December 23, 2024
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mahendra singh dhoni

Ruturaj Gaikwad's Honest Revelation On Captaining MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja In IPL 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Honest Revelation On Captaining MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja In IPL 2024

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Ruturaj Gaikwad with MS Dhoni in IPL 2024© BCCI/Sportzpics It could become difficult for a young player to lead a team that has veterans like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane. Yet Ruturaj Gaikad impressed many with his leadership qualities as he led the Chennai Super Kings squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. It was right before the start of the tournament that CSK announced a captaincy change, with Dhoni passing on the baton to Gaikwad. When the CSK skipper was asked about the difficulty in leading such players, he gave an honest response. “I felt good right from the start (of the tournament). I am very approachable for all teammates whenever needed and they always support the team in whatever way the team requires,” Gaikwad said of the captaincy challenge, to Times of India. “I wouldn’t say it’s difficult as all of them are very understanding. All the senior players that are a part of the team are great to be with. Their experience always helps with match situations,” he added. Gaikwad also displayed a similar calm and composure on the field that people have seen from MS Dhoni for years. The CSK captain revealed that ‘being neutral’ is something he learned from Dhoni, and now he doesn’t get too excited about wins, or too low about losses. “Being neutral is something that I have learnt from Mahi bhai. Not getting too excited about anything or being down by anything is the right approach that I have picked up,” Ruturaj said. “While batting irrespective of being captain or not, my approach is always the same. Doesn’t really change a lot. You cannot plan to become leaders so being good team players and putting the team first will always stand a good chance to be one,” the CSK skipper explained. Topics mentioned in this article

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Did MS Dhoni's 110m Six End Up Costing CSK A Spot In IPL Playoffs - Explained

Did MS Dhoni’s 110m Six End Up Costing CSK A Spot In IPL Playoffs – Explained

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Dinesh Karthik did admit that RCB got a bit lucky after MS Dhoni hit the ball outside the stadium.© BCCI Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted one of the finest comeback stories ever in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, beating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a must-win game to qualify for the playoffs. The Faf du Plessis-led side were destined to finish at the bottom of the points table after losing seven of their first eight matches of the group phase. However, a run of six wins on the bounce sees them steal a playoffs spot from defending champions CSK. RCB had problems a plenty in the first half of the campaign but after six wins on trot, they head into the playoffs as the team to beat. On Saturday, Yash Dayal was the star of the show as he successfully defended 17 runs in the last over. Despite conceding a six off the very first ball, Dayal dismissed CSK icon MS Dhoni on the very next ball to switch the momentum back in RCB’s favour. He then conceded just one run off the next five balls, sparking massive celebrations inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB star Dinesh Karthik did admit that his side got a bit lucky after Dhoni hit Dayal for a six. For the unversed, Dhoni launched the ball outside the stadium and since it wasn’t retrieveable, the umpires had to get a replacement ball, which was much dryer and easier to grip. “The best thing to happened today was Dhoni hitting the six outside the ground. We got a new ball which was much better to bowl with,” Karthik during his dressing room speech. With their win over CSK, RCB joined Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the playoffs. While it was ecstasy for RCB, the legion of fans of Dhoni sank into despair as it could potentially be the last time they witnessed their ‘Thala’ perform on a cricket field. RCB head into the playoffs as the most in-form team with five wins on the bounce. No other team has managed to stitch as many wins on the bounce this season. They will either face RR or SRH in the Eliminator on Wednesday. Topics mentioned in this article

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Truth Behind MS Dhoni's No. 9 Decision Out, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan Made To Eat Words

“He Likes To Build Drama A Bit’: CSK Batting Coach Michael Hussey On MS Dhoni’s Retirement Plans

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File photo of MS Dhoni.© BCCI As IPL 2024 is nearing its conclusion, the talk about MS Dhoni’s retirement plans is also picking pace once again. Speculations were rife last year that Dhoni would call time on his IPL career but the then Chennai Super Kings captain, instead, expressed desire to continue playing for the side. While reacting to a question regarding the retirement plans of Dhoni, former CSK batter and its current batting coach Michael Hussey said that he himself has no idea about it. Hussey gave the statement while speaking to Around The Wicket podcast. He added that Dhoni likes to “build the drama a little bit as well”. When asked if Dhoni would be back next year, Hussey said, “Your guess is as good as mine at this stage. “He keeps his cards very, very close to his chest. We are hoping he does keep going. “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.” Dhoni has been coming lower down the order to bat this season as he is suffering from a knee issue. “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,” said Hussey. “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. And he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So I wouldn’t expect a decision anytime soon,” he added. CSK are still alive in the race to IPL 2024 playoffs. Their last league match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18. Topics mentioned in this article

