Cricket

Chennai Super Kings' bowling consultant, Eric Simmons, has revealed that techniques that prove effective against former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in training sessions also tend to work well in real-world scenarios. Dhoni, known for his exceptional batting skills, serves as the "batting template" for the team's death bowling practice.In a recent match against the Mumbai Indians, Dhoni came to the crease for the final four balls of CSK's innings and smashed the first three for sixes, helping the team collect 26 runs off the last over. This late burst of form proved decisive as CSK defeated MI by 20 runs to secure the third spot in the IPL standings.Simmons, a former bowling coach for India, explained that Dhoni's batting style has served as a model for CSK's attempts to test their bowling ability in the last overs. "His calmness at the wicket… we use him as a batting template when we're bowling at the death, the pre-season because he's so good at it. If we can test out our theories against him, then we know we're going to do well," he said.Simmons also acknowledged that Dhoni has been struggling with a knee injury but has battled it bravely without showing any pain. "Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He's one of the hardest men I've ever come across. I don't even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing," he said.While Matheesha Pathirana (4/28) deserved the accolades for CSK's win, Simmons highlighted the contributions of Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur as the "unsung heroes." He praised Shardul for bowling one of the best overs he had ever seen, with outstanding impact points.Simmons also appealed for the wide rule to be defined further, claiming that the current laws are not specific enough. He believes that a clearer understanding of the wide rule would allow bowlers to use it more effectively and make the contest more even.

MS Dhoni's Nostalgic Visit to BCCI Headquarters and Heartfelt Moments at Wankhede StadiumLegendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni made a heartwarming return to Mumbai for Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The former India captain's visit to the BCCI headquarters on Saturday and his emotional moments at the stadium on Sunday were captured in a series of heartwarming videos and photographs.At the BCCI headquarters, Dhoni was greeted with a nostalgic display of his iconic achievements. He signed a photograph of himself hitting the unforgettable six that clinched the ODI World Cup for India in 2011 at the same stadium. Dhoni also signed a photograph of himself playing a Test match and admired the 2007 T20 World Cup trophy that propelled him to stardom.On Sunday, after the MI-CSK match, the BCCI released a heartwarming video that showcased Dhoni's emotional journey at the headquarters. With a smile on his face, Dhoni roamed about the room filled with memorabilia, reminiscing about his glorious past.In the match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni's brief but impactful innings of 20 runs off four balls proved to be the decisive factor in Chennai Super Kings' victory. His contribution highlighted his enduring impact on the game and the respect he commands from both fans and fellow players.Dhoni's visit to the BCCI headquarters and his emotional moments at the Wankhede Stadium served as a reminder of his legendary status in Indian cricket. His achievements and contributions to the sport continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded the exceptional performance of wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, whose three consecutive sixes off Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya proved pivotal in CSK's victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.Gaikwad acknowledged Dhoni's crucial contribution, stating that it made the decisive difference in the match. Dhoni's 20 runs off four balls proved to be the exact margin of victory for CSK.Chasing 207 for victory, five-time winners Mumbai finished on 186/6 despite Rohit Sharma's ton in 61 balls. Dhoni arrived at the crease with the scorecard showing 186/4 in 19.2 overs and quickly transformed the scoreboard to 206/4 in the stipulated 20 overs, with the help of three massive sixes and a double off the last ball of the innings."The young wicketkeeper scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well. I feel we were spot on with our execution with the ball despite them scoring some great shots. I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay," Gaikwad said at the post-match interaction.Gaikwad also praised the bowling performances of Malinga, Tushar, and Shardul, highlighting their ability to execute yorkers and restrict Mumbai's scoring. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and continuing the team's winning ways.Gaikwad and Shivam Dube powered Chennai to 206/4, with Gaikwad hitting 69 and Dube smashing an unbeaten 66. Sri Lanka quick Matheesha Pathirana then took four wickets to push Mumbai to their fourth loss of the season.

