Cricket

The future of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as the league prepares for a mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. Dhoni, who stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the start of the 2024 season, has not yet confirmed his plans to continue playing.According to reports, Dhoni's continuity in the league as a player depends on the retention policy set by the IPL management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With a mega auction scheduled, there is speculation that the BCCI may allow franchises to retain a limited number of players.If the BCCI allows the retention of only 3-4 players per franchise, it is unlikely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK. However, if the retention limit is increased to 5-6 players, Dhoni's experience and leadership could make him a valuable asset for the franchise.Currently, CSK's most likely retention candidates include skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and all-rounder Shivam Dube. The order of retention could vary depending on the team's priorities.The IPL bosses have reportedly invited franchise owners for a meeting on July 31 to discuss the retention matter. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has sent text messages to the owners, indicating that the meeting will likely take place in the late afternoon or evening at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.Sources suggest that the BCCI may allow the retention of 5-6 players per franchise, which could open the door for Dhoni's continued involvement in the IPL. However, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the meeting between the IPL management and the franchise owners.

Following the recent acquisition of India Cements' promoters stake by UltraTech Cement, it has been clarified that the transaction will not impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).India Cements acquired CSK when the IPL was established in 2008. However, in 2015, the team was transferred to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), a separate company. Former CSK captain M.S. Dhoni serves as one of India Cements' vice presidents.According to the company's 2023 annual report, former BCCI president N. Srinivasan (Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements) and his family are the promoters of CSKCL, holding a 28.14% stake. They will continue to own the five-time IPL champion.Apart from CSK, India Cements has been actively involved in promoting cricket in Chennai through its support of various clubs in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league across divisions. The company employs numerous former first-class and international cricketers. It also operates three teams in the top-flight First Division: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).Sources indicate that most of the cricketers employed by India Cements have been transferred to CSKCL and will not be affected by the acquisition. "The sporting activity of India Cements will not be affected, and the club activities across various divisions will continue without any change. The former cricketers who are employed have already been moved to CSK and will be taken care of," said a highly placed source.With the IPL Mega Auction approaching later this year, all eyes will be on whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK for another season.

Gray-Nicolls' Disrespectful Remark Sparks Outrage Among MS Dhoni FansEnglish cricket equipment brand Gray-Nicolls has come under fire for a dismissive comment about former Indian captain MS Dhoni. The controversy erupted when the brand posted a Facebook comment during the Test series between England and West Indies, highlighting the use of Gray-Nicolls gloves by wicketkeepers Jamie Smith and Josh Da Silva. The post read, "Are you even a wicketkeeper if you don't use Gray-Nicolls? Great to see Jamie Smith and Josh Da Silva keeping wickets in the ongoing Test series. Nature is healing."However, one fan questioned the brand's oversight, asking, "Do you know a cricketer named M S DHONI?" Gray-Nicolls responded cheekily, "not heard of them." This response ignited a storm of backlash from Dhoni's loyal fans.MS Dhoni, fondly known as "Captain Cool," is not only a legendary captain and batsman but also one of the most exceptional wicketkeepers in cricket history. His lightning-fast stumpings and incredible reflexes behind the stumps have left fans and players alike in awe.One of Dhoni's most remarkable skills is his ability to execute stumpings in the blink of an eye. Batsmen barely have time to react before Dhoni has whipped off the bails. His quick thinking and agility are second to none, making stumpings look ridiculously easy.Dhoni's calm attitude behind the stumps helps his bowlers stay focused and confident. He's always got a smile on his face, no matter how tense the situation, and his teammates draw from his calmness. Dhoni's wicketkeeping skills are a perfect blend of speed, precision, and cricketing intelligence, solidifying his place as one of the greatest keepers in the history of the game.Gray-Nicolls' dismissive remark has highlighted the deep admiration and respect fans have for Dhoni's illustrious career and impeccable wicketkeeping skills. The brand's attempt at humor has backfired, leaving them facing the wrath of Dhoni's loyal supporters.

