Cricket

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two legendary Indian cricketers, have both left an indelible mark on the game as captains. Dhoni, known for his astute leadership and tactical brilliance, led India to unprecedented success, winning the T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013). Rohit, on the other hand, has emerged as a charismatic and progressive leader, guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.While Dhoni's captaincy was characterized by his calm demeanor and strategic decision-making, Rohit's approach is more collaborative and empowering. According to former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, Rohit's ability to connect with his teammates and seek their input sets him apart."Rohit is people's captain. He goes up to the people and asks them what they want. His teammates connect with him very well," Singh said.In contrast, Dhoni's leadership style was more introspective and authoritative. "He didn't talk to anyone. He wanted to convey his thoughts through his silence. It was his way of communicating with others," Singh added.Despite their contrasting styles, both Dhoni and Rohit have been highly successful as captains. Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history is secure, while Rohit has proven himself to be a worthy successor, leading India to new heights."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," Singh said.Rohit's decision to retire from T20I cricket after India's World Cup triumph in 2024 has paved the way for Suryakumar Yadav to take over the reins in the shortest format. However, Rohit continues to lead the Indian team in ODIs and Tests, where he has enjoyed considerable success.Recently, Rohit-led India registered a 2-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh in the ODI series, showcasing the team's dominance under his leadership.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has announced the retention rules for the upcoming 2025 mega auction. While franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including one uncapped player, a significant twist has been introduced. The old rule, which was in place from 2008 to 2022, has been reinstated, allowing Indian players who haven't played an international game in over five years to be retained as 'uncapped players.'This rule opens up the possibility for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a nominal fee. According to the BCCI, "A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI."In addition to Dhoni, several other Indian players who have represented the national team but meet the uncapped criteria include:* Piyush Chawla (Mumbai Indians)* Sandeep Sharma (Rajasthan Royals)* Rishi Dhawan (Punjab Kings)* Mayank Markande (Sunrisers Hyderabad)* Vijay Shankar (Gujarat Titans)* Mohit Sharma (Gujarat Titans)* Amit Mishra (Lucknow Super Giants)* Karn Sharma (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)This rule change provides franchises with greater flexibility in their retention strategies. It allows them to retain experienced players who may not be regular international fixtures but still possess valuable skills and experience.

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Moment on The Great Indian Kapil ShowIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma recently graced the popular comedy show The Great Indian Kapil Show, along with teammates Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. The episode was filled with laughter and entertainment, including a hilarious mimicry segment.During the segment, Rohit was tasked with guessing a famous cricketer's identity based on Axar Patel's imitation. However, Axar's attempt to mimic MS Dhoni's signature shot left Rohit clueless. It was only when Suryakumar Yadav stepped in and recreated Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot that Rohit finally recognized the impersonation.Rohit's response was filled with humor as he playfully scolded Axar for not thinking of the helicopter shot earlier. The moment was captured on camera and shared on social media, much to the delight of fans.Speaking at an event in Rashin, Maharashtra, Rohit shared how winning the 2024 T20 World Cup had transformed his life. He expressed his joy and satisfaction, stating that after India's long-awaited triumph, "Our big goal was to win the World Cup, after winning the World Cup, my life has come to life."The victory ended an 11-year drought for India in ICC tournaments, with Rohit leading the team to glory after several near misses. The triumph brought immense joy to the Indian cricket fraternity and solidified Rohit's legacy as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history.

MS Dhoni's Future with CSK: Jadeja Believes Icon Unlikely to Seek Top RetentionFormer India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja has expressed his belief that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni has no desire to be retained as the top pick ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction.The IPL governing council recently announced new player retention rules, allowing teams to retain up to six players, including one uncapped player. This has raised speculation about Dhoni's future with CSK, given his status as an uncapped player.However, Jadeja believes that CSK should have no hesitation in retaining Dhoni, citing his immense contributions to the franchise. "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," Jadeja said on Jio Cinema.Jadeja also suggested that CSK should prioritize retaining captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain, and he's had a good year, so you'll hope to retain him as well. Ravindra Jadeja can't be left out either, so these three, I think, are perfect for them," he added.Former India batter Aakash Chopra echoed Jadeja's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of retaining Gaikwad and Jadeja. "I don't think they'll (CSK) retain five players. They might go for 3-4. I see two players worth 18 crore in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. If you want to keep them, you have to match that price," Chopra said.With the IPL mega auction approaching, CSK faces a crucial decision regarding Dhoni's future. While the franchise has remained tight-lipped, Jadeja's comments suggest that Dhoni may be willing to take a backseat and allow younger players to lead the team.

MS Dhoni's 'Uncapped' Status: Dinesh Karthik Endorses IPL's DecisionFormer Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his unwavering support for the IPL governing body's decision to allow MS Dhoni to play as an 'uncapped' cricketer in the upcoming season. This move, enabled by new retention rules, allows players who have not represented India in the past five years to be retained at a significantly lower price.Karthik believes that this rule was specifically crafted for Dhoni, who has been an integral part of the IPL's success. "Everybody talks about it. This rule is made for one man and I am for it through and through," he told Cricbuzz. "This man has been such a major part of what this IPL has been about."Karthik emphasized Dhoni's impact on the league's popularity and financial success. "You can ask any TV broadcaster and you will get the answer that when this man steps on the field, the ratings go up. This is a fact. If you are going to do something that is going to help the league, why not?"The new retention rules define an 'uncapped' Indian player as one who has not played in the starting XI of an international match (Test, ODI, or T20I) or does not have a Central Contract with the BCCI in the past five years. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, last played for India in July 2019.Karthik believes that the rule is fair and beneficial to all teams. "If everybody is in a happy place - be it BCCI, be it any of the teams, be it how the league has performed over the years and how it has kept players so happy over the last 15-18 years, this man has played a major role," he said.The IPL's decision to allow Dhoni to play as an 'uncapped' cricketer has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics argue that it undermines the spirit of the retention rules, while others view it as a necessary exception for a player of Dhoni's stature.Regardless of the differing opinions, it is clear that Dhoni remains a highly valued asset for the Chennai Super Kings and the IPL as a whole. His presence on the field is sure to generate excitement and boost viewership, further solidifying the league's position as one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

