Cricket

MS Dhoni's Nostalgic Visit to BCCI Headquarters and Heartfelt Moments at Wankhede StadiumLegendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni made a heartwarming return to Mumbai for Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The former India captain's visit to the BCCI headquarters on Saturday and his emotional moments at the stadium on Sunday were captured in a series of heartwarming videos and photographs.At the BCCI headquarters, Dhoni was greeted with a nostalgic display of his iconic achievements. He signed a photograph of himself hitting the unforgettable six that clinched the ODI World Cup for India in 2011 at the same stadium. Dhoni also signed a photograph of himself playing a Test match and admired the 2007 T20 World Cup trophy that propelled him to stardom.On Sunday, after the MI-CSK match, the BCCI released a heartwarming video that showcased Dhoni's emotional journey at the headquarters. With a smile on his face, Dhoni roamed about the room filled with memorabilia, reminiscing about his glorious past.In the match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni's brief but impactful innings of 20 runs off four balls proved to be the decisive factor in Chennai Super Kings' victory. His contribution highlighted his enduring impact on the game and the respect he commands from both fans and fellow players.Dhoni's visit to the BCCI headquarters and his emotional moments at the Wankhede Stadium served as a reminder of his legendary status in Indian cricket. His achievements and contributions to the sport continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.

Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL history, has finally found his rhythm in the tournament, delivering a match-winning performance against Lucknow Super Giants. After a slow start, Starc turned the tide with a three-wicket haul for 28 runs, helping Kolkata Knight Riders secure an eight-wicket victory.Despite the initial struggles, Starc remained unfazed by the expectations and criticism. "I don't read anything, so that doesn't bother me," he said after the match.Returning to the IPL for the first time since 2015, Starc admitted to adjusting to the tactical nuances of the shortest format. "It's more [about] getting used to the tactical side of it," he explained. "I haven't played a lot of T20 cricket in the last couple of years, so it has probably taken me a little bit longer than I would have liked to get back into the rhythm of things."Against LSG, Starc's powerplay spell yielded 23 runs but included eight dots and the wicket of Deepak Hooda. In the final over, he conceded only six runs and struck twice, dismissing Nicholas Pooran and Arshad Khan.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Starc emphasized the importance of managing his workload. "I'm 34, so I'm pretty good with my workloads," he said. "I've been doing this [for] a long time. We play again on Tuesday, and I think that's a feature of T20 cricket. Whether you have a good day or a bad day, games come around so quickly that you can't really think about what's been; you quickly focus on the next game."Starc's resurgence is a timely boost for Kolkata Knight Riders, who are aiming to qualify for the playoffs. His experience and skill will be crucial as the tournament enters its final stages.

Hardik Pandya's recent performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL have raised questions about his role in the Indian team, particularly in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The all-rounder has only bowled a solitary over in the last three matches, leading to speculation about a potential injury or a shift in his batting approach.Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that an injury is preventing Pandya from bowling at full throttle. "He's injured. I'm telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it," Doull said.Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle has questioned whether Pandya should be selected in India's T20 World Cup squad as a pure batter. "If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?" Bhogle asked. "Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling?"Pandya's batting has been impressive in the IPL, but Bhogle believes that there are other better pure batters in the team. "He needs to bat up, where all the competition is," Bhogle said.The BCCI selectors face a dilemma in deciding Pandya's role in the Indian team. If he is not bowling, his value as an all-rounder diminishes, and he may face competition from other pure batters. However, if he is injured, the selectors may need to consider alternative options for the T20 World Cup.Pandya's absence from bowling could also impact the balance of the Indian team. He has been a key bowler in the past, providing crucial overs in the middle and death stages. Without his bowling, the team may need to find other bowlers to fill his role.The situation surrounding Pandya's bowling is a concern for the Indian team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. The selectors will need to make a decision on his role based on his fitness and performance in the coming months.

New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Islamabad for T20I Series Against PakistanThe New Zealand men's cricket team has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, ahead of their highly anticipated five-match T20I series against the hosts. The series, which commences on April 18, will serve as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended a warm welcome to the New Zealand team on social media, announcing their arrival in Islamabad. With the T20 World Cup approaching, both New Zealand and Pakistan are eager to fine-tune their squads and evaluate players for the marquee event.New Zealand, currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has entrusted the leadership duties to experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell for this tour. Bracewell, who has been sidelined due to injuries, returns to international cricket after a hiatus since March last year.On the other hand, Pakistan will be led by the prolific Babar Azam, who recently reclaimed the captaincy of the white-ball format from Shaheen Afridi. The inclusion of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who reversed their retirements, adds significant depth to Pakistan's squad for the series.The T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. Both sides will be looking to gain momentum and build confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup. The series will also provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a place in their respective World Cup squads.

Harsha Bhogle Questions Hardik Pandya's Inclusion in T20 World Cup Squad Amid Fitness ConcernsRenowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has ignited a debate over the inclusion of India all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Bhogle's comments stem from Pandya's recent fitness struggles and limited bowling contribution in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.Pandya, who captains the Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL, made a comeback to cricket after a five-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. While Pandya initially bowled a few overs in his return matches, his bowling workload has been sporadic, raising doubts over his ability to contribute as an all-rounder.Bhogle pointed out Pandya's waning power-hitting skills and questioned whether he still merits a place in the T20 World Cup squad solely as a batsman if he is unable to bowl consistently. "If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?" Bhogle questioned, while speaking on Cricbuzz. "Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not totally convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is."Bhogle emphasized the importance of Pandya's all-round abilities in balancing India's playing XI, particularly in the absence of regular bowling options among the top-order batsmen. Pandya's ability to bowl four overs provides a crucial additional bowling option for the team and ensures the presence of at least two all-rounders, with Ravindra Jadeja also in contention.However, with Pandya's fitness and bowling form under scrutiny, his selection for the T20 World Cup could hinge on his ability to regain full fitness and contribute effectively with both bat and ball.