MS Dhoni's Retirement: A Strategic ApproachMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, has kept the cricket world guessing about his retirement plans. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, he continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).According to Dhoni's former India teammate Mohammed Shami, the player has a unique retirement strategy. "He says, 'Let's see,'" Shami revealed in an interview. "He believes that a player should retire when they lose their enjoyment for the game or when they realize they are no longer performing at their best."Dhoni's illustrious career has seen him amass 17,266 runs across all international formats, with 16 centuries and 108 fifties. As a captain, he led India to the number one Test ranking, the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.In the IPL, Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five titles. However, in the 2024 edition, the team failed to make the playoffs under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni, batting down the order, scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.66.Shami's insights into Dhoni's retirement strategy provide a glimpse into the mindset of one of the greatest players of all time. Dhoni's approach emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and performing at a high level. When those factors diminish, it may be time for him to call it a day.

Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant Credit MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid for Their SuccessIndian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant have expressed their gratitude for the mentorship and guidance they have received from former captains MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid. In a recent video released by Star Sports, the duo shared how these legendary figures have played a pivotal role in shaping their careers.Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, hailed Rahul Dravid's influence on his growth as a cricketer. He credited Dravid's guidance as instrumental in his success, particularly during the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas where Dravid served as head coach."Rahul Dravid has been a tremendous role model for us all," said Rohit. "We've seen what he's achieved both personally and for the team, often pulling us out of tough situations. His determination throughout his career was something I wanted to learn from when he came in as a coach. It has been incredibly beneficial, and besides the World Cup, we've won several major tournaments and series under his guidance."Young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant echoed similar sentiments about MS Dhoni, who was his first international captain. Pant highlighted how Dhoni's wisdom and experience have been crucial to his development as a player."Not just on the field, but off the field as well, MS Dhoni is always there to support and guide me," said Pant. "He's my go-to person whenever I'm unsure, and he encourages me to develop my own thought process."Dhoni's mentorship has extended beyond the field, with Pant crediting him for helping him navigate the challenges of international cricket. "He's taught me how to handle pressure, how to stay calm in difficult situations, and how to make the right decisions under pressure," said Pant.Under Dravid's leadership, India has enjoyed a period of success, winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados, dominating England in a five-match Test series at home, and reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Harbhajan Singh Slams Pakistani Journalist for Comparing Dhoni to RizwanFormer Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has vehemently criticized a Pakistani journalist for comparing legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni to Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The journalist had posted a photograph of Dhoni and Rizwan on social media, asking his followers who was better between the two.Harbhajan, who played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 28 T20Is for India between 1998 and 2016, took to social media to express his disapproval of the comparison. He questioned the journalist's judgment and asserted that Dhoni was far superior to Rizwan."What are you smoking nowadays? What a silly question to ask. Dhoni is way ahead of Rizwan. Even if you ask Rizwan, he will give you an honest answer. I like Rizwan, he is a good player who always plays with intent, but this comparison is wrong. Dhoni is number one even today in world cricket. None better than him behind the stumps," Harbhajan wrote.Harbhajan's comments highlight the immense respect and admiration that Dhoni commands within the cricketing fraternity. Dhoni's leadership and batting prowess have earned him a legendary status in the sport. He led India to two historic World Cup victories, the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. His unbeaten 91 in the final against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup is considered one of the greatest innings in cricket history.Apart from his World Cup triumphs, Dhoni also led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. His astute captaincy and ability to inspire his team have made him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.While Rizwan is a talented player who has performed consistently for Pakistan, comparing him to Dhoni is a disservice to the latter's achievements and legacy. Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket are unparalleled, and he remains one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the world.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian spinner, has recently showcased his exceptional batting skills in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). During a match between Dindigul Dragons and Chepauk Super Gillies, Ashwin opened the batting and smashed an unbeaten 45 off just 20 deliveries. His explosive knock included 3 fours and 4 sixes, resulting in a remarkable strike rate of 225.Despite the Dindigul Dragons' eventual defeat in a rain-curtailed match, Ashwin's batting prowess left both fans and experts in awe. The video of his innings went viral on social media, highlighting his versatility as a cricketer.Ashwin's batting exploits have not gone unnoticed. In a recent interview, he revealed that former Indian captain MS Dhoni played a pivotal role in his development as a bowler. Ashwin admitted that Dhoni initially did not recognize him, but under his leadership, he began to flourish as a powerplay bowler for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).Ashwin recalled a specific incident in 2010 when Dhoni was injured and Suresh Raina led the team. He struggled to perform during that period, but upon Dhoni's return, he was given a renewed opportunity. Dhoni recognized Ashwin's potential and used him effectively in the batting Powerplay, both for CSK and the Indian team.Ashwin expressed his admiration for Dhoni's unwavering belief in his abilities. He stated that Dhoni's simple and clear instructions helped him develop as a bowler. Ashwin's success as a spinner is a testament to Dhoni's astute leadership and his ability to identify and nurture talent.

