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Why is MS Dhoni still playing professional cricket?

Just goes to show what a trash bowler pandya has become when a washed up retiree hammers you. International t20.cricket is a different beast. No way should pandya be even near the t20wc squad. But everyone knows he will be selected under the "" all rounder"" quota..
 
I thought he retired from proper cricket a long time ago, let him have a bit of fun in the local park, lease be deserves.
 
The guy has that x factor , give him any team of IPL , he will give best possible output from that team ...
 
MS Dhoni ended up smacking an unbeaten knock of 28 runs off nine deliveries, packed with three fours and two sixes, taking CSK to 176/6 in 20 overs. But it wasn't enough as LSG ended up reaching 180/2 in 19 overs, in their chase of 177 runs.CSK head coach Stephen Fleming speaking after the match:

"It's inspirational, isn't it? His batting this year even in training has been very crisp. The team isn't surprised with what he is doing because his skill level during the pre season was very high. Other years he has obviously had problems with his knee and he is sort of recovering from that which is why there is only a certain amount of balls he can function well."

"I think everyone wants to see him for longer as we do but that amount of time is about right. We need him for the tournament and that 2-3 over cameo he is owning that space. It's up to the rest of the batting unit to get us to a good position where he can push us over the top. He is doing that pretty much every time at the moment which is great to watch."

"What an amazing atmosphere when he comes out and does play and entertain, it's exhilarating. We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved. We marvel at the amount of love that he gets. It's no surprise with what he has done with Indian cricket and with CSK with us. We are incredibly proud that he is a part of our side and is pretty much the heartbeat of the side. We thoroughly enjoy it. We know we are beneficiaries of the career that he has had and is having. We enjoy every minute of it."
 
Even old Wasim Akram can do hit bit in this format given the ultra light weight workload it has. He just has to bowl 2 over spells of 2. This is literally a light weight net session. Only time you will the pinch is when you do the fielding. Otherwise this format will suit all the old guys. It also narrows the quality between players massively. People who have poor fitness, poor batting technique can also get away.
 
jnaveen1980 said:
Even old Wasim Akram can do hit bit in this format given the ultra light weight workload it has. He just has to bowl 2 over spells of 2. This is literally a light weight net session. Only time you will the pinch is when you do the fielding. Otherwise this format will suit all the old guys. It also narrows the quality between players massively. People who have poor fitness, poor batting technique can also get away.
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Everything even up in a long run..If one is great in long run , he is great no two words about it .
 
keq72ok.jpeg
 
Dhoni is Dhoni man. At this point, i feel like he is almost a mythical figure at CSK. So much success over such a sustained period of time. He created so many players and groomed even more. And he can still come in at No. 8 and smash 37 off 16.
 
Harbhajan Singh, who played with MS Dhoni both at the international level and in IPL as a teammate, says the strategy to send the wicketkeeper-batter so late in the innings was hard to understand. He said on his YouTube channel:

“At no. 9 a bowler comes to bat not a player like Dhoni who has the calibre as well as the form to score runs. It was hard to understand what was the strategy behind that decision.”

“MS Dhoni batting at No.9 doesn’t work for CSK, it’s doesn’t help the team’s cause. I know that he is 42, but he is in solid form. He should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs. He is batting for the last over or last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve the purpose for CSK for a long term.”
 
FearlessRoar said:
Harbhajan Singh, who played with MS Dhoni both at the international level and in IPL as a teammate, says the strategy to send the wicketkeeper-batter so late in the innings was hard to understand. He said on his YouTube channel:

“At no. 9 a bowler comes to bat not a player like Dhoni who has the calibre as well as the form to score runs. It was hard to understand what was the strategy behind that decision.”

“MS Dhoni batting at No.9 doesn’t work for CSK, it’s doesn’t help the team’s cause. I know that he is 42, but he is in solid form. He should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs. He is batting for the last over or last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve the purpose for CSK for a long term.”
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MSD at 9 doesn't make sense, but he is there because he draws crowds in
 
FearlessRoar said:
Harbhajan Singh, who played with MS Dhoni both at the international level and in IPL as a teammate, says the strategy to send the wicketkeeper-batter so late in the innings was hard to understand. He said on his YouTube channel:

“At no. 9 a bowler comes to bat not a player like Dhoni who has the calibre as well as the form to score runs. It was hard to understand what was the strategy behind that decision.”

