Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reintroduced a rule for the uncapped category of Indian players ahead of IPL Auction 2025. This rule, which was previously in place but abolished after IPL 2021, has significant implications for retired Indian stars like MS Dhoni.According to the new rule, "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."This means that MS Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, becomes eligible to play IPL under the uncapped player category. This rule change has sparked speculation that the BCCI has reintroduced it solely to accommodate Dhoni in the IPL.The reintroduction of this rule gives Dhoni's franchise, Chennai Super Kings, a significant advantage. They can now retain Dhoni without using any capped player slot, providing them with more flexibility in their squad selection.Fans have expressed their excitement at the prospect of Dhoni returning to the IPL as an uncapped player. Many believe that his presence will add star power and experience to the tournament."MS Dhoni doesn't need to play one more season of IPL, but IPL needs #MSDhoni to play one more season," tweeted one fan.Another fan wrote, "DHONI needs IPL, IPL needs DHONI. The O.G is all set to return as uncapped player for some unfinished business."The BCCI has also released the IPL auction rules for 2025. Each franchise can retain up to 6 players, including the Right To Match (RTM) option. However, the total number of retentions/RTM's cannot exceed 5 capped players (Indian and overseas) and 2 uncapped players.

Harry Brook, England's rising star, has etched his name into the record books by surpassing Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. Brook's exceptional performance as captain has propelled him to the top of the list for most runs in a bilateral ODI series against Australia.In the fifth and final ODI, Brook's blistering knock of 72 runs off 52 balls not only helped England set a respectable total of 308 (all out) but also propelled him to the top of the list for most runs as captain in a bilateral ODI series against Australia. Brook's aggregate of 312 runs in the series is now the highest by any captain in such a contest, surpassing Kohli's 310 runs during India's 2019 series against Australia and MS Dhoni's 285 from 2009. England's Eoin Morgan (278 in 2015) and Pakistan's Babar Azam (276 in 2022) also trail Brook's remarkable feat.Brook's 312-run tally is also the second-highest by an English batter in a bilateral series against Australia, only behind Jonathan Trott's mammoth 375 runs from the seven-match series in 2010/11. The 25-year-old England skipper's impressive performance is a testament to his leadership skills and batting prowess.In the match, Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first, but England's batting lineup responded robustly. While opener Philip Salt set a fiery tone with 45 off 27 balls, Ben Duckett anchored the innings with a brilliant 107 off 91 deliveries. However, it was Brook's authoritative 72 that stood out, as his aggressive stroke play and leadership under pressure allowed England to go past 300 runs.Brook fell to Adam Zampa, caught by Glenn Maxwell, but not before leaving a significant mark on the series. Australia's bowlers, led by Travis Head (3/27) and Maxwell (2/49), kept England's middle and lower order in check, ensuring a challenging chase awaited the visitors in what promised to be a thrilling decider.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. According to the new rules, each team will be allowed to retain a maximum of six players ahead of the auction. However, the uncapped player rule has garnered significant attention, particularly for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).The uncapped player rule states that any Indian player who has not played an international game in the last five years will be considered an "uncapped player." This includes former CSK captain MS Dhoni, who has not played for India since 2019. As a result, CSK can retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crore, a significant discount from his previous salary.Amidst the ongoing speculation about Dhoni's future in the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan's recent comments have gone viral. During an award ceremony, filmmaker Karan Johar teased Khan about retirement, prompting a humorous response from the Bollywood superstar.Khan stated that he and Dhoni are "different kind of legends" who continue to play despite announcing their retirement. He added that Dhoni had initially said he was retiring but ended up playing for another 10 years.Khan's comments have sparked a debate about the nature of retirement for legendary athletes. While some believe that legends should know when to step away, others argue that they should continue playing as long as they are able.The BCCI's retention rules and Khan's comments have ignited discussions about the future of Dhoni and other veteran players in the IPL. It remains to be seen whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK or if he will announce his retirement before the 2025 season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has unveiled the retention rules for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Teams have until October 31, 2024, to submit their retention lists, with the mega auction expected to take place in late November.Each team can retain a maximum of six players, including one uncapped player if they utilize all their retentions. However, a crucial rule applies to uncapped cricketers."Any player who gets capped on or before October 31, 2024, will be considered a capped player for retention purposes," the BCCI stated.This means that Mayank Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana will no longer be eligible as uncapped players if they make their T20I debuts against Bangladesh. The trio's inclusion in the squad suggests that India may test its bench strength in the upcoming series.IPL franchises can retain up to six players from their previous squads, including the use of the Right To Match (RTM) card at the auction. The RTM card will cost Rs 75 crore from an enhanced team purse of Rs 120 crore.In a significant move, the BCCI has declared that Indian players who have not played international cricket for at least five years will be considered uncapped players. This move is seen as a way to ensure that Chennai Super Kings can retain MS Dhoni, who last played for India in the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal.The retention cost for an uncapped player is Rs 4 crore, allowing CSK to retain Dhoni while saving significant funds for the auction. In the previous mega auction in 2022, teams were allowed up to four retentions.Additionally, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced a fixed match fee of Rs 7.50 lakh for all players selected for league games, with an additional Rs 1.05 crore income over and above their salaries. Franchises must maintain a fixed salary purse of Rs 12.60 crore in addition to the auction cum retention purse of Rs 120 crore for the upcoming season.

