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Tag: MS Dhoni

  • IPL 2025 Auction: Here’s how the new uncapped player rule benefit CSK in retaining MS Dhoni

    IPL 2025 Auction: Here’s how the new uncapped player rule benefit CSK in retaining MS Dhoni

    In a significant announcement ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 player mega auction, the tournament governing council has confirmed that franchises can retain up to six players. This retention can be done through either direct retention or by utilizing the Right to Match (RTM) option.

    The player regulations also introduce a new rule that classifies a capped Indian player who has not been part of the playing XI in international cricket for the last five years as uncapped. This means that teams can now retain such players as uncapped, potentially saving significant amounts of money.

    IPL Retention and RTM Rules

    A team is permitted to retain six players from its current squad, combining direct retention and RTM. The maximum number of capped players that can be retained is five, which can include both Indian and overseas players. Additionally, teams can retain up to two uncapped players. There are no restrictions on the number of overseas players that can be retained.

    The number of RTM cards available to a team will depend on how many players they retain before the auction.

    Also READ: What is RTM card and how it can be used at the IPL 2025 Auction? Details inside

    MS Dhoni’s potential retention

    One of the most intriguing aspects of the new retention rules is the possibility of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retaining former India captain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. Given that Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, he meets the criteria for being considered uncapped under the new regulations.

    If CSK decides to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, they will be required to pay him four crore rupees, significantly less than the 12 crore he was obliged to be paid ahead of the 2022 auctions.

    Dhoni’s future in the IPL has been a subject of speculation for the past few seasons. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad and played a limited role with the bat in IPL 2024. Recently, Dhoni hinted that his decision on whether to continue playing in the IPL would depend on the finalization of the player retention rules.

    Also READ – The Afro-Asia Cup: History, editions and prominent cricketing figures ft. MS Dhoni and Morne Morke

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  • IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s CSK retention all but confirmed, Impact Player rule to stay

    IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s CSK retention all but confirmed, Impact Player rule to stay

    The legendary India National Cricket Team and Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni is highly likely to be seen in action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has brought back an old rule, which will help CSK retain the legendary skipper for a less amount.

    MS Dhoni is one of the greatest players ever in the history of the Indian Premier League. He was roped in by Chennai Super Kings in 2008 and has done a remarkable job for the team.

    MS Dhoni Likely To Be Retained As Uncapped Player Rule Brought Back

    CSK’s Thala has led the franchise to 10 IPL finals in the first 14 seasons and won 5 championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. With the bat, his contributions have been magnificent as he has scored 5243 runs in 264 matches at an average of 39.12 and a strike rate of 137.53.

    MS Dhoni stepped down as skipper of Chennai Super Kings and handed over the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of Indian Premier League 2024, who did a good job as captain but failed to lead the teams to playoffs, losing a crucial match against RCB in the league stage.

    Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has the opportunity to play one more season in IPL as the Chennai Super Kings have been allowed to retain him as an uncapped player, as per ESPNcricinfo.

    According to the report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to bring back, which allows the franchises to retain the players who have retired from international cricket for at least years as uncapped players.

    This rule was in place since the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) but was scrapped in 2021 as no team used it. After a discussion with the franchises, the decision was made by the governing body to revive this rule. Notably, earlier a few reports had claimed that some franchise owners including SRH owner Kavya Maran were against the idea of this being reintroduced.

    Notably, MS Dhoni was the second retention of the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League 2022 mega auction. He was retained after Ravindra Jadeja for INR 12 Crore. However, with the uncapped player rule coming back for retired players, CSK will have to pay Dhoni only INR 4 crore, if they retain him.

    Impact Player Rule Set To Stay In IPL 2024

    In another development as per ESPNcricinfo, the Impact Player rule has been given a green light and it will continue to stay in the Indian Premier League 2025.

    The Impact Player rule that was introduced in 2023 to make the league more competitive has been a hot topic of discussion among fans and experts.

    Many have opined that the rule reduces the role of all-rounders and hurts their development while others claim that it has made the matches more thrilling and competitive.

    At the meeting between the BCCI officials and the IPL franchise owners, most of the people were in favor of this rule to continue. Notably, the impact player rule has had a significant impact on the scores in the Indian Premier League as nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been recorded since its introduction.