MS Dhoni's Heartwarming Gesture and CSK's Dominant Performance Against Mumbai IndiansIn a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, legendary cricketer MS Dhoni delighted a young fan by gifting her a ball after Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) emphatic victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.As Dhoni made his way to the dressing room following his blistering unbeaten 20 off just four deliveries, he noticed a ball lying on the stairs. Without hesitation, he picked it up and returned to the young girl, who was overjoyed to receive the memento from her idol.Dhoni's gesture was a testament to his enduring popularity and the respect he commands within the cricketing fraternity. It also highlighted the importance of connecting with fans, especially young ones, who are the future of the sport.On the field, CSK produced a dominant performance to secure a comfortable victory. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube laid the foundation with brilliant half-centuries, adding 90 runs for the third wicket. Gaikwad struck a fluent 69 off 40 balls, while Dube remained unbeaten on 66 off 36 deliveries.Dhoni then took center stage in the final over, smashing Hardik Pandya for three consecutive sixes to propel CSK to a formidable total of 206 for 4. His vintage cameo showcased his exceptional finishing abilities and underlined his status as one of the greatest finishers in the game.Mumbai's chase faltered from the outset, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Suryakumar Yadav provided some resistance with a 32-ball 36, but CSK's bowlers maintained a tight grip on the proceedings.In the end, CSK emerged victorious by 20 runs, extending their winning streak to three matches. The victory was a testament to their depth and experience, as they continue to be a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, turned back the clock at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night, showcasing his remarkable finishing prowess in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At 42, Dhoni has been carefully conserving his energy for the late-overs dash, and his strategy paid off handsomely.In the 20th over of the match, Dhoni faced four deliveries from Hardik Pandya and unleashed a carnage, striking at an astonishing rate of 500. The first ball was a wide, but Dhoni made up for it with a thunderous four off the next delivery, heaving the ball over long-on.Pandya's second attempt was another wide, but his third ball proved to be Dhoni's undoing. The former India captain tried to swing cleanly into the leg side but couldn't get the elevation, and Nabi took an excellent catch on the move at long-on.However, the crowd erupted in applause as Dhoni walked off the field, acknowledging the legend's contribution. In his place came MS Dhoni, and the noise reached deafening levels.Dhoni wasted no time in making his mark. He clobbered the first ball he faced over long-off for a six, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The next delivery was dispatched over long-on with equal disdain, as Dhoni punished Pandya's length bowling.Pandya's search for a yorker in the fifth ball of the over backfired spectacularly, as Dhoni flicked the full toss over square leg for another six. The final ball of the over was a slower delivery, but Dhoni still managed to heave it across the line for two runs, securing a thrilling finish for his team.Dhoni's late-overs heroics were a testament to his enduring class and ability to rise to the occasion. Despite his age, he remains a formidable force in the IPL, and his performance on Sunday night was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest finishers of all time.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of T20 history by becoming only the second player to play 250 matches for a single team. This remarkable milestone was achieved during the Sunday match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians, marking Dhoni's 250th appearance for the franchise.Dhoni's journey with CSK began in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, where he assumed the captaincy and led the team to their first IPL title in 2010. Under his leadership, CSK became a dominant force in the league, winning four more titles in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.Dhoni's loyalty to CSK remained unwavering even after a brief stint with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017. He returned to CSK in the 2018 mega-auction and was retained ahead of the 2022 mega-auction.In his 250 matches for CSK, Dhoni has amassed over 4,700 runs at an average of 39.20 and a strike rate of 135.85. He has also taken 119 catches and effected 19 stumpings.Dhoni's return to the Wankhede Stadium, where he led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup final, was a poignant moment for the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman. It was his first appearance as a non-captain of CSK, potentially signaling the end of his illustrious IPL career.Virat Kohli, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, was the first player to reach the milestone of 250 matches for a team. Kohli, who has been associated with RCB since the inception of the IPL, has played 243 matches for the franchise in the league and 15 in the CLT20.Dhoni's achievement is a testament to his longevity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to CSK. He has been an integral part of the franchise's success over the years and has played a pivotal role in shaping its legacy.

