MS Dhoni's New Look Sparks Excitement Ahead of IPL 2024

MS Dhoni’s New Look Sparks Excitement Ahead of IPL 2024

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is eagerly anticipated, and all eyes are once again on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni. Speculations about his future in the tournament have subsided, and fans are eagerly awaiting the return of ‘Thala’ for the five-time champions.

A recent social media post by CSK featuring Dhoni sporting a red bandana and long hair has sparked excitement among fans. Australia and Delhi Capitals batter David Warner couldn’t resist commenting, “Loving the new head band @Mahi.”

Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has addressed the question of Dhoni’s successor as captain. He acknowledged that internal discussions have taken place but emphasized that the decision will be left to the coach and captain.

“Mr. Srinivasan has made it very clear. Let’s not talk about captain and vice-captain appointments. Let’s leave it to the coach and the captain to decide. Let them decide and convey the information to me, and then I will convey it to you all,” Viswanathan said.

CSK’s previous attempt to hand over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja proved unsuccessful, leading to a mid-season reversal. The franchise is keen to avoid such hasty decisions in the future.

“See, there have been internal talks. But, Mr. Srinivasan has made it very clear. Let’s not talk about captain and vice-captain appointments. Let’s leave it to the coach and the captain to decide. Let them decide and convey the information to me, and then I will convey it to you all. He has said that ‘the captain and the coach will decide and give us a directive, till then let’s all keep quiet’,” Viswanathan added.

Shreyas Iyer's Ranji Heroics Draw Praise from KKR Coach Pandit

Shreyas Iyer’s Ranji Heroics Draw Praise from KKR Coach Pandit

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit has heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer after the star batter’s scintillating 95 for Mumbai in the second innings of the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. Iyer, who was dismissed for just seven in the first innings, smashed 10 fours and three sixes during his whirlwind knock.

Pandit, who will join forces with Iyer during IPL 2024, hailed the KKR skipper for his fearlessness and compared his knock to the World Cup semi-final century. “It was an important innings for Shreyas and he delivered it when it mattered. Although in a different format, his innings resembled the one in the World Cup semifinal here at the Wankhede against New Zealand (he had scored 105 off 70 deliveries then). He is playing good cricket and it was bad luck that he could not score big runs in the last few games,” Pandit told Cricbuzz.

“The fact that he smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes is an indication that he is playing fearlessly and is not changing his style of play. The innings will stand him in good stead,” he added.

For the unversed, Iyer had smashed 105 off just 70 balls in the ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, also at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

After the Ranji Trophy final, Iyer will associate with Chandrakant Pandit at KKR, having missed the last season of IPL due to an injury.

Pandit also hailed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane for his knock in the second innings, saying that the veteran played the best knock for his side. “I liked his (Musheer) approach and his partnership with Iyer may have made things difficult for Vidrabha. But the best knock I think came from Ajinkya (73). He scored those runs when Umesh Yadav was in the midst of a good spell. Now with so many runs on the board, it will be very difficult for Vidarbha,” he concluded.

India's Test Win-Loss Ratio Reaches 1.0, Marking Historic Milestone

India’s Test Win-Loss Ratio Reaches 1.0, Marking Historic Milestone

India’s recent Test victory over England in Dharamshala marked a significant milestone in the team’s history. For the first time, India’s overall win-loss ratio in Test cricket reached 1.0, meaning the number of wins now matches the number of losses.

This achievement highlights India’s remarkable transformation from a team that struggled in overseas conditions to a formidable force in both home and away Tests. The team’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the emergence of world-class spinners like Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.

India’s home record has been particularly impressive. Since the 1990s, the team has dominated at home, with a win-loss ratio of over 3.0. This dominance is largely due to the preparation of spin-friendly wickets, which have favored India’s skilled spinners.

In recent years, India has also made significant strides in away Tests. The team’s win-loss ratio in away Tests has improved from 0.24 in the 1990s to 0.9 in the 2020s. This improvement is due to a combination of factors, including a more balanced bowling attack and a strong batting line-up.

India’s success in Test cricket is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and talent. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has made them one of the most respected and feared teams in the world.

Ravindra and Kerr Shine Bright at New Zealand Cricket Awards

Ravindra and Kerr Shine Bright at New Zealand Cricket Awards

Rachin Ravindra and Amelia Kerr emerged as the shining stars at the New Zealand Cricket Awards, held in Christchurch on Wednesday. Ravindra, at just 24 years old, became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, the highest honor in men’s cricket in New Zealand. Kerr, on the other hand, retained her Debbie Hockley Medal for the second consecutive year, recognizing her exceptional contributions to women’s cricket.

Ravindra’s award capped a remarkable season where he made an indelible mark on the international stage. He emerged as a rising star at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, amassing 578 runs at an impressive average of 64, including three centuries. His maiden Test hundred, a magnificent 240 at Bay Oval, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic Test series victory against South Africa.