“MS Dhoni batting at No.9 doesn’t work for CSK, it’s doesn’t help the team’s cause. I know that he is 42, but he is in solid form. He should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs. He is batting for the last over or last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve the purpose for CSK for a long term.”
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Doesn't MSD have a knee problem? Reason why he can't run fast
 

MS Dhoni To Retire If CSK Get Knocked Out By RCB In IPL 2024? Faf Du Plessis Says, "People Have Been Talking..."​


Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis talked about MS Dhoni's retirement and said people have been talking about the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper's last match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the past six years. The Southern derby can't get more exciting since both teams are keeping an eye for a ticket to the playoffs. The Bengaluru-based franchise will take on CSK in their upcoming match of IPL 2024 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

In IPL 2024, Dhoni played 13 matches and 8 innings in which he scored 136 runs at a strike rate of 226.67. In the 17th season of IPL, the 42-year-old hammered 11 fours and 12 sixes.

In a video shared on RCB's official social media handle, Du Plessis said the main conversation is about what they do in their team.

"People have been talking about MS Dhoni retiring for six years, so it doesn't really change. The conversation is about what we do in our team," Du Plessis said.

Talking about RCB's match against CSK in Bengaluru, he added it would be a great occasion to play in front of their home fans even though there will be a lot of yellow fans.

"It'd be a great occasion, honestly, at home, in front of our fans, there will also be a lot of yellow fans but it's gonna be a great occasion. But yeah, we are just nice and calm and relaxed and looking forward to the game," he added.

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MS Dhoni To Retire If CSK Get Knocked Out By RCB In IPL 2024? Faf Du Plessis Says, "People Have Been Talking..." | Cricket News

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis talked about MS Dhoni's retirement ahead of a crucial IPL 2024 match.
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MSD is a phenomenon with him and Jimmy Anderson also retiring that truly is an end of an era! Adios Dhoni

If elite sportsperson athletes are bracketed then it should be

CR7, MSD, Bolt, Hamilton, Undertaker,

This is where Dhoni belongs , greatest cricketer from subcontinent may be yes, though SRT and IK fans will get riled up
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Yep nostalgic fans.
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Honestly, hate people who live in eternal nostalgia. Dhoni should have retired 2 seasons back, he cannot win games on his own now.

I am glad though that CSK got kicked out this year- one of the qualifiers and the finals is in Chennai this year and if CSK had won again, it would have been made harder than ever to ask him to step down.
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Yep nostalgic fans.
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I understand why they did this year. First time MS Dhoni is not captaining CSK. Couple of seasons Jadeja did the captaincy. Half way through he handed back to MSD. This year it was a complete transition. So presence of MSD was needed to guide Ruturaj. They probably were prepared for tournament exit from the beginning. They still would have made last 4 but for injuries to Pathirana, Fiz, Chahar.
 
Kianig89 said:
MSD is a phenomenon with him and Jimmy Anderson also retiring that truly is an end of an era! Adios Dhoni

If elite sportsperson athletes are bracketed then it should be

CR7, MSD, Bolt, Hamilton, Undertaker,

This is where Dhoni belongs , greatest cricketer from subcontinent may be yes, though SRT and IK fans will get riled up
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Outside Bolt, a weird list of number 2s.
 
So was this the last time we saw dhoni playing cricket? Or he has some gas still left in his tanks.

I think it is time for him to call it a day. He has done enough. CSK was a beast under his captaincy and he has won them titles. It is time for him to say goodbye to cricket asa player but he can always stay with this franchise as a mentor or something.
 

Did MS Dhoni leave the field without shaking hands with RCB players? Thala's IPL 2024 over as RCB knock out CSK​


MS Dhoni was dismissed in the final over of CSK's run chase against RCB on Saturday, in a match that was a virtual knockout for a playoffs berth. Having done it on numerous occasions in the past, MS Dhoni failed to get CSK over the finish line this time around.

Speculation is rife that Dhoni could have made his last competitive appearance in the sport. Playing through back pain all season long, Dhoni 's underwhelming IPL 2024 came to a disappointing end on Saturday.