The highly anticipated clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 lived up to its billing, showcasing the intense rivalry between two of the most successful teams in the tournament.Before the match, fans were treated to a heartwarming moment when MI skipper Hardik Pandya ran to embrace former CSK captain MS Dhoni, symbolizing the mutual respect between the two legends.With both MI and CSK boasting five IPL titles each, the match marked a significant leadership transition. Hardik Pandya has taken over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma at MI, while Ruturaj Gaikwad has succeeded Dhoni at CSK. However, the rivalry between the two teams remains as fierce as ever.Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing the potential for dew later in the match. He also expressed confidence in the Wankhede Stadium pitch, expecting it to play better than the one used in the previous match.MI fielded an unchanged Playing XI from their victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while CSK made one change, bringing in Matheesha Pathirana for Mahesh Theekshana.The match began with CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway putting on a solid partnership. However, MI bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer struck back with crucial wickets, putting the brakes on CSK's momentum.In response, MI openers Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma got off to a flying start. Kishan played a blistering knock, while Sharma provided stability. However, CSK bowlers managed to restrict MI's scoring rate in the middle overs.The match went down to the wire, with MI needing 15 runs off the final over. Pandya hit a six off the first ball, but CSK bowler Mukesh Choudhary held his nerve to dismiss the MI skipper and secure a thrilling victory for CSK.

MS Dhoni's Farewell at Wankhede: CSK Faces MI in IPL ClashTwo of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) most successful teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), will clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday in a highly anticipated match. The encounter marks a significant moment for legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who could be playing his final game at the hallowed ground.CSK, the defending champions, will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has taken over the captaincy from Dhoni. The team will be hoping to continue their recent dominance over MI, having won four of their last five encounters, including a seven-wicket victory at Wankhede last season.MI, on the other hand, will be looking to avenge their recent losses and maintain their strong start to the season. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the team has displayed impressive batting prowess, scoring over 230 runs against Delhi Capitals and chasing down nearly 200 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.The match will be a test for CSK's bowlers, who will need to contain MI's explosive batting lineup. However, CSK will also be relying on their experienced bowlers, such as Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja, to restrict MI's scoring.All eyes will be on Dhoni, who is playing his first match as a non-captain of CSK since November 2005. Despite being 42 years old, Dhoni's glovework and game assessment remain exceptional. CSK will be hoping that his tactical acumen can help them improve their dismal away record this season.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the IPL's most successful teams. With Dhoni's potential farewell at Wankhede, the occasion will be even more special for fans of the legendary cricketer.

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has defended captain Ruturaj Gaikwad against criticism of his batting pace, comparing him to legendary former skipper MS Dhoni. Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy at the start of the season, has faced criticism for his strike rate despite a solid start to his leadership tenure.Fleming highlighted Gaikwad's contributions to the team, emphasizing his ability to anchor innings and build partnerships, qualities reminiscent of Dhoni's leadership. While Gaikwad's strike rate may not be as high as some of his counterparts, Fleming believes his value to the team extends beyond mere statistics."He's as cool as it gets," Fleming said of Gaikwad's leadership style. "He's been unfairly put into a bracket where he's been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats."Fleming clarified that the decision to appoint Gaikwad as captain is a strategic and long-term one, rather than a temporary arrangement. "I hope so. That's the plan, and so far it's worked well," he said.Fleming also praised the love and support that fans have for Dhoni, which has benefited CSK. "It's magnificent, to be honest," he said. "The team feels pride when they walk out to an away game and there's a large amount of yellow."Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' Mohammad Nabi said getting the team combination right was key to their recent victories. "The plans from the bowling and batting groups are going really well which is why we won the last two games," he said.Nabi also discussed the challenges of bowling as an off-spinner at the Wankhede Stadium. "The conditions at Wankhede as a spinner are really tough to bowl as an off-spinner," he said.