<p>BCCI secretary Jay Shah released a video, thanking the Indian Team for their best efforts and for winning the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the Americas. Shah also put aside all the rumours of a change in captaincy following the appointment of a new head coach by confirming that longer-format skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in ODIs and Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah added that Team India’s next target is winning the World Test Championship Final and the Champions Trophy, both scheduled for next year, under Rohit's leadership.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhonis-birthday-salman-khan-gautam-gambhir-pour-wishes-as-thala-turns-43-watch-738661">MS Dhoni’s Birthday: Salman Khan, Gautam Gambhir pour wishes as Thala turns 43 – WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>In a one-minute-plus-long video, Shah congratulated the Men in Blue for this historic win in Barbados, where they beat South Africa by seven runs in the final. Shah dedicated Team India’s second world title to former coach Rahul Dravid and three players who announced their T20I retirements – Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.</p>

<p>Shah said it was Team India’s third final in the last year. India lost the WTC Final (in June) and the 50-over World Cup Final a few months later in November to Australia on both occasions. Shah added after those two losses, he committed that the Rohit-led Indian Team would turn the tables in June this year in the T20 WC by winning it, which eventually happened.</p>

<p>He also congratulated the bowling attack that kept its cool and won the match from a losing position in the finale.</p>

<h2>Rohit to lead in WTC and CT</h2>

<p>Confirming Rohit Sharma’s participation as the Team India captain for the coming two ICC events scheduled in 2025 – the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy, Shah said he believes that under Rohit’s leadership, Team India will again stand tall in those tournaments and lift the respective trophies.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulates the Indian cricket team on winning the ICC T20 World Cup<br />
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He says, "...I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy..."<br />
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(Source: BCCI) <a href="https://t.co/NEAvQwxz8Y">pic.twitter.com/NEAvQwxz8Y</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1809851004181258427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, India sits in the top position in the current WTC standings, with six wins from nine matches and a PCT of 68.52.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Considering India’s home season, which includes Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and an overseas tour Down Under, they have a stronger chance of staying at the top and qualifying for the WTC Final for the record third-straight time.</p>

<p>Besides, regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, neither the Indian Govt. nor the BCCI have confirmed Team India’s participation, owing to tense relations between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, per the latest reports, should India travel to Pakistan, they will play all of their matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, including the semis and the finale, should they reach that far. Reports also suggest that India is placed in Group A alongside the hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


BCCI secretary Jay Shah released a video, thanking the Indian Team for their best efforts and for winning the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the Americas. Shah also put aside all the rumours of a change in captaincy following the appointment of a new head coach by confirming that longer-format skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in ODIs and Tests.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah released a video, thanking the Indian Team for their best efforts and for winning the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the Americas. Shah also put aside all the rumours of a change in captaincy following the appointment of a new head coach by confirming that longer-format skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in ODIs and Tests. Shah added that Team India’s next target is winning the World Test Championship Final and the Champions Trophy, both scheduled for next year, under Rohit's leadership. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni’s Birthday: Salman Khan, Gautam Gambhir pour wishes as Thala turns 43 – WATCH In a one-minute-plus-long video, Shah congratulated the Men in Blue for this historic win in Barbados, where they beat South Africa by seven runs in the final. Shah dedicated Team India’s second world title to former coach Rahul Dravid and three players who announced their T20I retirements – Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. Shah said it was Team India’s third final in the last year. India lost the WTC Final (in June) and the 50-over World Cup Final a few months later in November to Australia on both occasions. Shah added after those two losses, he committed that the Rohit-led Indian Team would turn the tables in June this year in the T20 WC by winning it, which eventually happened. He also congratulated the bowling attack that kept its cool and won the match from a losing position in the finale. Rohit to lead in WTC and CT Confirming Rohit Sharma’s participation as the Team India captain for the coming two ICC events scheduled in 2025 – the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy, Shah said he believes that under Rohit’s leadership, Team India will again stand tall in those tournaments and lift the respective trophies. WATCH VIDEO - #WATCH | BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulates the Indian cricket team on winning the ICC T20 World Cup He says, "...I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy..." (Source: BCCI) pic.twitter.com/NEAvQwxz8Y — ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2024 × Meanwhile, India sits in the top position in the current WTC standings, with six wins from nine matches and a PCT of 68.52. Considering India’s home season, which includes Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and an overseas tour Down Under, they have a stronger chance of staying at the top and qualifying for the WTC Final for the record third-straight time. Besides, regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, neither the Indian Govt. nor the BCCI have confirmed Team India’s participation, owing to tense relations between the two countries. However, per the latest reports, should India travel to Pakistan, they will play all of their matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, including the semis and the finale, should they reach that far. Reports also suggest that India is placed in Group A alongside the hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. (With inputs from agencies)

Jay Shah confirms Rohit Sharma’s future as ODI, Test captain as 2025 WTC, Champions Trophy loom

<p>India has been the team to beat in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with eight wins in eight games. The Men in Blue are the only unbeaten team in the quadrennial tournament and were the first to qualify for the semifinals. Among their eight wins, their last two were the most dominant as they bowled out the opposition for less than 100.</p>

<p>Out of two teams which were bowled out for less than 100, one was South Africa, a team which has been the most dominant batting side in the current World Cup. After India bowled them out for 83 in a chase of 327, former Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram showered a lot of praise on the Rohit-led team.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-all-records-broken-during-glenn-maxwells-201-not-out-in-australia-vs-afghanistan-656405">All these records were broken during Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out in Aus vs Afg</a></p>