As a customary tradition in the sport, players shake hands at the conclusion of the game. Even beyond the handshake, Dhoni, as always, spends some time with youngsters and other players, sharing his experiences.

However, there have been reports that he did not shake hands with RCB players after the match.

Dhoni did shake hands with the RCB coaches and support staff, and even waited for the players to shake hands. However, some reports have claimed that Dhoni returned to the dressing room without shaking hands with the opposition, as he was suffering with back pain.

Playing with the pain, keeping wickets for 20 overs, and batting as and when required, it has been a valiant effort from 'Thala' in his 17th season in the IPL.

www.sportingnews.com

Did MS Dhoni leave the field without shaking hands with RCB players? Thala's IPL 2024 over as RCB knock out CSK | Sporting News India

MS Dhoni was dismissed in the final over of CSK's run chase against RCB on Saturday. Having done what he does best on most occasions in the past, MS Dhoni failed to get CSK over the finish line, this time around.
www.sportingnews.com www.sportingnews.com
 
Man , this guy is the worst selfish guy. The stupid CSK fans who fan worship him are part of the problem. injustice to Gaikwad who is constantly having dhoni look over his shoulders.
 
Goat Dhoni has already retired from international cricket. What he does now is totally his business and if teams in IPL want to sign him and want him to continue playing, then there is nothing wrong in that. His billion fans want him to play for another year and Dhoni should listen to that. You guys are taking franchise cricket way too seriously!
 
Speaking in a program on a local sports channel, Ambati Rayudu suggested that the legendary skipper still has some gas left in the tank and expressed that he wanted a more fitting ending for his former skipper:

“I don’t think this is his last game. I just don’t see him wanting to end on this note."

“With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact."

“BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it’s up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not.”
 
Caved12 said:
Goat Dhoni has already retired from international cricket. What he does now is totally his business and if teams in IPL want to sign him and want him to continue playing, then there is nothing wrong in that. His billion fans want him to play for another year and Dhoni should listen to that. You guys are taking franchise cricket way too seriously!
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Exactly. He is a money spinner. Just look at the response he gets wherever he goes. Even BCCI would want him to continue so is franchise. RCB has zero trophies. They just keep Kohli for this brand value. CSK is lucky that they have both brand value and the best franchise in IPL history. It won't be the same once he leaves CSK. It is not like he was terrible. Much better than a lot of regular players this season despite playing through pain.
 

"MS Dhoni Told Management...": CSK Official's Big Revelation On Thala's Retirement​


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowed out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs after losing their final league game of the campaign to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday. The result meant that CSK's Net Run Rate was slightly lower than RCB's, and hence, the Faf du Plessis-led side went through despite the two teams sitting on 14 points each. CSK fans weren't just saddened by their team's elimination but also the fact that they might've seen the last of MS Dhoni. However, a CSK official has now revealed that Dhoni hasn't yet communicated to the franchise about his potential retirement.

In a chat with the Times of India, a senior CSK official explained that the change of ball in the final over of the match, after Dhoni hit a 110-meter six, played a big role in his team's defeat against RCB. In the process, Dhoni failed to fulfill his promise of lifting the IPL trophy at Chepauk.

"The ball was lost and had to be replaced. Dayal got a drier ball and suddenly hitting became difficult," a senior CSK official said.

The report also reveals that Dhoni returned to Ranchi on Sunday itself, and was the first one from the CSK camp to head home, having been devastated because of the result against RCB.

As far as the big call on Dhoni's future is concerned, a source told the paper that Thala hasn't told anyone at the franchise about his plans. He informed the management to wait for a couple of months before the final call was made.

"Dhoni has not told anybody in CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before taking a final call," the report quoted a source as saying. "He did not feel any discomfort in his running between the wickets and that is a plus."

The 'Impact Player' rule, which has received much criticism from a few active cricketers, is also likely to play a role in Dhoni's retirement call. If the rule is persisted with, Dhoni might continue as it gives him the freedom to fulfil a specific job with the team. If the rule is abolished, the veteran wicket-keeper batter's return might be difficult.

"We will wait for Dhoni's communication. He always has the best interests of the team in mind, let's see what happens," the CSK official concluded.