Kerr’s dominance extended beyond the Debbie Hockley Medal, as she also swept the ODI and T20I Player of the Year awards, along with the Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year honor. She led New Zealand’s ODI run-scoring charts with 541 runs at an average of 67, while also being their joint-highest T20I wicket-taker and second-highest T20I run-scorer with 252 runs at a strike rate of 118.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand Test captain, was named Test Player of the Year and also received the Redpath Cup for men’s first-class batting. Williamson’s consistent performances yielded 619 runs at an average of 56, including four centuries in the six Tests considered for the award. Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner were recognized as the ODI and T20I Players of the Year, respectively.

The Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding service to cricket was bestowed upon Trudy Anderson, who played a pivotal role in the operations of Canterbury Cricket for 21 years. Her contributions extended to major events such as the 2015 ODI World Cup, the 2022 Women’s World Cup, and the 2010 and 2018 Men’s U-19 World Cups.

India Solidify WTC Dominance with Innings Victory over England

India Solidify WTC Dominance with Innings Victory over England

India’s dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) continues unabated as they secured a comprehensive innings and 64-run victory over England in Dharamsala. This emphatic win sealed a resounding 4-1 series triumph, further solidifying their position at the summit of the WTC rankings.

India’s impressive performance in the ongoing WTC cycle has seen them accumulate 68.51 percentage points from nine matches, with six wins, two losses, and one draw. Their latest victory propelled them from 64.58 to their current standing.

Captain Rohit Sharma celebrated the series triumph by acknowledging the contributions of promising young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel. In a social media post, Sharma referred to them as “garden mein ghoomne wale bande,” a phrase he had used during the Vizag Test to describe players who were not performing up to expectations.

Sharma’s post drew attention from India’s T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav, who singled out Jaiswal and Gill for praise. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh clarified that the post specifically referred to Shubman.

Rohit Sharma himself had an exceptional series with the bat, amassing 400 runs in five matches at an average of 44.44. He notched up two centuries and one fifty, showcasing his class and consistency.

India’s victory in Dharamsala was a testament to their all-round strength. The bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, while the batsmen, including Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, provided valuable contributions.

The series win against England has further boosted India’s confidence as they prepare for the upcoming WTC final against New Zealand. With their impressive record and a formidable squad, India will be aiming to secure the inaugural WTC title and cement their status as the world’s leading Test team.

Ellyse Perry: Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Reduced Bowling Workload

Ellyse Perry: Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Reduced Bowling Workload

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has been a beacon of consistency across sports, excelling in both football and cricket. Despite her impressive achievements, Perry remains grounded and focused on the present.

After her remarkable performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she claimed 6 for 15 against Mumbai Indians, Perry celebrated modestly with a chocolate brownie and ice cream. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective and not getting carried away by success.

“It’s easy to get really carried away when things go well,” Perry said. “But I feel like a lot of time you don’t have that much control over things panning well or not.”

Perry’s reduced bowling workload in recent times has not diminished her preparation. She believes in staying ready for any opportunity to contribute to her team.

“I have played for a long period of time now, so I have got a bit of a handle on how I need to prepare,” Perry explained. “I do that keeping in mind that you are available if the opportunity presents itself to bowl in a game.”

With the Women’s T20 World Cup approaching, Perry’s performance in the WPL has raised questions about her potential role in the Australian team. However, she remains focused on her team’s success rather than personal accolades.

“I don’t think there is a case for anything,” Perry said. “I have played a lot of cricket over a number of years. We have been pretty fortunate in the Australian team that we have a lot of options.”

Perry credits the positive atmosphere and leadership of Smriti Mandhana for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s turnaround in the WPL.

“There’s a really strong sense of calmness and people are enjoying themselves,” Perry said. “Smriti has led the group exceptionally well.”

As RCB prepares for the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, Perry remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“The team, as a whole, has had more time together,” Perry said. “The fact that we can take the field knowing each other and supporting each other has been great.”

Mohammed Shami's Stitches Removed, Eager for Recovery Progress

Mohammed Shami’s Stitches Removed, Eager for Recovery Progress

Mohammed Shami’s Recovery Progress: Stitches Removed, Eager for Next Phase

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has taken a significant step in his recovery from ankle surgery, with his stitches now removed. The 33-year-old pacer, who missed the recent Test series against England and will sit out the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), shared an update on his progress on social media.

“Hello everyone! I wanted to provide an update on my recovery process. It has been 15 days since my surgery, and I recently had my stitches removed. I am thankful for the advancements and looking forward to the next stage of my healing journey,” Shami wrote on Twitter.

Shami underwent surgery last month to address an ankle injury that had been troubling him for some time. Despite the pain, he played a key role in India’s impressive performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets.

The veteran pacer has been a mainstay of the Indian bowling attack for over a decade, with 229 Test wickets, 195 ODI wickets, and 24 T20 wickets to his name. He was recently honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his contributions to Indian cricket.

Shami’s absence from the IPL and the upcoming T20 World Cup is a blow to the Indian team. However, the pacer remains optimistic about his recovery and is eager to return to action as soon as possible.

“I am working hard on my rehabilitation and am confident that I will be back on the field soon. Thank you for all your support and well wishes,” Shami added.

