Dhoni's Rare Emotional Outburst After Jadeja's IPL Heroics

Dhoni’s Rare Emotional Outburst After Jadeja’s IPL Heroics

MS Dhoni, renowned for his composed demeanor on the field, displayed a rare outburst of emotion during last year’s IPL final. The incident occurred after Ravindra Jadeja’s heroic performance guided Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth IPL title.

In the rain-affected match, CSK faced a daunting task in the final over, needing 10 runs off the last two balls. Jadeja stepped up to the plate, smashing medium-pacer Mohit Sharma for a six and a four, turning the tide in CSK’s favor.

Dhoni’s reaction to Jadeja’s heroics was uncharacteristic. He embraced and lifted Jadeja, a gesture that left an indelible mark on fans. Recalling the moment during a promotional event, Jadeja joked that he might be the only person besides Dhoni’s wife, Sakshi, to receive such a lift.

Dhoni praised Jadeja’s batting, expressing his confidence in his ability to achieve the target. “I was quite confident about you know Jaddu has the talent and mindset to achieve the target,” Dhoni said. “It was a very memorable innings.”

Dhoni acknowledged the difficulty of Jadeja’s task, particularly the sixes he hit before the final ball. “Looking at the TV, it looks easy but now that I bat down the order, I know how difficult it is to get that kind of elevation and win it for six,” Dhoni said.

The emotions ran high after CSK’s victory, with Dhoni expressing his gratitude for Jadeja’s contribution. “The emotions were very high. So a big round of applause for Jaddu for the way he batted,” Dhoni said.

Jadeja’s performance in the final showcased his talent and determination, while Dhoni’s emotional outburst highlighted the close bond between the two players and the significance of the victory for CSK.

MI's Pandya Disappoints in High-Scoring IPL Clash Against SRH

MI’s Pandya Disappoints in High-Scoring IPL Clash Against SRH

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday witnessed a high-scoring affair, with a combined 523 runs scored. SRH posted a formidable 277/3, while MI fell short by 31 runs despite a valiant effort.

Former India star Manoj Tiwary expressed disappointment with MI skipper Hardik Pandya’s performance. Tiwary criticized Pandya’s strike rate of 120, stating that a “big-hitting player” like him should have attempted more boundaries in a high-scoring match.

“Hardik Pandya is a big-hitting player, but he struck at only 120. Yes, the bowling was good at that time, but one thing that irked me was the shots he hit against back-of-length. He was hitting the shots down the ground,” Tiwary said.

“Generally, when the asking rate is 14-15, and you have such a big player, you’d want them to at least try for a six. Attempting to get a single or two, or even a four, wasn’t the demand of the situation. That irked me. And that shows he is not in good form,” he added.

Pandya, however, defended his team’s performance, acknowledging the quality of SRH’s batting and the challenges faced by their young bowling attack. He praised Proteas pacer Kwena Maphaka for his impressive debut.

“Wicket was good, 277 no matter how bad or good you bowl, if the opposition has to score that much, they have batted well. They (the bowlers) were good, it was tough out there, almost 500 runs were scored and the wicket was helping the batters, we could have done a few things here and there, but having said that, we have a young bowling attack and we will learn,” Pandya said.

“He (Kwena Maphaka) was fantastic, coming into his first game and getting overwhelmed, he was alright and backed his skillset, just needs some game time,” he added.

Despite the loss, MI showed signs of improvement, with several batters performing well. The team will look to address their bowling concerns and bounce back in their upcoming matches.

Neeraj Chopra to Begin Season at Doha Diamond League

Neeraj Chopra to Begin Season at Doha Diamond League

Reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to kick off his season at the prestigious Diamond League series in Doha on May 10. The 26-year-old Indian, who won gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year, is aiming to defend his Olympic title in Paris later this year.

Chopra will face a star-studded field in Doha, including his well-known rivals Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic and Anderson Peters of Grenada. Vadlejch won silver in the Tokyo Olympics and bronze in the 2023 World Championships, while Peters is a former world champion and holds the fifth-longest throw in history (93.07m).

