Cricket

Former Indian Cricket Stars Shine in World Champions of Legends TournamentSeveral legendary Indian cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, are showcasing their skills in the World Champions of Legends tournament in Birmingham. However, the absence of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has raised questions among fans.Dhoni's exclusion from the India Champions team stems from regulations imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). These regulations prohibit active Indian IPL players from participating in other leagues, even though Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020.Despite his retirement from international cricket, Dhoni remains an active player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He recently stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but played a crucial role in the team's success in 2024, scoring 161 runs from 14 games with an impressive strike rate of 220.The BCCI's policy explains why Dhoni cannot join his former teammates in the World Champions of Legends tournament. While fans may miss seeing Dhoni reunite with Raina, Yuvraj, and Harbhajan on the field, his performance in the IPL keeps him in the spotlight.As a finisher for CSK, Dhoni continues to captivate audiences with his ability to guide the team to victory in tense situations. His enduring influence in Indian cricket is evident in his ongoing contributions to the IPL.While Dhoni's absence in Birmingham is noticeable, his dedication to the IPL remains steadfast, highlighting his continued commitment to the game.

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni celebrated his 43rd birthday on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Mumbai. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter and his wife, Sakshi, were in the city to attend the Sangeet celebrations of Mukesh Ambani's son Anant Ambani's wedding. Dhoni marked his special day in the company of Sakshi and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.Dhoni's birthday was not only celebrated by his family and friends but also by his countless fans across the country. In Ranchi, where Dhoni's residence is located, a heartwarming video went viral on social media. Despite Dhoni's absence, his parents ensured that his fans were not disappointed. They distributed sweets and cake to all those who had gathered outside their home to wish Dhoni.Earlier in the day, a video of Dhoni cutting his birthday cake in the early hours of July 7 went viral. Salman Khan was seen standing alongside Dhoni and Sakshi during the celebration. Khan later took to social media to wish Dhoni on his birthday, posting a picture of the two from the celebration and writing, "Happy Birthday Kaptaan Sahab!"Dhoni also received a video call from Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current captain of the Chennai Super Kings, the IPL franchise that Dhoni led to four titles. Gaikwad's teammates on the Zimbabwe tour, Mukesh Kumar and Tushar Deshpande, were also seen in the video call.Dhoni's birthday celebration comes at a time when he is enjoying a break from cricket. He retired from international cricket in 2020 and from the IPL in 2023. However, he remains a popular figure in the sport and continues to inspire young cricketers.

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Indian cricket, showcased his exceptional skills as a wicket-keeper batsman during India's second T20I against Zimbabwe. On the auspicious occasion of MS Dhoni's 43rd birthday, Jurel executed a brilliant run-out that would have made the legendary wicket-keeper proud.After India posted a formidable 234 runs, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's swashbuckling century, Zimbabwe's chase faltered at 76/6. In the 12th over, Jurel seized his moment. Wellington Masakadza attempted a quick single, but Jurel's lightning-fast reflexes and accurate throw caught him short of the crease.The run-out was a testament to Jurel's exceptional fielding abilities and quick thinking. It was a moment that echoed the brilliance of MS Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keeper batsmen of all time.Jurel, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is making his T20I debut on the tour to Zimbabwe. His impressive performances have come at a time when India is transitioning to a younger team, following the retirement of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.Earlier this year, Jurel made his mark in Test cricket, playing the final three Tests in England's tour of India. He impressed with his batting and wicket-keeping skills, winning the Player of the Match award in the fourth Test.While Rishabh Pant remains India's undisputed first-choice wicket-keeper batsman, Jurel's performances are putting him in contention for a regular spot in the team. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the Indian side.Jurel's run-out on Dhoni's birthday was a fitting tribute to the legendary cricketer. It showcased the young wicket-keeper's potential and his determination to follow in the footsteps of his idol.

