Cricket

Yuvraj Singh, the legendary Indian all-rounder, recently graced the renowned podcast Club Prairie Fire, hosted by Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist. During the engaging conversation, Yuvraj shared captivating stories and insights from his illustrious career and personal life.One of the most intriguing moments came when Yuvraj was asked to make a difficult choice: playing, selling, or benching three of India's most iconic cricketers - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. Vaughan had earlier expressed his preference for trading Kohli due to his lack of success in leading a team to an IPL title.Yuvraj, known for his quick wit and diplomatic nature, responded with a clever solution. "As a player, I would go for Rohit Sharma if it's T20 cricket. He is an outstanding captain and someone who can change the game with his batting for sure, he will be my first choice," Yuvraj said.When asked to choose between benching Dhoni or Kohli, Yuvraj opted for a humorous approach. "I would bench myself as naming one between Virat and Dhoni would be in the headlines. I don't want that to happen," he added.Yuvraj also recalled a memorable incident involving England's Andrew Flintoff during the 2007 T20 World Cup. Flintoff had provoked Yuvraj after he hit a couple of boundaries off his bowling. "Freddie bowled two good balls, he bowled a length ball, which went for a boundary, and a good yorker, which I was hit over the point. When I was walking after taking a single, he said, "F... shit shots," Yuvraj said.Flintoff's continued provocation led to an altercation between the two, forcing the umpire to intervene. "He repeated that on my face. I walked towards him; he kind of spat on me. I showed him my bat, saying that you know where it's going to go. It went worse after that. Then the umpire came in," Yuvraj added.Yuvraj's appearance on Club Prairie Fire provided a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of cricket's most beloved and enigmatic figures. His candid stories and witty remarks showcased his unique personality and the enduring legacy he has left on the game.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has returned to India after a vacation in the United States. His arrival at Ranchi airport has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The IPL retention rules for the upcoming season are yet to be announced, leaving uncertainty over Dhoni's status with CSK. The franchise has reportedly requested the BCCI to allow them to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, but CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied these claims.If the "uncapped player rule" is reinstated, CSK could retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, allowing him to continue playing for the franchise. However, the rule was scrapped in 2021, and its reinstatement is not guaranteed.Dhoni's future in the IPL has been a topic of discussion for several months. The 40-year-old has not played international cricket since 2019 and has not captained CSK since 2022. However, he remains a popular figure in the IPL and is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.The IPL auction is expected to be held outside India in November. If Dhoni is not retained by CSK, he could enter the auction pool and be available for other franchises to bid on.

MS Dhoni's Rare Outburst: A Breach of the IPL Code of ConductMS Dhoni, renowned for his composure under pressure, rarely succumbs to emotional outbursts. However, during the 2019 IPL season, fans witnessed a rare moment when his calm demeanor shattered. In a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Dhoni's frustration boiled over due to a controversial no-ball call, leading to a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct.Former CSK teammate and current Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma recently shed light on this unusual incident on the "2 Sloggers" podcast. Recalling the event, Mohit revealed that Dhoni was already furious after getting out and was sitting in the dugout when the drama unfolded. In the final over of the match, Ben Stokes bowled a high full toss to Mitchell Santner, which appeared to be a no-ball. The umpire at square leg initially raised his arm to signal it, but quickly retracted the call, deciding it wasn't a no-ball.This reversal of decision enraged Dhoni, who stormed onto the field to confront the umpires. "We were in the dugout, shouting, 'Don't go, don't go.' But he didn’t even look back. The way he walked onto the field, (laga ki bhai sher ghus gaya hai) it felt like a lion had entered the arena," Mohit recalled.Despite his teammates' efforts to hold him back, Dhoni's frustration got the best of him as he fiercely contested the call. "He had just got out and was already furious. He wanted to be in there because generally, he doesn't leave it to others. He came, sat and all of a sudden, the incident happened. He asked, 'Did he (the umpire) give it a no-ball?' We were like, 'Yeah, he did signal.' Then he just didn't stop," he added.Dhoni’s outburst led to a fine of 50% of his match fees for violating the IPL Code of Conduct, marking one of the few instances where he allowed his emotions to boil over.

