Cricket

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2024 campaign ended in disappointment after their elimination against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The loss sparked speculation about the future of MS Dhoni, the 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who has been battling a knee injury.Dhoni's future remains uncertain, as he has not yet confirmed his retirement plans. However, his recent actions suggest that he is taking a break from cricket. After the elimination, Dhoni boarded an economy class flight from Bengaluru to Ranchi, surprising his fellow passengers.A video of Dhoni placing his luggage in the overhead compartment and taking his seat went viral on social media. Co-passengers captured the moment and gave Dhoni a round of applause. The video showcased Dhoni's simplicity and humility, earning him praise from fans.Earlier, Dhoni emphasized the importance of recruiting the right players for CSK, rather than big names. He stressed the need for players to align with the team's goals and contribute to its success."Fear is very important. You need to have that fear because unless, if I don't have fear, I can never be brave. I can never be courageous, you know. So I always felt that fear is important, that the pressure is important because that helps me take the right decision, keeping everything in mind," Dhoni said in a video uploaded by CSK."We get a very good player on our team, but he's drastically different from our environment. So what do we look for? We want him to take that one step towards the team's goal and we are happy to take three steps towards him. But let's say that's not the case. The second best thing is you keep doing what you are doing but don't disrupt us. That's the second-best option. The third is you have to let him go. Whether it's business or sports, you want to do well at the end of the day. The think tank's goal is to get the most out of the individual. If he's very good for the team, I will try whatever ways to ensure he becomes an asset," he added.Dhoni's future with CSK remains uncertain, but his recent actions suggest that he is taking a break from cricket. Whether he decides to retire or continue playing, Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is secure.

MS Dhoni Emphasizes Importance of Fear and Right Player Recruitment for SuccessChennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has highlighted the significance of fear and the right player recruitment strategy for team success. Dhoni, who has led CSK to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, believes that fear is essential for improvement and that teams should prioritize recruiting players who fit their environment rather than chasing big names.In a video released by CSK, Dhoni explained that fear drives him to make the right decisions under pressure. "Fear is very important. You need to have that fear because unless, if I don't have fear, I can never be brave. I can never be courageous, you know. So I always felt that fear is important, that the pressure is important because that helps me take the right decision, keeping everything in mind," he said.Dhoni also emphasized the importance of getting the most out of each individual player rather than focusing on acquiring the biggest names. "We get a very good player on our team, but he's drastically different from our environment. So what do we look for? We want him to take that one step towards the team's goal and we are happy to take three steps towards him. But let's say that's not the case. The second best thing is you keep doing what you are doing but don't disrupt us. That's the second-best option. The third is you have to let him go," he explained.Dhoni believes that if a big player struggles to fit into the team environment, it is acceptable to let them go, as the team's interests should always come first. "But he also needs to be willing to take that step. If he doesn't take that first step, I can take the second option but at some point of time (I will have to take a call). I don't want the whole team to adapt to the individual because that is wrong. So, you have to let him go. He may be the greatest player but you have to let him go. Somebody else will come and take his place. He may not be as good as him but he will help the team perform better," he added.Dhoni's insights underscore the importance of creating a cohesive team environment where players are willing to contribute to the collective goal. By embracing fear, recruiting the right players, and prioritizing team success over individual brilliance, CSK has consistently achieved remarkable results under Dhoni's leadership.