Pakistan Cricket Team's Dressing Room Tensions Over Batting Order

Pakistan Cricket Team’s Dressing Room Tensions Over Batting Order

Pakistan Cricket Team’s Dressing Room Tensions Surface Over Batting Order

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s recent public expression of dissatisfaction with his batting position in T20 Internationals has exposed underlying tensions within the national team’s dressing room. The situation stems from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to remove Babar as captain across all three formats.

During a media interaction amidst the Pakistan Super League, Babar openly voiced his discontent, particularly highlighting his dissatisfaction with being relegated to bat at number three during the T20 series against New Zealand in January. This discontent emerged after Pakistan’s 1-4 series loss to New Zealand, during which the successful opening partnership between Babar and Mohammad Rizwan was disrupted, with Rizwan paired alongside the young Saim Ayub instead.

“It was the Pakistan team’s demand at the time. I did that for Pakistan,” Babar said. “If I was asked individually, I wasn’t satisfied with the decision to bat at one down position. However, I did that for Pakistan.”

Babar also clarified that he didn’t take any pressure opening in the shortest format, either for Pakistan or his PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

Rizwan had also previously expressed his unhappiness at the change in the batting order, stating that the management’s decision was not fruitful and hurt the side. “You can say that it [breaking the opening pair] has hurt Pakistan. I can say that Babar bhai has a big heart,” Rizwan said after Pakistan lost the fourth T20I against New Zealand. “We both agreed that there is no issue. We both told the management that they can try whatever combination they want.”

The changes in the batting order were initiated by former Pakistan team director Muhammad Hafeez and new T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The public airing of grievances by senior players like Babar and Rizwan suggests a lack of harmony within the Pakistan team. The PCB’s decision to remove Babar as captain has clearly created a rift, and the team’s performance on the field has suffered as a result. It remains to be seen how the PCB will address these tensions and restore unity within the dressing room.

Rohit Sharma's Brilliance and Calm Leadership Guide India to Test Series Victory

Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance and Calm Leadership Guide India to Test Series Victory

Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has praised India skipper Rohit Sharma for his exceptional performance in the recently concluded Test series against England. Hussain believes that Sharma’s calm and composed demeanor on the field belies his immense skill and brilliance as a batsman.

Sharma amassed 400 runs in the five-match series, including two centuries, at a strike rate of 64.21. Hussain noted that Sharma’s ability to adapt his captaincy style to suit the team’s needs was evident throughout the series.

“I think sometimes people confuse Rohit as a laidback cricketer who just lets the game drift,” Hussain said. “There is a lot of skill, thought, and brilliance about his batting. And I thought he had an excellent series as captain.”

Hussain cautioned against comparing Sharma’s captaincy style to that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. “Don’t confuse (Rohit with Virat’s captaincy) because he has come off the back of Virat Kohli. In your face, aggressive captain. In the huddle at Lord’s, saying let’s unleash hell on the England batting lineup. Rohit is not quite the same sort of person. He has that fire burning within.”

Despite England’s early 1-0 lead in the series, India fought back to win four consecutive matches and seal a 4-1 victory. Hussain attributed India’s success to their ability to capitalize on England’s mistakes and their resilience in the face of adversity.

“England had their chances, notably in Rajkot and Ranchi, but India came back strong on both occasions to win,” Hussain said. “India showed great character and determination to come back from behind and win the series.”

Hussain concluded by highlighting the importance of Sharma’s leadership in India’s triumph. “Rohit has been a calming influence on the team,” he said. “He has created a positive and supportive environment, which has allowed the players to perform to their full potential.”

Jonny Bairstow Available for Entire IPL Despite Recent Test Tour

Jonny Bairstow Available for Entire IPL Despite Recent Test Tour

England’s Jonny Bairstow, despite recently returning from a grueling Test tour of India, will be available for the entirety of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22. During the Dharamsala Test, BCCI officials engaged in discussions with their ECB counterparts regarding the availability of English players for the IPL.

While Test regulars Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Mark Wood have opted out of the lucrative T20 league due to ECB’s workload management strategy, Bairstow has confirmed his participation. “Bairstow is expected to arrive in India on March 18 or 19 and will be available for the team’s first game against Delhi Capitals on March 23,” revealed an IPL source.

Bairstow, who reached the milestone of 100 Tests in Dharamsala, endured a disappointing batting performance in India. The IPL provides him with an opportunity to regain his form and contribute to his team’s success.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have made significant changes to their coaching staff. Sanjay Bangar, appointed as cricket director ahead of the 2024 edition, will also serve as the batting coach. Bangar’s previous experience includes stints with RCB and as India’s batting coach.

Consequently, Wasim Jaffer, who held the position of batting consultant last season, has been released by the franchise. Punjab Kings, despite reaching the final in 2014, have consistently underperformed in the IPL. Head coach Trevor Bayliss’ contract expires after the season, and the team must qualify for the play-offs for him to be considered for an extension.

Dharamsala is expected to host Punjab’s final two home games, as it did last season. The remaining five home games will be played at the new stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali.

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