Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has sparked a debate by suggesting a bold retention strategy for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ashwin believes that CSK should retain MS Dhoni as a capped player rather than an uncapped player, as allowed by the IPL Governing Council's recent rule change.Ashwin's proposal stems from his belief that CSK should prioritize retaining a strong Indian core. He suggests retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and Dhoni as the five primary retentions. This would leave CSK with the option of retaining Sameer Rizvi as an uncapped player, a move that Ashwin supports despite Rizvi's underwhelming performance in IPL 2024.Ashwin argues that Rizvi has shown promise in the UP T20 League and could be a valuable asset for CSK. He also points out that Rizvi's price would not be significantly higher than other similar players in the market. However, former South Africa performance analyst Prasanna Raman disagrees with Ashwin's assessment of Rizvi's value.The IPL Governing Council's decision to allow Indian players who have not played internationally for five or more years to be retained as uncapped players has given CSK a route to retain Dhoni for just Rs 4 crore. However, Ashwin believes that retaining Dhoni as a capped player would allow CSK to retain a stronger Indian core.Ashwin's perspective could have significant implications for CSK's retention strategy. By retaining Dhoni as a capped player, CSK would have more flexibility in retaining other Indian players. This could help them build a more balanced and competitive team for the upcoming IPL seasons.

MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have yet to initiate talks with the legendary wicketkeeper-batter regarding his potential retention as a player. However, a recent report suggests that the two parties are scheduled to meet in mid-October to discuss the matter.The IPL Governing Council's decision to reinstate the rule allowing retired Indian players to be selected as uncapped players has opened up the possibility for CSK to retain Dhoni in the INR 4 crore category, freeing up funds for other players ahead of the auction.According to Cricbuzz, Dhoni has returned from his US trip and is expected to hold talks with CSK in the coming weeks. The ten IPL franchises are permitted to retain up to six players from their IPL 2024 squad, including a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players.Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes Dhoni's retention is a foregone conclusion. "MS Dhoni for sure. There's no doubt about that, especially because he's now an uncapped player. He's done a lot for the team and has no desire to be treated as the No. 1 player on the squad. His value is unquestioned."Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, and Ravindra Jadeja are also expected to be retained. Ex-India batter Aakash Chopra suggests that CSK may use the Right to Match (RTM) card to acquire Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness."I don't think they'll retain five players. They might go for 3-4. I see two players worth 18 CR in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. If you want to keep them, you have to match that price. Other than that, they have MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana.""I think they'll keep Dube and use the RTM card for Deepak Chahar, maybe, depending on his fitness. The price for these players is really high, so the RTM card could be useful to get players for cheaper. If Dube is sold in the auction, he might fetch over 10 or 11 crores."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has reintroduced the uncapped player rule, allowing teams to retain experienced players at a reduced cost. This rule has come as a boon for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who can now retain MS Dhoni for just Rs 12 crores over three seasons.Dhoni, who has been the face of CSK since the inaugural edition of the IPL, brings immense value to the team both on and off the field. His leadership, experience, and ability to mentor young players make him an invaluable asset.The uncapped player rule states that a capped Indian player becomes uncapped if they have not played in the starting XI in international cricket or do not have a central contract with the BCCI in the last five calendar years. This rule allows teams to retain players who may not be regular members of the national team but still have the ability to perform at the highest level.Former Australia all-rounder and ex-Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody believes the uncapped player rule is a positive move. He said, "I think it's a great rule. It allows players who are good enough and have longevity to continue playing on the big stage and perform."Moody also suggested that the five-year rule could be further reduced to three years. He said, "I personally think five years is a long time; I would like to see it as a three-year window."CSK has yet to have discussions with Dhoni regarding his future after the retention rules were announced. However, the team is likely to retain him as one of their three players. This would allow them to retain other key players such as Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Matheesha Pathirana.The reintroduction of the uncapped player rule is a significant development for the IPL. It allows teams to retain experienced players at a reduced cost, which could lead to more competitive and exciting matches in the future.

