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Why is MS Dhoni still playing professional cricket?

Rana said:
But MS can still get big money as a coach/consultant as soon as he retires
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Naah.He is too reticent for something that like that. Maybe ould ork as a consultant during the IPL for CSK and no other team, but otherwise would spend his time rearing chicken and living life.
 
Money
Vanity

Guys like Dhoni and Afridi have a cult following in their countries and fame and following is something not everyone can give up easily. It's why they continue to play despite being over the hill. Dhoni in particular was finished somewhere around 2016 but continued to play international cricket for the same reason until he was politely reminded he wasn't going to be part of future plans. Earlier he used to try hard and score runs but fail as he lost his reflexes but nowadays, he has accepted his fate and comes below Sam Curran if possible. He is pretty much the modern day Mike Brearley now.
 
18 runs off 27 balls today.

Painful to watch.
 
MS Dhoni hints at IPL retirement after 2021 season, says uncertainty due to retention policy

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has hinted at retirement from the Indian Premier League at the end of the ongoing season.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hinted at retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the ongoing season. Speaking at the toss of CSK's final league encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Dhoni claimed that he is not sure whether he will continue as a player in the 2022 season. However, the ex-Indian captain did confirm that he will remain part of the CSK set-up but is not sure in what capacity at the moment.

"You'll see me in yellow next season but whether I'll be playing for CSK you never know. There are a lot of uncertainties coming up, two new teams are coming, we don't know what the retention rules are and so on," Dhoni was quoted saying.

Recently in interaction with fans, Dhoni had claimed that they will get the opportunity to bid him farewell at the Cheapak Stadium.

"When it comes to farewell, you can always come and see me play for CSK and that can be my farewell game. You will still get an opportunity to bid me farewell so hopefully, you will come to Chennai, I will play my last game there and I can meet all the fans," said Dhoni.

IPL 2022 is set to see the introduction of two new franchises which would be announced later this month. This will see all teams seeing a major overhaul with a mega-auction set to take place ahead of the new season. There is still no official confirmation on how many players, teams will be allowed to retain or use the 'right to match' card in the auction.

Dhoni has led CSK in every single season since the league's inception in 2008. Under his captaincy, CSK have won the IPL trophy three times and finished runners-up on six occasions.

The three-time champion are guaranteed a place in the playoffs for the 2021 season and Dhoni could end his playing career with the Yellow Army with another title next week.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/ipl/article/ms-dhoni-hints-at-ipl-retirement-after-2021-season-says-uncertainty-due-to-retention-policy/821395
 
It was nostalgic for die hard Dhoni fans. MSD guiding CSK to yet another IPL Final, with a classy boundary. It was tough for his team when he walked into bat, it seemed that CSK are committing hara-kiri, with Ruturaj Gaikwad (well set) giving a simple catch to Axar Patel which was brilliantly caught at the deep.

Last thing CSK needed was another flop show from Dhoni who’s batting may well give you an idea that the legend us well past his prime. But today he just feasted on a blunder of a decision by Rishabh Pant. Tossing the ball to Tom Curran who is known for bowling slower balls, slower balls MSD’s forte. Dhoni by then had hit a six and had his eye in, in came the assault.

CSK were comfortable into yet another IPL Final with two balls to spare. When asked about the innings, Dhoni recalled the painful 2020.

“It was tough when we didn’t qualify last time. Emotions were high. Credit goes to the support staff and everyone in the team.” He also lauded Ruturaj Gaikwad for his stupendous run so far in the tournament, adding how the team has rotated number three in the tournament.

“They were using the bigger boundary very well. I haven’t done a lot in the tournament. We are one side that hasn’t done promotions a lot. If a Shardul or a Deepak, they can look to get a boundary from the first ball. He is somebody who likes to bat up the order. Mo has done very well for us at 3. So we have left it open. Whoever gets out, one of you will bat at 3. We have just left it to god how we decide that (smiles).”

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...after-sealing-final-spot-for-csk-4308476.html
 
Not the best innings from him today.

Time to call it a day at last?
 
Another painful innings today.