Chennai's 'Thala-Land' Silenced as CSK's Absence Dampens IPL Qualifier 2On an ordinary IPL match day, Wallajah Road, the bustling thoroughfare leading to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, would be a vibrant tapestry of activity. But on Friday, as Qualifier 2 between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad unfolded, an eerie quietness hung in the air.The road, usually teeming with sports merchandise vendors, was deserted. Unsold yellow jerseys, a poignant reminder of the impact of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) absence, lay in piles outside shuttered shops. Street vendors struggled to sell counterfeit jerseys, their usual brisk trade replaced by a disheartening silence.The absence of CSK, the city's beloved team, cast a pall over the atmosphere. The buzz that typically permeated the area from 4 pm onwards on match days was conspicuously absent. A few scattered Orange and pink jerseys made their way towards the Chepauk gates, but the electric atmosphere that characterized CSK games was nowhere to be found."I'm a regular at CSK matches," lamented Arun Pradeep, a devoted fan. "I had three tickets, but couldn't find anyone to take them. We decided to support good cricket instead."The biggest losers were the counterfeit jersey sellers, who typically made a killing on CSK match days. On this day, they struggled to sell a handful of Pat Cummins and Sanju Samson shirts.Despite the absence of CSK, the stadium filled to a capacity of 29,255. But the soul of the event was missing. The day served as a stark reminder of the immense value that MS Dhoni and CSK bring to the IPL landscape.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni should continue playing in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kaif's opinion is based on Dhoni's current form, physical fitness, and his remarkable ability to effortlessly hit big shots.Despite the widespread speculation about Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL, Kaif sees no reason for him to hang up his boots just yet. Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery last year, showcased an impressive performance in the recent IPL season, amassing 161 runs in just 73 balls at an outstanding strike rate of 220.55. Additionally, his wicket-keeping skills remained sharp throughout the tournament.As the captain, Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to an impressive five IPL titles. His leadership, combined with his on-field prowess, has been instrumental in the team's success over the years. Kaif thinks Dhoni has enough left in the tank to keep playing."Personally, I don't think he's done, he could not win the game (last league match against RCB). In the last over after hitting a six, he got out. You could make out seeing his body language that he seemed very disappointed not winning the game for CSK," Kaif, a cricket expert with Star Sports, told PTI Videos."Why should he not come back? He is fit, he is scoring runs and hitting sixes, and there's no reason to stop playing... it's up to him, we can't say with Dhoni what's his plan," added Kaif, regarded as one of India's greatest fielders.Kaif also remarked that Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer had been a revelation with his calm demeanour, attributing the team's success this year to his leadership qualities. Two-time IPL champions KKR entered their fourth final with a thumping eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. They had also topped the league stage with 20 points."He (Iyer) missed the whole IPL last year and KKR probably missed his captaincy in 2023. The way he is changing the bowlers, and picking his playing XI, he looks very calm under pressure.""In a tournament like the IPL, you have to be very composed, you have to know what's happening in the game and Iyer has come a long way. He has become a much better captain now," opined Kaif.Gambhir's return to KKR as the team mentor has been cited by experts as a key factor in the team's success this season. However, Kaif believes that the team's impressive performance is largely due to Iyer's leadership skills on the field."We always talk about (Gautam) Gambhir, but he can't enter the field... in the rope with the players. Iyer has been there with the players and it will help him grow as a person and player.""He missed out on the (T20) World Cup this year (beginning in the US and West Indies next month), but certainly it's great learning for him, captaining the team, leading it to the finals. He has a great future ahead," said Kaif.Kaif expressed his belief that KKR had the highest chances of securing the IPL championship this year. He attributed this to the team's possession of two crucial elements: a group of exceptional bowlers and a well-rounded lineup. According to him, these factors are essential for achieving success in the tournament."I think KKR is a very well-balanced side. Tournament-winning team has to have good bowlers, KKR has got the bowlers. You saw how (Mitchell) Starc bowled against (SRH in Qualifier 1), it's a balanced side. KKR has got all bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. They are the team to beat in the IPL, they are way ahead."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a significant decision ahead of the IPL 2024 season by appointing Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain, replacing the legendary MS Dhoni. This move was met with widespread approval from CSK fans, who were confident in Gaikwad's leadership abilities.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan explained the rationale behind the decision, stating that Gaikwad had been identified as a potential captain for several years. Both head coach Stephen Fleming and Dhoni had recognized his leadership qualities and had been grooming him for the role.Viswanathan praised Gaikwad's performance as captain, noting that he had led the side comfortably and had not allowed the pressure to affect his batting. He also highlighted the support provided by the senior players, which had helped Gaikwad settle into his new role.The CSK CEO emphasized the importance of fan acceptance in Gaikwad's success. He pointed out that Dhoni's endorsement of Gaikwad had played a crucial role in the fans' willingness to embrace him as their new leader.Viswanathan also credited the CSK management's hands-off approach to cricketing matters for facilitating the smooth transition. He stated that the management had given Gaikwad the freedom to make decisions and had not interfered with his captaincy.In conclusion, the decision to appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain was a well-thought-out move that was supported by the team management, senior players, and fans. Gaikwad's leadership skills and the support he received from all quarters enabled him to make a successful transition into the role.

MS Dhoni's future with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains uncertain, but legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers believes that the former Indian captain should continue leading the team if he decides to play another season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008, leading the franchise to five titles. However, he handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2023 season. While Gaikwad performed admirably as both captain and batter, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs.De Villiers, who played against Dhoni for many years, believes that his presence as captain is a significant advantage for CSK. "With MS Dhoni around, playing against MS for so many years, that is the most intimidating sight to have him as an opposing captain," he said.The South African legend believes that Dhoni's absence as captain diminished CSK's intimidation factor. "They took away quite a bit of intimidation factor from CSK with not having him as captain," he added.De Villiers emphasized that his comments were not a criticism of Gaikwad's captaincy, but rather a reflection of Dhoni's unique leadership qualities. "I actually think he's got a very bright future and he captained extremely well," he said.However, de Villiers believes that Dhoni's experience and presence on the field make him the ideal captain for CSK. "But just having MS around, I always felt like it's going to be a waste not having him as captain," he said.Dhoni's future in the IPL remains unclear, but de Villiers' comments highlight the importance of his leadership to CSK. If Dhoni decides to play another season, it is likely that he will resume his role as captain, given his immense experience and the respect he commands within the team.