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indian cricketer, has hailed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the most successful captain for India. In an interview with IANS, Gayle praised Dhoni's leadership qualities and his remarkable achievements as the Indian skipper.Dhoni, who captained India in a staggering 200 ODIs, led the team to victory in three major ICC trophies: the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Under his leadership, India won 110 ODIs, lost 74, and had 16 no-results.Gayle also acknowledged the contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Indian captains, but he believes Dhoni stands out as the most successful. "Dhoni has been the most successful captain for India. The guy has actually set the trend and overall, Rohit Sharma did his job well and Virat Kohli did his job pretty much," Gayle said.When asked about the toughest bowler he faced in his career, Gayle responded with his trademark humor. "The toughest bowler, is he born or is he still alive? I'm not sure. So, all bowlers are tough because every bowler tries and gets a chance to pick a wicket," he said.Gayle, who is currently playing for Gujarat Giants in the Legends League Cricket, expressed his excitement about the tournament and his joy at sharing a dressing room with former India opener Shikhar Dhawan. He also shared his desire to be part of an IPL franchise as a mentor or coach to share his knowledge and experience with young players.As the LLC enters its third leg, Gayle expressed his excitement about visiting Kashmir for the first time. "I've never been to Srinagar. It's going to be my first time so that's another tick on my list in India, one more state that I'm actually going to visit. So I'm actually looking forward to Srinagar. Is quite close to Kashmir... I think I'm looking forward to it because I've never been to that side of India. I'm really excited," he said.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council's recent decision to reinstate the rule allowing franchises to register retired or inactive international players as "uncapped" has sparked a flurry of speculation. Many believe the move was specifically tailored to accommodate legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, enabling the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain him at a reduced cost of INR 4 crore.While CSK has denied any prior discussions with Dhoni, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is convinced that the rule change was solely motivated by the desire to keep Dhoni in the game. "You will see MS Dhoni again. He's fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, and keeping well. That's why I believe the rules will keep changing until he wants to play," Kaif said on Star Sports.Kaif believes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was justified in altering the rulebook, given Dhoni's exceptional status. "I believe the rule has been changed rightly. If he's fit and playing well, why not change the rule and let him play? Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not? You would want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni," Kaif asserted.Dhoni has hinted that his IPL future hinges on the league's retention rules. Now that the rules are clear, the veteran wicket-keeper batter is expected to make his decision known soon.The IPL's decision to accommodate Dhoni has raised questions about the fairness of the competition. Some argue that it gives CSK an unfair advantage, while others believe it is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in the game.Regardless of the controversy, it is clear that Dhoni remains a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. His presence in the IPL would undoubtedly boost the league's popularity and provide fans with the opportunity to witness one of the most iconic players of all time.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian captain, bid farewell to the T20I format after India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The historic victory marked the end of an era for the Indian cricket team, as three senior players, Virat Kohli, Rohit, and Ravindra Jadeja, retired from the shortest format.Rohit's decision to step down from T20Is signaled the beginning of a transition phase for Indian cricket. However, the veteran batsman remains a formidable force in Tests and ODIs, with his sights set on next year's ICC Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final.Despite his absence from T20Is, Rohit continues to be missed by fans. A recent video went viral on social media, capturing a fan expressing their longing for Rohit's presence in the format. Rohit's response, "Bas ho gaya yaar," hinted at his contentment with his decision to retire from T20Is.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recently weighed in on the debate between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma's captaincy styles. Harbhajan preferred Rohit's approach, citing his ability to connect with his teammates and empower them, particularly the bowlers."Rohit is people's captain. He goes up to the people and asks them what they want. His teammates connect with him very well," Harbhajan said.While Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history, Rohit has earned a reputation as a players' captain, known for his freedom and support for his team."The better captain is the one who makes you fight for victory. For me, what Dhoni has done as captain, Rohit has also done it. He is no lesser than anyone," Harbhajan added.Rohit's T20I career culminated with India's World Cup triumph in 2024. Suryakumar Yadav was subsequently appointed as the captain of the T20I side, while Rohit continues to lead India in ODIs and Tests.Recently, Rohit-led India registered a 2-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh in a two-match ODI series. The victories extended India's dominance in the format and further cemented Rohit's status as a successful captain.