Asian cricketers just can't let go can they. Too many who just don't accept that it's time to move on.
 
To be fair the whole CSK team looks like made up of proper OAP. Uthappa, Raydu, Dhoni is too many of the same sort.

Making Jadeja the captain also seems like a bad decision whilst Dhoni was still around.
 
He’s a egotistic embarrassment

Finally CsK is getting exposed for picking the absolute grandpas + bits and pieces 11.

It is embarrassing that they have Moeen Ali batting at 3 and playing basically as a specialist batsman when they cannot trust him to bowl more than 1 over a match.
 
volcyz said:
He’s a egotistic embarrassment

Finally CsK is getting exposed for picking the absolute grandpas + bits and pieces 11.

It is embarrassing that they have Moeen Ali batting at 3 and playing basically as a specialist batsman when they cannot trust him to bowl more than 1 over a match.
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Didn’t they win last season with the same tactics?
 
volcyz said:
He’s a egotistic embarrassment

Finally CsK is getting exposed for picking the absolute grandpas + bits and pieces 11.

It is embarrassing that they have Moeen Ali batting at 3 and playing basically as a specialist batsman when they cannot trust him to bowl more than 1 over a match.
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They are the reigning champions. They have won 4 IPL championships. All with pretty much the same strategy.

It is just that all good things come to an end. At some point skills do go south. That is what is happening to CSK. They tried the same strategy as previous years and is not working. Too many 35 and over - Dhoni, Uthappa, Rayadu, Bravo, Ali.

Anyway, this is Dhoni's last season.
 
The worst embodiment of seniority culture. Dhoni represents the acme of a lack of professional, ruthless approach that a country/team needs to possess to be consistently on top.

For me he has already spoiled his legacy to a large extent by remaining in the Indian team well beyond his expiry date. Countless matches have been lost due to his insipid, listless batting.

It is absolutely staggering to think his fans think he still has value because of the "intangible attributes" he brings to the team.

Fact of the matter is he is too big for criticism - people simply do not want to say what is painfully plainly obvious - Dhoni does not only not deserve his place in CSK -(he did the same with the Indian team) - he is actually occupying a spot which should have gone to a younger, hungrier wicket keeper batsman.

I absolutely despise his attitude nowadays. I do not get it - have some flipping shame, you've already earned money that most cricketers around the world can only dream of. Please leave.
 
leonidas_alexandar said:
The worst embodiment of seniority culture. Dhoni represents the acme of a lack of professional, ruthless approach that a country/team needs to possess to be consistently on top.

For me he has already spoiled his legacy to a large extent by remaining in the Indian team well beyond his expiry date. Countless matches have been lost due to his insipid, listless batting.

It is absolutely staggering to think his fans think he still has value because of the "intangible attributes" he brings to the team.

Fact of the matter is he is too big for criticism - people simply do not want to say what is painfully plainly obvious - Dhoni does not only not deserve his place in CSK -(he did the same with the Indian team) - he is actually occupying a spot which should have gone to a younger, hungrier wicket keeper batsman.

I absolutely despise his attitude nowadays. I do not get it - have some flipping shame, you've already earned money that most cricketers around the world can only dream of. Please leave.
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Chill lol domestic T20’s are just a bit of pyjama fun, he’s not in the national team anymore
 
Saj said:
Another painful innings today.

Asian cricketers just can't let go can they. Too many who just don't accept that it's time to move on.
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James said:
Not the best innings from him today.

Time to call it a day at last?
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I am wondering if it is the fear of depression which has made him play cricket for so long.
 
leonidas_alexandar said:
The worst embodiment of seniority culture. Dhoni represents the acme of a lack of professional, ruthless approach that a country/team needs to possess to be consistently on top.

For me he has already spoiled his legacy to a large extent by remaining in the Indian team well beyond his expiry date. Countless matches have been lost due to his insipid, listless batting.

It is absolutely staggering to think his fans think he still has value because of the "intangible attributes" he brings to the team.

Fact of the matter is he is too big for criticism - people simply do not want to say what is painfully plainly obvious - Dhoni does not only not deserve his place in CSK -(he did the same with the Indian team) - he is actually occupying a spot which should have gone to a younger, hungrier wicket keeper batsman.