Ravichandran Ashwin's autobiography, "I Have The Streets - A Kutty Cricket Story," is a captivating memoir that chronicles his journey from his humble beginnings to his triumphant role in India's 2011 World Cup victory. The 184-page book is a treasure trove of amusing anecdotes and insightful reflections on Ashwin's innovative mindset and unwavering commitment to the sport.One of the most gripping stories in the book revolves around an incident in Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) in 2010, during a limited overs match against South Africa. An enraged Mahendra Singh Dhoni instructed Ashwin to inform team manager Ranjib Biswal to book S Sreesanth on the next available flight back home. The reason behind this drastic decision was Sreesanth's repeated disregard for Dhoni's instructions to sit in the dug-out with other reserves for a massage in the dressing room.Ashwin's autobiography also delves into his controversial "Mankading" debut as a teenager and the pivotal role played by WV Raman in shaping him into a formidable off-spinner. While the book steers clear of sob stories and excessive dramatization, it offers readers an engaging and insightful look into the life and career of one of India's most talented cricketers.Ashwin's strong belief in adhering to the rules and maintaining fairness in the sport is evident throughout the book. He recalls an incident during a school cricket match when his father instructed him to dismiss the non-striker for gaining an unfair advantage by leaving the crease prematurely.The book also highlights Ashwin's deep respect for former India opener WV Raman, who is highly esteemed in Indian cricket for his technical expertise. Ashwin credits Raman with improving his technique by straightening his run-up from an angular one, which helped correct his alignment and enhanced his overall performance.

Suresh Raina Hails MS Dhoni as the 'GOAT' in Fun ActivityFormer Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, currently playing for the Indian Champions in the World Championship of Legends, has named MS Dhoni as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in a fun activity with presenter Shefali Bagga.During a match against the South Africa Champions on Wednesday, Raina participated in the activity where he had to associate cricketers with certain terms. Raina's answers showcased his admiration and respect for his former teammates and their contributions to the sport.When asked about the 'King' and 'run-machine', Raina immediately mentioned Virat Kohli. He labeled Shubman Gill as the 'future' and Jasprit Bumrah as a 'death-over specialist'.However, it was his response to the 'GOAT' that garnered the most attention. Raina instantly replied with 'MS Dhoni', highlighting the close friendship and mutual respect between the two cricketers. They have played together for many years, winning the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Dhoni served as the captain of Chennai Super Kings for over a decade in the Indian Premier League, with Raina as his deputy. Both players retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, with Raina announcing his retirement just a few hours after Dhoni.Raina's answers also shed light on his camaraderie with other former teammates. He labeled Shikhar Dhawan as the 'Desi Boy', Yuvraj Singh as the 'Most Stylish', and Harbhajan Singh as the 'Funniest'.Raina's participation in this fun activity not only entertained fans but also showcased his deep understanding and appreciation of the game of cricket and the players who have shaped its history.