Cricket

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently shared his insights into the challenges of playing Test cricket, particularly during the fifth day when a draw is inevitable. Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket in 2014, revealed that the monotony of playing through long sessions without a clear result was mentally draining."The most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day, when there's 100% surety that it will be a draw and you still need to keep wickets for maybe two and a half sessions," Dhoni said. "That was most tiring."Dhoni, who played 90 Tests for India, explained that the lack of a clear outcome in such situations made it difficult to stay motivated. "You see there is no result that is happening, you are just going through the motion," he said. "Bowlers will try to take wickets, batsmen will try to score runs. But if there is no result in the nearest future, then you are like 'yaar, yeh khatam karke chalte hain na'. Why do we need to be here?'"Dhoni's comments highlight the challenges of playing Test cricket, which is often criticized for its slow pace and lack of decisive results. However, Dhoni also expressed his appreciation for the recent trend towards more result-oriented Tests, even if it means home teams preparing pitches that suit their strengths."I love the fact that there is a big change in the way people have started playing Test cricket," he said. "Imagine telling someone who doesn't know about cricket, 'we play over five days, we start at 9:30 and 4:30 is the scheduled end of day's play but we play till 5 o'clock; and after five days sometimes we don't get a result'. For the game it is not very nice. So I love how there are more results in today's world."Dhoni's insights provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of playing Test cricket. His comments also highlight the importance of finding ways to make the format more engaging and result-oriented for both players and fans.

MS Dhoni's Masterclass on Tactics: A Guide for Future Skippers and CoachesIn a recent promotional event, legendary Indian cricketer and captain MS Dhoni shared his insights on the evolving tactics in Test cricket, particularly the aggressive approach adopted by England under coach Brendon McCullum. Dhoni's response was a valuable lesson for aspiring leaders and coaches.Dhoni emphasized the importance of considering the strengths of the team before implementing any tactic. He believes that players need time to adapt to new strategies and should not be expected to produce immediate results."You can give cricket any term you want to," Dhoni said. "But at the end of the day, what is it? It's a way to play cricket. Some people want to play aggressive cricket, some people want to play authentic cricket. A lot of that depends on the kind of team you have got."Dhoni cited the example of Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler known for his exceptional yorkers. He argued that not every bowler can replicate Bumrah's skill, and forcing them to do so could lead to costly mistakes."So what is important is to realize the strength of your team, and according to that you decide which is the way you want to play your cricket," Dhoni explained. "It takes time. It doesn't happen overnight."Dhoni's advice highlights the need for a balanced approach to tactics. While it is important to innovate and adapt to changing trends, it is equally crucial to recognize the limitations of the team and allow players to adjust gradually.By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their players, coaches and captains can develop strategies that maximize their potential and lead to success on the field.