<p>Speaking during a show on the Pakistan news channel A Sports, Akram said: “Rest of the world versus India would be fair. Total domination in all three aspects of the game be it batting, bowling or fielding. No matter if they bat first or field first. Complete control in all these aspects of the game. What more do I say about today's performance?”</p>

<p>Talking about bowling, Indian bowlers have taken 76 wickets in total eight games they have played - the most for any team in the tournament.</p>

<p>India have bowled out every team they have played against except Bangladesh and Afghanistan against whom they have taken eight wickets each. Teams against whom India have taken all wickets are — Sri Lanka, England, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.</p>

<p>As for the runs conceded, India have not gotten hit for 300 runs even once in the tournament. They have bowled out two teams namely Pakistan and Australia for less than 200 and England for less than 150 apart from destroying Sri Lanka and South Africa.</p>

<p>For three times in the tournament India have conceded more than 250 in the tournament - 256 by Bangladesh, 273 by New Zealand and 272 by Afghanistan.</p>


India has been the team to beat in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with eight wins in eight games. The Men in Blue are the only unbeaten team in the quadrennial tournament and were the first to qualify for the semifinals.

India has been the team to beat in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with eight wins in eight games. The Men in Blue are the only unbeaten team in the quadrennial tournament and were the first to qualify for the semifinals. Among their eight wins, their last two were the most dominant as they bowled out the opposition for less than 100. Out of two teams which were bowled out for less than 100, one was South Africa, a team which has been the most dominant batting side in the current World Cup. After India bowled them out for 83 in a chase of 327, former Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram showered a lot of praise on the Rohit-led team. Also Read: All these records were broken during Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out in Aus vs Afg Speaking during a show on the Pakistan news channel A Sports, Akram said: “Rest of the world versus India would be fair. Total domination in all three aspects of the game be it batting, bowling or fielding. No matter if they bat first or field first. Complete control in all these aspects of the game. What more do I say about today's performance?” Talking about bowling, Indian bowlers have taken 76 wickets in total eight games they have played - the most for any team in the tournament. India have bowled out every team they have played against except Bangladesh and Afghanistan against whom they have taken eight wickets each. Teams against whom India have taken all wickets are — Sri Lanka, England, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. As for the runs conceded, India have not gotten hit for 300 runs even once in the tournament. They have bowled out two teams namely Pakistan and Australia for less than 200 and England for less than 150 apart from destroying Sri Lanka and South Africa. For three times in the tournament India have conceded more than 250 in the tournament - 256 by Bangladesh, 273 by New Zealand and 272 by Afghanistan.

ODI World Cup 2023: Rest of World vs India would be fair, says Wasim Akram in praise of Rohit-led team

<p>Dubbed by many as the greatest Indian captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, turned 42 on Friday, July 7. The beloved 'Thala' lately tasted success in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his Chennai Super Kings team winning the title for the fifth time equaling Mumbai Indians.</p>

<p>His teammates, best friends and even colleagues took to social media to send birthday greetings to the legend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to some of the young guns, Dhoni received ample love and best wishes from all quarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To date, the only captain to win all white-ball ICC trophies, including the T20 World Cup (2007), 50-over World Cup (2011) and the Champions Trophy (2013), Dhoni is regarded among the game's finest strategists and perhaps one of the best wicketkeepers of all time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-3rd-test-day-1-mark-woods-five-for-keeps-england-in-drivers-seat-despite-mitchell-marshs-ton-612853">Ashes 2023, 3rd Test, Day 1: Mark Wood's five-for keeps England in driver's seat despite Mitchell Marsh's ton</a></p>

<p>From being the ultimate finisher that he was, having won a plethora of games on his own for both India and his IPL franchises, CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant, Dhoni's ability to produce a stumping in a fraction of seconds gave him the name of 'the quickest man in the east'.</p>

<p>Other than winning three ICC titles as Indian captain, Dhoni also clinched two Asia Cup trophies (2010, 2016) and was also the first Indian captain to win the ODI series in Australia (2008).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As it often unfolds in life, he has had many low moments as a captain throughout his career, but Dhoni's ability to rise from the ashes and deliver with what is at his disposal separated him from the rest.</p>

<p>On his birthday, some of Dhoni's closet pals on and off the field, including Raina and Jadeja, sent him greetings on social media. Several budding youngsters like Tilak Varma, who received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming West Indies series, also tweeted wishes for the veteran skipper.</p>