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  • The Afro-Asia Cup: History, editions and prominent cricketing figures ft. MS Dhoni and Morne Morkel

    The Afro-Asia Cup: History, editions and prominent cricketing figures ft. MS Dhoni and Morne Morkel

    The Afro-Asia Cup was a unique cricket tournament that first took place in 2005. It was created as a collaborative effort between the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the African Cricket Association (ACA), designed to showcase the talent from both continents. This competition featured an “Africa XI” composed of players from African nations and an “Asia XI” comprising top cricketers from Asia. The tournament aimed to promote the game in Africa and strengthen cricketing ties between the two regions.

    Nations that contributed players to Africa XI

    The Africa XI team in the Afro-Asia Cup was comprised of players from African cricket-playing nations, primarily focusing on South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. South Africa, as the most dominant cricketing nation in the continent, contributed a majority of the players, including experienced all-rounders, batters, and bowlers. Zimbabwe also played a key role, providing players who brought skill and experience, particularly in the spin and middle-order batting departments. Kenya, while a developing cricket nation, contributed several players known for their energy and fielding. These three nations formed the backbone of the Africa XI, representing the best talent available from the African continent.

    Nations that contributed players to Asia XI

    Asia XI brought together players from cricketing powerhouses such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India, with its vast talent pool, contributed world-class batters, all-rounders, and fast bowlers, leading the charge for the Asia XI team. Pakistan, known for producing formidable fast bowlers and aggressive batters, added strength to both the batting and bowling departments.

    Sri Lanka, with its rich cricketing tradition, provided players with exceptional spin bowling and reliable middle-order options. Bangladesh, an emerging force in international cricket, also contributed key players, particularly in the all-rounder and spin bowling roles. Together, these nations brought together a formidable Asia XI that matched the best in the world.

    Also WATCH: 4,4,4,4,4 – Babar Azam brutally destroys Shahnawaz Dahani in the Champions One-Day Cup 2024

    1. First edition of Afro-Asia Cup (2005) in South Africa

    The inaugural edition of the Afro-Asia Cup took place in August 2005, and the matches were hosted in South Africa. This first-of-its-kind event saw an Africa XI take on an Asia XI in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The primary venues for the matches were the SuperSport Park in Centurion and Kingsmead in Durban. The tournament was organized with the purpose of raising funds for African cricket development and enhancing the cricketing ties between the two continents

    Match results of the first edition (2005)

    The first Afro-Asia Cup in 2005 featured three One Day Internationals (ODIs), played between Africa XI and Asia XI, with the Asia XI dominating the series.

    1. 1st ODI – Centurion:
      Asia XI won by 2 wickets.
      Africa XI batted first and posted a total of 198 in 48.5 overs. Shaun Pollock top-scored for the African team with 45 runs, but the Asian bowlers, led by Abdul Razzaq, restricted them well. In response, Asia XI chased the target in 48.4 overs, led by a crucial 73 from Rahul Dravid. Despite some middle-order stumbles, Asia XI secured a close victory.
    2. 2nd ODI – Durban:
      Asia XI won by 17 runs.
      Batting first, Asia XI scored 267/9 in 50 overs, with Shahid Afridi playing an explosive innings of 55 off just 27 balls. Africa XI, in response, was restricted to 250/8 in their 50 overs, despite a strong 82 from Steve Tikolo. Venkatesh Prasad’s disciplined bowling helped Asia XI win and seal the series.
    3. 3rd ODI – Durban:
      Asia XI won by 18 runs.
      Asia XI put up 241/9 in their 50 overs, with key contributions from Mohammad Kaif (52) and Dravid (54). Africa XI, despite a brilliant 85 from Steve Tikolo, fell short and was bowled out for 223, with Asia XI clinching the match and completing the 3-0 series win.

    2. Second edition of Afro-Asia Cup (2007) in India

    Following the success of the 2005 edition, the second Afro-Asia Cup was held in 2007, this time in India. The tournament took place in June, and all three ODIs were held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The concept remained the same, with the Asia XI pitted against the Africa XI, but this time the event attracted even more attention due to the presence of big-name players from both sides.

    Match results of the second edition (2007)

    The second edition, held in India in 2007, also featured three ODIs, and Asia XI repeated their dominance over Africa XI.