Indian pacer Mohsin Khan has expressed his lifelong admiration for former Indian captain MS Dhoni, citing his iconic match-winning six in the 2011 ODI World Cup final as his favorite cricketing moment.Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Mohsin revealed that Dhoni's ability to hit sixes in crucial situations has always inspired him. "Dhoni bhai is my idol. The way he hits those sixes in the end is unbelievable," he remarked.Mohsin recalled the national jubilation that followed Dhoni's match-winning six, saying it felt like a Diwali celebration everywhere. "I was just 13 or 14 years old at the time, watching the final. As soon as he hit that six, it felt like a Diwali celebration everywhere," he added.Despite his admiration, Mohsin admitted that he gets too nervous to approach Dhoni. "I feel happy just seeing him from afar. I can't talk to him directly, but watching him gives me joy," the 26-year-old bowler confessed with a smile.Meanwhile, Dhoni has hinted at extending his cricketing journey despite stepping back from active captaincy. At a recent promotional event, Dhoni shared that he wants to enjoy the "last few years of cricket" at a relaxed pace.His words have fueled speculation that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might retain him for IPL 2025, even though he passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last season."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni explained. "In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. That's what I want to do."With Dhoni's future in the IPL still uncertain, fans eagerly await whether CSK will retain their beloved "Thala" under the revised retention rules. If Dhoni continues, it would mark yet another unforgettable chapter in his illustrious IPL career.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is renowned for his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, particularly his remarkable stumpings. His innovative techniques and lightning-fast reflexes have left batsmen bewildered and set a benchmark for wicketkeepers worldwide.In a recent viral video, Dhoni shared an amusing anecdote that highlights his wife Sakshi's limited understanding of cricket rules. While watching an ODI match together, a batsman was stumped off a wide delivery. Sakshi, unaware of the rule, insisted that the batsman could not be dismissed in such a manner.Dhoni patiently explained that stumpings are indeed possible off wide balls, but not off no balls. However, Sakshi remained unconvinced, claiming that Dhoni was mistaken. As the conversation continued, the batsman had already returned to the pavilion.Sakshi's initial skepticism turned into confusion when the next batsman entered the field. She realized that something was amiss and finally acknowledged that she might have been wrong. The audience erupted in laughter at Dhoni's humorous account.Dhoni's stumpings are not only celebrated for their brilliance but also for their impact on the outcome of matches. His quick thinking and anticipation have often turned the tide in India's favor. His techniques have inspired countless wicketkeepers, demonstrating the importance of agility, anticipation, and a deep understanding of the game.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has expressed his desire to savor the remaining years of his cricketing career. While his availability for IPL 2025 remains uncertain, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has expressed optimism about Dhoni's participation in the upcoming season."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play," Dhoni stated at a promotional event in Goa. "Like how during our childhood we used to go out and play at 4[pm], just enjoying the game. But when you play professional sport it becomes difficult to enjoy the game just like a game. So what I want to do is, there are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy the game for the next few years."Dhoni's eligibility for retention by CSK as an uncapped player stems from the IPL's reinstatement of a rule that considers players retired from international cricket for five years as uncapped. This rule change opens the door for Dhoni's retention, as he retired from international cricket in 2019.During IPL 2024, Dhoni batted lower down the order, facing only a limited number of deliveries. While workload management due to his knee surgery played a role in this decision, Dhoni also revealed that it was intended to provide game time to Indian players vying for a spot in the T20 World Cup."My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well why do I need to come up the order," Dhoni explained. "If you're talking about last year (season) specifically, the T20 World Cup squad was going to be announced soon. So we have to give people who are fighting for a spot a chance. In our team (CSK) we had a few, [Ravindra] Jadeja was there, Shivam Dube was there so you give them an opportunity to prove themselves to get into the Indian team. There was nothing in it for me, no selection and other things. So I'm good behind [playing down the order] and my team was happy with what I was doing."Dhoni also expressed his admiration for the aggressive style of play known as "Bazball," which has become prevalent in Test cricket. He believes that the focus on results has made the format more exciting."You can give cricket any term that you want to, what we have seen is cricket has evolved," Dhoni said. "The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score, now that score is not safe in T20s too.""For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day of a match which is the last day when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw," he added. "I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening, you are just going through the motions. Yes, bowlers would like to take wickets, batters will try to score runs, [but] there is no result in the game. You think let's finish this and go, why do I have to be here. So I love the fact there's change in the way teams are playing Test cricket."

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has hinted at his continued participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This revelation comes as a welcome news for fans and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, who are eager to retain their iconic captain.Dhoni's intentions were made clear during an event where he expressed his desire to savor the remaining years of his cricketing career. "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni stated. "When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do. It's not easy."CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan echoed Dhoni's sentiments, expressing delight at the prospect of the former Indian captain continuing in the IPL. "When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.However, reports suggest that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who recently retired from T20 internationals, is the preferred retention choice for CSK ahead of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jadeja's exceptional all-round abilities and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for the franchise.The CSK retention list is expected to include Jadeja at the top, followed by Gaikwad and pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Two players among Shivam Dube, Devon Conway, and Samir Rizvi are also likely to be retained.Dhoni's continued presence in the IPL will undoubtedly bolster CSK's chances of success. His experience, leadership, and ability to inspire his teammates make him an invaluable asset for the franchise. Fans can eagerly anticipate Dhoni's return to the IPL, where he will once again showcase his exceptional skills and contribute to CSK's pursuit of glory.