<h2>On MS Dhoni's 42nd birthday, let's look at some of the tweets -</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy birthday to my big brother <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> ! 🎉 From sharing the pitch to sharing our dreams, the bond that we've created is unbreakable. Your strength, both as a leader and as a friend, has been my guiding light. May the year ahead bring you joy, success, and good health. Keep… <a href="https://t.co/0RJXCKEz7B">pic.twitter.com/0RJXCKEz7B</a></p>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1677030049760034817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My go to man since 2009 to till date and forever. Wishing you a very happy birthday mahi bhai.🎂see u soon in yellow💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/respect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#respect</a> <a href="https://t.co/xuHcb0x4lS">pic.twitter.com/xuHcb0x4lS</a></p>
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja/status/1677133343761072130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy birthday Mahi bhai 🤗 I remember the conversations we’ve had and all the advice you’ve given me. Wishing you the best always ❤️🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/wAynPhJrVa">pic.twitter.com/wAynPhJrVa</a></p>
— Tilak Varma (@TilakV9) <a href="https://twitter.com/TilakV9/status/1677140454977212418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy birthday my favourite ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/KWF83qlOhb">pic.twitter.com/KWF83qlOhb</a></p>
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/1677161245689126913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your helicopter shots,<br />
Swift stumping on dots<br />
Always made the game a treat to watch,<br />
And made opponent's hopes go botch.<br />
<br />
Happiest birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> bhai 🤗 <a href="https://t.co/j914fmoTSx">pic.twitter.com/j914fmoTSx</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1677114023949615104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Birthday to the most successful captain of Team India, <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>! Your charisma, leadership, and extraordinary skills continue to inspire millions around the globe. Thank you for your unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket. <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/ogeFGRXhI2">pic.twitter.com/ogeFGRXhI2</a></p>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1677143077042139158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 0000 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘺" <a href="https://t.co/vQpl9NyrQU">pic.twitter.com/vQpl9NyrQU</a></p>
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucknowIPL/status/1677022097934278656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The clock strikes 12 as we step into THALA's birthday in style! BRING ON THE BIRTHDAY WHISTLES! 🦁🥳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CelebratingThala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CelebratingThala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/rvb3dtoUzo">pic.twitter.com/rvb3dtoUzo</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1677022254633476096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing the legend and the greatest ever to play the sport a very happy birthday! May each and everyone of our great country have the honour and the privilege of experiencing your leadership firsthand someday in every aspect of life..greatest leader!! <a href="https://t.co/KWGkkiNEuL">pic.twitter.com/KWGkkiNEuL</a></p>
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) <a href="https://twitter.com/RayuduAmbati/status/1677153929384062976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Sun God has 7 horses to pull his heavenly chariot.<br />
In the Rigveda there are 7 parts of the world, 7 seasons &amp; 7 fortresses<br />
7 basic musical notes<br />
7 pheras in a marriage<br />
7 wonders of the world<br />
And on<br />
7th day of 7th month- Birthday of a top man <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> . <a href="https://t.co/ZZwXBT5mLV">pic.twitter.com/ZZwXBT5mLV</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1677192633113006080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Dubbed by many as the greatest Indian captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, turned 42 on Friday, July 7. The beloved 'Thala' lately tasted success in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his Chennai Super Kings team winning the title for the fifth time equaling Mumbai Indians.

Dubbed by many as the greatest Indian captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, turned 42 on Friday, July 7. The beloved 'Thala' lately tasted success in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his Chennai Super Kings team winning the title for the fifth time equaling Mumbai Indians. His teammates, best friends and even colleagues took to social media to send birthday greetings to the legend. From Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to some of the young guns, Dhoni received ample love and best wishes from all quarters. To date, the only captain to win all white-ball ICC trophies, including the T20 World Cup (2007), 50-over World Cup (2011) and the Champions Trophy (2013), Dhoni is regarded among the game's finest strategists and perhaps one of the best wicketkeepers of all time. ALSO READ: Ashes 2023, 3rd Test, Day 1: Mark Wood's five-for keeps England in driver's seat despite Mitchell Marsh's ton From being the ultimate finisher that he was, having won a plethora of games on his own for both India and his IPL franchises, CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant, Dhoni's ability to produce a stumping in a fraction of seconds gave him the name of 'the quickest man in the east'. Other than winning three ICC titles as Indian captain, Dhoni also clinched two Asia Cup trophies (2010, 2016) and was also the first Indian captain to win the ODI series in Australia (2008). As it often unfolds in life, he has had many low moments as a captain throughout his career, but Dhoni's ability to rise from the ashes and deliver with what is at his disposal separated him from the rest. On his birthday, some of Dhoni's closet pals on and off the field, including Raina and Jadeja, sent him greetings on social media. Several budding youngsters like Tilak Varma, who received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming West Indies series, also tweeted wishes for the veteran skipper. On MS Dhoni's 42nd birthday, let's look at some of the tweets - Happy birthday to my big brother @msdhoni ! 🎉 From sharing the pitch to sharing our dreams, the bond that we've created is unbreakable. Your strength, both as a leader and as a friend, has been my guiding light. May the year ahead bring you joy, success, and good health. Keep… pic.twitter.com/0RJXCKEz7B — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 6, 2023 × My go to man since 2009 to till date and forever. Wishing you a very happy birthday mahi bhai.🎂see u soon in yellow💛 #respect pic.twitter.com/xuHcb0x4lS — Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) July 7, 2023 × Happy birthday Mahi bhai 🤗 I remember the conversations we’ve had and all the advice you’ve given me. Wishing you the best always ❤️🙏 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/wAynPhJrVa — Tilak Varma (@TilakV9) July 7, 2023 × Happy birthday my favourite ❤️@msdhoni pic.twitter.com/KWF83qlOhb — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) July 7, 2023 × Your helicopter shots, Swift stumping on dots Always made the game a treat to watch, And made opponent's hopes go botch. Happiest birthday @msdhoni bhai 🤗 pic.twitter.com/j914fmoTSx — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) July 7, 2023 × Happy Birthday to the most successful captain of Team India, @msdhoni! Your charisma, leadership, and extraordinary skills continue to inspire millions around the globe. Thank you for your unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket. @BCCI pic.twitter.com/ogeFGRXhI2 — Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 7, 2023 × "𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 0000 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘺" pic.twitter.com/vQpl9NyrQU — Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) July 6, 2023 × The clock strikes 12 as we step into THALA's birthday in style! BRING ON THE BIRTHDAY WHISTLES! 🦁🥳#CelebratingThala #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/rvb3dtoUzo — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 6, 2023 × Wishing the legend and the greatest ever to play the sport a very happy birthday! May each and everyone of our great country have the honour and the privilege of experiencing your leadership firsthand someday in every aspect of life..greatest leader!! pic.twitter.com/KWGkkiNEuL — ATR (@RayuduAmbati) July 7, 2023 × The Sun God has 7 horses to pull his heavenly chariot. In the Rigveda there are 7 parts of the world, 7 seasons & 7 fortresses 7 basic musical notes 7 pheras in a marriage 7 wonders of the world And on 7th day of 7th month- Birthday of a top man @msdhoni , #HappyBirthdayDhoni . pic.twitter.com/ZZwXBT5mLV — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 7, 2023 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian cricket legends send birthday greetings to MS Dhoni as Thala turns 42