I absolutely despise his attitude nowadays. I do not get it - have some flipping shame, you've already earned money that most cricketers around the world can only dream of. Please leave.
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Couldn't have said it better.
 
MSD playing in IPL is similar to veteran cricketers playing in exhibition matches all over the world. They are all meaningless matches afterall. :inti
 
The thing is in this culture, he can play for as long as he wants and nobody will have the guts to drop him or tell him to retire.
 
Saj said:
The thing is in this culture, he can play for as long as he wants and nobody will have the guts to drop him or tell him to retire.
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Anyone that dares to tell him to retire, will be retired first from their profession.
 
volcyz said:
Anyone that dares to tell him to retire, will be retired first from their profession.
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They shouldn’t just be asked to retire, they should be taken backstage and disciplined to south asian style :yk3
 
After a poor start to the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) of the defending champions, Ravindra Jadeja has decided to step down from the tole of captaincy and has requested MS Dhoni to lead Chennai Super Kings again. Jadeja has taken the decision to focus and concentrate more on his game.
 
lol at Jadeja, soft!

However, a good decision from him. Captaincy isn't his cup of tea.

He should leave playing T20 cricket too. That isn't his cup of tea either.
 
Haha, Jadeja quitting after 8 games of IPL only :warner

He should also quit T20 cricket and focus on Tests and ODIs. Odi World Cup in India and he can be useful there atleast.
 
shaz619 said:
He has earned the right to retire when he likes
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No player should be bigger than the team

A team isnt playing to its best potential or striving for excellence when you basically wont drop players or move them on because they arent good enough anymore
 
Chennai Super Kings announced on Saturday that MS Dhoni is returning as their captain after Ravindra Jadeja relinquished the role to "focus on his game".

Jadeja was appointed captain two days before the start of the season, with MS Dhoni handing over the role to the all-rounder. But the franchise endured a difficult start to the campaign, winning just two of their first eight matches.

"Ravindra Jadeja has decided to relinquish captaincy to focus and concentrate more on his game and has requested MS Dhoni to lead CSK," the franchise said in an official statement.

"MS Dhoni has accepted to lead CSK in the larger interest and to allow Jadeja to focus on his game," the statement further read.

NDTV
 
After having won just two games out of eight in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Ravindra Jadeja relinquished the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, paving the way for MS Dhoni to once again lead the side. Chennai Super Kings are currently at the ninth spot in the 10-team league with just four points and they will next square off against SunRisers Hyderabad. The side faces an uphill battle in order to stay in contention for the playoffs race.

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Saturday spoke to NDTV and said that it was the team management's decision and the process will be "smooth".

"It will always be a smooth process. After all, the decision has been taken by the team management. We do not interfere in that. This is a decision they would have taken themselves. They would have talked and taken the decision," CSK CEO told NDTV.

This year, Jadeja's performances with the bat and ball have been below par. On the other hand, Dhoni has shown spark with the bat and helped CSK win the game against Mumbai Indians after he scored 16 runs off the final four balls.

On Saturday, CSK's official statement said: "Ravindra Jadeja has decided to relinquish captaincy to focus and concentrate more on his game and has requested MS Dhoni to lead CSK. MS Dhoni has accepted to lead CSK in the larger interest and to allow Jadeja to focus on his game."

Earlier, before the start of the ongoing season, Dhoni had stepped down as CSK skipper and Jadeja was given the reins of the franchise.

Under Dhoni, CSK have won the IPL four times. They are the defending champions as well.


https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2022/de...-jadeja-handing-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-2935110
 
I have a strong feeling that India have left themselves in the same situation as Pakistan when Misbah was just about to retire, he made an environment in which the whole team was dependant on him and made it out as if the talent pool in Pakistan has dried up. This leaves the team in a very difficult position when trying to find a new captain because not much effort has been put in to transition a younger player into the captaincy role in a smooth manner.