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"MS Dhoni Told Management...": CSK Official's Big Revelation On Thala's Retirement | Cricket News

MS Dhoni hasn't yet publicly confirmed whether he plans to continue his playing career in the IPL. But, a CSK official has revealed the message Dhoni gave his management.
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Misbah brought the culture of cricketers post age 40 still playing professional cricket. Dhoni is just following his footsteps. If fans and franchise dont care how are we to complain? I am not Dhoni fan but was a massive Sachin fan but lost some respect for him in last years of his career. Sachin was way past his prime and carried 2 years extra just for his 100th century. It was painful and ruined his legacy.
 
Dhoni can still hit chukkaz for fun against such bowling and with these pitches
 
DeadlyVenom said:
He is still making a contribution..that's seriously impressive for that age
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His knees are done. He cannot run like he used to. It is a common problem for people over 40 as you do a lot of bending especially while keeping. Also lack of games for whole year in between is going to shock your system when you actually play after an year. I will be surprised if he plays another year even though franchise wants him around for one more year.
 
He can play as long as he wants to for CSK I guess. They love him way too much. Also its franchise cricket. Folks pay to watch him play. People complaining take franchise cricket to serious.
 
Bad decision by dhoni to play this season again, he should have left on a high note when they lifted the trophy last year now he is now becoming a troll material.
 
MS Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad:

"There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court.”

"So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team."
 
FearlessRoar said:
MS Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad:

"There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court.”

"So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team."
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He must say goodbye to professional cricket.... If he keeps playing he will only decrease his worth as a player because at such an age you can't do wonders on the field.
 
Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni shared insights into his relationship with Virat Kohli while speaking at an event in Hyderabad:

"We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time. He (Kohli) has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket. And the fact that I could bat a lot with him during the middle overs was a lot of fun because we used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it has always been fun. It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for sometime, we will talk about what is going on, so that is our relationship."
 
To be honest, he didn't do that bad last IPL. He is still quite good even at this old age.

Also, he is just playing franchise cricket. Not international cricket. IPL is not serious like international cricket.
 
I think the upcoming IPL might be the last campaign for Dhoni. He should be saying BYE BYE to all forms. ENough of him.
 
Speaking on the topic of MS Dhoni’s IPL retention as uncapped player on his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin:

“Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That’s a big question mark. The point is correct. He hasn’t played international cricket for many years."

“He has retired. So, he is an uncapped player. He is not a capped player. Can a player like Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That is another conversation."
 
Alongside Kohli, Dhoni is the player I really respect from India. Two superstars of the game.
 
Ms dhoni is one of those guys who is respected worldwide. But it is time for him to say bye bye to this sport. He has done everything a nation wants from a player. Prolonging his career for being too much hyped by people is not the way you would want to g considering your age.
 

CSK CEO denies requesting BCCI to treat MS Dhoni as uncapped player in IPL 2025​


CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath denied requesting BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to allow MS Dhoni to be retained as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Notably, CSK had reportedly put forth a request to BCCI in the recent meeting between the board and the franchises to treat Dhoni as an uncapped player.

There was a provision in the IPL rule books which stated that the players who’ve retired from international cricket for five years can be termed uncapped, but the rule was abolished in 2021. Recently, commenting on the matter, Kasi Viswanath denied making any such request and said that the BCCI will take the call on the rules.

“I've no idea about it. We've not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the 'uncapped player rule' may be kept, that's all. They (the BCCI) haven't announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI,” Viswanath told the Times of India.

Dhoni had promised to return for his fans in 2024

Notably, after leading CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni had promised to return for one more season for his fans and hence played in the 2024 edition of the tournament. However, after Chennai failed to reach the playoffs of the tournament, it was expected that Dhoni would announce his retirement.

The cricketer is yet to make his announcement and recently said that he will do whatever is best for the team. The 43-year-old relinquished his captaincy ahead of the 2024 season and handed over the responsibility to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Coming in to bat lower down the order, Dhoni scored 161 runs from 11 innings at an average of 53.66 and a thunderous strike-rate of 220.54. The wicketkeeper batter smacked 13 sixes during the season bringing his large fan base to the edge of their seats.

www.indiatoday.in

CSK CEO denies requesting BCCI to treat MS Dhoni as uncapped player in IPL 2025

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath reveals that they didn't request BCCI to treat MS Dhoni as an uncapped player in IPL 2025.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 
Mohammad Kaif speaking during an interview:

"You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK."