<p>Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed on Sunday. The skipper is currently placed under isolation in the team hotel following the infection.</p>

<p>Posting the update via Twitter, the BCCI said, “#TeamIndia Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.”</p>

<p>The Rohit-led Indian team is currently playing against Leicestershire in a 4-day game ahead of the decisive rearranged Test match against England, that will begin from July 1 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.</p>

<p>The Indian skipper came out to bat in the first innings on Thursday where he scored 25 runs, before getting out in the warm-up match. He also took the field on the second day as India bowled Leicestershire out on 244.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UPDATE - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.</p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1540810550820716544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>But he didn't come out to bat in India's second innings on Saturday as the side lost seven wickets, scoring 364 by the end of the day's play.</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian spinner R Ashwin had also tested positive before leaving India.</p>

<p>India currently lead the Test series 2-1 against England. The fifth Test match, which was supposed to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester last year, was cancelled due to COVID-19 in the Indian camp.</p>

<p>Rohit is currently the highest scorer for India in the series, amassing 368 runs at an average of 52.27 including a hundred at The Oval.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-confronts-fan-for-making-fun-of-young-kamlesh-nagarkoti-during-indias-warm-up-match-491741" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli confronts fan for making fun of young Kamlesh Nagarkoti during India's warm-up match</a></p>

<p>A win or draw in the match against England would help them win the series for the first time since 2007-08.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pants-fitness-not-up-to-the-mark-rohit-sharma-too-isnt-very-fit-says-former-pakistan-spinner-491670">Rishabh Pant's fitness not up to the mark, Rohit Sharma too isn't very fit, says former Pakistan spinner</a></p>

<p>If Rohit fails to make it to the match then India would have a tough time finding an opening pair since the first-choice KL Rahul has already been ruled out of the series due to an injury.</p>


Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed on Sunday. The skipper is currently placed under isolation in the team hotel following the infection.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed on Sunday. The skipper is currently placed under isolation in the team hotel following the infection. Posting the update via Twitter, the BCCI said, “#TeamIndia Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.” The Rohit-led Indian team is currently playing against Leicestershire in a 4-day game ahead of the decisive rearranged Test match against England, that will begin from July 1 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. The Indian skipper came out to bat in the first innings on Thursday where he scored 25 runs, before getting out in the warm-up match. He also took the field on the second day as India bowled Leicestershire out on 244. UPDATE - #TeamIndia Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team. — BCCI (@BCCI) June 25, 2022 × But he didn't come out to bat in India's second innings on Saturday as the side lost seven wickets, scoring 364 by the end of the day's play. Earlier, Indian spinner R Ashwin had also tested positive before leaving India. India currently lead the Test series 2-1 against England. The fifth Test match, which was supposed to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester last year, was cancelled due to COVID-19 in the Indian camp. Rohit is currently the highest scorer for India in the series, amassing 368 runs at an average of 52.27 including a hundred at The Oval. Also read | WATCH: Virat Kohli confronts fan for making fun of young Kamlesh Nagarkoti during India's warm-up match A win or draw in the match against England would help them win the series for the first time since 2007-08. Also Read: Rishabh Pant's fitness not up to the mark, Rohit Sharma too isn't very fit, says former Pakistan spinner If Rohit fails to make it to the match then India would have a tough time finding an opening pair since the first-choice KL Rahul has already been ruled out of the series due to an injury.

Indian cricket skipper Rohit Sharma tests positive for COVID-19 in England

World Cup: India's new master blaster Rohit Sharma beats Dhoni, Tendulkar as records tumble

Why team India will miss Jasprit Bumrah in ODIs against Australia

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu revived India's batting after the team was reduced to 40 for the loss of two wickets in the 2nd ODI against the West Indies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both players slammed a half-century each to resurrect India's innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan fell early. While Rohit, who slammed unbeaten 152 in 1st ODI, departed after 4 runs, Dhawan made 29 in 30 balls he faced. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies in the 2nd ODI at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.</p>

<p>Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "Looks like a nice and hard wicket. May be it will get slower in the second half. Because of our bowling combination, we want to put up a score on the board and ask them to chase it down."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kuldeep comes in for Khaleel and that the only change from the last game. It gives us two wrist spinners in the middle overs and ask the batsmen to come hard at us," he added.</p>

<p>India registered a comfortable eight-wicket over the Jason Holder's side, despite a mammoth target of 323 runs set by the Windies.</p>

<p>Speaking about their strategy for today, Windies skipper Holder said, " &nbsp;\Not to disappointed to be bowling first. Seems to be a good track. It should hold up for the 100 overs. Looks drier than the last pitch and I just hope that it stays together. It would be for the batters to take it deep. In a run chase, the batters have to be clinical."</p>