Chopra’s compatriot Kishore Jena, who finished fifth in the 2023 Budapest World Championships and won silver in Hangzhou with a personal best of 87.54m, will also make his Diamond League debut in Doha.

Chopra is eager to start his season strongly and is targeting a throw of over 90m. “This year, my personal goal is to defend my Olympic title, but it would also mean a lot to me to break the 90m barrier,” he said. “The Doha Meeting, with good conditions and a great atmosphere, is a perfect opportunity to get my season off to the best start.”

The javelin event has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with several athletes capable of throwing over 90m. Chopra’s continued excellence has raised the bar for Indian athletes, and he is confident that India is making progress as a nation in the sport.

“Last year my dream was to win the World Championships, but to have three Indian athletes competing in the final – that shows we’re progressing as a nation,” he said.

The Doha Meeting is the third meeting of the 2024 Diamond League series, which comprises 15 legs in total across four different continents. The first two meetings in Xiamen and Shanghai do not have men’s javelin throw as a Diamond League event.

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell, the explosive all-rounder, has come to the defense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has faced criticism for his coaching style. Former KKR all-rounder David Wiese had labeled Pandit’s approach as “militant,” suggesting it led to frustration among foreign players in the team during the previous IPL season.

However, Russell, a key figure in KKR’s squad, offered a contrasting perspective. “We’ve been working with him from last year. I think when you’re working with a coach for the first time, you have to make sure that you adjust to their philosophy. There have to be rules. We are professionals. So, we don’t complain,” Russell said during a pre-match press meet in Bengaluru.

“I try to do the best for this franchise. He’s been doing an amazing job, and we’ve gotten coming back as well,” he added.

Pandit, known for his disciplinarian approach, took over as KKR coach before IPL 2022 following Brendon McCullum’s departure. Wiese had criticized Pandit’s strict and regimented style, suggesting it clashed with the mindset of experienced overseas players.

Russell, however, emphasized the importance of adapting to the coach’s philosophy and maintaining professionalism. “He (Pandit) is known in India as a very militant type of coach. He is very strict, very disciplinarian that type of stuff,” Wiese had said on the podcast ‘Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer.’

“Sometimes in franchise cricket, when you have overseas guys, who’ve played all over the world, they don’t need anyone coming and telling them how they need to behave, what they need to wear and what they need to do the whole time. So, that was tough.”

Despite Wiese’s concerns, Russell’s support for Pandit suggests that the KKR dressing room is not as divided as some may have believed. The team will be hoping to put the coaching controversy behind them and focus on performing well in the upcoming IPL season.

Abahani Dominates DPL, Veterans Shine, Youngsters Impress

Abahani Dominates DPL, Veterans Shine, Youngsters Impress

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is witnessing a thrilling season as Abahani Limited continues its winning streak, while other teams vie for supremacy.

Abahani has emerged as the frontrunner, securing six consecutive victories. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Legends of Rupganj, and Mohammedan Sporting Club trail closely with 10 points each, separated only by net run rate.

Veteran players have stepped up their game, with Shakib Al Hasan contributing a fifty and three wickets for Sheikh Jamal. Tamim Iqbal has impressed with three consecutive fifties for Prime Bank Cricket Club. Mashrafe Mortaza surprised with a five-wicket haul in List-A cricket, his eighth such feat.

Parvez Hossain Emon leads the batting charts with three centuries, followed by Mohammedan’s Mahidul Islam Ankon. Ankon has also scored three fifties, while Tamim and Emon have each added a century to their tally. Towhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 125 for Abahani against Rupganj Tigers was a standout performance.

Maruf Mridha, a young left-arm quick, has emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps. Mashrafe’s five-wicket haul and Tanvir Islam’s six-wicket haul for Abahani against Brothers Union are other notable bowling performances.

Mohammedan’s one-wicket victory over Prime Bank could prove crucial in the title race. Prime Bank’s openers Emon and Tamim, along with Sabbir Rahman, set a strong foundation with a 218-run partnership. However, Mohammedan’s Abu Hider guided his team to victory with a 36-ball 54.

Abahani remains the dominant force, but Mohammedan and Sheikh Jamal pose significant challenges. Rupganj Tigers and City Club remain winless, while Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres, and Brothers Union have secured their first victories.