"I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni."
 

MS Dhoni To Play T10 Cricket? T Ten Global Chairman Says "We Can Expect..."​


Shaji Ul Mulk, T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman, believes the prospect of seeing India icon MS Dhoni in the T10 format could be a possibility. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to loom over MS Dhoni's involvement in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Chennai Super Kings. Concerns over Dhoni's participation remain due to his age, knee injury and being tight-lipped about his possible plans of retirement after CSK suffered an exit in the group stage. There has been no word in the rumour mill about Dhoni still wanting to compete in the top T20 league.

Top former and current stars have shown their class in the T10 format, including former Australia star David Warner.

With the likes of former India stars including Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and many more, taking part in the different T10 leagues, the prospect of seeing Dhoni in the format remains a possibility.

"Absolutely, I think outside of the top level of international cricketers playing, current India internationals are not allowed to play outside of the Indian Premier League. The recently retired players, almost all the big names of India, have come to play T10. So yes, we can expect MS Dhoni to be playing T10 when he makes up his mind," Shaji told ANI.

The ten franchises, including the two new ones, Bolts Ajman and UP Nawabs, joined the other eight featuring New York Strikers, Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors, Morrisville Samp Army, Delhi Bulls, Bangla Tigers, Team Abu Dhabi and Chennai Brave Jaguars - to complete their rosters.

A total of 179 international megastars will participate in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, making it the biggest season ever.

Players from 11 different nations were drafted, showcasing the truly global nature of the Abu Dhabi T10. Leading the selections were 20 players from the West Indies, 17 from the UAE, 15 from Sri Lanka, and 14 from Pakistan. Afghanistan contributed 11, while nine English, five Zimbabwean, three Bangladeshi, three Australian, and two each from New Zealand and South Africa were also picked, highlighting the tournament's international appeal.

Matthew Boucher, Abu Dhabi Cricket CEO, believes that the format can take off on a global level and said, "It seems like T10 is having a fantastic couple of years. From our perspective, we absolutely love it. It is something that is taking to take off on a global perspective."

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MS Dhoni To Play T10 Cricket? T Ten Global Chairman Says "We Can Expect..." | Cricket News

T Ten Global Sports chairman Shaji Ul Mulk did not remove the possibility of MS Dhoni playing T10 cricket.
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Love how teams are playing Tests now: MS Dhoni backs result-oriented approach​


Former India captain MS Dhoni has praised the aggressive, result-oriented approach, known as "Bazball," that teams are embracing in Test cricket today. This style, popularly known as "Bazball," coined after current England captain Brendon McCullum, emphasizes risk-taking and bold strategies to achieve a result rather than settling for a draw.

Dhoni, known for his astute cricketing mind and calm demeanor on the field, emphasized how Test cricket has evolved to fit this era of aggression and positive results. "You can give cricket any term that you want to," Dhoni said. "What we have seen is cricket has evolved. The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score; now that score is not safe in T20s too."

Reflecting on the days when he represented India in 90 Test matches, Dhoni revealed how he sometimes found it challenging to maintain motivation during matches that seemed destined for a draw. "For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day,when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw," he noted. "I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions, and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening; you are just going through the motions."

For Dhoni, this old-style Test cricket meant extended hours of physical and mental exertion with no reward, a sentiment shared by many players who understand the intensity of a five-day game. His endorsement of the aggressive approach stems from a desire to maintain fan engagement and ensure that the result speaks for itself, offering viewers a more dynamic experience.

Dhoni has always been vocal about the entertainment value of cricket, and he believes the new approach addresses the lingering issue of inconclusive results in Test cricket. "Imagine telling someone who doesn't know much about cricket: we play over five days, and after all that, we don't get a result. That's not nice for the game," he said. The thrill of competitive action, and the challenge of swinging a match in four days or even after a weather delay, Dhoni said, speaks to the "beauty of Test cricket."