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For Meeting MS Dhoni Mid IPL-Match, College Student Arrested For 'Criminal Trespassing'

For Meeting MS Dhoni Mid IPL-Match, College Student Arrested For ‘Criminal Trespassing’

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A college student has been arrested for criminal trespassing and illegal entry after invading the field to meet legendary cricketer MS Dhoni during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred during a match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the stadium on Friday. According to police, the accused, identified as Jai Bharat, is a final-year BA student. Ahmedabad ACP Digvijay Singh Rana told reporters on Saturday that a case of trespassing and illegal entry has been registered against the accused student. “Yesterday, during the IPL match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, a college student jumped onto the field and started running towards the pitch. There was a break during the match and the accused thought of meeting Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Constables present at the spot apprehended him,” ACP Rana said. “In the preliminary investigation, we found that he had no other intentions. A case has been registered against him for trespassing and illegal entry during the match,” he added. Recapping the match, CSK elected to field first after winning the toss. Sudarshan (103 in 51 balls, with five fours and seven sixes) and Gill (104 in 55 balls, with nine fours and six sixes) put on a 210-run opening partnership, which powered GT to 231/3 in their 20 overs. Tushar Deshpande (2/33) was the pick of the bowlers for CSK. In the run-chase, CSK was reduced to 10/3. Half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63 in 34 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) and Moeen Ali (56 in 36 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) temporarily posed a threat to GT with a 109-run partnership. But after that, CSK lost wickets regularly and was restricted to 196/8 in their 20 overs. Mohit Sharma (3/31) and Rashid Khan (2/38) were among the top bowlers for GT. Gill was given the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Topics mentioned in this article

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Truth Behind MS Dhoni's No. 9 Decision Out, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan Made To Eat Words

Truth Behind MS Dhoni’s No. 9 Decision Out, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan Made To Eat Words

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MS Dhoni batted at No. 9 spot against PBKS© BCCI/Sportzpics Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni surprised everyone as he came out to bat at the No. 9 spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings Seeing Shardul Thakur walk out to bat ahead of Dhoni in the match, many fans and experts were left baffled. Former India cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh also launched a stern attack at the wicket-keeper batter over the decision, suggesting he shouldn’t even be a part of the team if he wants to bat so low in the order. But, it has now been reported that the reason behind Dhoni’s delayed arrival is down to an injury. In a report by the Times of India, Dhoni is carrying a muscle tear in his leg which prevents him from running too long on the field. Hence, the veteran cricketer isn’t keen in coming out to bat too early for CSK, as running between the wickets is an issue for him. A couple of games ago, Dhoni was slammed for sending back non-striker Daryl Mitchell despite there being the possibility of a clear double. In the same game, Dhoni was later run-out, a form of dismissal that isn’t too synonymous with the legendary cricketer. “We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don’t know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team,” the report quoted a source as saying. The report further said that had Devon Conway, team’s second wicket-keeper batter, been available, Dhoni would’ve given him a rest from a few matches at the least. Dhoni is reportedly taking medicines before coming out on the pitch and trying to minise his running in order to not aggravate the injury. Though the doctors have suggested him rest, Dhoni doesn’t have any option but to play. Even last year, Dhoni had suffered plenty of injury troubles. He had to play many matches for CSK in IPL 2023 while carrying a knee injury. After the end of the season, Dhoni even went under the knife for the same trouble. CSK have been dealing with many injury problems this season. Devon Conway has already been ruled out while Matheesha Pathirana has also returned him because of an injury. Even marquee Indian pacer Deepak Chahar is unlikely to make a comeback in this campaign because of a leg injury. Topics mentioned in this article

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MS Dhoni's Own Medicine Used "To Fool" Him: On CSK Great's Struggles, Ex-India Star's Blunt Take

MS Dhoni’s Own Medicine Used “To Fool” Him: On CSK Great’s Struggles, Ex-India Star’s Blunt Take

