<p>Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has questioned the BCCI for allowing the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to skip domestic cricket ahead of a hectic six months culminating into the World Cup in England.</p>

<p>Dhawan, who was dropped from the Test team, is spending time with family in Melbourne following the T20 leg of Australia while Dhoni has had no cricket since the ODI series against the West Indies ended on November 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former captain is a certainty only in the 50-over format after he was ignored for the T20s against the West Indies and Australia. He retired from Tests in 2014.</p>

<p>"We shouldn't ask Dhawan and Dhoni 'Why you are not playing domestic cricket?'. We should, in fact, ask the BCCI and selectors why are they allowing players to skip domestic cricket when they are not on national duty," Gavaskar told 'India Today'.</p>

<p>"If the Indian team has to do well, players have to be in prime form and for that they have to play cricket," he added.</p>

<p>Gavaskar wants the two players to compete in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, especially Dhoni, who is facing constant criticism for his waning batting form.</p>

<p>"He (Dhoni) didn't play the T20Is against Australia, before that he didn't play the West Indies Tests, and then he is not playing the Test series against Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, he last played in October (November 1) and will next play in January, which is a huge gap. But if he doesn't do well on tours of Australia and New Zealand, then there will be more questions asked on his place in the World Cup.</p>

<p>"As you grow older and if there is a gap in your cricket, your reflexes will slow down. If you play any form of cricket at the domestic level, you get an opportunity to play long innings, which serves as a good practice for you," Gavaskar added.</p>


Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has questioned the BCCI for allowing the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to skip domestic cricket ahead of a hectic six months culminating into the World Cup in England.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has questioned the BCCI for allowing the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to skip domestic cricket ahead of a hectic six months culminating into the World Cup in England. Dhawan, who was dropped from the Test team, is spending time with family in Melbourne following the T20 leg of Australia while Dhoni has had no cricket since the ODI series against the West Indies ended on November 1. The former captain is a certainty only in the 50-over format after he was ignored for the T20s against the West Indies and Australia. He retired from Tests in 2014. "We shouldn't ask Dhawan and Dhoni 'Why you are not playing domestic cricket?'. We should, in fact, ask the BCCI and selectors why are they allowing players to skip domestic cricket when they are not on national duty," Gavaskar told 'India Today'. "If the Indian team has to do well, players have to be in prime form and for that they have to play cricket," he added. Gavaskar wants the two players to compete in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, especially Dhoni, who is facing constant criticism for his waning batting form. "He (Dhoni) didn't play the T20Is against Australia, before that he didn't play the West Indies Tests, and then he is not playing the Test series against Australia. "So, he last played in October (November 1) and will next play in January, which is a huge gap. But if he doesn't do well on tours of Australia and New Zealand, then there will be more questions asked on his place in the World Cup. "As you grow older and if there is a gap in your cricket, your reflexes will slow down. If you play any form of cricket at the domestic level, you get an opportunity to play long innings, which serves as a good practice for you," Gavaskar added.

'Why aren't Dhoni, Dhawan playing domestic cricket?' asks Gavaskar

<p>The Indian Premier League auction for the 2019 edition will be held in Jaipur on December 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 70 slots are available with a maximum of 50 Indian players and 20 overseas players allowed to be picked.</p>

<p>Punjab have the maximum amount left in the purse having released 11 players from their pool.&nbsp;<br />
Defending champions Chennai, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, can buy just two players - having retained 23 players - and have Rs. 8.4 crores in their bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from these two, Delhi, Rajasthan and Kolkata are also expected to be on a shopping spree.</p>

<p>Mumbai will look to fill just one overseas spot while Kolkata can buy the maximum number of overseas players - five.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hyderabad have Rs 9.70 crores in their purse and have three Indian slots and two overseas slots to fill.</p>


The Indian Premier League auction for the 2019 edition will be held in Jaipur on December 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday. A total of 70 slots are available with a maximum of 50 Indian players and 20 overseas players allowed to be picked.

