Cricket

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the conclusion of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) campaign. Kohli described Karthik as a wise and honest individual who provided him with invaluable support during a challenging phase in his IPL career.Karthik, who joined RCB from Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022, played his final IPL match on Wednesday when RCB was eliminated by Rajasthan Royals in the playoffs. In a special tribute video released by RCB, Kohli shared his admiration for Karthik's character and cricketing abilities."Off the field, I have had some really nice and interesting conversations with him. He is a wise man, and has great knowledge about a lot of things, not just cricket," Kohli said.Kohli recalled the 2022 season when he struggled for form, averaging just 22.73 with 341 runs from 16 matches. Karthik's guidance and support during that difficult period proved to be invaluable."I have thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him. Even in that phase in 2022 when I did not have a great IPL season, I was really struggling for confidence," Kohli said. "He sat me down a couple of times and just gave me a very honest explanation of how he saw things and maybe I am not able to see them myself."Karthik, a seasoned campaigner in the IPL, has represented six franchises since the league's inception in 2008. He has amassed 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 fifties.Kohli praised Karthik's technical prowess and versatility as a batter. "I always looked at Dinesh and felt like he was such a correct player technically that he could adapt to any kind of role that's been given to him," Kohli said. "I remember watching him in the 2013 season where he got 600 runs or something and he batted brilliantly at three.""I saw him play shots which were like 'wow'. I think he's done brilliantly to switch and become a renowned finisher."Kohli expressed his hope that Karthik would continue to be involved with the RCB franchise in some capacity. "I wish him all the very best for all his future endeavors moving forward," Kohli said. "...because his expertise when it comes to cricket is priceless. I think he's of great value to this franchise."

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2024 campaign ended in disappointment after their elimination against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The loss sparked speculation about the future of MS Dhoni, the 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who has been battling a knee injury.Dhoni's future remains uncertain, as he has not yet confirmed his retirement plans. However, his recent actions suggest that he is taking a break from cricket. After the elimination, Dhoni boarded an economy class flight from Bengaluru to Ranchi, surprising his fellow passengers.A video of Dhoni placing his luggage in the overhead compartment and taking his seat went viral on social media. Co-passengers captured the moment and gave Dhoni a round of applause. The video showcased Dhoni's simplicity and humility, earning him praise from fans.Earlier, Dhoni emphasized the importance of recruiting the right players for CSK, rather than big names. He stressed the need for players to align with the team's goals and contribute to its success."Fear is very important. You need to have that fear because unless, if I don't have fear, I can never be brave. I can never be courageous, you know. So I always felt that fear is important, that the pressure is important because that helps me take the right decision, keeping everything in mind," Dhoni said in a video uploaded by CSK."We get a very good player on our team, but he's drastically different from our environment. So what do we look for? We want him to take that one step towards the team's goal and we are happy to take three steps towards him. But let's say that's not the case. The second best thing is you keep doing what you are doing but don't disrupt us. That's the second-best option. The third is you have to let him go. Whether it's business or sports, you want to do well at the end of the day. The think tank's goal is to get the most out of the individual. If he's very good for the team, I will try whatever ways to ensure he becomes an asset," he added.Dhoni's future with CSK remains uncertain, but his recent actions suggest that he is taking a break from cricket. Whether he decides to retire or continue playing, Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is secure.