The "Bazball" approach has not only increased the number of results but has also injected new life into Test matches, attracting fans who might otherwise prefer the high-octane excitement of limited-overs cricket. "Even if we are playing only four days of cricket and one day gets washed out, still you get a result - that's the beauty of Test cricket, and that's how it should stay," he emphasized.

www.indiatoday.in

Love how teams are playing Tests now: MS Dhoni backs result-oriented approach

Former India captain MS Dhoni reckons that he is pleased with the positive and result-oriented aggresive brand of Test cricket that is being played these days.
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Ponting predicts what lies ahead for MS Dhoni

Australia great Ricky Ponting has shared his admiration for MS Dhoni and the enduring career the India legend continues to build on in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings.

Ponting spoke of Dhoni's ongoing legacy in the game with host Sanjana Ganesan on the most recent episode of The ICC Review just moments after the Chennai Super Kings had decided to retain the services of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup-winning captain.

A two-time World Cup winning captain himself, Ponting reflected on Dhoni’s unique balance between player and mentor roles, emphasising that his experience and leadership are invaluable assets, even if he’s not captaining or actively on the field.

“Two seasons ago he probably had his worst season, but then last year again, he bounced back into really impacting some games like the MS Dhoni of old," Ponting said.

"I think it will be exactly the same now...they might not get him through the whole season. They might think about leaving him out for a game and resting him up here and there to make sure that they’re getting the best out of him.”

Ponting noted that despite recent injuries, Dhoni still brings an irreplaceable presence to CSK.

“Any team that he's in, whether he's captain or not, he's always going to be a mentor and a leader around that group, whether he’s playing, whether he’s sitting on the sidelines, that’s just who he is…he’s crucial to Chennai, for that leadership that he brings on and off the field,” Ponting stated.

When discussing Dhoni’s longevity, Ponting expressed admiration, saying: “The best players are the ones that are able to maintain such a high level for a long time…for 10, 12, 14-year careers.”

He highlighted how Dhoni, like other legends, has found ways to evolve and remain impactful.

Ponting acknowledged that Dhoni’s role has changed over time, with him now batting later in the innings, but still making significant contributions.

“He’s actually batting the last 20 balls of an innings now but still showing that you can make a big impact on the game by doing that,” Ponting added.

ICC
 
Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of BCCI, recently discussed the possibility of MS Dhoni entering politics during an interview on a YouTube channel:

"I feel Dhoni can become a politician. It is up to him, if he will become a politician or not. Sourav, I always felt he would enter Bengal politics. Dhoni can also be good in politics. He will win easily, he is popular. I don't know if he will enter politics, it is purely in his hands. I asked him once that I heard that he was going to contest for Lok Sabha seat, he said 'No, no, no'."

"It is nature to stay hidden, he doesn't even keep a mobile phone with him. It was even hard for the BCCI selectors to approach him, as there was no mobile with him. It is his nature to go away from fame or whatever is his nature. He is not a hermit. He does things seriously, there is no lightness in it."
 
MS Dhoni, while speaking at an event:

“I've retired since 2019, so it will be quite some time. What I've been doing in the meantime is I just want to enjoy cricket for the last, whatever few years, you know, I will be able to play.”

“I want to enjoy it, how I did as a child when I was in school. When I lived in a colony, 4 o'clock (in the afternoon) was sports time, so we'd go and play cricket more often than not. But if the weather didn't permit, we used to play football. I want to play with the same kind of innocence... (but it is) easier said than done."

“You always need to figure out what is good for you. When I was playing, I made sure that cricket was everything for me — nothing else mattered. What time I had to sleep? What time I had to get up? What impact it had on (my) cricket, that was the most important thing.”

“You know, all the friendships, the fun, all those can happen later. There is a right time for everything, and I felt if you are able to recognize that, that's the best thing you can do (for yourself).”
 

"Every Time People Question MS Dhoni...": Sunil Gavaskar Shuts Down Doubters​

As the Chennai Super Kings set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a clash of the five-time champions, all eyes will be on MS Dhoni, who continues to be a key figure in the league. Addressing the speculation over ex-skipper's participation in the season, India legend Sunil Gavaskar said that whenever people questioned the CSK stalwart, he silenced those critics with his skills.

