Cricket

Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, has hailed Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as the most mentally resilient players he has encountered. Watson, who has had a distinguished career himself, highlighted Kohli's unwavering intensity and Dhoni's ability to simplify complex situations.Kohli, a right-handed batsman, recently topped the scoring charts in the IPL 2024, amassing 741 runs for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Watson praised Kohli's mental toughness and unparalleled intensity on the field. "There's only really a couple of other people that I've played with or played against who had that consistent intensity every moment of every game," said Watson. "That's why he's been able to sustain such high performances for such a long period of time."On the other hand, former Indian captain MS Dhoni is lauded for his contrasting approach to the game. Despite a lower intensity level compared to Kohli, Dhoni's ability to trust his intuition and simplify complex situations into manageable concepts stands out. Even at 42, Dhoni's strategic acumen and leadership qualities continue to shine. "He doesn't need to be like nine out of 10 with his intensity level; he needs to be at around six," said Watson. "Even at the ripe age of 42, he still knows how to be able to let his mind be free to be able to access his skills that are so deeply ingrained."Watson also discussed the mental preparation necessary for players transitioning from IPL conditions to international tournaments, such as the Men's T20 World Cup. He commented, "These are world-class cricketers who are going from an IPL, for example, and they're gonna have to make little adjustments to the conditions and pitches that they're gonna be facing. Also, whether it's temperature, and a new team environment as well. That's where by understanding these mental skills deeply and applying those into just who you are, you build a really strong, like a bulletproof cocoon around you."Furthermore, Watson commended Australian captain Pat Cummins for his leadership qualities, particularly his ability to foster an environment where players can express themselves freely and perform without fear of failure. "He gives you the right information to be able to clear your mind so you can, and are getting the best chance of executing your skills," said Cummins's compatriot. "The reason why in my mind, he's had so much success is that it's just natural, which is who he is, how he is and he's not trying to be someone else."

With the Indian men's cricket team's head coach position up for grabs, speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has hinted at the possibility of an Indian coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a frontrunner. However, Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has thrown a curveball by suggesting MS Dhoni as a potential candidate.Sharma believes Dhoni's experience and respect within the team make him an ideal choice. "He has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments," Sharma said. "He will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time."Dhoni's potential impact as a coach was evident during his stint as mentor for the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup. His ability to guide and motivate players was highly praised.While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, Sharma believes he could be a valuable asset to the Indian team as head coach. "Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team," Sharma said. "Dhoni handled the team brilliantly when he was captain, despite having big players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag."Gambhir, on the other hand, is seen as a strong candidate due to his success with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. His experience as a former India player and his ability to develop young talent make him a compelling choice.As Dravid's contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated. The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach in the coming weeks.

MS Dhoni's Heartwarming Gesture: Fan Invades Pitch to Meet Idol, Receives Promise of SurgeryDuring the IPL 2024 match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a fan's dream came true when he managed to evade security and meet his idol, MS Dhoni. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral on social media, showcasing Dhoni's compassionate nature.The fan, who has been identified as a 22-year-old named Rahul, revealed that he had been planning to meet Dhoni for a long time. He had even skipped his medication for a breathing condition to attend the match.As Dhoni walked onto the field, Rahul seized the opportunity and ran towards him. Dhoni, initially surprised, responded with a warm embrace. Rahul expressed his admiration and shared his health concerns with Dhoni.To Rahul's astonishment, Dhoni promised to take care of his surgery. "Don't worry, I will make sure you get the surgery you need," Dhoni said. "I won't let anything happen to you."Rahul was overwhelmed by Dhoni's kindness. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "He is a legend, and he cared about me. I had tears in my eyes."The incident highlights Dhoni's unwavering connection with his fans. Despite his retirement from international cricket, he continues to inspire and touch the lives of countless individuals.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership qualities have been a revelation for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Despite the presence of seasoned veterans like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane, Gaikwad has seamlessly taken the reins and guided the team with aplomb.Prior to the tournament, CSK announced a captaincy change, with Dhoni handing over the baton to Gaikwad. The decision raised eyebrows, given the young player's relative inexperience. However, Gaikwad has proven to be a natural leader, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates."I felt good right from the start," Gaikwad said of his captaincy challenge. "I am very approachable for all teammates whenever needed, and they always support the team in whatever way the team requires."Gaikwad's leadership style is characterized by calmness and composure, reminiscent of Dhoni's own approach. He credits Dhoni for teaching him the importance of remaining neutral in the face of adversity."Being neutral is something that I have learned from Mahi bhai," Gaikwad said. "Not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up."Gaikwad's on-field demeanor has also impressed observers. He maintains a level-headed approach, whether the team is winning or losing."While batting, irrespective of being captain or not, my approach is always the same," Gaikwad explained. "You cannot plan to become leaders, so being good team players and putting the team first will always stand a good chance to be one."Gaikwad's leadership has been instrumental in CSK's success in IPL 2024. The team has displayed a newfound unity and determination under his guidance, proving that age and experience are not the only factors that determine a successful captain.