Coming back to CSK, Jadeja is not cut out to be the team's captain. CSK is looking at the situation to stabilise themselves by having Dhoni as captain in the remaining games. Not too sure if he is going to be playing IPL next season but if he is, then CSK will be looking at him to squeeze out another trophy for the trophy cabinet because why not?
 
Chennai Super Kings' decision of having Ravindra Jadeja at the helm and MS Dhoni as nothing more than a player had to be abandoned halfway through the league stage of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL). CSK announced before their previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad that Dhoni had returned as captain, with Jadeja prioritising making sure that he performs as well as he can as an ace all-rounder.

Under Jadeja, CSK got off to a disastrous start, winning just two out of eight matches. Letting Faf du Plessis go has often been cited as a mistake that CSK made as they struggled to consistently get runs from their opening partnership while Jadeja was captain.

“I’m surprised that the captaincy change happened mid-season, but I was also surprised at the way it happened the way before the season. So, it is like two surprises canceling each other out,” said Du Plessis, who is captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season, in the franchise's ‘Bold Diaries’ show.

"Obviously, there’s no secret that when MS is there and he is the captain, he does get the best out of the players, and that has been a big part of CSK’s success,” he said.

“So that's a challenge for us, to make sure that it isn't a factor tomorrow,” said Du Plessis.

CSK's playoff chances took a major hit after du Plessis-led RCB beat them on Wednesday. CSK are placed ninth on the table and will need something of a miracle to go through to the playoffs. RCB, on the other hand, returned to winning ways and also got its position back in the top four after a hat-trick of defeats had pegged them back.

HindustanTimes
 
MS Dhoni Gives Big Update On Whether He Will Play In IPL 2023 Or Not
MS Dhoni, in his own inimitable style, did not commit anything but said that he will be working hard to return next season.

Ahead of Chennai Super Kings' final match of the IPL 2022 season against Rajasthan Royals, the big question that all cricket fans wanted an answer to is whether MS Dhoni will be seen in the CSK jersey as a player next season or not. Dhoni came out for the toss against Royals and even won it, and decided to bat first.

After answering the customary questions about his decision at the toss, the playing xi and the season for the franchise, Dhoni was asked about his future.

Dhoni, in his own inimitable style, did not commit anything but said that he will be working hard to return next season.

"Definitely, it's a simple reason. It will be unfair to not play in Chennai and say thank you," Dhoni said at the toss. "Mumbai is one place where as a team and as an individual I have got a lot of love and affection but, you know, it won't be nice to the CSK fans. And, also hopefully next year, it will be an opportunity where the team will be travelling. So, it will be like a thank you to all the different places playing games at different venues.

"Whether it will be my last year or not that's a big question because we can't predict about something that's two years down the line but definitely I will be working hard to come back strong next year," Dhoni said when asked about his future.

MS Dhoni has led CSK to four IPL titles in the past and IPL is the only competitive cricket he plays, since announcing his international retirement on August 15, 2020.

Dhoni had guided CSK to the title last season, but decided to hand over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja before the start of IPL 2022. Jadeja's stint as CSK captain was disastrous as the team made a poor start to the campaign and the all-rounder's own form took a hit.

Jadeja handed over the captaincy back to Dhoni to "concentrate on his own performance", before getting ruled out of the rest of the season due to an injury.

https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2022/ms...ether-he-will-play-in-ipl-2023-or-not-2994480
 
What a selfish man Dhoni is! He may have been bringing up the star value of the IPL but also bringing down its credibility by quite a few notches.
 
He must have cost us at least 2 ODI WCs and a few T20 WCs.
 
Still loved by his fans, it seems!

A fan breached security and came running in to the ground during the Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2022 match at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai to meet CSK captain MS Dhoni. Umpire Chris Gaffaney was prompt to react by acting as a shield even as the fan tried to reach Dhoni. The CSK captain who had just ventured away when Yuzvendra Chahal was gearing up to bowl was seen signalling to the fan to back to the stands. The security rushed and escorted the fan out of the playing area.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/fqcsgb" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
 
Seems to not want to go away and judging by the sound of the crowd - very popular.