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has sparked speculation about the future of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, suggesting that the 35-year-old batsman may consider retiring earlier than expected. While Indian cricketers typically retire around the age of 39-40, Vaughan believes Kohli's evolving family dynamics could influence his career decisions.Kohli, a father of two young children, recently missed the five-Test series between India and England for the birth of his son, Akaay. This, according to Vaughan, signals a shift in Kohli's priorities."In two-three years' time, everything changes, and he just wants to spend quiet time; I completely get that," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.Vaughan also highlighted Kohli's enjoyment of a normal life away from cricket during his break from the India-England series."I believe he went to London and led a normal life. I've read a few of his comments and quotes and he just absolutely adored that normal life. I think that may take Virat away from cricket, like he just wants to go and have a quiet time for a while," he added.Despite these speculations, Kohli's on-field performance continues to be exceptional. In the recent season, he amassed 741 runs at a strike rate exceeding 155, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience, especially against spin bowling.Vaughan praised Kohli's dedication to evolving his game, akin to his idol Sachin Tendulkar."He is a class act. His game is obviously up there with the greats of the game, but the way that he has gone up a gear to stay afloat in this modern era of T20 cricket is exactly what you need. He's got the game, the mindset, the work ethic that he would have had to put in the nets to work on that sweep shot," Vaughan said.Vaughan also acknowledged Kohli's charismatic presence on the field, recognizing his energy and ability to engage with fans and media alike."I love his energy. He causes a bit of chaos in the game; he gives it to the camera and keeps fingers on his mouth to shut them up now and again, but sports need such characters. Those who can keep you going, keep you on the edge of your seat, cause a little controversy," he said.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain as Experts Predict RetirementFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a subject of intense speculation following Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) elimination from the 2024 playoffs. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the tournament's inception, has faced questions about his longevity due to a reported knee injury and his team's recent struggles.Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has expressed his belief that Dhoni may not return to the IPL next season. "I have a gut feeling he'll be done after this," Akram said on Sportskeeda. "Players like him come in a lifetime, it all depends on him."Akram's sentiments were echoed by former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who stated, "I think this is it. I do believe that this will be the last time that Dhoni will play." Hayden added that he expects Dhoni to remain involved with CSK in an official capacity, possibly as a mentor.Dhoni's performance in the 2024 IPL season has been a topic of discussion. While he has not been as prolific as in previous years, he has still made valuable contributions to CSK's batting lineup. However, his struggles with the bat and his team's overall performance have raised questions about his ability to continue playing at the highest level.Dhoni's leadership and experience have been invaluable to CSK, but the team's recent struggles have put pressure on him to deliver. The franchise has not won an IPL title since 2021 and has failed to reach the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.As Dhoni approaches the twilight of his career, it remains to be seen whether he will continue playing in the IPL. His decision will likely depend on his physical condition, his team's performance, and his own personal aspirations.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has hinted at a potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) elimination from the tournament.RCB's hopes of a fairytale season were shattered on Wednesday when they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Karthik, who has been a key player for RCB, was visibly emotional after the match.During the post-match presentation, Karthik thanked the fans for their support and hinted at his retirement. "I'm not sure if I'll be back next year," he said. "I've had a great time here, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played for RCB."Karthik's teammates gave him a guard of honor as he walked back to the dressing room. Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain, hugged Karthik while he was fighting back tears.If this proves to be Karthik's final IPL season, he will have finished his career with an impressive record. He has scored 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 fifties. He has played for six different teams during his 17-year IPL career, including Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.Karthik has been a valuable asset for RCB, especially in the death overs. His ability to hit big shots and finish matches has been crucial for the team's success.Should Karthik retire from the IPL, it will mark the end of an era for the tournament. He is one of the most experienced and respected players in the league, and his absence will be felt.

