Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant move that could impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. According to sources, the BCCI is likely to categorize Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an uncapped player, a move that would significantly reduce the cost of retaining the legendary cricketer.Under the current IPL player regulations, players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years are placed in the uncapped category. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, would qualify for this category under the proposed rule change. This means that CSK could retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crores, a significant reduction from the Rs 12 crores they paid in 2022.The BCCI's decision to revisit the uncapped player rule is reportedly driven by the CSK management's request during a meeting with IPL franchise owners on July 31. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the inaugural IPL season, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the franchise.Despite handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the CSK batting lineup. In the 2023 season, he scored 161 runs in just 73 balls, showcasing his ability to contribute in the death overs.Dhoni has indicated that he will wait for the official IPL player regulations before making a decision on his future. However, the BCCI's move to categorize him as an uncapped player could make it more financially feasible for CSK to retain his services.The BCCI's decision is expected to have a ripple effect on other IPL franchises, as it could set a precedent for the treatment of retired international players. It remains to be seen how the other teams will respond to this potential rule change and whether it will lead to a shift in the retention strategies of the franchises.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Despite his retirement, Dhoni's impact on the sport continues to resonate, particularly through his role in shaping the careers of numerous current Indian cricketers.Dhoni's leadership and cricketing acumen have earned him a legendary status in the sport. He has been instrumental in grooming players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shikhar Dhawan. Dhoni's belief in young players and his patience with them have allowed many to flourish under his guidance.Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, credits Dhoni for playing a pivotal role in his career. In a video shared by Star Sports, Rohit recalls Dhoni's ability to encourage and support young players, regardless of their performance. This unwavering support has been crucial in fostering a sense of confidence and security among the team members.Dhoni's deep understanding of the game and his ability to read match situations made him a master strategist. His field placements, bowling changes, and match tactics often caught the opposition off guard. His calmness allowed him to think ahead and plan for various scenarios.Dhoni's captaincy transformed the Indian team into a formidable unit, both at home and abroad. His leadership style has influenced a generation of cricketers, and he remains a role model for captains around the world. As one of India's most successful cricket captains, Dhoni led the team to victories in all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket is cemented by his success in international cricket and the IPL. His calm and composed approach, sharp decision-making, and ability to stay cool under pressure have earned him immense respect from his peers and fans alike.

On August 15, 2020, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in a characteristically unexpected manner. A post on his Instagram account, accompanied by images from his illustrious career, simply stated, "Thanks - Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."Dhoni's retirement marked the end of an era for Indian cricket. Having already retired from Test cricket in 2014, he chose to step away from international cricket altogether while continuing to play for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni's legacy as a captain is unparalleled. He led India to victory in all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also held the Test mace for a period of time.Throughout his career, Dhoni played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, amassing 4876, 10773, and 1617 runs respectively. His tally of runs in international cricket included 16 centuries, and he made significant contributions as a wicketkeeper.Just minutes after Dhoni's announcement, his close friend and India teammate Suresh Raina followed suit, retiring from international cricket as well. Raina had been a key member of Dhoni-led teams that won the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy.Dhoni's retirement leaves a void in Indian cricket, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected and successful captains in the history of the game.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is approaching, and the fate of MS Dhoni's participation remains uncertain. The legendary cricketer has not yet announced his retirement, but speculations are rife that he may call it quits after the upcoming season.Dhoni's age (43) and recent retirement from international cricket suggest that he is nearing the end of his playing career. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise ahead of the auction.CSK is reportedly seeking the reinstatement of a rule that would allow international players with over five years of retirement to be classified as "uncapped." This would enable them to retain Dhoni as an "uncapped" player, freeing up a "capped" player slot for another potential talent.Ravichandran Ashwin, a former CSK teammate of Dhoni, has weighed in on the matter. He believes that Dhoni's status as an "uncapped" player is technically correct, but questions whether it is appropriate for a player of his caliber to be classified as such.Dhoni's future with CSK is further complicated by the team's recent leadership transition. He stepped down as captain before the start of the 2023 season, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. While CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, Gaikwad's leadership showed promise.The CSK management faces a difficult decision. Retaining Dhoni as a player would provide stability and experience, but it could also limit their options in the auction. Excluding him would be a tough call, given his legendary status and contributions to the franchise.The IPL mega auction is scheduled to take place in December 2023. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future will continue to cast a shadow over CSK's preparations for the upcoming season.