Chennai Super Kings Can Retain MS Dhoni as Uncapped Player Under Revived IPL RuleThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has reinstated a rule that allows Indian players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years to enter the auction as uncapped players. This rule, which was initially implemented in 2008 but scrapped in 2021, has opened up the possibility for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain their former captain and talisman, MS Dhoni, as an uncapped player.According to the retention rules shared with franchises, an Indian player who has not played in the starting XI of an international match or does not have a central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for five years preceding the relevant season will be considered uncapped. This rule applies exclusively to Indian players.Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, CSK retained Dhoni as their second player for INR 12 crore. However, if they choose to retain him as an uncapped player, his salary would be reduced to INR 4 crore.Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, has only played in the IPL since retiring from international cricket in 2020. His future as a player has been the subject of speculation in recent seasons, especially after he underwent knee surgery in 2023 and handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.At a recent event, Dhoni indicated that he and CSK would wait for the finalization of the player retention rules before making a decision on his future as a player. The revived rule could provide CSK with a cost-effective way to retain their iconic captain and extend his playing career.

MS Dhoni to be Treated as 'Uncapped' Player in IPL 2025The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has announced significant rule changes for the 2025-27 cycle, including a new uncapped player rule that could pave the way for legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue playing in the tournament.According to the new rule, an Indian player who has represented the national team but has not played in any international match for five calendar years will be reclassified as an uncapped player. Dhoni, who last played for India in the 2019 World Cup, will now be eligible to be retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an uncapped player in the 2025 IPL.This rule change gives CSK a chance to keep Dhoni in their squad without having to use one of their limited retention slots. Franchises can now retain up to six players from their existing squad, with a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players.In addition to the uncapped player rule, the IPL Governing Council also increased the auction purse for franchises to Rs 120 crore for the 2025 season. The total salary cap will now consist of the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees.Other key decisions taken by the Governing Council include:* A match fee of Rs 7.5 lakhs per match will be introduced for all playing members, including the Impact Player.* Overseas players must register for the Big Auction and will be ineligible to participate in the following year's auction if they do not register.* Players who make themselves unavailable after being picked in the auction will be banned from participating in the tournament and player auction for two seasons.These rule changes are expected to have a significant impact on the IPL, giving franchises more flexibility in retaining players and potentially allowing Dhoni to continue his illustrious career in the tournament.