Kamran Akmal Praises Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni, Congratulates Gambhir on Coaching SuccessFormer Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has expressed his admiration for current Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni. In an interview with CricBlog, Akmal shared his thoughts on his relationships with both players.Regarding Dhoni, Akmal said, "MS Dhoni is someone with a different mentality altogether. He's an absolute match-winner and super calm. The way he played was fantastic, and he had a fantastic career. We used to talk a lot about wicket-keeping and batting."Akmal also spoke highly of his friendship with Gambhir. "We share a good bond and are good friends. I mean me and Gautam are good friends too. I share a good relationship with him. He's like my brother," Akmal said.Akmal's comments highlight the camaraderie that exists between players from rival cricketing nations despite the intense competition on the field. He also congratulated Gambhir on his recent success as a coach."In fact, I'd like to congratulate Gautam on winning his first Test as a coach. I'm so happy for him," Akmal added.Gambhir recently guided India to a Test series victory over Bangladesh, marking a successful start to his coaching career. Before the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, Gambhir visited the Maa Pitambara Temple in Datia to seek blessings during the Shardiya Navratri festival.Following the Test series, India and Bangladesh will face off in a three-match T20I series, where both teams will aim to build momentum ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Secured with Rule Change, Says Mohammad KaifFormer Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has hailed a recent rule change in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that could extend MS Dhoni's illustrious career beyond 2024. The new rule classifies players who have not represented India for five years as "uncapped," regardless of their past achievements. This reclassification makes Dhoni eligible to play as an uncapped player in the 2025 IPL season, despite his retirement from international cricket in 2019.Kaif, speaking on Star Sports, expressed his support for the rule change, citing Dhoni's enduring impact on the game. "You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wishes to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK," Kaif said.Kaif also dismissed concerns about Dhoni's financial status, noting that the former CSK captain is not motivated by money. "I believe the rule has been changed rightly. And Dhoni himself says, 'I don’t need money, I’ll adjust to whatever the team decides.' Even if he gets 4 crore as an uncapped player (Paise chahe 4 crore mil rahe ho as an uncapped player), it doesn't matter to him. It sounds strange to say because 4 crore isn't much for him. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni."The IPL governing council approved the rule change at its recent meeting in Bengaluru, allowing teams to retain up to six players before the auction. This move has generated excitement among fans, as it opens the door for Dhoni's potential return as an uncapped player. With the auction purse increased to Rs 120 crore, the new rule not only enhances teams' strategic options but also gives CSK a chance to retain their iconic leader.

MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: Harbhajan Singh Reveals MI's Strategy to Dominate CSKIn the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL), two legendary captains stand tall: MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. While Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple titles, Rohit's Mumbai Indians (MI) have also enjoyed immense success. However, when it came to head-to-head battles, MI seemed to hold a distinct advantage.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who played for both franchises, recently shed light on MI's dominance over CSK. Speaking on a podcast, Harbhajan revealed that MI meticulously studied Dhoni's tactics and devised counter-strategies."We were aware of the tricks Dhoni used as captain," Harbhajan said. "We worked on finding solutions to undo his tactics."Harbhajan emphasized that MI's success against CSK was not solely due to Dhoni's absence. "Even when I left MI to join CSK, I got a lot of love," he said. "I bowled well and won a championship, and got a runners-up medal as well."However, Harbhajan acknowledged that MI's superior planning and execution played a crucial role in their victories over CSK. "To overcome Dhoni, you have to think better, play your cards better," he said. "MI had better players and the planning was also good."Harbhajan also addressed the ongoing debate over who is the better captain between Dhoni and Rohit. "Why do you compare the two?" he asked. "Dhoni led the team and took it forward, Rohit is also doing the same.""The better captain is the one who inspires you to win," Harbhajan continued. "If we talk about achievements, Rohit is not lesser than Dhoni. Every cup you win, you put hope in others. That is important."Harbhajan's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and dynamics that have shaped the rivalry between two of the most successful teams in IPL history.