    • 1st ODI – Bengaluru:
      Asia XI won by 34 runs.
      Asia XI set a target of 317/9 in 50 overs, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring 65 and Mohammad Yousuf contributing 66. Africa XI, led by AB de Villiers (88), managed 283/9 in 50 overs but couldn’t chase down the target.
    • 2nd ODI – Bengaluru:
      Asia XI won by 31 runs (D/L method).
      Asia XI posted 337/7, powered by a century from Yousuf (104). Rain affected the match, reducing Africa XI’s target to 276 in 39 overs. Despite a fighting 89 from Pollock, Africa XI was bowled out for 244 in 37.5 overs, giving Asia XI another victory.
    • 3rd ODI – Bengaluru:
      Asia XI won by 13 runs.
      Sanath Jayasuriya‘s blistering century (107 off 79 balls) helped Asia XI post 331/8 in their 50 overs. Africa XI put up a valiant fight, with Thomas Odoyo scoring 70, but they fell short and were bowled out for 318 in 49.5 overs. Asia XI swept the series 3-0 once again.
    • Only T20I – Bengaluru:
      On 5 June 2007, Asia XI defeated Africa XI by 6 wickets in a non-official Twenty20 match of the Afro-Asia Cup at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, chasing down 109 runs in 15.5 overs, with Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring 47* and Loots Bosman top-scoring for Africa XI with 52.

    Impact of the Afro-Asia Cup

    Though the Afro-Asia Cup was short-lived, it left an impact in terms of promoting cricket in Africa and fostering good relations between the cricketing boards of the two continents. The tournament provided exposure to African players by pitting them against some of the best cricketers from Asia, and it was seen as a positive step in expanding the game globally. However, logistical issues and scheduling difficulties prevented the tournament from continuing beyond its second edition.

    Top players involved in the Afro-Asia Cup

    Top players from both continents participated, making it an exciting event for cricket fans. Asia XI featured the likes of Indian players like MS Dhoni, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, while Africa XI boasted players like South Africa’s Morne Morkel, Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Taibu, and Kenya’s Steve Tikolo. These players brought immense skill and experience, making the matches memorable despite the tournament’s brief existence.

    Also WATCH: Shaheen Afridi does a Wasim Akram to remove Umar Siddiq in Champions One-Day Cup 2024

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  • Jonty Rhodes reacts hilariously after being overlooked for Team India’s fielding coach role

    Jonty Rhodes reacts hilariously after being overlooked for Team India’s fielding coach role

    Jonty Rhodes, widely regarded as one of the greatest fielders in the history of cricket, redefined the art of fielding with his athleticism, agility, and quick reflexes. His groundbreaking performances in the field, particularly during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, showcased his ability to turn games around with his sharp catching, pinpoint throws, and acrobatic run-outs. Rhodes’ fielding revolutionized modern cricket, elevating the importance of this aspect of the game and inspiring future generations to focus on fitness and agility. His legacy as a pioneer of elite fielding remains unmatched even today.

    Jonty Rhodes responds after missing out on India’s fielding coach role

    Despite his fielding expertise, Rhodes was recently overlooked for India’s fielding coach role by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). There were rumors that Rhodes would replace T Dilip, especially after Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach. However, the BCCI decided to retain Dilip following India’s strong performances in the field during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dilip was the only member of the coaching staff to be retained after Rahul Dravid’s contract ended.

    In a lighthearted comment, Rhodes expressed his surprise during a recent interview on Aleena Dissects YouTube channel (via India Today).

    “Yeah! Can you believe it? I mean, they didn’t want an international coach, and I’m so local. I mean, mera naam Jonty Rhodes! (I’m Jonty Rhodes). Come on. I’m based in Goa. Maybe because I’m based in Goa. Maybe I need to be in a metro (city),” he quipped.

    New coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir

    Alongside Gambhir and Dilip, the newly formed Indian coaching staff features associate coaches Ryan Ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar, as well as bowling coach Morne Morkel. Morkel is set to begin his role in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

    Also READ: South African legend Jonty Rhodes picks the ‘complete all-round’ fielder in the world

    Rhodes credits MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for India’s fitness revolution

    Despite not being part of the Indian coaching setup, Rhodes acknowledged the immense contributions of former India captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in transforming India’s approach to fitness and fielding. He praised the two captains for setting new fitness standards.