Fear and Pressure: Essential Ingredients for Courage, Says MS DhoniLegendary cricketer MS Dhoni believes that fear and pressure are crucial elements in shaping an individual's character and decision-making abilities. In a recent video shared by Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni emphasized the importance of these emotions in fostering courage and recklessness."Fear is very important," Dhoni stated. "Unless you have fear, you can never be brave or courageous. It helps you make the right decisions, keeping everything in mind." He further explained that the absence of fear can lead to recklessness and a disregard for potential consequences.Dhoni highlighted that fear and pressure are essential for personal growth and development. "If you are fearless, then you will be reckless," he said. "You won't respect the normal things or the dangers involved."Dhoni's insights stem from his illustrious career as a cricketer, where he led the Chennai Super Kings to a record five Indian Premier League titles. Despite stepping down as captain before the current season, Dhoni remains an integral part of the team.Speculations have been rife about Dhoni's potential retirement from the tournament, but CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has stated that the decision ultimately rests with the former India captain. Viswanathan expressed optimism that Dhoni will continue to play for CSK in the 2025 IPL season.Dhoni's performance in the recently concluded season was impressive, despite undergoing knee surgery last year. He scored 161 runs in 73 balls at a strike rate of 220.55 and displayed his exceptional skills behind the stumps.With a mega IPL auction scheduled later this year, CSK is expected to retain Dhoni if he decides to continue playing. However, the number of players allowed to be retained remains unclear. Viswanathan stated that discussions with the BCCI are yet to take place regarding the retention rules.

The question of MS Dhoni's future as a player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a topic of speculation for some time. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has addressed the issue, stating that the decision ultimately lies with Dhoni himself.Viswanathan emphasized that CSK respects Dhoni's decisions and has always given him the space to make them on his own terms. He expressed hope that Dhoni will continue to play for CSK next year, acknowledging the expectations of both fans and the franchise.Despite repeated inquiries from broadcasters, Dhoni has remained silent on his plans. However, his decision to hand over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 IPL season has raised questions about his future as a player.At 42 years old, Dhoni's age and the upcoming mega auction in 2025 have prompted CSK to consider their plans for the future. Viswanathan indicated that Dhoni's performance this season, where he scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55 and kept competently, suggests that he is still capable of contributing to the team.Regarding Stephen Fleming, CSK's long-time coach, Viswanathan dismissed rumors linking him to the India head coach role. He stated that Fleming is not interested in a coaching role that requires a long-term commitment.Viswanathan also highlighted that CSK's retention plans for the 2025 IPL season will depend on the guidelines provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He emphasized the need for clarity from the BCCI before the franchise can make any decisions.Despite finishing fifth in the 2024 IPL season, CSK remains a formidable team. They have won the IPL title five times and have a history of bouncing back from setbacks. Viswanathan expressed confidence that CSK will be competitive in the upcoming seasons.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain as Experts Predict RetirementFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a subject of intense speculation following Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) elimination from the 2024 playoffs. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the tournament's inception, has faced questions about his longevity due to a reported knee injury and his team's recent struggles.Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has expressed his belief that Dhoni may not return to the IPL next season. "I have a gut feeling he'll be done after this," Akram said on Sportskeeda. "Players like him come in a lifetime, it all depends on him."Akram's sentiments were echoed by former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who stated, "I think this is it. I do believe that this will be the last time that Dhoni will play." Hayden added that he expects Dhoni to remain involved with CSK in an official capacity, possibly as a mentor.Dhoni's performance in the 2024 IPL season has been a topic of discussion. While he has not been as prolific as in previous years, he has still made valuable contributions to CSK's batting lineup. However, his struggles with the bat and his team's overall performance have raised questions about his ability to continue playing at the highest level.Dhoni's leadership and experience have been invaluable to CSK, but the team's recent struggles have put pressure on him to deliver. The franchise has not won an IPL title since 2021 and has failed to reach the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.As Dhoni approaches the twilight of his career, it remains to be seen whether he will continue playing in the IPL. His decision will likely depend on his physical condition, his team's performance, and his own personal aspirations.