Shivam Dube's Power-Hitting Prowess Earns Praise from CSK Coach FlemingMumbai's Shivam Dube has emerged as a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing his exceptional power-hitting abilities. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has expressed his admiration for Dube's raw strength, suggesting that he deserves a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad."I love his power. I'm biased, aren't I? But I think when you have a bit different power like that, I would have him in the side," Fleming stated.Dube's impressive IPL performances this season have further solidified his credentials. In five matches, he has amassed 176 runs at a strike rate of 160.71, including two half-centuries."I haven't seen a guy hit it harder (and) consistently hit it harder. Some of the power he can generate both from spin and seam bowling is quite unique," Fleming remarked.Fleming emphasized the importance of India defining their game plan for the T20 World Cup before selecting players who fit those roles. He also lauded CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, comparing his batting style to that of MS Dhoni.Meanwhile, Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi shared his insights on the challenges faced by off-spinners in the T20 format. Nabi, who has played only three overs in two matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) this season, attributed this to the aggressive mindset of batsmen against off-spin."Every batsman thinks that an off-spinner is there to be hit. As a batsman, even I think so when I face an off-spinner. I think there is a chance for two sixes. If the conditions are bad, not much would be in my hands. In that case, I attack the batsman, try to take the wicket. To survive, I try yorkers, wide yorkers, or bowl slow. I try my best to survive those six balls," Nabi explained.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has sparked a debate by advocating for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad over Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya. Tiwary's stance stems from Hardik's limited bowling contributions in the ongoing IPL season, where he has bowled only one over in the last three matches.Tiwary believes that Hardik's bowling credentials are crucial for his selection in the T20 World Cup squad. He pointed out that Hardik's economy rate of over 11 runs per over is a concern. "If he wants to play in the Indian T20 World Cup team as an all-rounder, he has to bowl," Tiwary emphasized.In contrast, Tiwary praised Dube's bowling abilities, highlighting his impressive performance in the T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year. He described Dube as a "clever" bowler who can be an effective replacement for Hardik.Tiwary also criticized CSK's usage of Dube as an impact substitute, arguing that it has hindered his development as a bowler. He believes that if Dube is not selected for the T20 World Cup, CSK will bear some responsibility for his exclusion.Tiwary's comments have sparked a discussion about the balance of the Indian T20 World Cup squad. With Hardik's form and bowling contributions under scrutiny, Dube has emerged as a potential contender for a place in the team.

Delhi Capitals' all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has returned to Australia to address a partial tear in his right hamstring. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where he is expected to lead the Australian team.Marsh, who has been a key player for the Capitals, missed the team's last two matches against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. His last appearance was on April 3 against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he was dismissed for a duck.According to ESPNcricinfo, Marsh's recall to Australia was coordinated between Cricket Australia (CA) and the Delhi Capitals franchise. The decision was made after careful consideration of the injury's severity and the potential impact on Marsh's World Cup preparations.CA has been closely monitoring Marsh's workload over the past year, as he has returned to playing in all three formats of the game. His impressive performances earned him the Allan Border Medal as Australia's best-performed player across all formats.Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are also dealing with an injury concern involving David Warner. The opener was hit on the finger while attempting a lap shot against Lucknow Super Giants. Warner underwent scans upon arriving in Ahmedabad, where the Capitals will face Gujarat Titans in their next match on April 17.The Capitals currently sit on four points after six games and will be hoping to have both Marsh and Warner available for their upcoming fixtures. However, the final decision on Marsh's IPL participation will be made after further assessment by CA and the franchise.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, has once again expressed his desire to represent India in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite being overlooked for major tournaments in the past, Chahal has consistently proven his worth with exceptional performances on the field.With 197 wickets to his name, Chahal is the most successful bowler in IPL history and is on the cusp of reaching the coveted 200-wicket mark. His impressive record has earned him the title of the leading wicket-taker this season, a feat that fills him with pride."Obviously, it's a very big achievement for me," Chahal said in a recent interview. "When I started the IPL, I never thought of being at the top, especially in terms of wickets. It's the world's best league."Chahal's success mantra lies in his unwavering commitment to giving his all for his team. "I always give my 100-200 percent for the team," he emphasized. "When wickets come, they come; when they don't, they don't. I don't want to jinx it."This season, Chahal has been in top form, sharing the lead in wicket-taking with Jasprit Bumrah. His contributions have played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals' current position at the top of the points table.Despite his impressive performances, Chahal has been repeatedly overlooked for the Indian national team. However, he remains determined to prove his worth and earn a place in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup."I'm not thinking about the World Cup right now," Chahal said. "I'm just focusing on the IPL and trying to perform well for my team. If I keep performing well, I'm sure I'll get my chance."Chahal's unwavering determination and exceptional skills make him a strong contender for a place in the Indian team. As the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches, the selectors will have a tough decision to make, but Chahal's performances will undoubtedly be a major factor in their considerations.