    “I’ve taken my hats off to the last two Indian fielding coaches. And it comes from captaincy. Under Dhoni, he had a lot of senior guys, and he just showed his physical ability, he still does at the end of his IPL career. Running between the wickets… amazing, and he’s 40. It’s incredible. He certainly showed, just through his example, the importance of fitness and strength,” Rhodes stated.

    He further credited Kohli for raising the bar: “Then Virat Kohli took over, and it was a part of the selection criteria. If you don’t pass the fitness standards, it doesn’t matter how good you are. Everybody was treated equally, and it took India to becoming a good fielding team.”

    Also READ: Will Rohit Sharma play for LSG in IPL 2025? Fielding coach Jonty Rhodes drops a massive clue

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  • IND vs AUS: Ricky Ponting warns Australia to beware of this Indian player, no mention of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

    IND vs AUS: Ricky Ponting warns Australia to beware of this Indian player, no mention of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

    Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has showered rich praise on the talented wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his immense contribution to Indian cricket. The legendary batter also talked about Pant’s great achievements and resilience.

    Ponting has described Pant as a “winner,” saying the left-hander has already made a big impact in his short career. The 25-year-old star has already cemented his place in the Indian cricket team in all three formats after recovering from the several injuries that he sustained during his car crash in December 2022.

    Rishabh Pant is a serious cricketer: Ricky Ponting

    With India gearing up for a grueling Test tour of Australia, Pant, who was already a hero for his team in their past triumphs, will be once again the X-factor for the tourists to pull off a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia. Notably, they will play a five-match Test series later this year.

    Pantt is known for his playful nature both on and off the field, and even in the recent Duleep Trophy 2024 match, the wicketkeeper-batter was seen cracking some jokes with Kuldeep Yadav, but his spark hasn’t waned off, as he already smashed a fifty in the tournament. It was his comeback game in the red-ball cricket.

    Reacting to his character, the former Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach stressed that Pant has fun on the field, but that doesn’t mean he is not serious about his cricketer. Furthermore, Ponting compared Pant with the legendary MS Dhoni in terms of their Test centuries and significant performances.

    Ricky Ponting compares Rishabh Pant to MS Dhoni

    Ricky Ponting was quoted as saying by Sky Sports: “We’ve all seen him play and heard him in the stump mic; he’s an infectious character to have around the group. He loves his cricket; he’s a winner; that’s what he is. He doesn’t just play to make a few runs and be out there for the fun of it.

    He must have 4 or 5 Test hundreds already, and he’s got about nine 90s as well. [MS] Dhoni played for 120 Tests (90) and made 3 or 4 hundreds (6); this is how good this guy (Pant) is. He’s a serious cricketer.”

    The former Australian captain pointed out how fantastically Pant can balance his entertaining personality with his serious approach to the game, and this quality sets him apart from others.

    Ricky Ponting is also impressed by Pant’s strength and mental toughness after the severe car accident. He said that there were difficulties in his path, but Pant’s determination to return to the game and form helped him to return as a champion player.

    Ricky Ponting recalled when Pant was confident of his recovery and true to his confidence, the DC skipper played not only in the IPL 2024 as a wicketkeeper-batter but also played an important role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

    Ricky Ponting signed off by saying, “It’s a remarkable comeback. I didn’t think he would play IPL 2024. But 12 months before, he said, ‘Don’t worry about me; I guarantee you I’ll be right for the IPL.’ We thought he’d be able to bat, and we might have to use him as a sub-player (impact player), but he kept every game, was one of our leading run-scorers, bats No. 3 in the T20 World Cup, is part of a World Cup-winning team, and is named in the Test squad now.”

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  • Tushar Deshpande reveals facing MS Dhoni’s wrath for bowling bouncer to him in nets

    Tushar Deshpande reveals facing MS Dhoni’s wrath for bowling bouncer to him in nets

    Tushar Deshpande, India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pace bowler, shared an inspiring moment with MS Dhoni that had a profound impact on his career. Deshpande recalled a crucial conversation he had with the legendary cricketer during CSK’s preparatory camp for the 2023 season.

