Cricket

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Hinges on 'Impact Player' RuleThe Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs has sparked speculation about MS Dhoni's future with the franchise. The veteran wicket-keeper batter's performance has been under scrutiny, and the 'Impact Player' rule has emerged as a potential factor in his decision-making.The 'Impact Player' rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing flexibility in batting orders and strategic advantages. Dhoni has benefited from this rule, batting at lower positions (No. 8 or No. 9) and focusing on his strengths: wicket-keeping, leadership, and power-hitting.However, the rule has also faced criticism, with some arguing that it limits the opportunities for all-rounders. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to decide on the rule's continuation next season.Dhoni's age (42) and knee injury have impacted his mobility, making it difficult for him to run between wickets. The 'Impact Player' rule allows CSK to maximize his contributions while grooming younger players.If the rule remains in place, Dhoni may consider continuing his IPL career. However, if it is abolished, he may opt to retire as a player. The BCCI's decision on the rule will play a crucial role in Dhoni's future.The 'Impact Player' rule has the potential to extend the careers of veteran players like Dhoni while also fostering the development of young talent. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will retain the rule, but it could have a significant impact on Dhoni's decision to continue playing in the IPL.

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu believes that MS Dhoni's IPL career is not over yet and urges the BCCI to retain the impact player rule to facilitate Dhoni's continued participation in the tournament.Chennai Super Kings' hopes of reaching the playoffs were dashed after a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. Dhoni's team needed 17 runs in the final over to qualify, but RCB bowler Yash Dayal held his nerve to secure the victory.Rayudu, who played alongside Dhoni at CSK, believes that Dhoni is not ready to retire. "I don't think this is his last game. I just don't see him wanting to end on this note," Rayudu said. "He looked a little frustrated, even when he got out. That's very unlike MS Dhoni, he just wanted to qualify and finish on a high. But you never know with MS Dhoni, he might come back next year."Rayudu also highlighted the importance of the impact player rule in keeping Dhoni involved. "With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact," Rayudu said. "BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it's up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not."Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also commented on Dhoni's performance, noting that while his physical abilities may be diminishing, his leadership and cricketing knowledge remain invaluable. "As a leader, he is The Thala of the Chennai Super Kings. This is telling me that nothing here is about becoming anything else other than first place. He's desperately using his brains, all of that cricket knowledge," Hayden said.Despite the disappointment of the loss, RCB continued their impressive run of form with their sixth consecutive win, securing a place in the playoffs.

MS Dhoni Reflects on Challenges of Competing in IPL at 42, Balancing Life After International CricketFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has opened up about the physical and mental challenges of competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the age of 42. Despite stepping down as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, Dhoni played a crucial role in the team's campaign this season. However, CSK failed to make the playoffs, finishing fifth with seven wins, seven losses, and 14 points.In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's YouTube channel, Dhoni emphasized the importance of fitness in competing with younger players. "The toughest thing is... I am not playing cricket throughout the year. So I have to be fit. Once I come, you are competing against youngsters who are fit and playing international cricket. Professional sport is not easy, nobody gives you a discount for age," Dhoni said.Dhoni highlighted the need for a strict diet and training regimen to maintain fitness. He also noted that social media distractions are minimal for him as he is not active on those platforms.Since retiring from international cricket, Dhoni has enjoyed spending more time with his family. "Once I quit international cricket, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my family. But, at that same time, to be mentally active, to have that passion to stay focused -- for me, I love farming, for me it is the motorbikes, I have started getting into vintage cars. These things de-stress me," he explained.Dhoni also mentioned his love for pets, particularly dogs, which provide him with unconditional love and a sense of normalcy even after tough matches.Despite managing his workload due to a knee surgery last year, Dhoni made a notable impact in IPL 2024. Batting in crucial moments, he scored 161 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 53.67 and a staggering strike rate of 220.55.

Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand cricketer of Indian descent, made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recently concluded season. Sharing the dressing room with legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra had a memorable experience despite CSK's failure to reach the playoffs.In his maiden IPL season, Ravindra showcased his batting prowess, scoring 222 runs in 10 matches with a highest score of 61 and a strike rate of 160.87. The 22-year-old expressed his admiration for Dhoni, stating, "To be able to share a field with him and benefit from his wisdom off it is extremely valuable."Ravindra's Indian heritage stems from his parents, who migrated to New Zealand from Bangalore in the 1990s. His unique name, Rachin, is a tribute to Indian cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.Despite his Indian roots, Ravindra identifies himself as a Kiwi, having been born and raised in New Zealand. However, he cherishes his connection to India, saying, "I always loved coming to India. The people, food, and everything is amazing."Ravindra's next major assignment will be the T20 World Cup in Australia next month, where he will represent New Zealand. The young cricketer is eager to make a mark on the global stage and continue his journey in the world of cricket.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs are set to commence, with Kolkata Knight Riders, SunRisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru vying for the coveted trophy. However, the minds of many IPL enthusiasts are preoccupied with a pressing question: Is this the end of the road for MS Dhoni?The Chennai Super Kings legend witnessed his team's heartbreaking defeat against RCB on Saturday, which eliminated them from the tournament. Dhoni was visibly devastated by the loss.After leading CSK to victory in IPL 2023, Dhoni had hinted at retirement. However, he expressed his desire to continue playing for at least one more season due to the immense love and support he received from fans. That "one season" concluded on Saturday, but Dhoni has yet to make an official announcement regarding his IPL future.According to a report in the Times of India, Dhoni will take a few months to make a decision. "Dhoni has not informed anyone in CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before making a final call," a source close to the developments revealed.The report also stated that Dhoni was "devastated" after the loss and was among the first to leave the CSK camp for his hometown Ranchi on Sunday morning. He was later spotted riding his bike in Ranchi.In the RCB vs CSK match, Faf du Plessis's RCB needed a victory to secure a top-four finish. The excitement was palpable at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as RCB emerged victorious by 27 runs. However, the celebrations from the players drew criticism after Dhoni left the pitch without shaking hands.Videos on social media showed Dhoni waiting for the RCB players, who continued celebrating, before making his way to the dressing room without shaking hands. Virat Kohli later followed him inside to speak with the veteran star.During a discussion on Cricbuzz, former England cricket team skipper Michael Vaughan criticized RCB players for not taking the time to shake hands with Dhoni. "I can see that with the RCB team. They enjoy a lot of support but they also wind out the people. We saw a lot of that tonight. I get that that they have never been in a position where they have won the IPL and they desperately made it to the eliminations. But you don't wanna be one of those teams that everyone wants to lose," Vaughan said.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain After CSK's Playoff ExitChennai Super Kings' disappointing IPL 2024 campaign has raised questions about the future of legendary captain MS Dhoni. The five-time champions crashed out of the playoffs after a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leaving Dhoni's role in the team uncertain.Dhoni, who has been a mainstay of CSK since the inception of the IPL, has seen his role diminish in recent seasons. Under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni has primarily operated as a lower-order finisher.Despite the lack of official communication, Dhoni's future with CSK has become a topic of speculation. Videos of the former India captain taking a bike ride around Ranchi have surfaced on social media, fueling rumors of his potential retirement from the IPL.Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that Dhoni's performance in CSK's final match of the season could be a sign of his impending departure. Dhoni was at the crease with the game hanging in the balance but was caught in the deep off the bowling of Yash Dayal."If Dhoni was unbeaten, CSK would have won the match," Chopra said. "He kept them alive. Maybe this was the last time we saw Dhoni."Chopra also praised Dhoni's batting performance, noting that he hit the longest six of the season (110 meters) and two fours on the leg side."From where he started, it didn't seem like winning the game was possible," Chopra added. "But Dhoni kept them in the hunt. However, Yash Dayal bowled well in the last over and RCB won with a decent margin."Whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK or retire from the IPL remains to be seen. However, his performance in the final match of the season has left fans wondering if they have witnessed the last of the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman in the IPL.

