Cricket

India's promising batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his outrage over a controversial dismissal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Gaikwad, who is currently in Australia with the India A team for a three-match unofficial Test series, took to social media to vent his frustration over the incident involving Maharashtra's stand-in captain Ankit Bawne.During the Maharashtra vs Services match in Pune, Bawne was adjudged caught behind off a delivery that replays clearly showed had bounced before reaching the fielder in the second slip. The decision left Gaikwad fuming, and he shared a slow-motion video of the incident on Instagram, questioning how such a dismissal could be given in a live game."How can this be given out in a live game???" Gaikwad wrote in his post. "Shame to even appeal for a catchhhh! Absolutely pathetic."Gaikwad's reaction highlights the growing frustration among players over questionable umpiring decisions in domestic cricket. The use of slow-motion replays has made it easier to scrutinize such incidents, and players are increasingly demanding a higher standard of officiating.The incident also raises questions about the role of technology in cricket. While the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) has been widely praised for reducing umpiring errors, it is not available in all domestic matches. This means that players are often left at the mercy of the on-field umpires, who may not always have the best view of the action.Gaikwad's outburst is a reminder that umpiring remains a crucial aspect of cricket. Fair and accurate decisions are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that the best team wins. As technology continues to evolve, it is important to find ways to incorporate it into the decision-making process to minimize the risk of controversial dismissals.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, addressed the media ahead of the first T20I against South Africa on Thursday. One of the key questions he faced was regarding the absence of Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad from the Indian T20I side.Gaikwad has emerged as one of the finest batters in recent times, impressing with his performances in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. However, he continues to be overlooked for national selection.Suryakumar acknowledged Gaikwad's talent and consistent performances but emphasized the need to respect the team management's process. He highlighted that there are many deserving players who have been performing well and that the management has a specific routine or process for giving them opportunities."Rutu (Ruturaj) is a fantastic player. He has been performing consistently across all formats, wherever he plays. There are a lot of players who have been performing well even before him, so there is a routine or process that I think that the management has come up with, so it is important to follow that," Suryakumar said.He added, "He is young and is doing well. I feel, uska bhi number aayega. Uska bhi time aayega. (His time will also come)."Gaikwad has represented India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe this year, scoring 133 runs at an average of 66.50 and a strike-rate of 158.33. He is also the captain of CSK in the IPL and has led the India C team in the Duleep Trophy.Despite his impressive domestic record, Gaikwad seems to be missing something from a national selection perspective. It remains to be seen when he will finally get his chance to represent India at the highest level.

Chennai Super Kings Retain Key Players for IPL 2025Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced the retention of five key players ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. The retained players include captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and hard-hitting batsman Shivam Dube.The decision to retain these players reflects CSK's commitment to building a strong and competitive squad for the upcoming season. Gaikwad, who has emerged as one of the most promising young batsmen in the IPL, will continue to lead the team's batting charge. Dhoni, despite his advancing age, remains an integral part of the CSK setup, providing invaluable experience and leadership.Pathirana, who made a significant impact in his debut IPL season, will bolster CSK's bowling attack with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability. Jadeja, a versatile all-rounder, offers a balanced combination of batting, bowling, and fielding skills. Dube, known for his power-hitting, will add depth to the team's batting lineup.CSK's retention strategy aligns with the IPL regulations, which allow each franchise to retain up to six players, including a maximum of five capped cricketers. The team's decision to retain these five players suggests that they are confident in their abilities and believe they can contribute significantly to the team's success in the upcoming season.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, is set to be retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Along with Dhoni, CSK will also retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, and Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.The IPL has introduced a new rule that allows players who haven't played international cricket for five years to be considered in the uncapped category. This rule change benefits Dhoni, who hasn't played for India since the 2019 ODI World Cup. As a result, he is likely to be retained as an uncapped player, saving CSK a significant amount of money.The amounts CSK will pay to each retained player are yet to be confirmed, but they will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore. The five retentions will leave them with one right-to-match option at the auction.The IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained: INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player. However, franchises are free to pay more or less than these amounts to their retained players.The deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players to the IPL is October 31. Teams are allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players.