The Indian Premier League auction for the 2019 edition will be held in Jaipur on December 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday. A total of 70 slots are available with a maximum of 50 Indian players and 20 overseas players allowed to be picked. Punjab have the maximum amount left in the purse having released 11 players from their pool. Defending champions Chennai, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, can buy just two players - having retained 23 players - and have Rs. 8.4 crores in their bank. Apart from these two, Delhi, Rajasthan and Kolkata are also expected to be on a shopping spree. Mumbai will look to fill just one overseas spot while Kolkata can buy the maximum number of overseas players - five. Hyderabad have Rs 9.70 crores in their purse and have three Indian slots and two overseas slots to fill.

IPL 2019 auction to be held on December 18

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia.</p>

<p>Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the team's preparation for the game, Kohli said, "Looks a hard surface with a decent covering of grass. We haven't had much of time here, so we would like to see how the pitch behaves. We want to figure out in what areas we need to score as well."</p>

<p>"The preparation has been chilled out because for the Tests you need a lot more time and you need to be in the nets. But come game time, you need to be switched on. Both teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. It's going to be competitive," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their 12-month bans for ball-tampering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked how they will deal with the in-form 'Men In Blue', Finch said, " "I would have preferred to bowl first, but I don't mind putting up a score on the board. It is a beautiful wicket. We have played against them a lot. Both sides are familiar with each other. Adam Zampa comes in for Nathan Coulter-Nile."</p>

<p>India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco.</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'"><b>Teams:</b></p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'"><b>India</b>&nbsp;(Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video'"><b>Australia</b>&nbsp;(Playing XI): D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three T20I games against Australia. Believed to be India's best chance of clinching all the series, especially Test, the Virat Kohli-led side will try to dominate the game from starting. Talking about the team's preparation for the game, Kohli said, "Looks a hard surface with a decent covering of grass. We haven't had much of time here, so we would like to see how the pitch behaves. We want to figure out in what areas we need to score as well." "The preparation has been chilled out because for the Tests you need a lot more time and you need to be in the nets. But come game time, you need to be switched on. Both teams know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. It's going to be competitive," he added. Meanwhile, Australia will be without their star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who are serving their 12-month bans for ball-tampering. When asked how they will deal with the in-form 'Men In Blue', Finch said, " "I would have preferred to bowl first, but I don't mind putting up a score on the board. It is a beautiful wicket. We have played against them a lot. Both sides are familiar with each other. Adam Zampa comes in for Nathan Coulter-Nile." India, who have been undefeated in their last nine T20I series, which includes seven series victories on the trot will fancy their chances of extending their winning streak against an Australian side that's still struggling to find its feet in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering fiasco. Teams: India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, K Khaleel Ahmed Australia (Playing XI): D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch(c), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben McDermott, Alex Carey(w), Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake

1st T20I: Virat Kohli wins toss, opts to bowl against Australia

<p>Indian paceman Hardik Pandya shared a picture on his official Instagram account with a caption "Forever Love". The picture does not feature any girl but Pandya with former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandya, who is one of the most eligible bachelors in the Indian men's cricket team, has made one thing clear that MSD is his 'forever love' under whom the pacer made his international debut.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-targeting-team-india-for-poor-overseas-record-is-unfair-says-ravi-shastri-177996">Targeting team India for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-targeting-team-india-for-poor-overseas-record-is-unfair-says-ravi-shastri-177996">poor</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-targeting-team-india-for-poor-overseas-record-is-unfair-says-ravi-shastri-177996"> overseas record is unfair, says coach Ravi Shastri</a></p>

<p>Virat Kohli-led team India has arrived in Australia to play four Tests, three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches from November 2018 to January 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Dhoni and Pandya are not part of this crucial assignment as Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad while Pandya is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a lower-back injury during the Asia Cup in Dubai last September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqUJTj0HZRH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Forever love ❤️ @mahi7781</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hardikpandya93/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Hardik Pandya</a> (@hardikpandya93) on <time datetime="2018-11-18T08:20:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 18, 2018 at 12:20am PST</time></p>
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<p>Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said.&nbsp;</p>


