Cricket

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over MS Dhoni's decision-making during Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) recent clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathan criticized Dhoni's approach towards strike rotation and his struggles against spin bowling.In a match where CSK set PBKS a below-par target of 163 runs, Dhoni's contribution of 14 off 11 balls came under scrutiny. Pathan highlighted Dhoni's reluctance to take singles, which he believes hindered the team's progress."He shouldn't have done that (refusing a single). This is a team game. Don't do that in a team game. The other guy [Daryl Mitchell] is also an international player. If he had been a bowler, I would have understood it for sure," Pathan said.Pathan also criticized Dhoni's treatment of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who was denied singles by the former India captain. "You have done that with (Ravindra) Jadeja and with Mitchell as well. You don't need to do that. He could have avoided it," Pathan added.Pathan praised PBKS skipper Sam Curran's tactical acumen, particularly his decision to introduce spinner Rahul Chahar in the 19th over against Dhoni. "Curran getting a spinner to bowl the 19th over was a masterstroke because considering the form MS Dhoni is in, he could have taken the game way forward in those two overs. He could have scored 30 runs in two overs but they didn't allow him to do that," Pathan acknowledged.Reflecting on Dhoni's struggles against spin bowling, Pathan noted, "You bowled to him with excellent planning. Although a six was hit for sure in Arshdeep's over, he also bowled well. He (Dhoni) has been unable to score runs against spinners in the last few years, which is why he is bringing himself down the order. He is scoring runs in the last over when the fast bowlers are thinking of bowling yorkers."Pathan's critique highlights the tactical intricacies and strategic decisions that unfolded during the CSK vs PBKS encounter.

Gautam Gambhir Praises CSK's Strategic Brilliance in Unleashing MS Dhoni's ProwessFormer Indian cricketer and current Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has lauded the strategic brilliance of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in harnessing the unparalleled prowess of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gambhir emphasized that CSK's tactical approach, particularly in assigning Dhoni the finisher's role with just 8-10 balls, has unleashed the legendary cricketer's potential to make an immediate impact on the game."It is a strategy of CSK (Dhoni facing just 8-10 balls) and that has given Dhoni the freedom. Different teams have different strategies and CSK has done this for the past 2-3 years. The freedom has allowed Dhoni to have an impact. When you play 20-25 balls you have that responsibility to consolidate, but when it's just 8-10 balls you can go out there and express yourself with freedom," expressed Gambhir in an interaction with Sportskeeda.Highlighting Dhoni's phenomenal performance in the ongoing IPL season, Gambhir underscored the leadership similarities between Dhoni and himself during their IPL rivalry. "I feel insecurity is the biggest reason for a player's failure. It's not about ability. If you don't have the ability you won't reach the first-class, IPL, or international level in the first place. So it is important to have a secure dressing room. A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room and it eventually becomes a winning dressing room," Gambhir remarked, reflecting on the conducive environment for players' success.Dhoni's batting prowess in the IPL 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable, with the veteran cricketer showcasing his unmatched skills as a finisher. Dhoni stands on the cusp of reaching a significant milestone of 250 sixes in the IPL. With a staggering strike rate of 229.16 in ten games, Dhoni's impact on CSK's fortunes has been undeniable.Despite a minor setback against Punjab Kings, where Dhoni (14 off 11) was run out off the final ball of the innings - his first dismissal in the season, his significance in guiding CSK through tense situations remains undiminished.

MS Dhoni's Unbeaten Streak Ends in Dramatic Run-OutChennai Super Kings' talismanic captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saw his remarkable unbeaten run in IPL 2024 come to an end in a thrilling last-ball finish against Punjab Kings.In a pulsating encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Dhoni had once again showcased his vintage brilliance, striking a six and a four in the final overs. However, his innings was cut short in dramatic fashion on the last delivery.After hitting Arshdeep Singh for a single, Dhoni attempted a second run but was caught short by a brilliant throw from Harshal Patel. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma gathered the ball and swiftly hit the stumps, leaving Dhoni stranded by a matter of inches.The 42-year-old legend, known for his composure and leadership, uncharacteristically walked back to the pavilion without even looking at the umpire. His dismissal marked the end of an impressive unbeaten streak that had seen him amass 96 runs in seven matches at a staggering strike rate of nearly 260.Despite the setback, Dhoni's contribution to CSK's campaign has been significant. In the 10 matches he has played so far, he has scored 110 runs with an average of 110.00 and a strike rate of 229.16.His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team, and his dismissal will undoubtedly be a blow to their hopes of securing a playoff berth. However, Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time remains intact, and his fans will eagerly await his return to the crease.