MS Dhoni's Uncharacteristic Outburst After CSK's IPL LossFormer Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has revealed an incident that has shocked fans of the legendary captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni.During an interview with 'Sports Yaari', Harbhajan narrated an incident that occurred after CSK's crucial loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year."RCB were celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there," Harbhajan said."CSK had lined up to shake hands. RCB were a little late to reach there. By the time, RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside. Dressing room se pehle jo screen hai, uspe mukka bhi maara (he punched a screen outside the dressing room). I was watching from above, but it is okay, it happens when you win or lose."Harbhajan's revelation has surprised many, as Dhoni is known for his calm and composed demeanor. However, Harbhajan suggested that Dhoni's outburst may have been due to the disappointment of losing the match and the realization that his dream of retiring with the IPL trophy was shattered."It's their (RCB's) right to celebrate, even if they take three minutes. But he (Dhoni) went away. That was his thinking...Maybe he was not so calm that day, maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered," Harbhajan added.Despite Dhoni's outburst, both RCB and CSK failed to reach the IPL final, which was contested between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). KKR emerged victorious, winning their third IPL title.It is expected that Dhoni, now 43, will return for another season with CSK, as the new IPL Player Regulations allow the franchise to retain him.

MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja: Chennai Super Kings' No-Brainer Retentions for IPL 2025Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has identified MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja as the three indispensable players for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)."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," Jadeja stated.Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, has also earned Jadeja's endorsement. "He's had a good year, so you'll hope to retain him as well," he said.Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder, completes Jadeja's trio of must-haves. "He can't be left out either," he emphasized.Ex-India batter Aakash Chopra believes the Right to Match (RTM) card will be advantageous for CSK. "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," he said.Chopra also suggested that CSK could use the RTM card for Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness. "The price for these players is really high, so the RTM card could be useful to get players for cheaper," he explained.Regarding the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chopra believes they may let go of their current skipper Faf du Plessis. "It's not about his ability; it's about his age. When you're talking about a mega auction, it's for the next three seasons," he said.Jadeja, on the other hand, thinks RCB will be more cautious with their retentions. "We don't even need to discuss Virat Kohli; it's the same as Dhoni. I favour Rajat Patidar, whether it's his style or his role in RCB's revival. He's the future," he said.Jadeja also highlighted the importance of wicketkeeper-batsmen and suggested that RCB could retain Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced new retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, which could have a significant impact on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise. According to the revised guidelines, any Indian cricketer who has not represented the national team in the past five calendar years will be classified as "uncapped." This change will substantially reduce the retention cost for franchises, potentially opening up new opportunities for CSK.One player who could benefit from this rule is former India captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has not played for India since July 2019. Under the new rules, CSK could retain Dhoni's services for a mere Rs 4 crore, a significant reduction from his previous salary.However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has indicated that the franchise is still uncertain about Dhoni's future in the IPL. "We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni. It's still too early to comment on this because we haven't had discussions with him," Viswanathan said in an interview with Times of India.Viswanathan added that CSK is hopeful of Dhoni continuing to play, but the ultimate decision rests with the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman. "We are hopeful of him playing, but it's a call Dhoni will himself make," he said.The new retention rules have been met with mixed reactions from fans and experts. Some believe that the changes will create a more level playing field for franchises, while others argue that it could lead to a decline in the quality of the IPL.Regardless of the differing opinions, the new rules will undoubtedly have a major impact on the IPL landscape. CSK, in particular, will be closely monitoring Dhoni's decision as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Mushfiqur Rahim's Sweep Shot Mastery Stuns Ravi Shastri, Murali Kartik Highlights MS Dhoni's Unique ApproachAs India sought to dismantle Bangladesh's batting lineup on the final day of the Kanpur Test, Mushfiqur Rahim emerged as a formidable obstacle. The Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter wielded the sweep shot as a potent weapon against the spin threat posed by India's Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.Rahim's exceptional handling of the spin twins sparked a lively discussion in the commentary box, involving Ravi Shastri and Atahr Ali Khan. When Ali praised Rahim's proficiency in using sweep shots against spinners, Shastri challenged him to name a wicket-keeper who doesn't employ this technique.However, former India cricketer Murali Kartik, who was also present in the commentary box, interjected and answered Shastri's question by mentioning MS Dhoni. Ali emphasized how Mushfiqur's performance exemplified the effectiveness of sweep shots in neutralizing spin threats.Shastri, taken aback by Kartik's response, expressed surprise that Dhoni, a bottom-handed player, rarely attempted sweep shots against spinners. Instead, Dhoni relied on his footwork to advance down the track and tackle tricky spinners.Despite not possessing a sweep shot in his arsenal, Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the finest batters against spinners. His unique approach, which involved using his feet to create angles and disrupt the bowler's rhythm, proved highly effective.Rahim's resistance was eventually broken by pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered an off-cutter that uprooted the Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter's middle stump. India secured a 7-wicket victory against Bangladesh, completing a 2-0 series sweep.The Kanpur Test victory was particularly significant considering the limited play possible due to rain interruptions. India had earlier won the first Test by a commanding margin of 280 runs.