<p>"But up first, the bowlers will have to do the job. We have one change as Obed McCoy is making his debut and comes in for Oshane Thomas," he added.</p>

<p>India lead the five-match ODI series 1-0.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu revived India's batting after the team was reduced to 40 for the loss of two wickets in the 2nd ODI against the West Indies.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu revived India's batting after the team was reduced to 40 for the loss of two wickets in the 2nd ODI against the West Indies. Both players slammed a half-century each to resurrect India's innings. Meanwhile, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan fell early. While Rohit, who slammed unbeaten 152 in 1st ODI, departed after 4 runs, Dhawan made 29 in 30 balls he faced. India won the toss and opted to bat against West Indies in the 2nd ODI at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "Looks like a nice and hard wicket. May be it will get slower in the second half. Because of our bowling combination, we want to put up a score on the board and ask them to chase it down." "Kuldeep comes in for Khaleel and that the only change from the last game. It gives us two wrist spinners in the middle overs and ask the batsmen to come hard at us," he added. India registered a comfortable eight-wicket over the Jason Holder's side, despite a mammoth target of 323 runs set by the Windies. Speaking about their strategy for today, Windies skipper Holder said, " \Not to disappointed to be bowling first. Seems to be a good track. It should hold up for the 100 overs. Looks drier than the last pitch and I just hope that it stays together. It would be for the batters to take it deep. In a run chase, the batters have to be clinical." "But up first, the bowlers will have to do the job. We have one change as Obed McCoy is making his debut and comes in for Oshane Thomas," he added. India lead the five-match ODI series 1-0.

IND vs WI: Fifties from Kohli, Rayudu resurrect Indian innings in 2nd ODI

<p>With a brand value of USD 144 million, cricketer Virat Kohli has dethroned Shah Rukh Khan as the most valuable celebrity brand in the country. Brand Kohli registering a growth of 56 per cent from last year, according to a report.</p>

<p>This increase is primarily driven by his growing endorsement fees, on-field performances and rise in popularity index, according to the Duff &amp; Phelps report Rise of the Millennials: India&#39;s Most Valuable Celebrity Brands.</p>

<p>&quot;For the first time since we began publishing our rankings, Shah Rukh Khan has slipped from the top ranking and been replaced by Virat Kohli. Kohli is now the first choice of brands to engage and attract consumers, fueled by his extraordinary on-field performances and off-field charisma,&quot; Duff &amp; Phelps managing director and region leader - India, Japan and Southeast Asia Varun Gupta said.</p>

<p>Shah Rukh Khan slipped to the second&nbsp;spot, with a brand value of USD 106 million, down by nearly 20 percent as compared to 2016, while actress Deepika Padukone, valued at USD 93 million, retained her third rank.</p>

<p>Kohli endorses 20 brands as of October 2017, while Khan and Padukone endorse 21 and 23 brands, respectively.</p>

<p>Actor Akshay Kumar added seven new product brands to his portfolio and his brand value surged nearly 97 per cent to reach USD 47 million in 2017.</p>

<p>Ace shuttler PV Sindhu is the first female sports personality to feature in the top 15 celebrities, occupying the 15th slot with a brand valuation of USD 15 million.</p>

<p>Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only other sportsperson to feature in the top 15 list, taking the 13th position with a brand value of USD 21 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A Duff & Phelps report said the Indian cricket captain is worth USD 144 million

With a brand value of USD 144 million, cricketer Virat Kohli has dethroned Shah Rukh Khan as the most valuable celebrity brand in the country. Brand Kohli registering a growth of 56 per cent from last year, according to a report. This increase is primarily driven by his growing endorsement fees, on-field performances and rise in popularity index, according to the Duff & Phelps report Rise of the Millennials: India's Most Valuable Celebrity Brands. "For the first time since we began publishing our rankings, Shah Rukh Khan has slipped from the top ranking and been replaced by Virat Kohli. Kohli is now the first choice of brands to engage and attract consumers, fueled by his extraordinary on-field performances and off-field charisma," Duff & Phelps managing director and region leader - India, Japan and Southeast Asia Varun Gupta said. Shah Rukh Khan slipped to the second spot, with a brand value of USD 106 million, down by nearly 20 percent as compared to 2016, while actress Deepika Padukone, valued at USD 93 million, retained her third rank. Kohli endorses 20 brands as of October 2017, while Khan and Padukone endorse 21 and 23 brands, respectively. Actor Akshay Kumar added seven new product brands to his portfolio and his brand value surged nearly 97 per cent to reach USD 47 million in 2017. Ace shuttler PV Sindhu is the first female sports personality to feature in the top 15 celebrities, occupying the 15th slot with a brand valuation of USD 15 million. Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only other sportsperson to feature in the top 15 list, taking the 13th position with a brand value of USD 21 million.