Players to watch include allrounder Ariful Islam, left-arm spinner Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, and Maruf Mridha. Emon’s consistency and Ankon’s steady rise are also noteworthy.

Former Top 20 Tennis Star Alison Riske-Amritraj Expecting Baby Girl

Former Top 20 Tennis Star Alison Riske-Amritraj Expecting Baby Girl

Alison Riske-Amritraj, a former Top 20 WTA player, is expecting a baby girl with her husband, former ATP pro Stephen Amritraj. The couple announced the exciting news in a creative video posted on Instagram, which also introduced their new dog, Teddy.

Riske-Amritraj, 33, is due to give birth in July, just before the Paris Olympics. She represented the United States at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and is the third Tokyo Olympian to announce her pregnancy in recent months, following Belinda Bencic and Petra Kvitova.

The former world No. 18 married Amritraj, the nephew of former world No. 18 Vijay Amritraj, in 2019. Her announcement was met with congratulations from her WTA peers, including Jennifer Brady, Danielle Collins, Lauren Davis, and Johanna Konta.

Riske-Amritraj’s last match was a first-round loss to Paula Badosa at Wimbledon last summer. She has won three WTA titles and reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2019, where she upset world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty.

Riske-Amritraj’s pregnancy announcement is a reminder that even after retiring from professional tennis, athletes can continue to lead fulfilling lives and pursue their passions. It also highlights the growing trend of female athletes starting families later in their careers, thanks to advances in reproductive technology and a more supportive environment for working mothers.

Novak Djokovic Parts Ways with Coach Goran Ivanisevic After String of Defeats

Novak Djokovic Parts Ways with Coach Goran Ivanisevic After String of Defeats

Novak Djokovic’s recent string of defeats has prompted a significant change in his coaching team, with Goran Ivanisevic stepping down as his main coach. The decision comes after a disappointing start to the year for Djokovic, who has suffered three losses in 2023.

Ivanisevic joined Djokovic’s team in 2018 and played a crucial role in the Serb’s resurgence, helping him win three Grand Slams in 2023. However, Djokovic’s form has dipped since the start of the new year, leading to the decision to part ways with Ivanisevic.

The split highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny that top athletes face. Even a brief period of underperformance can lead to major changes in their support staff. Djokovic’s losses to Alex de Minaur, Jannik Sinner, and Luca Nardi have raised concerns about his current form and motivation.

Djokovic has acknowledged the challenges he faces in the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have both been sidelined by injuries. The emergence of younger players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has also added to the competitive landscape.

The decision to part ways with Ivanisevic is a sign that Djokovic is determined to address his recent struggles and regain his dominance. He has already spoken about the need for changes and improvements, and the coaching split is a significant step in that direction.

It remains to be seen who will replace Ivanisevic as Djokovic’s main coach. The Serb has a history of working with successful coaches, including Boris Becker and Marian Vajda. Whoever takes over will have the task of helping Djokovic rediscover his winning ways and navigate the challenges of the modern tennis era.

Rachin Ravindra Impresses with Bat and Field, Dhoni Intervenes with Hilarious Reply

Rachin Ravindra Impresses with Bat and Field, Dhoni Intervenes with Hilarious Reply

Rachin Ravindra, the young Kiwi batter, has made an immediate impact in the IPL 2024, showcasing his exceptional batting and fielding skills for the Chennai Super Kings. In his first two matches, Ravindra has impressed with back-to-back impressive knocks, including a whirlwind 46 off just 20 balls against the Gujarat Titans.

However, in the field, Ravindra had a forgettable moment when he dropped a crucial catch of Sai Sudharsan in the 15th over during Gujarat’s run chase. During a promotional event, when asked about the incident, Ravindra revealed that he had looked at MS Dhoni, the former CSK captain, for guidance.

Dhoni, known for his calm and composed demeanor, intervened with a hilarious reply, saying, “Well, there’s a new captain!” Dhoni explained that he refrains from reacting to such incidents, especially when the player is young and inexperienced. He also drew parallels between the new skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and himself, saying that Gaikwad is quite similar in his approach.