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IPL 2024: MS Dhoni gets dismissed vs Punjab Kings on Sunday© AFP The IPL on Sunday witnessed a rare scene. MS Dhoni, a genius in the death overs, fell for golden duck in a match against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. Harshal Patel took the wicket as the fans present were shell-shocked. It was for the second time in two matches, that Dhoni got dismissed in the IPL 2024. Before that he stayed unbeaten for seventh straight matches. Coincidentally, both his dismissals came against Punjab Kings.  On Sunday, he was bowled by Harshal Patel, he got run out by in the last over. Former Indian cricket team opener Navjot Singh Sidhu had an interesting observation regarding Dhoni’s struggles against spin in the previous match. In that match against PBKS, Dhoni came to bat in the 18th over. In the 19th over, with Dhoni on Strike, Rahul Chahar was introduced. Dhoni could take only two runs in the over. “They got done in by something unexpected. They used Dhoni’s own medicine against him to fool him. Look at Dhoni’s practice. He always smashes those long hits in the nets against fast bowlers. He hasn’t practiced spin. In the entire tournament, if Dhoni has played 6 overs, they’ve all been against pace. But Punjab’s captain [Sam Curran] played a master stroke. He employed a spinner,” Sidhu said on Star Sports. “Dhoni wasn’t prepared. For 7-8 months, he hasn’t faced spin. It was almost as if he was startled. Tactic is like how you take the stinger out of the bee without getting stung. And that is where the game turned. And on top of it, Harpreet Brar bowled a faster one to Shivam Dube. Cannoned onto the stumps.” Regarding dismissing Dhoni  on Sunday, Harshal said: “Wicket was on drier side. I have too much respect for him to celebrate when I get him out (on Dhoni). One of the advantages of playing a day game is that the square is quite rough. So the ball starts reversing. In my first over it was reversing. It’s all about the feel of that delivery (slower one). More you bowl the better you get. Most batters don’t pick it. Have been practicing in the nets, and when it comes out it gives you great results,” Harshal said.

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'It's for MS Dhoni...': Preity Zinta speechless as Punjab Kings home venue turns yellow for CSK legend | Cricket News

‘It’s for MS Dhoni…’: Preity Zinta speechless as Punjab Kings home venue turns yellow for CSK legend | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: There was a sea of yellow at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala as fans wore yellow jerseys to cheer for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the Punjab Kings’ home game on Sunday.And when Shardul Thakur was cleaned up by Harshal Patel, the picturesque Dharamsala stadium seen buzzing with the chants of Dhoni, Dhoni as the talisman made his way to the middle. The crowd hoped for a thrilling display and powerful hits from the legendary cricketer, but their excitement was soon dashed when Dhoni was dismissed for a golden duck as Harshal’s slower yorker deceived Dhoni and knocked over his stumps.This marked the first time in IPL 2024 that Dhoni left the field without scoring.Chennai Super Kings secured a 28-run victory in the match. Following the game, Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta held a question-and-answer session on social media that had an indifferent query from a fan. A fan asked: “Your franchise should conduct some activities to lure home fans more to the stadium because yesterday at Dharmasala is full of ?? yellow. #advice #pzchat”.To this, Preity replied: “It’s for Dhoni and what can I say … everyone loves him.” Chennai Super Kings are third in the points tally with 6 wins in 11 matches. They will next face Gujarat Titans on May 10.

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Day After Virat Rant On Kohli's Comments, Sunil Gavaskar's Statement On MS Dhoni Resurfaces

Day After Virat Rant On Kohli’s Comments, Sunil Gavaskar’s Statement On MS Dhoni Resurfaces

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File photo of Sunil Gavaskar.© X (Twitter) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince his words while reacting to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli’s rant at ‘pundits’ over criticsim of his strike-rate and struggles against spin. Kohli didn’t hold his emotions back as he took a swipe at critics after the match against Gujarat Titans (GT) last weekend. Reacting to Kohli’s rant, Gavaskar launched a scathing attack on the RCB icon, asking why those who continue to stay away from what’s said and written on social media are reacting to ‘outside noise’. However, Gavaskar didn’t stop there as he also slammed the broadcasters for showing that rant from Kohli ‘a dozen times’ on television. “That particular post-game interview has been shown on this channel earlier as well, right now, on this particular program it has probably been shown half a dozen times. I hope that Star Sports recognises that when that is being shown, asking where are the critics, the critics are the commentators. Your Star Sports commentators are the ones from whom the questions are being asked,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports. Amid his meltdown over Kohli’s rant, an old video of Gavaskar praising two-time World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni has resurfaced on social media. In the video, an emotional Gavaskar recalled the moment when he got his shirt signed by Dhoni during IPL 2023. Respect is earned, not given. Meanwhile Gavaskar with MS Dhonipic.twitter.com/dFHUE4HAeZ — (@rahulmsd_91) May 5, 2024 Gavaskar had said: “It was a very emotional moment for me (getting the shirt signed by MS Dhoni). MS Dhoni has done a lot for Indian cricket. If I have 2 minutes to live, I would like to witness Kapil Dev lift the 1983 World Cup trophy and MS Dhoni hit the World Cup winning six and the way he rolled over his bat after hitting the six.” For the unversed, Gavaskar got his shirt signed from Dhoni after CSK’s last home game of the season last year, assuming that the veteran might retire from the IPL after the tournament. Topics mentioned in this article