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicket-keeper batter, showcased his explosive power in the final over of Chennai Super Kings' innings against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 match on Wednesday. With just two overs remaining, Dhoni stepped up to the plate and smashed a massive six over sweeper cover off Arshdeep Singh's low full-toss. This remarkable feat marked Dhoni's 66th six in the final over of an IPL innings, extending his record in this category. Kieron Pollard, his closest competitor, stands at a distant second with 33 sixes.Chennai Super Kings' innings began with a solid opening partnership between skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane, who added 61 runs for the first wicket. However, the introduction of Punjab Kings' spinners after the Power Play slowed down the CSK innings. Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar exploited the sluggish Chepauk pitch, claiming the wickets of Rahane, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja.Gaikwad remained resilient, reaching his fifty in 44 balls and contributing 62 runs to the team's total. Moeen Ali provided support in the latter stages, helping CSK add 38 runs for the fifth wicket. Despite their efforts, Chennai could only post a modest 162 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.Punjab Kings' bowlers, particularly Brar and Chahar, deserve credit for their economical spells. They combined for eight overs, conceding only 33 runs and taking four wickets. Their ability to control the run rate and restrict boundaries proved crucial in limiting CSK's scoring.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has achieved another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. In CSK's emphatic 78-run victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, Dhoni became the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to register 150 wins.Dhoni's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills, tactical acumen, and unwavering determination. As the captain of CSK, he has guided the team to five IPL titles, establishing them as one of the most successful franchises in the tournament. His ability to make crucial decisions under pressure and inspire his teammates has been instrumental in CSK's consistent performances.Beyond his captaincy, Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers in limited-overs cricket. His calm demeanor and ability to execute under pressure have made him a formidable force in the IPL. In his 259 IPL matches, Dhoni has amassed 5178 runs at a strike rate of 137.13, including 24 half-centuries.In the match against SRH, Dhoni came to the crease with just four balls remaining in CSK's innings. Undeterred, he smashed the first ball from T Natarajan for a boundary and took a single off the next, remaining unbeaten yet again. This performance highlights Dhoni's unwavering commitment to his team and his ability to contribute even in the most challenging situations.Off the field, Dhoni's popularity transcends cricket. He is a cultural icon and a beloved figure among cricket fans in India and around the world. His contributions to Indian cricket, both in terms of leadership and batting prowess, have earned him immense respect and admiration.

MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has unveiled a striking new look ahead of the team's crucial IPL 2024 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dhoni's latest hairstyle, a half ponytail reminiscent of his iconic long-haired debut days, has garnered immense attention and nostalgia among fans.The official CSK social media handle shared the new look with the caption "7 Samurai," drawing parallels to the samurai warriors known for their distinctive topknots. Dhoni's transformation has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation among CSK supporters.Despite facing limited deliveries in IPL 2024, Dhoni has impressed with his explosive batting, assuming the role of an out-and-out finisher for his side. The veteran wicket-keeper batter has consistently guided CSK to strong finishes, ensuring the team ends on a high note.Both CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be eager to bounce back from recent defeats. CSK fell to Lucknow Super Giants due to a stunning century from Marcus Stoinis, while SRH suffered a shocking collapse against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting formidable squads. CSK will rely on the experience of Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja, while SRH will look to their in-form batters Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, and Rahul Tripathi.