Indian paceman Hardik Pandya shared a picture on his official Instagram account with a caption "Forever Love". The picture does not feature any girl but Pandya with former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Indian paceman Hardik Pandya shared a picture on his official Instagram account with a caption "Forever Love". The picture does not feature any girl but Pandya with former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pandya, who is one of the most eligible bachelors in the Indian men's cricket team, has made one thing clear that MSD is his 'forever love' under whom the pacer made his international debut. Targeting team India for poor overseas record is unfair, says coach Ravi Shastri Virat Kohli-led team India has arrived in Australia to play four Tests, three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches from November 2018 to January 2019. Both Dhoni and Pandya are not part of this crucial assignment as Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad while Pandya is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a lower-back injury during the Asia Cup in Dubai last September. India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue View this post on Instagram Forever love ❤️ @mahi7781 A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93) on Nov 18, 2018 at 12:20am PST × Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India. "One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice. Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said.

Guess who is Hardik Pandya's 'forever love'

<p>A shoulder injury has forced Wriddhiman Saha out of action as of now but he has been India's best wicketkeeper in the last five to ten years, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old Saha, who has been India's number one wicketkeeper in Test cricket since MS Dhoni's retirement in December 2014, is undergoing rehab for his shoulder surgery.</p>

<p>"He's out of the team for about a year now but I think in the last five to 10 years' he has been India's best glovesman. Hope he recovers soon," Ganguly said.</p>

<p>The former captain spoke during the launch of 'Wiki', a sports fiction written by senior journalist Gautam Bhattacharya. The book chronicles the journey of a struggling wicketkeeper and how he makes it big.</p>

<p>Young Rishabh Pant has made an impressive start to his Test career and he will take flight for the upcoming Australia tour. Parthiv Patel is also in the squad as a backup to Pant.</p>

<p>Saha, who has played 32 Tests and scored 1164 runs including three hundreds, last played in the Cape Town Test earlier this year.</p>

<p>"Injury is not in your hands. Wicketkeeper has to dive and he got injured while diving. It takes a certain time to recover. The faster he recovers, the better it is," said Ganguly.</p>

<p>With India not playing any Tests after the Australia tour till July 2019, the Bengal wicketkeeper's future remains uncertain.</p>


A shoulder injury has forced Wriddhiman Saha out of action as of now but he has been India's best wicketkeeper in the last five to ten years, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly.

A shoulder injury has forced Wriddhiman Saha out of action as of now but he has been India's best wicketkeeper in the last five to ten years, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly. The 34-year-old Saha, who has been India's number one wicketkeeper in Test cricket since MS Dhoni's retirement in December 2014, is undergoing rehab for his shoulder surgery. "He's out of the team for about a year now but I think in the last five to 10 years' he has been India's best glovesman. Hope he recovers soon," Ganguly said. The former captain spoke during the launch of 'Wiki', a sports fiction written by senior journalist Gautam Bhattacharya. The book chronicles the journey of a struggling wicketkeeper and how he makes it big. Young Rishabh Pant has made an impressive start to his Test career and he will take flight for the upcoming Australia tour. Parthiv Patel is also in the squad as a backup to Pant. Saha, who has played 32 Tests and scored 1164 runs including three hundreds, last played in the Cape Town Test earlier this year. "Injury is not in your hands. Wicketkeeper has to dive and he got injured while diving. It takes a certain time to recover. The faster he recovers, the better it is," said Ganguly. With India not playing any Tests after the Australia tour till July 2019, the Bengal wicketkeeper's future remains uncertain.

Saha India's best wicketkeeper in last 5-10 years: Sourav Ganguly

<p>India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep when they take on a battered West Indies in the third T20 International here Sunday even while looking to test the bench strength.</p>

<p>For the cricket loving fans in Chennai, they will certainly miss their 'favourite son' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is not a part of the T20 squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having sealed the series with a comprehensive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/2nd-t20i-rohits-unbeaten-111-powers-india-to-195-175901">win in the second T20I at Lucknow</a> riding on skipper Rohit Sharma's brilliant ton, the home team would look to give reserve bench players like Shreyas Iyer, MS Washington Sundar and the uncapped Shahbaz Nadeem an opportunity before it embarks on the tour of Australia.</p>

<p>The selectors decided to rest pacemen Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for Sunday's game, allow them to be in the best physical condition ahead of the tour to Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Medium-pacer Siddarth Kaul has been added to the squad.</p>