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Why Didn't Harshal Patel Celebrate MS Dhoni's Golden Duck? His Reply Wins Internet

Why Didn’t Harshal Patel Celebrate MS Dhoni’s Golden Duck? His Reply Wins Internet

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Harshal Patel dismissed MS Dhoni on a golden duck© X (Twitter) After dismissing former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni for a golden duck in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowler Harshal Patel said he has too much respect for the 42-year-old legend and hence did not celebrate his wicket. Harshal picked up three wickets and gave 24 runs in his four-over spell at an economy rate of 6.00. He removed Dhoni for a golden duck in the fifth ball of the 19th over. While speaking after the first inning, Harshal commented on the pitch at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium and said the wicket was dry. The PBKS bowler added that during his first over the ball was reversing. “Wicket was on drier side. I have too much respect for him to celebrate when I get him out (on Dhoni). One of the advantages of playing a day game is that the square is quite rough. So the ball starts reversing. In my first over it was reversing. It’s all about the feel of that delivery (slower one). More you bowl the better you get. Most batters don’t pick it. Have been practicing in the nets, and when it comes out it gives you great results,” Harshal said. Ms Dhoni 0(1) vs Pbks Ball by ball Highlightpic.twitter.com/so8XWGi8W5 — ANSH. (@KohliPeak) May 5, 2024 Recapping the first inning of the match, Punjab won the toss and decided to bowl. Ravindra Jadeja (43), Ruturaj Gaikwad (32), and Daryl Mitchell (30) were the standout batters for Chennai and powered the visitors to 167/9. Rest no other batter could stand still in front of the PBKS bowling attack. Punjab displayed a stupendous performance while bowling and stopped CSK from making partnerships. Harshal Patel and Rahul Chahar led the PBKS bowling attack and bagged three wickets in their respective spells. The target of 168 proved too much for PBKS to chase, with the franchise suffering a 28-run defeat. Topics mentioned in this article

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"Better To Include A Fast Bowler Than Playing MS Dhoni": Harbhajan Singh

“Better To Include A Fast Bowler Than Playing MS Dhoni”: Harbhajan Singh

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Harbhajan Singh slammed MS Dhoni’s decision to bat at No. 9 spot© BCCI/Sportzpics MS Dhoni batted at No. 9 for the first time in his T20 career but his decision ultimately backfired as he was dismissed for a golden duck during the IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings on Sunday. Dhoni has assumed the role as a finisher for CSK this season and he mostly comes to bat with 1-2 overs to go in the matches. Against PBKS, he allowed both Mitchell Santner and Shardul Thakur to bat ahead of him before coming out in the 19th over. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was not impressed by the decision and he said that if Dhoni is going to bat at No. 9, CSK should add another pacer in their ranks instead. “MS Dhoni shouldn’t play if he wants to bat at the number 9 slot. It is better to include a fast bowler than him in the playing XI. He is the decision-maker and has let down his team by not coming out to bat.” “Shardul Thakur came ahead of him. Thakur can never hit shots like Dhoni and I don’t understand why Dhoni made this mistake. Nothing happens without his permission and I am not ready to accept that this decision to demote him was taken by someone else.” “CSK were in a need of quick runs and Dhoni has done that in the previous games. It was shocking that he stayed back in the important contest against Punjab Kings. Even if CSK win today, I will still call out Dhoni. Let people say anything. I will say what is right,” Harbhajan Singh said on Star Sports. Coming to the match, Chennai Super Kings rode an all-round show from Ravindra Jadeja to register a crucial victory over Punjab Kings. They are third in the IPL 2024 points table thanks to this win. “Everyone believed the wicket was slow. Even low bounce. Just that the start we got, we were thinking of pushing till 180-200. After losing wickets, thought 160-170 was a good score. Don’t know what he’s doing, but even in preseason he was clicking 150kph (on Simarjeet). He didn’t get too much chances, but it’s never too late. Were thinking of going with impact batter, but then we thought the batter will give 10-15 runs, but he could give 2-3 wickets. Some of the guys were struggling with flu. Weren’t even sure till the morning who’s playing or not. To get the win, really happy with that,” Ruturaj said after the match. Topics mentioned in this article

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