Suresh Raina's Witty Response to Retirement Query Sparks LaughterFormer Indian cricketer Suresh Raina showcased his quick wit during the Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. While providing Hindi commentary for Jio Cinema, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra inquired if Raina had any plans to reconsider his retirement, given his relatively young age of 37.Raina's response was met with laughter in the commentary box. "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi" (I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi), he quipped, referencing the multiple retirements of former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi.Raina announced his retirement from international cricket alongside MS Dhoni in 2020 and from the IPL after the 2021 season, when CSK won their fourth title. Since then, he has been actively involved in commentary.Recently, Raina shared a heartwarming moment with former India teammate Virat Kohli during an interaction on JioCinema at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of an IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and CSK. The meeting recalled a pivotal moment in Kohli's early career during the 2008 Emerging Players Tournament in Australia.Initially left out of the playing XI by coach Pravin Amre, Kohli was recommended by Raina after witnessing his potential in the nets. Kohli recounted, "Raina saw me playing in the nets and asked Amre sir why I wasn't playing. Raina insisted I should be played, so I got a chance to open against New Zealand and scored 120 not out. This probably convinced Dilip Vengsarkar sir, the selector. I scored 120 not out, and he probably decided then and there that I should be given further opportunities," acknowledging Raina's role in his early career.Raina's witty response and his contribution to Virat Kohli's career highlight his enduring presence in the cricketing world, even after his retirement from playing.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Uncertain After CSK's Playoff ExitChennai Super Kings' disappointing IPL 2024 campaign has raised questions about the future of legendary captain MS Dhoni. The five-time champions crashed out of the playoffs after a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leaving Dhoni's role in the team uncertain.Dhoni, who has been a mainstay of CSK since the inception of the IPL, has seen his role diminish in recent seasons. Under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni has primarily operated as a lower-order finisher.Despite the lack of official communication, Dhoni's future with CSK has become a topic of speculation. Videos of the former India captain taking a bike ride around Ranchi have surfaced on social media, fueling rumors of his potential retirement from the IPL.Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that Dhoni's performance in CSK's final match of the season could be a sign of his impending departure. Dhoni was at the crease with the game hanging in the balance but was caught in the deep off the bowling of Yash Dayal."If Dhoni was unbeaten, CSK would have won the match," Chopra said. "He kept them alive. Maybe this was the last time we saw Dhoni."Chopra also praised Dhoni's batting performance, noting that he hit the longest six of the season (110 meters) and two fours on the leg side."From where he started, it didn't seem like winning the game was possible," Chopra added. "But Dhoni kept them in the hunt. However, Yash Dayal bowled well in the last over and RCB won with a decent margin."Whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK or retire from the IPL remains to be seen. However, his performance in the final match of the season has left fans wondering if they have witnessed the last of the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman in the IPL.

MS Dhoni's future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains uncertain after the team's disappointing loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. Despite hitting a massive 110-meter six in the first ball of the last over, Dhoni was unable to connect for the second six, leaving CSK short of victory.Sources close to the team have revealed that Dhoni has not yet made a decision on his retirement. He has informed the management that he will take a few months to consider his options. This has given CSK hope that Dhoni may not have played his last match for the franchise.Dhoni's batting and wicketkeeping form have been encouraging. Against RCB, he scored 25 runs at a strike rate of nearly 200, outperforming designated hitters like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube. He also showed no discomfort in his running between the wickets, indicating that his calf injury is healing.CSK's management is confident that Dhoni will keep his promise of playing his last game at Chepauk. They believe that his strong performance and the possibility of a big auction next year, where teams may be allowed to retain only five players, could influence his decision.The 'impact sub' rule, which allows teams to substitute a player for the last two overs, may also play a role in Dhoni's decision. If the BCCI abolishes this rule, it may not be feasible for teams to have a batter exclusively for 12 balls.CSK has left the decision to Dhoni, respecting his commitment to the team's best interests. The franchise will await his communication and support his choice.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 nears its climax, the question of MS Dhoni's retirement plans has once again become a topic of intense speculation. Last year, rumors were rampant that the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman would hang up his boots, but Dhoni surprised everyone by expressing his desire to continue playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).However, with the IPL season drawing to a close, the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future remains. Former CSK batter and current batting coach Michael Hussey recently admitted that he has no knowledge of Dhoni's retirement plans. Speaking to the Around The Wicket podcast, Hussey said, "Your guess is as good as mine at this stage. He keeps his cards very, very close to his chest."Hussey praised Dhoni's batting form this season, despite the veteran suffering from a knee issue. "He is still batting so well. He does prepare well - he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really," Hussey said.Dhoni has been batting lower down the order this season due to his knee injury. "I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament," Hussey explained.Despite the uncertainty, Hussey expressed his hope that Dhoni would continue playing for a few more years. "From a personal point of view, I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call," Hussey said.CSK are still in contention for a playoff spot in IPL 2024. Their final league match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18. Dhoni's decision on his future will likely be influenced by the team's performance in the remaining matches.