“It (muscle memory) is there. But, I am not somebody who reacts a lot, especially when somebody is playing his first game or second game. I think Rutu (Ruturaj) is quite the same. But it was fun to watch him (Rachin) move all round the ground,” Dhoni added.

Ravindra, who has quickly become a fan favorite among CSK supporters, has enthralled audiences with his audacious stroke-play. While he has narrowly missed out on a half-century in both matches, Dhoni, the team’s ‘spiritual skipper,’ would be pleased with Ravindra’s performances, knowing that his choice was well-founded.

Dhoni’s decision to pass on the Chennai captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024 surprised many fans, but it appears that the transition has been smooth. Gaikwad, like Dhoni, is a calm and composed leader who is not prone to emotional outbursts.

Ravindra’s impressive start to the IPL 2024 is a testament to his talent and potential. With his ability to contribute both with the bat and in the field, he is a valuable asset to the Chennai Super Kings. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how Ravindra continues to develop and contribute to CSK’s success.

MS Dhoni's Age-Defying Catch Stuns Cricket World

MS Dhoni’s Age-Defying Catch Stuns Cricket World

MS Dhoni’s remarkable catch during the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) clash with the Gujarat Titans has ignited a frenzy among cricket enthusiasts and fans alike. The former CSK skipper, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional anticipation, showcased his enduring skills on the field.

As Daryl Mitchell delivered a full delivery around the off-stump to Vijay Shankar, the latter attempted a straight drive but only managed to edge the ball. In a flash, Dhoni dived to his right and pulled off a spectacular catch, sending Shankar back to the pavilion. The Chepauk crowd erupted in thunderous applause, witnessing the veteran’s remarkable effort behind the stumps.

The match also featured another stunning catch by Ajinkya Rahane, who dived forward to dismiss David Miller. Former India opener Virender Sehwag praised both catches, acknowledging Rahane’s brilliance and humorously labeling Dhoni as “buzurg” (old).

“Catches win matches. Ajinkya Rahane picked a good catch so did Rachin Ravindra. Buzurg (old) MS Dhoni also picked one,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

Rohan Gavaskar, also part of the discussion, pointed out that Sehwag had not referred to Rahane as “buzurg.” Sehwag remained adamant, citing the significant age gap between Rahane and Dhoni.

“Their age is not the same, there is a difference and Rahane is also fitter than MS Dhoni. There is a big difference between a 35-year-old and a 41-year-old (42). MS is getting old now there is no doubt about it,” said Sehwag.

Dhoni’s age-defying catch serves as a testament to his enduring skills and unwavering determination. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he continues to make significant contributions to his team, proving that age is just a number when it comes to cricketing excellence.

Bangladesh's Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Joins ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Nitin Menon Inducted for Fifth Time

Bangladesh’s Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Joins ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Nitin Menon Inducted for Fifth Time

Bangladesh’s Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid has made history by becoming the first umpire from his country to be inducted into the prestigious ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. This significant achievement marks a milestone for Bangladesh’s cricket fraternity and underscores the country’s growing stature in the international cricketing arena.

Sharfuddoula’s elevation to the elite panel is a testament to his exceptional skills and experience as an umpire. He has officiated in numerous international matches, including 10 Tests, 63 ODIs, and 44 T20Is. His calm demeanor, sharp decision-making, and ability to handle pressure have earned him the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

Alongside Sharfuddoula, India’s Nitin Menon has also been inducted into the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for an unprecedented fifth time. Menon, who joined the elite panel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, remains the only Indian in the 12-member club. His inclusion is a recognition of his consistent performances and his ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the game.

The ICC Elite Panel of Umpires is the highest level of umpiring in international cricket. Umpires who are selected for this panel have demonstrated exceptional abilities and have consistently met the rigorous standards set by the ICC. They are responsible for officiating in the most high-profile matches, including Test matches, One-Day Internationals, and Twenty20 Internationals.

The induction of Sharfuddoula and Menon into the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires is a significant development for both Bangladesh and India. It reflects the growing strength of umpiring in these countries and their commitment to promoting fair play and integrity in the sport.

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