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has sparked controversy over the alleged lack of respect shown to MS Dhoni by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players.Following CSK's elimination, Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain. However, the incident involving RCB players has drawn criticism from former cricketers and experts. It was initially claimed that RCB players "over-celebrated" their playoff progression, prompting Dhoni to return to the dressing room without shaking hands.However, a video has emerged on social media contradicting this narrative. A fan claimed that Dhoni did not wait long before deciding to return to the dressing room, refuting accusations that RCB players were disrespectful.The incident has sparked a debate about the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the game. Harsha Bhogle and Michael Vaughan, renowned commentators, expressed their disappointment with RCB players' behavior."If there ever was a time for a group of players to show awareness... We don't know but if that was MS Dhoni's last game and those players have run around the ground doing handstands when all they need is to wait and meet the legend. We have to just go and shake his hands and then we can do a few cartwheels and handstands. That's absolutely fine," said Vaughan.Bhogle emphasized the significance of the post-match handshake as a symbol of respect and sportsmanship. "It doesn't matter. You win a World Cup final, you display your emotions, but you still shake hands with the opposition. That handshake is symbolic of the fact that (two teams are saying) 'now, our antagonism is over. We did not give an inch to each other. Now it's over,'" he said.While some fans have defended RCB players, arguing that they were caught up in the moment, others have condemned their actions as disrespectful. The incident has highlighted the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect in the competitive world of professional sports.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, has emphasized the importance of a captain earning respect through their conduct in both victory and defeat. Dhoni, who has led India to numerous ICC trophies and Chennai Super Kings to multiple IPL titles, believes that true respect is earned by leading by example, especially during challenging times."You lead by example through ups and downs because when you are successful it's very easy to say this is what we do but when times are tough is the real-time and you have to walk that talk - in those moments if you are still the same, that time you earn the respect," Dhoni said in a video posted by Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel.Dhoni's philosophy of leadership is based on the principle that respect cannot be demanded but must be earned through one's actions and demeanor. He believes that a captain should set a positive example for their team, both on and off the field, and should be willing to take responsibility for both successes and failures."The important thing is that you need to earn the respect of the people you are leading. You cannot command or demand respect, it has to be earned. I may have a position in the institution and it needs to be respected. But I as an individual, sitting on that chair, need to earn that respect. I can't be saying you need to respect me because I'm sitting on this chair," he added.Dhoni's leadership style has been praised by many, including former teammates and opponents. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, even in the most intense situations. He is also known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players, and for his strategic acumen.Dhoni's comments come at a time when Chennai Super Kings are struggling in the ongoing IPL season. The team has lost several key matches and their chances of making the playoffs are slim. However, Dhoni has remained positive and has urged his players to continue fighting until the end."We have to keep fighting. We have to keep believing. We have to keep working hard. And we have to keep improving. That's the only way we can turn things around," Dhoni said after CSK's loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore.Dhoni's leadership will be crucial for Chennai Super Kings as they look to salvage their season. If they can turn things around and make the playoffs, it will be a testament to Dhoni's ability to lead his team through adversity.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's illustrious IPL career came to a disappointing end as his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were eliminated from the 2024 season after a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).CSK needed to score over 201 to qualify for the playoffs and came tantalizingly close, with Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja launching a fierce assault towards the end. However, RCB pacer Yash Dayal, who had been hit for five consecutive sixes by KKR's Rinku Singh in IPL 2023, held his nerve and sealed the thrilling win for RCB.Dhoni, who has guided CSK to five IPL titles, was visibly dejected after the match. Coming in at No. 8, he scored 25 runs off 13 balls, including three fours and a six, but Dayal's dismissal of Dhoni crushed CSK's hopes of progressing to the playoffs.Despite the disappointing end to the season, Dhoni's performance in IPL 2024 was commendable. He scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of the T20 format.After the match, RCB's young spinner Mayank Dagar approached Dhoni with a bat, requesting an autograph. Dhoni happily obliged, and Dagar shared the heartwarming video on his social media account.The defeat marked the end of an era for CSK, as Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain. However, his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time will endure.