M.S. Dhoni: A Journey from Ranchi to the Pinnacle of CricketMahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as "Captain Cool," is an iconic figure in Indian cricket. Born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Bihar (now Jharkhand), Dhoni's journey to stardom was marked by determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in his abilities.Initially stationed as a Ticket Collector in the South East Railways, Dhoni's cricketing talent was spotted by his colleagues. He made his debut for the Indian team in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team in 2007.Under Dhoni's leadership, India achieved unprecedented success. They won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni's calm demeanor and strategic brilliance on the field earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents.Apart from his cricketing achievements, Dhoni is also known for his philanthropic work. He established the M.S. Dhoni Foundation in 2011, which focuses on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 2018.Dhoni's personal life is equally remarkable. He married Sakshi Rawat in 2010, and they have a daughter named Ziva. Dhoni is also an avid dog lover and owns several pet dogs, including Zara, Zoya, Lily, Gabbar, and Sam.In 2014, Dhoni was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. He is currently assigned to the 106 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Parachute Regiment.Dhoni's legacy in Indian cricket is unparalleled. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and wicket-keepers of all time. His ability to remain calm under pressure, his strategic acumen, and his unwavering determination have inspired generations of cricketers.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, celebrated his 43rd birthday with a grand midnight bash attended by his wife Sakshi, close friends, and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Beyond his exceptional cricketing skills, Dhoni has also become a style icon, known for his experimental hairstyles.Golden Locks:Dhoni's iconic long hair with gold streaks made him a style icon in his early days. The shoulder-length locks became a trend, with many fans emulating his look.Shaved Head:After India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup, Dhoni surprised everyone by shaving off his hair. While some fans missed his long locks, others admired his bold move.Samurai Ponytail:For the 2024 Indian Premier League, Dhoni grew his hair out again and debuted a samurai-inspired ponytail. The look sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans praising his battle-ready appearance.Short Wavy Do:After the IPL, Dhoni opted for a shorter wavy hairdo, giving him a youthful appearance. Fans commented on his fresh and rejuvenated look.Mohawk:Dhoni's most recent hairstyle, a mohawk, was another bold choice that received widespread approval. The modern and stylish look showcased his versatility and fashion sense.Dhoni's experimental hairstyles have not only set trends but also reflected his personality and confidence. From his golden locks to his mohawk, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of style. As he continues to inspire on and off the field, fans eagerly await his next hairdo.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, celebrates his 43rd birthday today. Known as "Captain Cool," Dhoni holds the unique distinction of being the only international captain to have won all three major ICC trophies: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the ICC Champions Trophy (2013).Dhoni's journey began in 2004 when he made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh. His breakthrough performance came in the 2006 ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore, where he scored an unbeaten 72 off 46 balls and was named "Player of the Match."Under Dhoni's leadership, India achieved unprecedented success. He led the team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, becoming the first Indian captain to win a global tournament. In 2011, he guided India to their second ODI World Cup triumph, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. Two years later, Dhoni added the ICC Champions Trophy to his collection, making India the first team to win all three major ICC trophies.Dhoni's astute captaincy and calm demeanor earned him widespread admiration. He was known for his ability to read the game, make quick decisions, and inspire his teammates. Under his leadership, India also became the No. 1 Test team in the world.After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has led CSK to five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament's history.Dhoni's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He is considered one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, known for his ability to guide his team to victory in tense situations. His calm and composed demeanor has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.As Dhoni celebrates his 43rd birthday, the cricket world pays tribute to his remarkable career and the indelible mark he has left on the sport.

Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has shed light on an incident that highlights the unwavering support MS Dhoni extended to Virat Kohli during a challenging phase in his career. Akmal's revelation comes in the wake of Kohli's recent struggles at the T20 World Cup 2024.In 2012-13, during Pakistan's tour of India, Kohli was enduring a similar slump in form. Akmal, who was present at a dinner with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Shoaib Malik, witnessed firsthand how Dhoni stood up for Kohli.According to Akmal, the Team India manager approached Dhoni and suggested dropping Kohli from the final ODI of the series. However, Dhoni's response was emphatic: "I haven't gone home for six months. Why don't you book my tickets too along with Virat's?"Dhoni's unwavering belief in Kohli's abilities left Akmal astounded. "Virat is our best batter. Why should we drop him if he fails for 3-4 games?" Dhoni had reasoned.Akmal's account underscores the deep bond between Dhoni and Kohli. Dhoni's unwavering support played a pivotal role in Kohli's development as a cricketer. Less than two years later, Dhoni handed over the Test match captaincy to Kohli, recognizing his leadership qualities.Kohli's recent triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, where he led India to their second title, is a testament to the unwavering support he has received throughout his career. Dhoni's belief in Kohli's abilities has been instrumental in shaping the Indian captain's illustrious career.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has unveiled a new hairstyle that has sent social media into a frenzy. The iconic wicketkeeper-batsman's latest cut, revealed by renowned hair stylist Aalim Hakim, has garnered over 50,000 likes on Instagram within the first hour.Dhoni's previous long hairstyle, which he sported during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has been replaced by a shorter, more wavy version. The Chennai Super Kings star, known for his low-key profile outside of the IPL, has given his fans a rare glimpse into his personal life."Our Young, Dynamic and Handsome Mahendra Singh Dhoni," wrote Hakim in the caption to the post. "It's a pure joy to cut and style our Thala's hair and he is always courteous enough to let me click his pictures."Dhoni, affectionately known as 'Thala' (leader) by Chennai Super Kings fans, has been out of the limelight since the conclusion of IPL 2024. However, this new haircut comes just weeks after a video of Dhoni relaxing at his farmhouse in Ranchi went viral.In that video, Dhoni was still sporting his long hairstyle. However, this time, India's iconic No. 7 is flaunting a shorter cut, styled with different shades of brown.Fans of Dhoni are eagerly anticipating his return to the IPL in 2025. Having relinquished the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad and with a mega auction on the horizon, it remains uncertain whether Dhoni will continue playing.However, his impressive form in IPL 2024 suggests that he should certainly consider continuing his career. Dhoni scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220, often batting at a lowly no. 8 position.Presently, Team India is focused on winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, a tournament that Dhoni first won in 2007 with a young Indian unit. Dhoni's experience and leadership could prove invaluable as India looks to reclaim the coveted trophy.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, has heaped praise on Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a tenacious and exceptional motivator. Gambhir is the leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as India's head coach.Ashwin credits Gambhir with instilling confidence in him during the early stages of his Test career. The spinner reminisced about his conversations with Gambhir during his debut full series for India, which took place against New Zealand in 2012."Gambhir was a fighter," Ashwin stated, emphasizing the former opener's role in his development as a cricketer. "I was playing my first full series. I only carried drinks during the first two years before the World Cup (in 2011). He gave me a lot of confidence at the beginning (of his career). I was not used to someone beyond my state (Tamil Nadu) giving me that sort of confidence," Ashwin said while launching his book -- I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story -- in Chennai.Ashwin expressed his views on the former Indian opener, stating that the cricketer's frank and straightforward manner often led to misinterpretation of his character. "Gautam Gambhir is a very misunderstood person. It's all about perception. He is a fighter. The biggest issue with many of us is that we give hero status to someone in our mind and forget about everyone else. This is a sport, not a movie narrative. There are no heroes and villains. Gambhir is a competitor. His desire and hunger to win is unbelievable. I have massive respect (for him)," he added.Ashwin's rise to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) occurred in 2010 when he was selected to play for the Chennai Super Kings, led by the iconic MS Dhoni. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in Ashwin's career, showcasing his skills on a grand stage.However, Ashwin's journey to the IPL spotlight can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the 2008 Challenger Trophy. It was during this tournament that Ashwin managed to catch the eye of Dhoni, who recognized the young spinner's potential."It's an evolving relationship. MS didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008," he remembered. "And because of that, I made it my life's goal -- from 2009, it was to get the wicket of MS Dhoni. When a person has a goal like this, he will go crazy when an opportunity to achieve it pops up."Ashwin went back to that final match held in Nagpur. "We were playing the Challenger Trophy, and I bowled an unbelievable spell. MS would struggle through that spell in Nagpur. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through his gates. I got him out in the final. From then on, I think he saw somebody with skill, and the relationship matured."Ashwin revealed that once a player gained Dhoni's confidence, they would receive numerous opportunities to showcase their abilities. "One of MS' usual qualities is that, if he decides this horse (a player) is not ready to race, he will not use you. He needs to know you're a horse. But, once he knows you're a horse, only when you feel like giving up, he will look past you. That is MS Dhoni; he believes in you," he added.Ashwin's contribution to India's historic 2011 World Cup triumph was minimal. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner fondly remembered the inclusive atmosphere created by head coach Gary Kirsten and the entire team, ensuring he never felt left out or unappreciated."After winning (the WC), Gary called me over and said we have not done justice to your talent. You have waited two years, but make no mistake, take it from me -- you will achieve far greater things, and I am upset that I will not be a part of it," he reflected. "So, Gary actually resigned (as head coach) with me first before announcing it outside (laughs). It was surprising for me because in all these two years, Gary actually spoke, maybe, 100 lines to me. Gary was a man of few words and an outstanding human being," he added.In fact, Ashwin was used sparingly even in the run-up to that World Cup. He offered a reason for that. "One of the reasons why MS did not play me leading up to the World Cup (2011) was the novelty factor. But eventually, I figured out that they would play me. I was about to play the match against Pakistan (2nd semifinal in Mohali). But, they decided to opt for an extra fast bowler because there was heavy dew the previous day there," he concluded.