Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding MS Dhoni's retirement, stating that it has been a topic of discussion for several years. Ahead of RCB's crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, du Plessis emphasized the importance of focusing on their own team's performance.In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Dhoni has played 13 matches and scored 136 runs at a strike rate of 226.67. Despite his age, the 42-year-old has displayed his trademark power-hitting, smashing 11 fours and 12 sixes.Du Plessis acknowledged the excitement surrounding the Southern derby, which will be played in front of a passionate home crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He expressed his anticipation for the match, despite the presence of numerous CSK supporters."It'd be a great occasion, honestly, at home, in front of our fans, there will also be a lot of yellow fans but it's gonna be a great occasion. But yeah, we are just nice and calm and relaxed and looking forward to the game," du Plessis said.Currently, RCB stands in seventh place in the IPL 2024 standings with 12 points and a net run rate of +0.387. To qualify for the playoffs, they need to defeat CSK by at least 18 runs if they score a minimum of 200 runs batting first or win in 18.1 overs if they are chasing 200.Meanwhile, CSK holds fourth place with 14 points and a net run rate of +0.528. They have won 7 of their 13 matches and will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four.The match between RCB and CSK promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a crucial victory. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective playoff hopes.

Virat Kohli's remarkable consistency across all formats of cricket has established him as a modern-day legend. His ability to adapt to diverse playing conditions and his insatiable hunger for runs have made him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack. However, behind Kohli's success lies the invaluable guidance of former Indian captain MS Dhoni.According to legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar, Dhoni played a pivotal role in shaping Kohli into the exceptional player he is today. "When Virat Kohli started his career, it was a stop-start career. The fact that MS Dhoni gave him that little extra momentum is why he is the Kohli we see today," Gavaskar stated on Star Sports.Gavaskar's comments highlight the importance of mentorship in the development of young talent. Dhoni's belief in Kohli's abilities and his willingness to provide support and guidance proved instrumental in unlocking Kohli's full potential.However, Gavaskar's praise for Dhoni's role in Kohli's success has not been without controversy. In the past, Gavaskar had criticized Kohli's slow strike rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This led to a war of words between the two, with Kohli defending his approach and questioning Gavaskar's expertise as a commentator.Despite their differences, Gavaskar remains adamant that his comments were not intended as a personal attack on Kohli. "We all played a bit of cricket, not a lot of cricket. We don't have agendas. We speak about what we see. We don't necessarily have any likes and dislikes," Gavaskar explained.Gavaskar's belief in the value of constructive criticism is evident in his comments. He believes that former cricketers, with their experience and knowledge of the game, have a responsibility to provide insights and analysis that can help improve the performance of current players.The relationship between Kohli and Gavaskar is a complex one, marked by both admiration and occasional disagreement. However, it is a testament to the passion and intensity that both men bring to the game of cricket.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 nears its climax, the question of MS Dhoni's retirement plans has once again become a topic of intense speculation. Last year, rumors were rampant that the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman would hang up his boots, but Dhoni surprised everyone by expressing his desire to continue playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).However, with the IPL season drawing to a close, the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future remains. Former CSK batter and current batting coach Michael Hussey recently admitted that he has no knowledge of Dhoni's retirement plans. Speaking to the Around The Wicket podcast, Hussey said, "Your guess is as good as mine at this stage. He keeps his cards very, very close to his chest."Hussey praised Dhoni's batting form this season, despite the veteran suffering from a knee issue. "He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really," Hussey said.Dhoni has been batting lower down the order this season due to his knee injury. "I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament," Hussey explained.Despite the uncertainty, Hussey expressed his hope that Dhoni would continue playing for a few more years. "From a personal point of view, I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call," Hussey said.CSK are still in contention for a playoff spot in IPL 2024. Their final league match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18. Dhoni's decision on his future will likely be influenced by the team's performance in the remaining matches.

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. This match holds immense significance as it could potentially be the last IPL match for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni if CSK loses.CSK currently holds the advantage in the race for the fourth playoff spot. A victory against RCB would secure their place in the playoffs. However, if Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lose their respective matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings, CSK could even finish in the top two with a superior net run rate.Even if CSK loses to RCB, they can still qualify for the playoffs if the margin of defeat is not significant. This would ensure that their net run rate remains better than RCB's, allowing them to finish above their rivals in the final points table.Adding to the intrigue, Dhoni holds two impressive statistical records against RCB. He has hit the most sixes (43) against any opponent in the IPL, and his highest IPL score of 84* also came against RCB in 2019.Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron believes that Dhoni will be the star of the show on Saturday. "I have a feeling it's going to be the MS show this game," Aaron said. "He loves the Chinnaswamy Stadium and has played some epic innings there."Aaron also highlighted Dhoni's resilience and determination. "He's one of those guys who has a really high pain threshold and bites the bullet to make sure he forgets about his injury," Aaron added.With the stakes high and the emotions running deep, the RCB vs CSK clash promises to be a captivating spectacle that will keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season nears its conclusion, speculation about the retirement of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has intensified. However, former India and CSK cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that Dhoni is not ready to call it quits just yet.Speaking on JioCinema, Uthappa addressed the retirement rumors head-on. "Coming to CSK, is this MS's last run? I don't think so, personally, I don't think so," Uthappa remarked. He added that Dhoni's presence is crucial for CSK's long-term success, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over as captain.The match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday is a crucial one for both teams, with playoff spots on the line. CSK currently sits fourth in the standings with 14 points from 13 games, while RCB is sixth with 12 points from 13 matches. A win for CSK would secure their place in the playoffs, whereas RCB need a victory and favorable outcomes in other games to keep their hopes alive.This season, Dhoni has demonstrated his continued value to the team, scoring 161 runs in 10 innings with a striking rate of 226.66. Despite his age, Dhoni has shown that he can still deliver impactful performances in short bursts.The anticipation for this match is heightened by the face-off between two of India’s cricketing giants, Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Kohli has been in exceptional form for RCB this season, accumulating 661 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 155.16. His tally includes a century and five half-centuries, positioning him at the top of the Orange Cap race.Despite the swirling rumors, Uthappa's confidence in Dhoni's continuation offers a glimmer of hope for CSK fans who are eager to see more of their legendary captain.