FsjT5IMWcAQkITh
 
Dhoni who? Seriously is this guy still around and gigging in a farce league pathetic
 
Looks supremely fit for his 41 years. Damn. The dedication and hard work when he could easily just put his feet up is impressive.

Someone should show this to Azam Khan.
 
MenInG said:
Seems to not want to go away and judging by the sound of the crowd - very popular.

FsjT5IMWcAQkITh
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Well he didnt want to leave intnl cricket either Even though he was finished years back

The fact hes not good enough doesnt seem to matter to him tbh
 
Why has he been hiding till the 18th over ? Coming behind the likes of some Dube and Jadeja, he's better off retiring if he is so useless.
 
If Franchise still value him and paying him , nothing wrong with it. Its not like Misbah when he was playing for national team and was blocking the spot for a youngster till he was 45.
 
Nearly 42 now.

Surely he realises that he should step away and give an opportunity to a younger player.

It's not like he's short of money is it.
 
Saj said:
Nearly 42 now.

Surely he realises that he should step away and give an opportunity to a younger player.

It's not like he's short of money is it.
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Someone who’s that atune to being a champion and having the self belief, cannot just turn it off.

He probably still believes he could perform in international cricket too.

Can’t blame him, brilliant player and GOAT leader.
 
It during Gujarat's chase of 179 at home when Dhoni, in a bid to stop delivery from Deepak Chahar that had glanced off batter Rahul Tewatia's pads down the leg side, made full-length dive to his right. And in his attempt, he landed on his injured knee and soon was seen clutching his leg in pain. The match was soon halted as the phsyio raced in to have a look at it.

Dhoni, however, continued playing, but the sight of that injury left many talking on social media with fans concerned whether the captain would appear in the subsequent matches in the tournament. But Fleming shut all the talks around it in the post-match conference, explaining that while Dhoni was nursing from a sore knee during the pre-season days, what unfolded on Friday evening was mere cramps.
“He was always playing. Not sure where that story came from. He was nursing a sore knee throughout the month of pre-season, but today it was just cramps, it wasn’t the knee. He’s not going to be as quick and nimble as he was 15 years ago, but he is still a great leader of the side and, even with the bat, he is still going to play a part. He knows his limitations and he is a valuable player to have on the field. He is a legend," Fleming said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...23-match-sent-shockwaves-101680322690307.html
 
Made 12(3) - crowd must have loved it! (Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants)

FszRbo7agAMOeZz
 
Dhoni is marketed so well in both Chennai and all over India. He is a demi God. IPL and CSK will milk every last penny out of that popularity.
 
This will be his last season. He wanted to retire after playing in Chennai and he has got his wish. I don't think he will play after this season, whatever may be CSK's performance. I think signing of Ben Stokes was to take over the leadership when Dhoni decides to hang up his boots. He will continue to remain with the franchise as a mentor/coach for sure.
 
I think it's equally on Chennai management to end this. People are only going to accept a contract if its offered in the first place. There's no sporting benefit to having him in the side that cannot be achieved by having him in the coaching staff.
 
Firebat said:
I think it's equally on Chennai management to end this. People are only going to accept a contract if its offered in the first place. There's no sporting benefit to having him in the side that cannot be achieved by having him in the coaching staff.
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I think he brings business and money to the table.
In the eyes of millions of Indians, he is the greatest of Indian captains who not only has stone cold nerves but also fought like a warrior. They can’t let go of the fact that he has passed his prime now. They still want to see him in action - and hence ready to open their wallets.

And sometimes, for the players itself, it’s hard to shut it all off. You still want play even if you are 60 years old. So it may be difficult for Dhoni to turn down a lucrative offer to play.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A Double Hundred Like No Other ⭐️<br><br>Today Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be leading Chennai Super Kings for the 200th time in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> history 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvRR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/zbbABWhZFJ">pic.twitter.com/zbbABWhZFJ</a></p>— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1646129330253078530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
32*(17) in a losing cause but full marks for staying to the end

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In the arc & out of the park! &#55357;&#56490; &#55357;&#56490;<br><br>That was one mighty hit from MSD &#55357;&#56399; &#55357;&#56399;<br><br>Follow the match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/IgV0Ztjhz8">https://t.co/IgV0Ztjhz8</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvRR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/UU9cetHVHv">pic.twitter.com/UU9cetHVHv</a></p>— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1646207091814842371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
As always Mahi shines in losing causes and on the way improves his average with a not out.
 