    MS Dhoni, who is well-known for his exceptional mentorship and leadership, has been a guiding light for young cricketers over the years and will remain at CSK. Notably, the former Indian skipper stepped down as CSK captain before the start of the IPL 2024 earlier this year.

    Tushar Deshpande recalls how MS Dhoni’s support boosted his confidence

    Deshpande revealed that MS Dhoni, known for nurturing young talents, expressed his confidence in his potential to succeed on the international stage during their discussion.

    The legendary wicketkeeper emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and focus, advising Tushar Deshpande to remain unperturbed by the crowd and to concentrate solely on his bowling.

    MS Dhoni’s words were not just encouragement for Tushar Deshpande, who has experienced both highs and lows in his career and found the former CSK skipper’s mentorship valuable.

    The reassurance from a cricketing legend like MS Dhoni, who has mentored numerous players and helped them elevate their game, was a significant boost to Deshpande’s confidence. Recalling his former captain’s words, the pacer said that it was an achievement for him to be praised and predicted to have a great career.

    ‘You have everything to succeed’: Dhoni’s message to Deshpande

    Tushar Deshpande was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “[Dhoni told me]: ‘You have everything to succeed at international level. But you have to be calm during your run-up. Don’t get distracted by the crowd. Just take a deep breath, stay calm, and bowl.’ If Mahi tells you that you have everything to be successful at the international level, boss, that itself is an achievement.”

    He had a rough start to the IPL 2023 season with a disappointing performance against the Gujarat Titans, where he took 1 wicket for 51 runs in 3.2 overs. Despite his poor spell, the former CSK skipper supported Teshar, encouraging him to continue with his bowling approach in the next match as well.

    Tushar Deshpande further noted, “Mahi came to me and said, ‘You haven’t made any mistakes. You bowled all good balls. It was not your day today. In the next match, repeat the same.”

    Tushar Deshpande recalls how MS Dhoni helped him to regain form

    The pacer further revealed that Dhoni dedicated his time to work with him during net sessions. Furthermore, Deshpande recalled a particular practice session where he faced Dhoni in a match simulation. During this session, Dhoni hit a six off Deshpande’s delivery and then playfully reprimanded him for not bowling a yorker.

    Deshpande shared, “I was bowling good yorkers, but suddenly I bowled a bouncer and got hit for a 100-meter six. He asked me, ‘Kyun daala bouncer?’ [Why did you bowl the bouncer?] I told him I thought he was expecting the yorker. He told me: Don’t play cricket in the mind. Yorker is a yorker, and no one can hit you.”

    The CSK pacer signed off by saying on Dhoni’s simple advice for him: “He was telling me we keep trying to play ahead of the game instead of staying in the present. The other thing he told me is to focus on my fitness, which is important for fast bowlers.”

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  • Duleep Trophy 2024: Dhruv Jurel equals MS Dhoni’s record of most catches in an innings

    Duleep Trophy 2024: Dhruv Jurel equals MS Dhoni’s record of most catches in an innings

    Dhruv Jurel had a very impressive outing with the gloves in the India A versus India B clash in the Duleep Trophy 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. During the riveting fixture, he also equalled one of the records held by the legendary MS Dhoni.

    Representing India A, gloveman Jurel took seven catches in India B’s second innings to restrict the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led side to 184. This accomplishment saw him equalling MS Dhoni’s record for the most catches by a wicketkeeper in an inning during the Duleep Trophy. The former India captain achieved the same during the 2004/05 edition of the Duleep Trophy while playing for East Zone against Central Zone.

    Sunil Benjamin had held the record before Dhoni. The former had taken six catches and also effected one stumping while representing Central Zone versus North Zone in the 1973 Duleep Trophy final. The 22-year-old Jurel was involved in key dismissals, catching Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish K Reddy, Sai Kishore, and Navdeep Saini. His remarkable efforts behind the stumps played a key role in helping India A keep the target down to 275.

    However, Jurel failed to perform with the bat, getting dismissed for only two runs off sixteen balls in the first and a golden duck in the second. Meanwhile, Akash Deep backed up his four-for in the first innings by finishing with figures of 5/56 in the second. Khaleel Ahmed also bowled well and bagged a three-for.