Virat topples SRK, is India's most valuable celebrity brand

<p>Dr Tharoor called Dhoni&#39;s decision to pass on the reins&nbsp;&quot;admirable&quot;, and praised his style. Dhoni&#39;s surprise retirement as the Indian cricket ODI and T20 captain came just a day before he was to sit down with&nbsp;selectors to pick the team for the forthcoming series against England. The responsibility of leading the team now falls&nbsp;on the able shoulders of Virat Kohli.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read the interview here:</p>

<p><strong>JT: MS Dhoni&nbsp;has never lived by the conventional rules of Indian cricket. You would expect India&#39;s greatest captain to go out with fanfare. But not him?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Dr Shashi Tharoor:</strong>&nbsp;He has got this abrupt departure style which is somewhat surprising in the case of the Test match resignation. I was actually disappointed. Even a bit angry, because I felt it was almost a betrayal to leave a tour that you&#39;re captaining the side before the final Test of the tour and announce that you&#39;re not playing anymore; that simply to my mind was bad form.&nbsp;But&nbsp;this announcement, on the other hand, was admirable because he was essentially saying,<em>&nbsp;I am not going to leave it too late, one day I have to give&nbsp;up the captaincy. I&#39;ll do it on my own terms and I&#39;ll do it now&nbsp;when&nbsp;Kohli has been leading the squad, so&nbsp;why&nbsp;prevent him from assuming his natural place</em>.&nbsp;That&nbsp;was a rather impressive decision which obviously could have been done in a more, shall we say, more theatrical way with more fanfare but&nbsp;that isn&#39;t Mr Dhoni&#39;s style.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>JT: The question everyone seems to be asking is, was this the right time?&nbsp;There is a series coming up against England and this could prove to be a distraction...</strong></p>

<p><strong>Dr Tharoor:</strong>&nbsp;I think that the right time&nbsp;for any sportsman is the time inside his head when he decides he should go. We&#39;ve seen a few predictable decisions, we&#39;ve seen some surprising decisions and we&#39;ve seen some delayed decisions.&nbsp;If Mr Dhoni feels that his time was right to give up the captaincy while staying in the same breadth that he remains available as a player and as a wicket keeper, then good for him. I think honestly until very recently his keeping is still unmatched in India and his batsmanship, you know he&#39;s averaging over fifty in ODIs and not too many players can say that.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>JT: The numbers don&#39;t lie. This was a man who led from the front. The World Cup final against Sri Lanka is a case in point. Yet his captaincy style was unconventional?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Dr Tharoor:</strong>&nbsp;Dhoni was always a better captain in short formats than the Test match. It&#39;s because in the test matches you often felt that he was switching on to autopilot. In T20s, because he only had 20 overs to play with,&nbsp;I thought he was much more on the ball, and in 50 overs also he did enough interesting things. But you know a time comes after a while he&#39;s been captain for a 199 matches, a time comes after all when somebody says, look, I&#39;ve been there done that, let somebody else have a go. Certainly Virat Kohli is switched on all the time in a way that perhaps a veteran captain doesn&#39;t quite feel the need to be in the same way. It may not be a bad time right now to make that switch.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>If Mr Dhoni feels that his time was right to give up the captaincy while staying in the same breadth that he remains available as a player and as a wicket keeper, then good for him. I think honestly until very recently his keeping is still unmatched in India and his batsmanship, you know he&#39;s averaging over fifty in ODIs and not too many players can say that.&nbsp;</h5>
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<p><br />
<strong>JT: Talking about the unconventional approach, this was a man who turned to Joginder Sharma in the world T20, dropped Ashwin for the world cup final. The list is endless. Perhaps there could be a comparison with Sourav Ganguly but Dhoni was his own man?</strong></p>

<p><b>Dr Tharoor:</b>&nbsp;Dhoni was certainly his own man, some of his choices were pure instinct and there&#39;s no rational explanation for any of them. I think the Joginder Singh example is very interesting because Harbhajan still had an over left&nbsp;but Dhoni just felt that&nbsp;the way Misbah [Pak cricketer]&nbsp;was batting he was&nbsp;he would think the off-spinner into the grounds and he needed the effort to put somebody who can put some more pace in the ball. But that was an instinctive and a surprising bet. If you remember that after that Joginder Singh hardly ever played for India again, it suggests that you&#39;re looking at somebody who in many ways not only defied conventional wisdom but did it in the moment and for the moment. that kind of instinctive captaincy is unusual, it&#39;s also impossible to analyse beyond a particular point and it becomes extremely difficult to replicate. Kohli has his own instincts, he&#39;s made some surprising decisions even during the recent test series against England. Some of his more unexpected bowling changes which went against the advice of the commentators during those matches... were the ones that got wickets and now we&#39;ll look for Mr Kohli&#39;s unexpected changes as captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>JT: What for you has been the defining moment in Dhoni&#39;s tenure as captain. Under him India achieved it all, the World T20 win, the World number&nbsp;one&nbsp;ranking in Tests and the ICC Champions Trophy?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Dr Tharoor:</strong>&nbsp;Dhoni undoubtedly took Indian cricket to heights that hadn&#39;t been known even during the glory days of Saurav Ganguly. Now Saurav as captain had some remarkable victories, most famously&nbsp;the time he stripped off his T-shirt at Lords when his team came from behind with an unexpected victory. But what Dhoni did in accomplishing titles that no previous captain had done since the World Cup in 1983, the T20 we won the very inaugural one and so on. So there were remarkable accomplishments and there were also losses. When somebody leaves we only remember his triumphs and that&#39;s how it should be. Just as obituaries never speak ill of the dead, departing test captains are rarely pilloried. But Dhoni also had setbacks and defeats, we never won another world T20 title, did we, after 2007, until we came up with some other good victories. But we lost a lot of tournaments much earlier and certainly we&#39;ve had setbacks also under Dhoni. So I don&#39;t want to imply that everything was great, but he has more victories than defeats and he was somebody who very often was responsible for those victories himself.</p>