MS Dhoni's leadership style, characterized by a blend of humor and strategic acumen, was evident throughout the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Mohit Sharma shared an anecdote on the "2 Sloggers" podcast that highlights Dhoni's ability to guide his players with a touch of lightheartedness.During an IPL match in Chennai, Deepak Chahar, another CSK bowler, bowled a knuckle ball that was dispatched for a boundary. Dhoni, observing Chahar's struggles, advised him to refrain from using the knuckle ball. Chahar acknowledged the advice, but a few deliveries later, he bowled the same knuckle ball again, which sailed over the batter's head."Deepak Chahar has also received a lot of sticks (from Dhoni). In 2019, Deepak was playing, and I was not. The game was in Chennai, and everyone was sweating profusely. He bowled a knuckle ball that I think was a full toss or something, which was hit for either a four or a six. Dhoni bhai told him not to bowl it again. He said, 'ok Mahi bhai'. After bowling the next 2-3 ball, he bowled the knuckle ball again which this time went over the head of the batter," Mohit recounted on the podcast.Dhoni, with his trademark wit, responded to the delivery by telling Chahar, "Bewakoof tu nahi, mai hu" (You're not the fool, I am). This outburst was a mix of lightheartedness and mild frustration from the five-time IPL-winning skipper.Despite the occasional teasing, Dhoni's trust in Chahar was evident in the 22 wickets he took that season. Dhoni often entrusted Chahar with bowling all four of his overs upfront, a testament to his belief in the young bowler's abilities.With Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL looming, there have been calls from his former teammates, including Suresh Raina, for him to play one more season and mentor Ruturaj Gaikwad in captaincy. Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.Although troubled by a knee injury, Dhoni's impressive cameos in IPL 2024, where he scored 161 runs at a staggering strike rate of 220.55, hinted that he may have more cricket left in him.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the enigmatic former Indian cricket captain, holds a special bond with the city of Chennai. As the former skipper of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni has led the team to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, cementing his status as the city's most beloved son.Former CSK teammate Mohit Sharma has shared some intriguing anecdotes about Dhoni's fiery nature and his unique approach to player management. "He gets angry and we've heard a lot of abuses from him," Sharma revealed on the '2 Sloggers' podcast. "But he always says, what happens on the field, stays there. Later, he will make you understand but never be angry with you."Sharma recalled an incident involving Deepak Chahar, who also faced Dhoni's wrath. "In 2019, Deepak was playing and I wasn't. The game was in Chennai, and everyone was sweating profusely. He bowled a knuckle ball that was hit for a boundary. Dhoni bhai told him not to bowl it again. He said, 'ok Mahi bhai'. After bowling the next 2-3 balls, he bowled the knuckle ball again.""Mahi bhai came up to him, kept his arms around Deepak's shoulder, said a few things to him, and went back. We didn't know what happened. So when the match got over, we asked what happened? He said, 'You know what he said? He said a few wonderful things (likely abuses), and then he added 'Bewakoof tu nahi hai, bewakoof main hu (You're not the fool, I am).' So that is a tale we always remember."Despite his fiery temper, Dhoni is known for his love and support for his players. "Dhoni bhai loves Chahar equally," Sharma emphasized.As the IPL 2025 season approaches, there is still uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's participation. However, his legacy as a legendary captain and a beloved figure in Chennai remains unchallenged.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback in Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a life-threatening car accident in 2022, many doubted whether he would ever return to the highest level of the sport. However, Pant has defied all odds, returning to the Indian team with a vengeance.In just 34 Tests, Pant has matched MS Dhoni's feat of scoring six centuries, a remarkable achievement considering Dhoni played over 90 Tests. Pant's return to form has been particularly impressive given the challenges he faced after his accident.His comeback story began with a determined performance in the last IPL, where he played as a No. 3 batter on some of the most difficult pitches in the T20 World Cup. Despite concerns about his body's ability to withstand the rigors of five-day cricket, Pant has proven his fitness and skill in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh.His comfort against the Bangladesh bowlers has shown that he has overcome any mental hurdles that may have lingered after his accident. Shubman Gill, who shared a 167-run partnership with Pant, praised his teammate's resilience."I've seen him work so hard for it when he was coming back from the injury and I think he also must be feeling really good," Gill said.Pant's hard work and dedication have been evident in his training sessions. In New York, he faced short-pitched deliveries on a pitch with variable bounce, testing his pain threshold and preparing himself for the challenges