The reception he was getting during the match was insane. Looked like a festival was taking place in the ground when he was batting. And then they lost the match. Poetic.
 
And injury woes as well for MSD

==

Speaking about Dhoni, Fleming revealed that the franchise skipper is nursing a knee injury, but was still able to do some phenomenal things in the middle.

"He is nursing a knee injury, which you can see in some of his movements. It's hindering him somewhat. His fitness has always been very professional. He comes a month before the tournament starts. He's a great player. We have never doubts over him. He's just amazing," Fleming said in the press conference.
 
^^^ Just goes to show the standard of IPL where a retired 41 year old is averaging 58 with a strike rate of 214. :kp :inti
 
MenInG said:
This is why he is still playing!

jDsuGnO.png
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He was 9 off 9 balls in the last game in a run chase where boundaries were required. Then he changed gear (too late as always) and finished with a not out. This meant that his team failed but he won.
 
Bhaag Viru Bhaag said:
^^^ Just goes to show the standard of IPL where a retired 41 year old is averaging 58 with a strike rate of 214. :kp :inti
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Hes the king of not outs and goes hard too late these days which inflates his avge and strike rate

Stats dont always tell the whole story
 
Dhoni will keep on playing as long as Salman and Shahrukh Khan will keep on acting despite becoming babas.
I guess it's hero-worship at it's extreme which we only see in India. They don't get tired seeing these celebrities/superstars. They are immortal.
 
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has named Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the best captain in the Indian Premier League history, saying "there hasn't been a captain like him and will never be one like him in future". Dhoni completed 200 matches as captain of CSK in the match against Rajasthan Royals in Chennai on April 12, which they lost by three runs. The 41-year-old former India captain was the first player to achieve the feat in IPL history.

"CSK know how to get out of tough situations. This has been possible only under MS Dhoni's captaincy. Captaining 200 matches is very difficult. Captaining so many matches is a burden and it could have affected his performance as well," Gavaskar, himself a former India captain, said.

"But Mahi is different. He is a different captain. There hasn't been a captain like him and there will never be one like him in the future," said Gavaskar in a release from IPL broadcasters.

Dhoni has been part of CSK from the beginning of IPL, except for the two years (2016-17) the team was suspended due to the involvement of their officials in illegal activities. He led now defunct Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2016 season in 14 matches, taking his total match as captain to 214.

Dhoni's CSK have won the IPL title four times. His record as CSK skipper is 120 wins, 79 losses and one no result till the match against RR on April 12.

Gavaskar also praised star batter Virat Kohli for giving his side Royal Challengers Bangalore a flying start in their matches so far this season.

"Virat Kohli is giving RCB flying starts at the start of the innings. He deserves a lot of credit for the starts RCB is getting and the runs the team is managing to post on the board because of his starts. These are good signs for RCB."
 
Happy he is not playing intl cricket for us, he can do what he likes in the paint accident spill uniform inspired leagues, BCCI should have laid him out to pasture about 2 years before 2019 WC. The prob is india and indian are too fixated on our heroes that we do not realize everythnig has a shelf life and cannot go on 4ever. and the biggest downside is we indians have this fetish for brand culture, a celebrity status and lifestyle and are afraid to take the honest route-call a spade what it is.
Look @ Aus, showed the door to Dean jones when he was not performing, ditto to Jason gilliespie when he scored 200 in his last match but his bowling was going downhill, and most majorly - a legend like Ponting was told to wind up his act and put the champers on ice.
But in India we have Lata M Auntyji singing for her gr8grandchildren when she was past it 30 yeara back/our batting galacticos going on and on.
MSD is a precursor to come, when VK, Che pu, Rav jad, Ash, shami et al stop performing.
Unless we develop ruthless ness or have young lads challenging them, i am afraid Indian cricket is in for a big vaccuum.
 