    Also Read- Watch: India B’s Rishabh Pant hilariously joins India A huddle, video goes viral

    KL Rahul stands in India B’s way at Tea break on Day 4

    Chasing 275 for a win, India A lost the wicket of Mayank Agarwal in the second over. Riyan Parag joined captain Shubman Gill in the middle and the Assam batter played a whirlwind knock of 31 off 18 balls before Yash Dayal got the better of him. Gill got to 21 off 35 balls before throwing his wicket away. Jurel and Tanush Kotian couldn’t open their accounts before Shivam Dube perished for 14.

    Also Read- WATCH: Akash Deep’s five-for restricts India B to 184 in second innings

    KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav joined forces and formed a 33-run partnership to take their team through to Tea. Rahul scored his half-century just before the tea break, while Kuldeep has shown good resilience even after being hit a couple of times on his body. The match is intriguingly poised for the final session of the encounter with all three results still possible. India A need another 143 runs to win, while India B require four more wickets.

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  • Watch: Suresh Raina denies looking at options, picks MS Dhoni for this massive job

    Watch: Suresh Raina denies looking at options, picks MS Dhoni for this massive job

    Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina came up with a staggering reply after he was asked to name a player who could score 20 runs in the last 6 balls. He said that he didn’t need options and went on to pick MS Dhoni.

    Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni shared a great camaraderie between them as the duo were the heart and soul of the Indian National Cricket Team and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Not only on the field but they gelled well together off the field as well.

    Suresh Raina has often spoken about his relationship with MS Dhoni. The duo were the main reason behind India’s success in white-ball cricket for more than a decade.

    They both played the finisher’s roles to perfection and won many games for the team with their sensational ability.

    Not only for the India team, Dhoni and Raina played the same role to perfection for the Chennai Super Kings.

    The duo played a massive role in making the franchise the most successful in the league. They together won multiple IPL titles and helped them gain massive success.

    During a recent interaction, Suresh Raina was asked: “Your team needs 20 runs in the final over, who would you choose as your batting partner?”

    Replying to this, Suresh Raina responded with confidence, “MS Dhoni.” The former Indian cricketer then was offered options. However, he didn’t need the suggestions and said: “I don’t want options!”

    Suresh Raina picks MS Dhoni to score 20 runs in the last 6 balls

    Here is the video:

    Suresh Raina recently also talked about the future of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League.

    The former Indian all-rounder said that he wants the keeper batter to play in one more season as he needs to guide Ruturaj Gaikwad for another year so that he can take command of the team completely.

    MS Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2024 stepped down as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings and handed over the leadership of the team to the Ruturaj Gaikwad. But the team didn’t have the kind of outing they would’ve wanted in the league.

    Although Dhoni kept guiding Ruturaj throughout the season, Chennai Super Kings couldn’t qualify for the playoffs.

    They ended the league stage at the 5th spot on the points table. This was the fourth time they failed to qualify for the top four in the points table.

    Dhoni didn’t bat properly in the IPL 2024 as he was battling a knee injury during the last IPL season. He came to bat in the last few overs but made a massive impact for the team as he hit massive sixes to entertain the fans.

    Dhoni scored 161 runs in 14 matches came at an astonishing strike rate of 220.25. But massive questions remain about the future. There h1asn’t been clarity if the keeper-batter will be playing in the next edition or not. He said that he would be taking the decision in the interest of the team.



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  • Yograj Singh’s bitter tirades against Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni surface the cricketing world

    Yograj Singh’s bitter tirades against Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni surface the cricketing world

    Yograj Singh, father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has once again sparked controversy with his venomous attacks on legendary Indian cricketers. In a series of scathing remarks, Yograj has targeted both Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kapil Dev, two of the most revered figures in Indian cricket history.

    Yograj Singh’s vendetta against Kapil Dev

    Yograj’s latest outburst was directed at Kapil, the captain of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning team. In a video that went viral on social media, he launched a personal attack on Kapil, accusing him of playing a key role in his exclusion from the Indian team in 1981.

    Yograj claimed that Yuvraj’s 13 major trophies in his career overshadow Dev’s sole World Cup title. “The greatest captain of our time, Kapil Dev… I told him, I’ll leave you in a position where the world would spit on you. Today, Yuvraj Singh has 13 trophies, and you have only one, the World Cup. End of discussion,” Yograj asserted in an interview with Zee Switch.