Joginder Sharma, the unsung hero of India's triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, recently reunited with the legendary former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, rekindling memories of one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.In that unforgettable match, Dhoni entrusted Joginder with the daunting task of bowling the final over against a formidable Misbah-ul-Haq. The decision raised eyebrows, considering the high stakes and immense pressure. Pakistan required a mere 13 runs to secure victory with one wicket remaining.Despite the intense scrutiny, Joginder displayed remarkable composure and precision. The over commenced with a wide, heightening the tension. However, he quickly regained his composure with a dot ball. Misbah then launched a six off the second delivery, reducing the equation to six runs off four balls.Undeterred, Joginder remained focused. Misbah attempted a risky scoop shot over fine leg on the next delivery, but Sreesanth safely collected the ball. This dismissal sparked jubilant celebrations as India clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup by a narrow margin of five runs.Joginder's calm demeanor and precise execution under immense pressure transformed him into an overnight hero. "I thought I should give the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket. Jogi did a really good job," Dhoni remarked after the match."It's one of the things I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'd like to congratulate the boys and thank them for the response they have given me. No one expected us to win, and the way we played, we deserve a big celebration," the former India skipper added.Dhoni's astute leadership extended beyond the 2007 triumph. He guided India to two more ICC titles: the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Additionally, India claimed the Test mace under his captaincy.Joginder's reunion with Dhoni serves as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and resilience that characterized India's historic T20 World Cup victory. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of that unforgettable moment and the enduring bond between two cricket legends.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli: A Bond Beyond CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has shed light on his enduring bond with Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated batsmen. Dhoni, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, recently spoke about his close relationship with Kohli during an event in Hyderabad.Dhoni revealed that he and Kohli make a conscious effort to connect whenever they have the opportunity. "We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time," Dhoni said. "He has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket."The former skipper recalled their memorable partnerships during his playing days, particularly in the middle overs. "We used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it was always fun," Dhoni said. "It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for sometime."Dhoni's comments underscore the deep respect and camaraderie between these two cricketing icons. Kohli, who recently played a pivotal role in India's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, is currently engaged in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, Dhoni made a triumphant return to the IPL in 2024 after undergoing a successful knee surgery. Despite occasional physical challenges, he showcased his enduring brilliance, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings with an impressive average of 53.66 and a remarkable strike rate of 220.54.Dhoni's return to the IPL was a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his desire to entertain the audience. His presence on the field continues to inspire and captivate cricket fans around the world.

Could MS Dhoni Return as an Uncapped Player for CSK in IPL 2025?During a recent meeting between the IPL and its ten franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) proposed the reintroduction of a rule that could allow retired international players to be classified as uncapped players. This rule, which existed from 2008 to 2021, would significantly reduce the cost of retaining such players.CSK is reportedly keen on retaining MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, as an uncapped player. If the IPL approves this proposal, Dhoni could be retained for a mere INR 4 crore, compared to the INR 12 crore he cost CSK in 2022.However, the majority of other franchises are opposed to this move. They argue that it would disrespect retired internationals and set a wrong precedent, as uncapped players bought at the auction could earn more than former internationals retained as uncapped players.Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran believes that retired players should be part of the auction, where their value would be determined by the market. Other franchises also expressed the view that former internationals should not be considered uncapped regardless of their retirement status.The question of Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he stepped down as CSK captain and played a limited role with the bat. Dhoni has stated that he will wait for the player retention rules to be finalized before making a decision on playing in 2025.Meanwhile, the franchises unanimously agreed that Indian players who have not played international cricket for five years should be allowed to lower their base price at the auction. This move aims to increase the chances of such players being bought at the auction.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is adopting a cautious approach regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the IPL governing council currently formulating plans for the 2025 season, including auction and retention strategies, Dhoni is keen to observe the rule changes, particularly those related to player retention, before making a decision on his participation."There is ample time for that," said Dhoni, who recently turned 43, at an event in Hyderabad. "We need to ascertain the decisions they make on player retention and other matters. Currently, the decision-making authority lies with them.""Once the rules and regulations are finalized, I will make a decision that aligns with the best interests of the team," he added.The IPL governing council recently convened a meeting with franchise owners and officials in Mumbai to discuss various rule changes. Among the topics on the agenda were the Impact Player rule, the number of players to be retained, and the frequency of the mega auction.Questions about Dhoni's IPL future have been raised consistently over the past few years. Earlier this year, he addressed one aspect of these concerns by handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of the season.Under Gaikwad's leadership, CSK narrowly missed out on a playoff berth, finishing fifth on the table with 14 points, equal to RCB but behind on net run rate.During the previous season, Dhoni assumed the role of a six-hitting specialist in the death overs. He typically entered the crease in the final stages of the CSK innings and amassed 13 sixes and 14 fours in the 73 balls he faced, resulting in a boundary every three balls. His impressive strike rate of 220.54 marked the first season where he surpassed 200, and he remained unbeaten in eight of his 11 innings.

MS Dhoni's Heartbreaking Run-Out in 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Moment of Anguish and AcceptanceThe 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester, etched itself into the hearts of millions of Indian fans for all the wrong reasons. Chasing a modest target of 240, India's hopes rested on the shoulders of their legendary captain, MS Dhoni.With just 31 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Dhoni, known as the "best finisher in the world," was at the crease. However, tragedy struck in the penultimate over bowled by Lockie Ferguson. Dhoni mistimed a pull shot, and the ball popped up towards short fine leg.In a moment of hesitation, Dhoni and his batting partner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ran for two. But a slight stutter on the second run proved fatal as Martin Guptill's direct hit at the keeper's end found Dhoni short.The crowd gasped in disbelief as Dhoni, who had scored a valiant 50 off 72 balls, was run out. India lost the match by 18 runs, their World Cup dreams shattered.In a recent event, Dhoni was asked about that fateful moment. With a heavy heart, he admitted, "It was a difficult one because I knew that this would be my last World Cup.""It was a heartbreak moment, but we accepted the result and tried to move on," he added. "It takes time, and one gets some time after the World Cup. I haven't played any international cricket after that, so I got a lot of time."Dhoni's words resonated with fans who had witnessed his brilliance over the years. He had led India to numerous triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.But even the greatest of players can experience heartbreak. Dhoni's run-out in the 2019 World Cup semifinal was a reminder that even in the most crucial moments, fate can play a cruel hand.