The search for India's next men's cricket head coach is underway, but one prominent name, MS Dhoni, is ineligible for the role. The BCCI requires applicants to be retired from all forms of cricket, and Dhoni continues to play in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings.Despite his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni's popularity and experience have made him a popular choice among fans. However, his IPL involvement disqualifies him from the head coach position.Dhoni's potential involvement with the team remains open. He previously mentored India during the 2021 T20 World Cup, and there are no indications that he will retire after the 2024 IPL season.The BCCI received over 3,000 applications for the head coach position, including some hoax applications. The final list of candidates has not been disclosed.Among the potential candidates mentioned in the media are Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, and Ricky Ponting. However, the BCCI has not confirmed any names.

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain and a renowned leader in the cricketing world, is on the cusp of adding another significant achievement to his illustrious career by potentially securing the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad.Cummins' remarkable success as a leader has been evident in his recent triumphs, guiding Australia to victories in the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. Now, he aims to lead SRH to their second IPL title in the tournament's history.Ahead of the IPL 2024 final against Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins' meticulous preparation has been evident. A video of him intently studying highlights of MS Dhoni's batting performance went viral on social media, showcasing his respect for the legendary Indian captain's enduring influence on the sport.Cummins attributes SRH's success this season to the blend of experience and youthful exuberance within the team. "It's been huge," he said. "We have quite an experienced bowling line-up, including (Jaydev) Unadkat and Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar). Also, so many youngsters have come through and have won us games by themselves, like Nitish (Reddy) and Abhishek (Sharma)."Despite finishing second on the points table, SRH lost to KKR in Qualifier 1. However, Cummins remains confident in his team's ability to bounce back and secure the title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a global cricketing extravaganza that attracts the world's top players and coaches. Among them is Justin Langer, former coach of the Lucknow Super Giants. Langer's experience in India has left him awestruck by the unparalleled hero worship surrounding MS Dhoni."It's extraordinary," Langer exclaimed on BBC Sport's cricket podcast. "I've heard about it, but when you witness it firsthand, it's unbelievable. In Lucknow, our stadium was packed with 50,000 fans, and 48,000 of them were wearing Dhoni's number seven jersey."Langer's observations extend beyond Dhoni's popularity. He notes that the hero worship in India is a double-edged sword. "I saw the flip side with Rohit Sharma," he said. "He's a huge hero, but when he stepped down as Mumbai Indians captain, he was booed every game. It's sad to see, but it's a reflection of the intense passion and expectations of Indian cricket fans."Despite the occasional negativity, Langer remains impressed by Dhoni's humility and leadership style. "When he walks onto the ground, he's so calm and composed," Langer said. "It's a quality that's becoming more prevalent in captains around the world."Langer's insights offer a glimpse into the unique cricketing culture of India. The hero worship of players like Dhoni is a testament to the sport's deep-rooted significance in the country. However, it also highlights the challenges that come with such intense scrutiny and the need for players to maintain their composure amidst the whirlwind of adulation and criticism.

MS Dhoni, the iconic captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), exercised his democratic right by casting his vote in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections in his hometown Ranchi on Saturday. Dhoni's arrival at the polling booth was met with immense enthusiasm and media attention.After CSK's disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni returned to Ranchi and made his way to the polling booth on Saturday morning. The former India captain was accompanied by his family as he cast his vote.The Election Commission of India (ECI) shared a picture of Dhoni's arrival at the polling booth on social media, hailing him as "Thala for a reason." The ECI also tweeted a video of Dhoni casting his vote, which quickly went viral.Dhoni's participation in the electoral process highlights the importance of civic duty and encourages others to exercise their right to vote. His presence at the polling booth also serves as a reminder of the power of sports personalities to influence and inspire the public.The sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed voting in 58 parliamentary constituencies across six states and two Union Territories. Over 11.13 crore voters were eligible to cast their ballots, including two former Chief Ministers: Manohar Lal Khattar from the BJP and Mehbooba Mufti from the PDP.Dhoni's decision to travel in economy class after CSK's elimination from the IPL further endeared him to fans and the public. His humility and commitment to his hometown have made him a beloved figure in Ranchi and beyond.

MS Dhoni's Enduring Legacy: A Force to Reckon With in the IPLDespite relinquishing the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni remains an indomitable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His presence on the field continues to inspire awe and admiration, both from opponents and fans alike.Dhoni's influence is palpable in the unwavering support he commands from CSK fans. Playing against CSK in Chennai has become a daunting task for opponents, with the crowd overwhelmingly clad in Dhoni jerseys. Even during away games, CSK fans turn out in droves, proudly displaying their allegiance to the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.Justin Langer, coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, has witnessed firsthand the extraordinary fandom surrounding Dhoni. He compares Dhoni's following to that of cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. "It's unbelievable. The hero worship in India is unbelievable," Langer remarked.Langer notes that Dhoni's popularity can overshadow other players, as evidenced by the challenges faced by Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma. However, he emphasizes the importance of embracing the hero worship rather than being disheartened by it.Dhoni's enduring legacy in the IPL is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination. His presence on the field continues to captivate fans and inspire his teammates. As the IPL progresses, Dhoni's influence will undoubtedly remain a significant factor in the fortunes of the Chennai Super Kings.