England's seasoned all-rounder Moeen Ali feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni "could definitely" feature in the IPL next year, playing down the widespread supposition that the ongoing season will be the Chennai Super Kings captain's last appearance in the T20 league. At 41, the World Cup-winning former India skipper continues to attract massive following across the length and breadth of the country, and last week came close to lifting CSK to a win over Rajasthan Royals, with batting that reminded everyone of his best years.

"He could definitely play again next year," Moeen was quoted as saying

"The way he's playing, I don't think it'll be his batting that stops him from playing, even if it's in two, three years' time.

"I wasn't surprised at how he played (against Rajasthan). I've been watching him in the nets, and he's been batting unbelievably well.

"It's just amazing to see from somebody at that age. It's not easy when you come in so late - people forget that a lot of the time, but that's what makes him so good at his role." Moeen also drew a parallel between Dhoni and his former England white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan, under whom the team won its first 50-over World Cup, in 2019.

"They're very similar in how clear and calm they are, but also very different. Their interests and all that are very different.

"The biggest difference? MS does most of his captaincy on gut feel, on the day. It could be a bit like that with Morgs too, but he was also very data-driven. But they're both so calm. In terms of mannerisms, they are very, very, very similar.

"The best way I could describe MS is that he's a very normal person. Obviously he has a massive following but there's no big-headedness or anything like that. He's very humble. You can talk to him about anything... he's just as you see him on TV: approachable, calm." The 35-year-old spin bowling all-rounder, who had retired from Test cricket, is using the IPL to work on his bowling and "getting myself ready" for the World Cup, which India is hosting later this year.

He said it is likely to be his last ODI World Cup.

"It's going to be really important that I do bowl, and that I get my bowling up to the best place it can be," Moeen said.

"It's more than likely going to be my last 50-over World Cup, so I want to make sure it's a good one - both for myself and for the team. We want to defend the title, and spin could play a massive role in the World Cup."

NDTV
 
Former Indian cricket team batter Virender Sehwag had a stern warning for Chennai Super Kings bowlers with respect to the massive number of extras conceded by them. The number of wides and no-balls has been the source of major concern this season and even skipper MS Dhoni has spoken at length about the problem. Due to the alarming number of extras, CSK have faced difficulties in finish their overs within the stipulated time and Sehwag believes that this can ultimately result in a ban for Dhoni. The former India opener warned the bowlers that such a ban can be very harmful for CSK.

"Dhoni was not looking happy because he has mentioned it before that he wants the bowlers to reduce the number of no-balls and wides. CSK had bowled two-three overs of extra and against RCB, they bowled another extra over. It shouldn't go to a stage where Dhoni gets banned and CSK has to take the field without their captain. With the kind of knee injury he has, it appears he might play only a handful of matches more anyway. He is constantly pushing himself but if his bowlers are bowling so many wides and no-balls, then Dhoni will have to take rest," Sehwag explained.

While CSK emerged victorious against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the bowlers were once again expensive and Sehwag was extremely critical with how the four-time winners have bowled this season.

"I'm saying from day 1 that CSK's bowling is weak. They need to work on that department. But what more can they do? They will have to use whatever resources they have this season. The bowlers have to be more accurate. If you look at their performance against RCB, they have bowled 30-35 dot balls, so they didn't let RCB score a run in six overs. Despite that, they ended up conceding 218 because they leaked far too many sixes and fours,” the former India opener added.

NDTV
 
One of the finest cricketers to ever play the Gentleman's Game, MS Dhoni continues to break records even at the age of 41. Up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match on Friday, Dhoni smashed T20 cricket 'world record' as he went on to become the wicket-keeper with the most number of catches in the shortest format of the game. It was Quinton de Kock who earlier held the record but he was surpassed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper in the list.

Dhoni and De Kock were tied at the No. 1 spot before the match started, with both taking a total of 207 catches in T20 cricket. After Dhoni grabbed the catch of Aiden Markram on the bowling of Maheesh Theekshana in the match, he went past De Kock to make the numero uno spot solely his own.