    This derogatory remark has drawn widespread condemnation from fans and critics alike.

    Also READ: Yuvraj Singh’s biopic to hit the silver screen; will cover his cricketing battle

    Yograj continues his feud with Mahendra Singh Dhoni

    Yograj’s attacks on Dhoni, who led India to the 2011 World Cup title, have been ongoing for several years. In this previous interview, he accused Dhoni of “ruining” Yuvraj’s career and vowed to never forgive him. Singh’s relentless criticism of Dhoni has raised concerns about his motivations and the impact his words may have on the young cricketer.

    “I won’t forgive MS Dhoni. He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a very big cricketer, but what he has done against my son, everything is coming out now; it can never be forgiven in life. I have never done two things in life – first, I have never forgiven anybody who has done wrong for me, and second, I have never hugged them in my life, be it my family members or my kids,” he said.

    A demand of Bharat Ratna for Yuvraj Singh

    In one of his most controversial statements, Yograj has demanded that the Indian government award his son, Yuvraj, the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in India. Singh has argued that Yuvraj’s achievements, including playing with cancer and winning the World Cup, make him worthy of the prestigious award.

    Yograj added: “That man (MS Dhoni) has destroyed the life of my son, who could have played four to five years more. I dare everyone to give birth to a son like Yuvraj. Even Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag have said in the past that there won’t be another Yuvraj Singh. India should award him the Bharat Ratna for playing with cancer and winning the World Cup for the country.”

    Cricket fans criticise Yograj’s training to Arjun Tendulkar

    Amidst the controversy surrounding his comments, it was revealed that Yograj had been approached by Sachin Tendulkar to train his son Arjun. While some fans expressed their support for this collaboration, others voiced concerns about Yograj’s negative influence on the young cricketer. Many netizens took to social media to urge Arjun to distance himself from Yograj, citing his toxic behaviour and derogatory remarks.

    His behaviour is a stark reminder of the toxic culture that can sometimes permeate the world of sports. Yograj’s constant attacks on former teammates and rivals are not only disrespectful but also harmful to the image of Indian cricket. It is imperative that such individuals are called out for their actions and held accountable for their words. As Singh continues to make headlines with his controversial statements, it remains to be seen how the Indian cricket community will respond to his actions.

    Also WATCH: Kareena Kapoor awestruck as she shares stage with ‘living legend’ Sachin Tendulkar



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  • Watch: MS Dhoni shows off his badminton skills, video goes viral

    Watch: MS Dhoni shows off his badminton skills, video goes viral

    Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has once again caught everyone’s attention but this time not on a cricket field but on the badminton court.

    A video of Dhoni executing a powerful smash during a casual badminton match has gone viral, sparking discussions about his fitness and potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

    The 43-year-old’s future in the IPL is still uncertain. While there’s no official confirmation about his participation in the upcoming IPL season, Dhoni’s recent activities have kept fans speculating. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon, has maintained a low profile since retiring from international cricket.

    The viral video showed Dhoni’s athletic skills with a racket in his hand. The wicketkeeper-batter is seen executing a perfectly timed jump smash. 

    Also read: Dinesh Karthik after missing MS Dhoni in his all-time India XI

    We will have to take a decision which is best for CSK: MS Dhoni

    Dhoni’s multi-sport interests are well-documented. He has been spotted playing tennis in his hometown of Ranchi and even traveling to the United States for golf sessions with friends. 

    The former skipper’s fitness levels have always been a topic of discussion, especially considering his age and the physical demands of cricket. Despite struggling with a knee injury during IPL 2023, Dhoni’s recent badminton performance suggests he has recovered well and is in excellent physical condition.

    Meanwhile, the recent changes in IPL rules regarding uncapped players and potential retention policies for the upcoming mega auction in 2025 could influence his decision.

    Also read: Suryakumar Yadav posts Instagram story savouring MS Dhoni: The Untold Story

    “There’s a lot of time left for the franchises and management to decide on the retention rules and everything. So when all of it is decided, then we will take a decision. So no we don’t have the ball in our court. When the regulations are decided, then we will be able to take a call…At the end of the day, we will have to take a decision which is best for CSK, and that is the ultimate goal,” Dhoni said at an event.

    CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has stated that any rule changes would be at the discretion of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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