<p>Some of his extraordinary performances coming in at number&nbsp;5 or 6 in an ODI lineup and hitting the winning runs will often stay etched in the memory and there was a feeling that as long as Dhoni was at the crease, almost any target in the last over was not impossible. Increasingly he&#39;s also had occasions when he&#39;s failed to hit that target but very very often he did it, and I think that is his individual stamp on his captaincy success.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>JT: Where would you rate him in the pantheon of India&#39;s cricketing captains?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Dr Tharoor:</strong>&nbsp;I&#39;d say Dhoni was undoubtedly in the very top bracket, partly because you know we&#39;ve had only&nbsp;a handful of captains who&#39;ve got any significant success record, and that too in relatively recent years. Most of our captains right up to the 90s had more failures than successes. Gavaskar had one great success as captain which was the world championship of cricket in Australia, Kapil dev had one great success which was the world cup in 1983. But otherwise all our captains till the 90&#39;s including Tendulkar who ended the 90s as captain had more failures than victories. It&#39;s really a handful of captains all in the 21st century who&#39;ve seen a significant record of success and of that I would say Dhoni stands so far very near the top. Obviously, Kohli has begun with a higher percentage of success than either dhoni or Kumble or Ganguly or obviously any of their predecessors. But right now I&nbsp;would say Dhoni is at the very top if you look back at great Indian captains.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>JT: He has retired from Tests and now given up the captaincy. The end of MS Dhoni as a cricketer is near. How badly will he be missed?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Dr Tharoor:</strong>&nbsp;Every great cricketer is missed for a very short time,&nbsp;then the game moves on. That is inevitable,&nbsp;that&#39;s simply how it is. Sport is a career which offers you a very short lifespan. If you want to be remembered for a long time become a politician, because as a cricketer you will be remembered fondly by people who saw you in your prime, but a younger generation will find new heroes. Many of us may&nbsp;worshiped Tendulkar, people called him god.&nbsp;But there are lots of people today who think of Kohli when they think of a great Indian batsman. Gavaskar&nbsp;seemed to be of a greatness and could never be equaled,&nbsp;then Tendulkar eclipsed him. Maybe Kohli will eclipse Tendulkar and as far as captaincy is concerned somebody will come along to eclipse Dhoni and may be one day Kohli.</p>

<p>Just today as we are speaking of this 17-year-old teenage prodigy, Prithvi Shaw, has hit a century for Mumbai and taken them into the Ranji trophy finals. It gladdens one&#39;s heart when a new star is born like this, a prodigy. But the fact is that somebody&#39;s gonna have to be displaced if one day as a bright young man he burst into the Indian team, it will be at the expense of somebody else who hasn&#39;t done badly. That&#39;s life. Karun Nayyar got his 303, how does Ajinkya Rahane come back in? There&#39;ll always be people of great accomplishment who will not be forgotten, but will have to make way for others. So Dhoni making way is simply the existing normal narrative of any cricketer&#39;s life and story.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch this video to hear Dr Tharoor describe the future of Indian cricket.</p>

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<p>After Dhoni&#39;s unpredictable retirement as the Indian Cricket ODI and T20 captain, the responsibility of leading the team now goes on the able shoulders of Virat Kohli. WION&#39;s Jessica Taneja speaks to Congress MP and cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor (WION)</p>
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<p>(WION)</p>


We spoke to the Congress MP and cricket enthusiast about India's most successful cricket captain MS Dhoni