Afghanistan Captain Surprises with Rashid Latif as Wicketkeeper in Dream ODI XIIn a recent interview, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi unveiled his all-time ODI World XI, sparking discussions among cricket enthusiasts. Surprisingly, Shahidi opted for Pakistan's Rashid Latif as his wicketkeeper, a choice that raised eyebrows considering the legendary status of MS Dhoni in the role.Shahidi's dream team boasts an array of iconic players. The opening pair features the elegant Saeed Anwar and the prolific Rohit Sharma. The middle order is anchored by the batting brilliance of Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara, while Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mahela Jayawardene provide experience and depth. Andrew Flintoff adds versatility as an all-rounder.The bowling attack is equally formidable. Rashid Khan's spin wizardry is complemented by the pace and swing of Waqar Younis and the precision of Jasprit Bumrah.Shahidi's decision to exclude Dhoni from his team has generated considerable debate. Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers and wicketkeepers in cricket history, is often an automatic choice for such dream teams. However, Shahidi's selection of Latif highlights the latter's exceptional skills behind the stumps and his ability to contribute with the bat.Latif, who played for Pakistan from 1992 to 2003, was known for his lightning-fast reflexes, acrobatic catches, and aggressive batting style. He was a key member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning team and played a pivotal role in their triumph.While Dhoni's absence from Shahidi's team may be surprising, it underscores the depth of talent available in the wicketkeeper-batter position. Latif's inclusion serves as a reminder of his own exceptional abilities and the diverse range of players who have excelled in this crucial role.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, has sparked a frenzy on social media with a viral video showcasing his laid-back style. The video captures Dhoni riding a bike in slippers, executing a stylish U-turn with effortless flair.Dhoni's return to Ranchi after a rejuvenating vacation in the United States has been met with much fanfare. The video of his bike ride, shared widely on social media, has become a testament to his humble and approachable nature.As excitement builds around Dhoni's return, speculation intensifies regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the mega auction approaching, questions linger about whether Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain their legendary captain or if he will enter the auction pool.Rumors have circulated about Dhoni's status, particularly after images of him enjoying an American football game in the US emerged online. Earlier, there were suggestions that CSK management had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow Dhoni to be retained as an uncapped player. However, CSK's CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, has denied these claims.Should the "uncapped player rule" be reinstated, which permits franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped, fans may witness Dhoni donning the iconic yellow jersey once more in the upcoming IPL season.Dhoni's return to Ranchi has not only sparked excitement among fans but also raised questions about his future in the IPL. As the mega auction looms, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the decision of CSK and Dhoni regarding his participation in the upcoming season.

The Man Behind Dhoni's Iconic Helicopter Shot: Santosh LalMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is renowned for his devastating "Helicopter Shot" that has left opponents in awe. However, few know the story behind this iconic shot, which was actually taught to Dhoni by his close friend, Santosh Lal.Growing up in Ranchi, Santosh and Dhoni were inseparable. Santosh possessed an exceptional cricketing talent, particularly his ability to execute a powerful flick of the wrists that sent the ball soaring over the boundary with effortless grace. This unconventional shot, later known as the helicopter shot, became Santosh's signature move.Dhoni, always eager to improve his game, observed Santosh's technique and incorporated it into his own batting. "He (Santosh) and Dhoni would play tennis ball games endlessly," recalled Nishant Dayal, an old friend of Santosh. "Santosh was fearless as a batsman. Dhoni always admired his batting style and learned the helicopter shot from him."While Dhoni's career skyrocketed, becoming one of the most successful captains in cricket history, Santosh's path took a different turn. He played cricket at the state level but never reached the national stage. Despite this, their friendship remained unbreakable.In 2013, tragedy struck when Santosh fell seriously ill with pancreatitis. Dhoni, at the height of his career, spared no effort to help his friend. He arranged for Santosh to be airlifted to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. However, despite Dhoni's efforts, Santosh passed away at the age of 32.Santosh Lal's contribution to cricket may not be as widely recognized as Dhoni's, but his legacy lives on in the helicopter shot that has thrilled millions of fans. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring impact that one person can have on another's life.