Dhoni isn't the only Indian in the top 5. Royal Challengers Bangalore wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik is only three catches behind Dhoni in the list.

Wicketkeepers with most catches in Men's T20 cricket:

208 - MS Dhoni
207 - Quinton de Kock
205 - Dinesh Karthik
172 - Kamran Akmal
150 - Denesh Ramdin

In the match against the Sunrisers, Dhoni also produced a stumping effort and a run-out. In total, the 41-year-old veteran of the game was directly involved in three different dismissals in the game.

NDTV
 
The fastest hands from the east were on display in their full glory as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni had a field day behind the stumps against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk in the 2023 edition of the IPL. Dhoni, who hasn't gotten much chances to showcase his batting skills in the tournament so far had a huge impact on the game with the gloves as despite 'getting old' as he mentioned, his glovework has remained outstanding and he is still competitive as one can be taking the dig at the organisers saying that he didn't get the best catch award.

On a surface that gripped and the balls stopped and stayed a little low, CSK spinners ruled the roost and Dhoni - the wicket-keeper was in play rather early into the game. Dhoni made sure that the fans and the viewers across the globe got to see 'Vintage Thala' masterclass behind the stumps as he made a difficult catch of SRH skipper Aiden Markram look really simple while effecting a fast stumping of Mayank Agarwal, while not giving the batter even the time to think.
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Speaking about his ability to stump and catch behind the stumps as quickly as anybody stiil, Dhoni with his disarming style said, "Still they didn't give me the best catch. I was in such a wrong position. Just because we wear gloves people think it's very easy. I felt it was a fantastic catch not because of the ability but at times you are at the wrong place at the wrong time and you catch it.

Remembering an interesting anecdote regarding the same, Dhoni said, "Long time back, I still remember one game when Rahul Dravid was keeping. Rahul bhai caught something like that. With your skillset you cannot take a catch like that. You have to be at a very wrong position to take a catch like that."

Dhoni didn't shy away from admitting that he is getting old and brought Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar into the discussion and his admiration for the Indian legend. "Once you get old, that's the only time you get more experineceunless you're Sachin paaji, you start playing at 16-17."

Harsha Bhogle interrupted saying "You're not old!" Then Dhoni was quick to respond saying, "Definitely old. You can't really shy away from that."

Dhoni and the CSK fans would be glad to get the two points, especially at home having lost their last game at Chepauk against the Rajasth

an Royals. The Super Kings are third on the points table and level on points with the Royals and Super Giants with four wins in six games.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...necdote-after-win-csk-vs-srh-article-99679927
 
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the Indian squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia, to be played in the second week of June in England. The return of Ajinkya Rahane in the Test fold was the biggest news. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was pleased with the squad. However, he had one question regarding the wicketkeeper's position. It is worth noting that India's regular wicketkeeper in Test cricket, Rishabh Pant, is out of action since a horrific car crash he met with in December last year. In the southpaw's absence during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February-March, it was Bharat who kept wickets for India while Rahul was dropped following his poor returns in the first two Tests of the four-match series.

"The question now is in the final eleven, who's going to be playing? Whether it will be KS Bharat the wicket-keeper or KL Rahul. We'll just have to wait and see," said Gavaskar while speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live.

Former India coach also discussed the same issue recently on a website. "We should also look at Dhoni, if we are looking at wicketkeeper-batters. He looks fit enough to play." the news anchor asked Ravi Shastri in jest On a website

Shastri replied: "Oh yeah. He has shown up a lot of young keepers in the country with the way he has kept behind the stumps, the way he has moved just for someone who doesn't play first-class cricket just to pitch up."

When asked if Dhoni would seriously consider coming out of retirement if asked, Shastri said: "Nah. Once MS makes up his mind, he makes up his mind. To leave Test cricket, where he could have easily played for a year or year and a half, if he was statistically driven like our country is then he would have loved that 100 Test match mark, big crowd, nice ceremony, nice presentation, walk around the crowd, say good bye to everyone...he doesn't want that. He's like hands up, new man is there, let him be," he said.

NDTV
 
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