Chennai Super Kings' Potential Retentions for 2025 IPL Mega AuctionFormer India spinner Harbhajan Singh has predicted that five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain five key players ahead of the 2025 mega auction. According to Singh, the franchise is likely to prioritize the retention of MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, and Matheesha Pathirana.Singh expressed uncertainty over Dhoni's IPL future but emphasized that if the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is available, he would be CSK's first choice for retention. He also highlighted the importance of Jadeja, Ravindra, and Gaikwad, who have been instrumental in the team's success in recent seasons."I'm not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he's available, he would certainly be the team's first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season," Singh said. "Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention."Singh also praised Pathirana, a young Sri Lankan pacer who impressed for CSK in the 2024 season. He believes that the franchise could retain Pathirana as their fifth player."I believe these four players will be retained. Besides them, we could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad," Singh added. "And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, but CSK may only retain five players."The IPL franchises have been given an auction purse of INR 120 crore for the 2025 season. The deadline for finalizing their retention list is October 31.

Ravindra Jadeja's lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional awareness on the field were on full display during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The Indian all-rounder pulled off a stunning run out that left fans reminiscing about the legendary MS Dhoni.The incident occurred in the 70th over of New Zealand's second innings. Glenn Phillips and Will O'Rourke attempted to steal a couple of runs after Phillips hit Jadeja's delivery towards deep cover. Washington Sundar's throw was slightly off target, giving O'Rourke a chance to reach the non-striker's end.However, Jadeja's quick thinking and agility came into play. He palmed the ball towards the stumps, and replays confirmed that O'Rourke was just short of his crease when the bails were dislodged. The dismissal helped India bowl out New Zealand for 255 in the second innings.Jadeja's run out was reminiscent of MS Dhoni's trademark style of innovative and lightning-fast stumpings. The Chennai Super Kings posted a tribute on Twitter, comparing Jadeja's effort to Dhoni's brilliance.The run out was a crucial moment in the match, as New Zealand were within reach of a historic Test series win in India. The Black Caps resumed at 198-5 on day three and were dismissed inside the first hour of play on a turning pitch.India were left with a daunting target of 359 for victory, the highest successful Test chase for India at home being 387 against England in Chennai in 2008. New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 and have never won a Test series in India.India spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja shared seven wickets between them, with Jadeja claiming three of the five to fall on Saturday morning. Glenn Phillips hit an unbeaten 48 after starting the day on nine.Skipper Tom Latham top-scored with 86, while left-arm spinner Santner put New Zealand firmly in the driving seat on day two with 7-53 to bowl out India for 156.India are now staring at their first home Test series loss since December 2012, when Alastair Cook's England beat them 2-1 in a four-match series.

MS Dhoni Recounts India's Triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 VictoryFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has shared his memories of India's dramatic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the emotions he experienced while watching the final from home."We were at home, watching with some friends who came over," Dhoni recalled at a recent event. As the second innings unfolded, most of Dhoni's friends lost hope and left. "They said, 'It's over; come with us.' But I was like, 'In cricket, till it's over, it's not over.'"Even Dhoni admitted he wasn't entirely confident, but he held on to the belief that the opposition's batting depth was vulnerable under pressure. "When the stakes are high, the games are big, you get a chance and want to make the most of it," he explained.India's victory, secured at the Kensington Oval in Barbados against South Africa, marked the end of a 17-year wait for their second T20 World Cup title. Dhoni praised the team's relentless attitude in clutch moments. "Big big congratulations to the guys who were on the field, because that is the kind of energy, motivation, and belief that is needed."The final saw India pull off an improbable comeback against a formidable South African lineup. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played pivotal roles in the victory, with both veterans announcing their retirements from T20Is after the match. Hardik Pandya's bowling brilliance and Jasprit Bumrah's pinpoint accuracy sealed the seven-run win, while Suryakumar Yadav's boundary-line catch became an instant highlight.Reflecting on the win, Dhoni summed up India's never-give-up attitude: "It doesn't matter whatever the result may be but till they don't win and it is not called that they have won the game, we need to keep pushing; and that was the attitude."With this victory, India ended their T20 World Cup drought, leaving fans euphoric and giving Rohit and Kohli a perfect farewell in the shortest format of the game.