At 42 years young, MS Dhoni continues to defy age and dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL). With a remarkable batting strike rate of 260.00, Dhoni has yet to be dismissed in this edition, amassing 91 runs in 8 matches and 6 innings.As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni has revealed his secret to staying fresh and energized throughout the tournament. In a video shared by the host broadcaster, Dhoni explains his unconventional sleep schedule."Five to seven days before the IPL starts, I start thinking like that and training my mind," Dhoni says. "The plus point we had was that we used to try to catch the flight that was after 12."Dhoni's sleep schedule involves sleeping late and waking up late. "I would sleep very late because when the matches are on, from 8 to 11-11.30 is the schedule, after that post-match presentations then you would pack your kit bag, there would be late dinner," he explains."By the time you reach back to the hotel, it's almost 1-1:15. After that you have to pack your belongings in the hotel, leave the kit bag outside and by the time you do all of that, it's pretty late, let's say around 2:30," Dhoni adds."So instead of sleeping from 10 pm to 6 am or 11 pm to 7 am, I would sleep from 3 am to 11 am. So the minimum 8 hours sleep that I need, that I have to do for sure. I was always well-rested at night, never felt fatigued after the IPL got over."Dhoni's unique sleep schedule has allowed him to remain sharp and focused throughout the tournament. Coming in at the fag end of CSK innings, Dhoni has not only entertained the crowd but also scored crucial runs for his team.CSK currently sits at the sixth spot in the points table with 4 wins and 4 defeats in 8 matches. Dhoni's experience and leadership will be crucial as the team looks to improve its position and make a strong playoff push.

MS Dhoni's Legacy Inspires KL Rahul's Leadership JourneyMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired countless aspiring players. Among his ardent admirers is KL Rahul, the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Rahul's admiration for Dhoni stems from his early days as a young cricketer. He witnessed Dhoni's iconic leadership and the impact he had on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni's jersey, adorned with the number 1, symbolized his status as the team's inaugural player.When the LSG franchise joined the IPL, Rahul saw an opportunity to emulate Dhoni's legacy. He was thrilled to become the first player to represent Lucknow, donning the jersey with the coveted number 1."When the team of Lucknow came in the IPL, and when they called me asking if I would be interested to play for them, captain the team, the first thing that struck me was that now my cap will also have No. 1 and I'll be the first player to play for Lucknow," Rahul said in a recent interview.Rahul's leadership skills have been instrumental in LSG's success this season. As a batsman, he has set the tone for his team's innings, anchoring the batting line-up while also accelerating when necessary. His experience and leadership qualities have made him an invaluable asset to the franchise.Rahul's journey is a testament to the enduring impact of Dhoni's legacy. Dhoni's leadership style, his ability to inspire his teammates, and his unwavering determination have left a lasting impression on the cricketing world. Rahul's admiration for Dhoni is a reflection of the respect and admiration that the legendary cricketer commands.

S Ramdas, a centenarian from Chennai, has become an inspiration for cricket enthusiasts worldwide with his unwavering passion for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). At the remarkable age of 103, Ramdas' love for the sport and his favorite team remains unyielding.Born in 1920, Ramdas has witnessed the evolution of cricket firsthand. His passion for the game began during his service in the British Military's Army, where he played as a bowler and umpire. Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, Ramdas has been an ardent follower of CSK, never missing a single match.Despite his advanced age, Ramdas' enthusiasm for cricket remains infectious. He proudly wears his CSK jersey and can effortlessly identify the team's star players, including MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Suresh Raina. His son, who shares his father's passion for the sport, often displays pictures of these players, which Ramdas identifies with remarkable accuracy.Ramdas' unwavering dedication to CSK has not only inspired his family but also the entire cricket community. His son credits his father's enthusiasm for raising their awareness of the game. "He used to be our bowler, our umpire," he said. "Since the IPL has started, he has been following regularly. He sits enthusiastically and follows every game. He is a total cricket lover."When asked if he would travel to Delhi to watch CSK play, Ramdas' response was emphatic. "I will walk and go," he declared. His desire to witness his favorite team in action is a testament to his unwavering spirit.Ramdas' passion for cricket extends beyond the IPL. He is also eager to meet MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of CSK. "Whenever he (Dhoni) has time and when he calls, we should go," he said. "We should go according to his time."S Ramdas' story is a heartwarming reminder of the enduring power of passion and the indomitable spirit of a true fan. At 103 years old, he continues to inspire and amaze with his unwavering dedication to the sport he loves.