of Test cricket.Former coach Rahul Dravid and current boss Gautam Gambhir have both praised Pant's abilities as a batter and wicketkeeper. Gambhir highlighted Pant's consistent performances in red-ball cricket and his ability to impact the game."He's got runs everywhere around the world, and not many wicket-keepers of that age have done it so consistently in red-ball cricket," Gambhir said.Pant's glovework has also been impressive in this Test, showcasing his all-around skills. Gambhir believes that Pant's batting often overshadows his keeping abilities, but he has been remarkable behind the stumps on Indian pitches.As Pant continues his comeback, the best is yet to come. His resilience and determination have inspired many, and he is poised to become one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in the history of the game.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its mega auction, and franchises are eagerly awaiting the BCCI's announcement on retention guidelines. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in particular, is keen to know the rules as they could determine the future of legendary captain MS Dhoni.According to reports, CSK has shortlisted five players for retention: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni. Notably absent from the list are Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Maheesh Theekshana.CSK's decision to let go of some of its top players is a bold move, especially considering Dhoni's potential retirement after the 2025 season. The franchise is reportedly hoping that the BCCI will reinstate the old rule that allowed teams to retain a retired player in the uncapped category.This rule, which was in place from 2008 to 2021, would allow Dhoni to be retained in the lowest-paying category. CSK has previously requested the BCCI to bring back this rule, but a decision is yet to be made.Dhoni's future in the IPL hinges on the BCCI's retention policy. If the old rule is reinstated, he could continue playing for CSK beyond the 2025 season. However, if the rule is not brought back, Dhoni's retirement could be imminent.The BCCI is expected to announce the retention guidelines soon, and CSK will be closely monitoring the decision. The franchise's future and Dhoni's legacy in the IPL could depend on the outcome.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket was marked by a record-equalling century, etching his name alongside former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the annals of Indian wicketkeeper-batsmen.After a 635-day hiatus from the longest format, Pant resumed his innings on Saturday with an unbeaten 12. With a couple off Shakib Al Hasan, he reached his sixth Test century, matching Dhoni's tally and becoming the joint record holder for most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.Pant's century came in 124 balls, adorned with 13 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Shubman Gill, who was batting on 88 when Pant departed, stretched India's lead to a commanding 461 runs.The left-handed Pant, who miraculously survived a horrific car accident in December 2022, displayed his trademark aggression and shot-making prowess. His century was a testament to his resilience and determination to return to the highest level of cricket.India's first innings total of 376 was bolstered by Ravichandran Ashwin's 113 and Ravindra Jadeja's 86. Bangladesh, in response, were dismissed for 149, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming four wickets.Pant's century and India's dominant performance have put them in a commanding position in the ongoing Test match. The visitors will be looking to press their advantage and secure a series victory.

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is currently enjoying a vacation in the United States with close friends. Dhoni's presence at an American football game was captured in a video shared by his friend Hitesh Sanghvi on Instagram. The video features a collage of photographs from the trip, showcasing Dhoni and his companions traveling in a private jet and having a memorable time at the game."Fun trip to Michigan for American football and back...with these amazing people," Sanghvi wrote in his Instagram post.Dhoni's last appearance on the cricket field was during the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year. While the 43-year-old legend hinted at retiring from the game in Chennai, there is speculation that he may return for one final IPL season.The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are eagerly awaiting guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding player retention for the upcoming IPL season. The team has expressed a strong desire to retain the services of their most successful captain, who has led them to five IPL championships.However, there is uncertainty surrounding the potential classification of players who retired over four years ago as uncapped. The BCCI has not yet provided any official confirmation or made any formal statements regarding the retention regulations.Despite the speculation, Dhoni's presence at an American football game suggests that he is still enjoying his time away from cricket. The video shared by Sanghvi has garnered significant attention on social media, with fans expressing their admiration for Dhoni's adventurous spirit and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.