With the IPL 2024 retention deadline fast approaching, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing crucial decisions regarding their player roster. The team's most pressing concern is the status of legendary captain MS Dhoni, who has hinted at continuing his IPL career.CSK's retention strategy has been the subject of intense speculation, with many wondering whether Dhoni will be retained as an uncapped or capped player. The franchise has remained tight-lipped about its plans, but a recent social media post has sparked a flurry of predictions.On Tuesday evening, CSK posted a cryptic message on Twitter featuring emojis of a helicopter, sword, star, rocket, and others. Social media users quickly interpreted these emojis as hints towards the team's retained players.According to popular predictions, Ravindra Jadeja, Ritiraj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathiarana, MS Dhoni, and Rachin Ravindra are likely to be retained. Jadeja, the all-rounder, is believed to be CSK's top retention choice, while Gaikwad, the young opener, has emerged as a key player for the team.However, some have dismissed the social media predictions, claiming that the post is an old one that has been re-published. CSK has not officially confirmed any retentions, and the final list will only be revealed on the deadline day.Meanwhile, Dhoni has dropped a subtle hint about his IPL future. During an event, he expressed his desire to enjoy the remaining years of his cricket career. "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni said.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has also expressed his delight at Dhoni's willingness to continue playing. "When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.Despite the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's status, CSK is reportedly considering Jadeja as their No. 1 retention choice. The all-rounder has been a vital cog in the team's success over the years and is expected to lead the side in the upcoming season.As the retention deadline approaches, CSK will have to make some tough decisions to shape their squad for the 2024 season. The retention of Dhoni and Jadeja will be crucial for the team's hopes of regaining the IPL title.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, one of India's most promising young batters, continues to face a puzzling lack of opportunities in the national team. Despite consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket, Gaikwad has been overlooked for selection in all three formats.His absence from the recent Bangladesh T20I series raised eyebrows, with suggestions that the selectors were prioritizing his red-ball prospects. However, Gaikwad's name was also missing from the squad announced for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.This snub has sparked outrage from former Indian cricketer Krisnamachari Srikkanth, who criticized the selection committee for its treatment of Gaikwad. Srikkanth questioned the logic behind overlooking a player who has been one of the top performers in domestic cricket."I don't understand it at all," Srikkanth said. "He scored two first-class centuries, but still didn't get a chance. He got scores to back him up. Where should that guy be going now?"Srikkanth also pointed out that Abhimanyu Easwaran, another domestic stalwart, had been selected for the Australia tour despite not having the same level of recent form as Gaikwad."Abhimanyu Easwaran's performance has been brilliant. I'm not questioning that," Srikkanth said. "But what are you doing with Ruturaj? Why aren't they twirling around with him? What's the plan?"The selection committee has instead named Gaikwad as the captain of the India A squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. It remains to be seen whether a strong performance in the India A side will earn Gaikwad a recall to the senior team.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has hinted at his continued participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This revelation comes as a welcome news for fans and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, who are eager to retain their iconic captain.Dhoni's intentions were made clear during an event where he expressed his desire to savor the remaining years of his cricketing career. "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni stated. "When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do. It's not easy."CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan echoed Dhoni's sentiments, expressing delight at the prospect of the former Indian captain continuing in the IPL. "When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.However, reports suggest that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who recently retired from T20 internationals, is the preferred retention choice for CSK ahead of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jadeja's exceptional all-round abilities and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for the franchise.The CSK retention list is expected to include Jadeja at the top, followed by Gaikwad and pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Two players among Shivam Dube, Devon Conway, and Samir Rizvi are also likely to be retained.Dhoni's continued presence in the IPL will undoubtedly bolster CSK's chances of success. His experience, leadership, and ability to inspire his teammates make him an invaluable asset for the franchise. Fans can eagerly anticipate Dhoni's return to the IPL, where he will once again showcase his exceptional skills and contribute to CSK's pursuit of glory.

Chennai Super Kings' Potential Retentions for 2025 IPL Mega AuctionFormer India spinner Harbhajan Singh has predicted that five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain five key players ahead of the 2025 mega auction. According to Singh, the franchise is likely to prioritize the retention of MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, and Matheesha Pathirana.Singh expressed uncertainty over Dhoni's IPL future but emphasized that if the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is available, he would be CSK's first choice for retention. He also highlighted the importance of Jadeja, Ravindra, and Gaikwad, who have been instrumental in the team's success in recent seasons."I'm not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he's available, he would certainly be the team's first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season," Singh said. "Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention."Singh also praised Pathirana, a young Sri Lankan pacer who impressed for CSK in the 2024 season. He believes that the franchise could retain Pathirana as their fifth player."I believe these four players will be retained. Besides them, we could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad," Singh added. "And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, but CSK may only retain five players."The IPL franchises have been given an auction purse of INR 120 crore for the 2025 season. The deadline for finalizing their retention list is October 31.

Sitanshu Kotak, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) coach, is set to lead India A as their coach for their upcoming tour of Australia. The tour will feature two First Class fixtures and a "match simulation."The India A squad, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will assemble in Mumbai today and depart for Australia from there. The team boasts a strong lineup of consistent domestic performers and players on the selectors' radar.Abhimanyu Easwaran, the vice-captain, has been in impressive form in the domestic circuit and is a strong contender for the reserve opener slot. He will face competition from Sai Sudharsan, who recently scored a double century against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, and the elegant Gaikwad.The middle-order features Devdutt Padikkal and the consistent Baba Indrajith. Ishan Kishan is also back in the mix after his recent outings in the domestic circuit.The pace battery includes Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal, indicating the selectors' desire for a left-armer seamer in the mix. The three fixtures will provide an opportunity for the selectors to assess the players' performances ahead of the five Tests against Australia.