"Every Time People Question MS Dhoni...": Sunil Gavaskar Shuts Down DoubtersMS Dhoni has so far played 264 games and scored 5243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time run list, with 24 half-centuries to his name.Indo-Asian News ServiceUpdated: March 23, 2025 07:39 pm ISTRead Time: 2 min
"Every Time People Question MS Dhoni...": Sunil Gavaskar Shuts Down Doubters
File photo of MS Dhoni and Sunil Gavaskar© BCCI/Sportzpics
As the Chennai Super Kings set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a clash of the five-time champions, all eyes will be on MS Dhoni, who continues to be a key figure in the league. Addressing the speculation over ex-skipper's participation in the season, India legend Sunil Gavaskar said that whenever people questioned the CSK stalwart, he silenced those critics with his skills. (CSK vs MI LIVE Score)

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The cricketer, who turns 44 in July, is playing his 18th straight IPL season, 16 of these representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has so far played 264 games and scored 5243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time run list, with 24 half-centuries to his name.

"Why should we even ask that question? Why put pressure on him? Every time people question MS Dhoni, he proves them wrong. Don't doubt his ability. Even at this age, he's hitting sixes not just past the boundary but into the stands during practice. Age is just a number when it comes to Dhoni," Gavaskar said on JioHotstar.

When Dhoni takes the field against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday evening, he needs to hit just two maximums to complete 250 sixes for CSK, the franshise he led in 212 matches, winning 128 games while losing 82 matches since the IPL began in 2008.

Overall, Dhoni is placed fourth in the most IPL sixes list, trailing Chris Gayle (357), Rohit Sharma (280) and Virat Kohli (272).

Dhoni's tenure as captain of CSK began in the first season back in 2008 and resulted in five trophy-winning campaigns. He has spent his entire career with the Super Kings, barring the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the franchise was suspended due to spot-fixing scandal.

CSK used the retention clause in the IPL mega auction last year to keep Dhoni for the 2025 season as an uncapped player, given his five-year absence from international cricket.

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden reflected on the 'El Clasico' clash between MI and CSK at Chepauk, saying the Super Kings controlled the game at the MA Chidambaram, as MI does at Wankhede Stadium.

This will be the 38th encounter between the two teams, with MI leading the head-to-head 20-17. The Super Kings, however, won the only meeting between the sides last year by 20 runs in Mumbai.

"It's such a great fixture. These two sides have so much history together. And at Chepauk, CSK has controlled the game, just like Mumbai does at Wankhede. A win there would be significant, and CSK's spin unit—one of the best in the competition—will play a crucial role.

"They've got their old friend back, Ravichandran Ashwin, which is great to see. He could be key on a wicket that I expect to offer turn. It's only fitting that the season opener at Chepauk features the Mumbai Indians," Hayden said.

Source: NDTV
 
- People pay money to see Dhoni
- Dhoni can still walk in at No.9 and smash 4 sixes at the death.
- Still a fantastic keeper behind the stumps
- His experience, leadership, and cricketing IQ make him an invaluable mentor and role model for young players in the CSK dugout.
 
MS Dhoni completes 1500 IPL runs at Chepauk. He is the first player to achieve this feat.

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The legendary MS Dhoni created history once again in the Indian Premier League with his stumping to dismiss Ayush Badoni in the match between Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings in Lucknow on Monday.

Dhoni became the first man to hit 200 dismissals in the tournament’s history. He already holds the record, having been well ahead of Dinesh Karthik, who is his closest competitor at 182 dismissals. The stand-in skipper reached the record thanks to his stumping to get rid of Ayush Badoni off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling.
 
Dhoni finally won a game again... BUt really, he should retire.. No point in dragging a dead weight CSK
 
I watched a bit of live IPL for the first time in God knows how many years. I tuned because CSK needed some quick runs and Dhoni was on the crease.

My theory is that the game was fixed at the end hence the bowlers were bowling those big full tosses, wide balls and no balls.

This was to ensure a successful chase for Team Dhoni and to please the crowd. Dhoni legacy continues.
 
I just looked at the scorecard after this thread. Those are some top tier bowlers he faced.
 
One of the fittest 40+ years cricketers in World, alongside Jimmy Anderson and Shoaib Malik.
 
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