the last two Test series between the two nations in Australia, and will be aiming for an unprecedented hattrick.Gilchrist believes Australia has the potential to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but acknowledges that it will be a close contest. "India know how to go away and win overseas," he said. "Naturally, I'm going to say Australia, hope they get there. But it's too close to call. It will be a close tussle."India's recent success in Australia has been a testament to their growing dominance in Test cricket. They have won the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies, all by a margin of 2-1. Gilchrist's comments suggest that Australia will need to be at their best to prevent India from extending their winning streak.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, remains an icon in the world of sports. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to captivate fans with his presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL).As the IPL 2024 season approaches, Dhoni has relinquished the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Ruturaj Gaikwad. This move signals the franchise's search for a successor to the veteran skipper.Recently, a heartwarming video emerged on social media, showcasing Dhoni's enduring popularity. The former CSK skipper delighted a fan by signing an autograph on his motorcycle. Such gestures underscore Dhoni's enduring connection with his admirers.However, speculation persists regarding Dhoni's future in the IPL. While the mega auction is scheduled for the upcoming months, the player has remained tight-lipped about his participation in IPL 2025.Earlier, reports surfaced that CSK had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate the "uncapped player" rule. This rule would have allowed Dhoni to be retained at a lower price. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied these claims, stating that the franchise has not made such a request.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in the IPL remains secure. Under his leadership, CSK has emerged as one of the most successful franchises, winning five IPL titles, including the most recent one in 2023.Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. He led the team to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His astute captaincy and exceptional wicketkeeping skills have earned him widespread admiration.As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, fans eagerly await Dhoni's next move. Whether he continues to play or decides to retire, his impact on the game of cricket will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My 'Guru' and the Architect of My DreamsIndian pacer Khaleel Ahmed has expressed his profound admiration for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, describing him as his "guru" and sharing anecdotes that illuminate their exceptional bond.In a candid conversation with Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel, Khaleel, who made his ODI debut in the 2018 Asia Cup, recalled a cherished moment when Dhoni, captaining the team in Rohit Sharma's absence, entrusted him with bowling the first over against Afghanistan."Mahi bhai is not my friend, not my elder brother, he is my guru," Khaleel emphasized, revealing a deep respect that transcends typical teammate dynamics. He explained how this gesture fulfilled a childhood dream, inspired by watching his idol Zaheer Khan open the bowling for India."Since my childhood, I wanted to become the bowler who took the first over from India since I had watched Zaheer Khan growing up. In the Asia Cup, Mahi bhai asked me to bowl the first over. I ran so hard, away from the huddle thinking that if I give it time he might change his mind," Khaleel confessed, stressing the significance of the moment and the immense trust Dhoni placed in him.Khaleel also shared the story behind a viral photo of him receiving flowers from Dhoni. The incident took place during India's tour of New Zealand, where Dhoni gifted him flowers he had received from fans."We were in New Zealand, Mahi bhai's fans had given him flowers, he passed it onto me and some fans took a photo, it was quite memorable for me," the pacer added.Dhoni, who last played in IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings, continues to be revered for his leadership qualities and his ability to nurture talent. While his future in IPL remains uncertain, his legacy as a captain and mentor continues to inspire a generation of cricketers.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanath has dismissed rumors that the franchise requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate a scrapped rule to acquire MS Dhoni at a reduced price. Previously, international players who had retired for five years were classified as "uncapped" in the IPL, allowing them to be acquired at a lower cost. However, this rule was abolished after the 2021 IPL season.Reports emerged that CSK sought the reintroduction of this rule to retain Dhoni as an "uncapped" player, potentially reducing his salary to as low as Rs 4 crore. The franchise had previously retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore in 2022.However, Viswanath has denied these claims, stating, "We've not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the 'uncapped player rule' may be kept, that's all. They (the BCCI) haven't announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI."The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future in the IPL persists ahead of the upcoming mega auction. The 43-year-old has remained silent on his participation in IPL 2025, fueling speculation about his retirement.If Dhoni decides to retire, CSK will face a dilemma. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available before the auction. However, the franchise is reluctant to part ways with the legendary cricketer, who has led them to five IPL titles.CSK's decision will be influenced by Dhoni's performance in the upcoming season. If he continues to perform at a high level, the franchise may consider retaining him. However, if his form declines, they may opt to release him to free up a slot for a younger player.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has had the privilege of playing under three legendary captains: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Each captain has left an indelible mark on Bumrah's career, shaping his development and instilling in him a unique set of values.Under Dhoni's astute leadership, Bumrah gained confidence and security. Dhoni's unwavering belief in his instincts and ability to create a supportive environment allowed Bumrah to flourish in the international arena. Kohli, on the other hand, ignited a passion within Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of fitness and pushing the team to new heights. Kohli's energy and determination inspired Bumrah to become a more complete player.Rohit Sharma, the current captain, has brought a different dimension to Bumrah's game. Rohit's empathy towards bowlers and willingness to listen to feedback have created a collaborative atmosphere where Bumrah feels valued and respected. Rohit's open-mindedness has allowed Bumrah to experiment with different strategies and develop his skills further.Despite the differences in their leadership styles, all three captains have shared a common goal: to bring success to the Indian cricket team. Bumrah credits each captain for their unique contributions and acknowledges that their guidance has played a pivotal role in his growth as a player.Bumrah's ability to adapt and learn from each captain is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. He has embraced the strengths of each leader, incorporating their teachings into his own game. As a result, Bumrah has become one of the most feared and respected bowlers in the world, capable of delivering match-winning performances in all formats of the game.