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, continues to captivate fans with his presence on the cricket field. Ahead of the crucial clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a video emerged on CSK's social media handle, showcasing Dhoni bowling during the practice session.The footage captured Dhoni bowling leg-breaks during the team's net session, raising speculation that he might showcase his bowling skills against RCB on Saturday. CSK's social media handle aptly captioned the video, "When he bowls, just ADORABOWL!"Dhoni's bowling prowess has been a subject of fascination for fans, who have witnessed him bowl occasionally in the past. His ability to bowl leg-breaks adds another dimension to his already impressive skillset.Meanwhile, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey expressed his hope that Dhoni would continue with the team for a few more years. He praised Dhoni's batting form and preparation, stating that he has been in good touch throughout the season."We are hoping he does keep going. He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls," Hussey said.Dhoni's decision to step down as CSK captain just before the start of the 2024 season surprised many. However, Hussey believes that Dhoni is still a valuable asset to the team and hopes he will continue playing for a few more years."I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So, he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament," Hussey added."I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And, he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So, I wouldn't expect a decision anytime soon."Dhoni's leadership and experience have been instrumental in CSK's success, leading them to five IPL titles. His continued presence on the team would be a major boost for CSK as they aim to add to their trophy cabinet.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) welcomed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni to their dressing room on Thursday, ahead of their crucial encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.Despite the looming threat of inclement weather in the city, Dhoni took a moment to savor a steaming cup of tea, courtesy of the RCB support staff, during a break in their practice session. The 42-year-old, clad in CSK training attire, exchanged pleasantries with the RCB contingent and shared a friendly 'cheers' gesture before departing.The visit marked a rare moment of unity between two of the most storied franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). RCB and CSK are set to face off in a pivotal match that could determine their fate in the play-offs.Dhoni's presence in the RCB dressing room was a testament to the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists within the IPL fraternity. Despite the intense rivalry on the field, the players and staff maintain a strong bond off it.The encounter between RCB and CSK promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams vying for a place in the top four. RCB, led by Virat Kohli, will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders, while CSK, captained by Ravindra Jadeja, will be aiming to continue their winning streak.The match will be played under the lights at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as the two teams battle it out for a crucial victory.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has shed light on the leadership qualities of MS Dhoni that led India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.Dhoni's ability to involve his team members in decision-making was crucial to India's success. "Before matches against teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England, our core group would get together during the game to strategize for the next few overs," Harbhajan revealed.In the nail-biting final against Pakistan, Dhoni's decision to give the crucial 19th over to Harbhajan proved decisive. Harbhajan conceded only seven runs and took the wicket of Umar Gul, setting the stage for Joginder Sharma to seal the victory in the final over.Harbhajan emphasized the importance of collective leadership and team unity. "When you play together as a united team, you win more competitions. Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team. It was never about individual performances but about playing as 'we'," he said.Harbhajan believes that Rohit Sharma, India's current captain, can emulate Dhoni's success by fostering a similar team environment. "If we play as a united team, thinking about collective success rather than individual achievements, then we can win," he said.The upcoming T20 World Cup in New York on June 9 will provide another opportunity for India and Pakistan to showcase their rivalry. Harbhajan's insights into Dhoni's leadership provide valuable lessons for Rohit Sharma and the Indian team as they prepare for the tournament.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future: Hussey Hopes for 'Another Couple of Years'Michael Hussey, Chennai Super Kings' batting coach, remains uncertain about MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but expresses his desire for the legendary wicketkeeper-batter to continue for a few more seasons."Your guess is as good as mine at this stage," Hussey said on ESPN's Around the Wicket show. "He keeps his cards very close to his chest. We are hoping he does keep going."Despite undergoing knee surgery after the previous IPL season, Dhoni has been in impressive form this year, scoring 136 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 226.66. Hussey attributes this to Dhoni's meticulous preparation and ability to hit the ball cleanly from the first delivery."He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls," Hussey said. "He has been in good touch all season really."However, CSK has been managing Dhoni's workload due to his knee surgery, often sending him in to bat at lower positions. Hussey acknowledges that fans may prefer to see Dhoni bat higher in the order, but emphasizes the need to protect his body."I know fans probably want to see him batting a little bit higher in the order," Hussey said, "but that [the knee surgery] is why we have had to manage him a little bit and he only comes in at the back end."At the start of the season, Dhoni surprised many by handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Hussey reveals that Dhoni's decision was not entirely unexpected, as Gaikwad had been groomed for the role for some time."MS sort of announced that he was not going to be attending the pre-tournament captains meeting. And we're like, 'Oh, no. What's going on?'," Hussey said. "He said Ruturaj was going to be captain from then on. So it was a little bit of a shock to start with but it has been managed really well."Under Gaikwad's leadership, CSK has won seven out of 13 games and is currently third on the points table. Gaikwad himself has been a key contributor with the bat, scoring 583 runs at a strike rate of 141.50."He is a great guy, Ruturaj, very calm," Hussey said. "He is a good thinker of the game. I mean it was always going to be a massive challenge for him, you know, how do you follow someone like MS Dhoni - it was going to be tough. But he has done a great job."Hussey believes that Gaikwad will continue to improve as captain and that his batting has not been affected by the added responsibility.