Dr Tharoor called Dhoni's decision to pass on the reins "admirable", and praised his style. Dhoni's surprise retirement as the Indian cricket ODI and T20 captain came just a day before he was to sit down with selectors to pick the team for the forthcoming series against England. The responsibility of leading the team now falls on the able shoulders of Virat Kohli. Read the interview here: JT: MS Dhoni has never lived by the conventional rules of Indian cricket. You would expect India's greatest captain to go out with fanfare. But not him? Dr Shashi Tharoor: He has got this abrupt departure style which is somewhat surprising in the case of the Test match resignation. I was actually disappointed. Even a bit angry, because I felt it was almost a betrayal to leave a tour that you're captaining the side before the final Test of the tour and announce that you're not playing anymore; that simply to my mind was bad form. But this announcement, on the other hand, was admirable because he was essentially saying, I am not going to leave it too late, one day I have to give up the captaincy. I'll do it on my own terms and I'll do it now when Kohli has been leading the squad, so why prevent him from assuming his natural place. That was a rather impressive decision which obviously could have been done in a more, shall we say, more theatrical way with more fanfare but that isn't Mr Dhoni's style. JT: The question everyone seems to be asking is, was this the right time? There is a series coming up against England and this could prove to be a distraction... Dr Tharoor: I think that the right time for any sportsman is the time inside his head when he decides he should go. We've seen a few predictable decisions, we've seen some surprising decisions and we've seen some delayed decisions. If Mr Dhoni feels that his time was right to give up the captaincy while staying in the same breadth that he remains available as a player and as a wicket keeper, then good for him. I think honestly until very recently his keeping is still unmatched in India and his batsmanship, you know he's averaging over fifty in ODIs and not too many players can say that. JT: The numbers don't lie. This was a man who led from the front. The World Cup final against Sri Lanka is a case in point. Yet his captaincy style was unconventional? Dr Tharoor: Dhoni was always a better captain in short formats than the Test match. It's because in the test matches you often felt that he was switching on to autopilot. In T20s, because he only had 20 overs to play with, I thought he was much more on the ball, and in 50 overs also he did enough interesting things. But you know a time comes after a while he's been captain for a 199 matches, a time comes after all when somebody says, look, I've been there done that, let somebody else have a go. Certainly Virat Kohli is switched on all the time in a way that perhaps a veteran captain doesn't quite feel the need to be in the same way. It may not be a bad time right now to make that switch. If Mr Dhoni feels that his time was right to give up the captaincy while staying in the same breadth that he remains available as a player and as a wicket keeper, then good for him. I think honestly until very recently his keeping is still unmatched in India and his batsmanship, you know he's averaging over fifty in ODIs and not too many players can say that. × JT: Talking about the unconventional approach, this was a man who turned to Joginder Sharma in the world T20, dropped Ashwin for the world cup final. The list is endless. Perhaps there could be a comparison with Sourav Ganguly but Dhoni was his own man? Dr Tharoor: Dhoni was certainly his own man, some of his choices were pure instinct and there's no rational explanation for any of them. I think the Joginder Singh example is very interesting because Harbhajan still had an over left but Dhoni just felt that the way Misbah [Pak cricketer] was batting he was he would think the off-spinner into the grounds and he needed the effort to put somebody who can put some more pace in the ball. But that was an instinctive and a surprising bet. If you remember that after that Joginder Singh hardly ever played for India again, it suggests that you're looking at somebody who in many ways not only defied conventional wisdom but did it in the moment and for the moment. that kind of instinctive captaincy is unusual, it's also impossible to analyse beyond a particular point and it becomes extremely difficult to replicate. Kohli has his own instincts, he's made some surprising decisions even during the recent test series against England. Some of his more unexpected bowling changes which went against the advice of the commentators during those matches... were the ones that got wickets and now we'll look for Mr Kohli's unexpected changes as captain. JT: What for you has been the defining moment in Dhoni's tenure as captain. Under him India achieved it all, the World T20 win, the World number one ranking in Tests and the ICC Champions Trophy? Dr Tharoor: Dhoni undoubtedly took Indian cricket to heights that hadn't been known even during the glory days of Saurav Ganguly. Now Saurav as captain had some remarkable victories, most famously the time he stripped off his T-shirt at Lords when his team came from behind with an unexpected victory. But what Dhoni did in accomplishing titles that no previous captain had done since the World Cup in 1983, the T20 we won the very inaugural one and so on. So there were remarkable accomplishments and there were also losses. When somebody leaves we only remember his triumphs and that's how it should be. Just as obituaries never speak ill of the dead, departing test captains are rarely pilloried. But Dhoni also had setbacks and defeats, we never won another world T20 title, did we, after 2007, until we came up with some other good victories. But we lost a lot of tournaments much earlier and certainly we've had setbacks also under Dhoni. So I don't want to imply that everything was great, but he has more victories than defeats and he was somebody who very often was responsible for those victories himself. Some of his extraordinary performances coming in at number 5 or 6 in an ODI lineup and hitting the winning runs will often stay etched in the memory and there was a feeling that as long as Dhoni was at the crease, almost any target in the last over was not impossible. Increasingly he's also had occasions when he's failed to hit that target but very very often he did it, and I think that is his individual stamp on his captaincy success. JT: Where would you rate him in the pantheon of India's cricketing captains? Dr Tharoor: I'd say Dhoni was undoubtedly in the very top bracket, partly because you know we've had only a handful of captains who've got any significant success record, and that too in relatively recent years. Most of our captains right up to the 90s had more failures than successes. Gavaskar had one great success as captain which was the world championship of cricket in Australia, Kapil dev had one great success which was the world cup in 1983. But otherwise all our captains till the 90's including Tendulkar who ended the 90s as captain had more failures than victories. It's really a handful of captains all in the 21st century who've seen a significant record of success and of that I would say Dhoni stands so far very near the top. Obviously, Kohli has begun with a higher percentage of success than either dhoni or Kumble or Ganguly or obviously any of their predecessors. But right now I would say Dhoni is at the very top if you look back at great Indian captains. JT: He has retired from Tests and now given up the captaincy. The end of MS Dhoni as a cricketer is near. How badly will he be missed? Dr Tharoor: Every great cricketer is missed for a very short time, then the game moves on. That is inevitable, that's simply how it is. Sport is a career which offers you a very short lifespan. If you want to be remembered for a long time become a politician, because as a cricketer you will be remembered fondly by people who saw you in your prime, but a younger generation will find new heroes. Many of us may worshiped Tendulkar, people called him god. But there are lots of people today who think of Kohli when they think of a great Indian batsman. Gavaskar seemed to be of a greatness and could never be equaled, then Tendulkar eclipsed him. Maybe Kohli will eclipse Tendulkar and as far as captaincy is concerned somebody will come along to eclipse Dhoni and may be one day Kohli. Just today as we are speaking of this 17-year-old teenage prodigy, Prithvi Shaw, has hit a century for Mumbai and taken them into the Ranji trophy finals. It gladdens one's heart when a new star is born like this, a prodigy. But the fact is that somebody's gonna have to be displaced if one day as a bright young man he burst into the Indian team, it will be at the expense of somebody else who hasn't done badly. That's life. Karun Nayyar got his 303, how does Ajinkya Rahane come back in? There'll always be people of great accomplishment who will not be forgotten, but will have to make way for others. So Dhoni making way is simply the existing normal narrative of any cricketer's life and story. Watch this video to hear Dr Tharoor describe the future of Indian cricket. After Dhoni's unpredictable retirement as the Indian Cricket ODI and T20 captain, the responsibility of leading the team now goes on the able shoulders of Virat Kohli. WION's Jessica Taneja speaks to Congress MP and cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor (WION) × (WION)

EXCLUSIVE: Dr Shashi Tharoor speaks to WION's Jessica Taneja