<p>The pitch at Chepauk has been on the slower side in recent games but the square prepared for Sunday's game is expected to favour the batsmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Rohit was at his best during the Lucknow T20I following up his exploits in the preceding ODI series but the other batsmen haven't made sizeable contributions despite facing an inconsistent West Indies attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The captain's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant among others would like to have a few more runs under the belt before the Australia tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local star Dinesh Karthik, whose heroics in the Nidahas Trophy finale in Sri Lanka are still fresh in memory, shone as India chased down a modest target in the first match after a mid-innings wobble and will be eager to shine in front of the home crowd.</p>

<p>With Bumrah and Kuldeep, who have posed a challenge to the visiting batsmen being rested, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the young Khaleel Ahmed will be expected to form the pace attack and provide early wickets.</p>

<p>The spin department may see the return of Yuzvendra Chahal in the absence of Kuldeep while Krunal Pandya will expect to build on an impressive start to his international career.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if the team management chooses to give Chennai man Washington Sundar a go alongside Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visitors, on the other hand have been at sixes and sevens in the T20s after posing an unexpected challenge to the Indians in the ODIs, especially against the skills of Bumrah and Kuldeep.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The absence of regular openers (Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis) and the decision to tinker with the combination at the top hasn't helped their cause either. Skipper Carlos Brathwaite admitted they had to make do with the resources available and the team will aim to end the series with a consolation win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Established names like Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin haven't fired and the impressive Shimron Hetmyer pushed up the order hasn't found the going easy to add to the Windies' woes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the bowlers, Oshane Thomas has impressed the most with his pace and ability to take wickets but has lacked support from the others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brathwaite, who rose to fame after smashing Ben Stokes for four sixes in the final over of the 2016 ICC World T20 final in Kolkata, will be eager to showcase his abilities and thereby inspire his men, low on morale, to raise their game against a dominant Indian side in the concluding match of the tour to secure a consolation win.</p>


India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep when they take on a battered West Indies in the third T20 International here Sunday even while looking to test the bench strength.

India will be aiming to complete a clean sweep when they take on a battered West Indies in the third T20 International here Sunday even while looking to test the bench strength. For the cricket loving fans in Chennai, they will certainly miss their 'favourite son' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is not a part of the T20 squad. Having sealed the series with a comprehensive win in the second T20I at Lucknow riding on skipper Rohit Sharma's brilliant ton, the home team would look to give reserve bench players like Shreyas Iyer, MS Washington Sundar and the uncapped Shahbaz Nadeem an opportunity before it embarks on the tour of Australia. The selectors decided to rest pacemen Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for Sunday's game, allow them to be in the best physical condition ahead of the tour to Australia. Medium-pacer Siddarth Kaul has been added to the squad. The pitch at Chepauk has been on the slower side in recent games but the square prepared for Sunday's game is expected to favour the batsmen. Skipper Rohit was at his best during the Lucknow T20I following up his exploits in the preceding ODI series but the other batsmen haven't made sizeable contributions despite facing an inconsistent West Indies attack. The captain's opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant among others would like to have a few more runs under the belt before the Australia tour. Local star Dinesh Karthik, whose heroics in the Nidahas Trophy finale in Sri Lanka are still fresh in memory, shone as India chased down a modest target in the first match after a mid-innings wobble and will be eager to shine in front of the home crowd. With Bumrah and Kuldeep, who have posed a challenge to the visiting batsmen being rested, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the young Khaleel Ahmed will be expected to form the pace attack and provide early wickets. The spin department may see the return of Yuzvendra Chahal in the absence of Kuldeep while Krunal Pandya will expect to build on an impressive start to his international career. It remains to be seen if the team management chooses to give Chennai man Washington Sundar a go alongside Shreyas Iyer. The visitors, on the other hand have been at sixes and sevens in the T20s after posing an unexpected challenge to the Indians in the ODIs, especially against the skills of Bumrah and Kuldeep. The absence of regular openers (Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis) and the decision to tinker with the combination at the top hasn't helped their cause either. Skipper Carlos Brathwaite admitted they had to make do with the resources available and the team will aim to end the series with a consolation win. Established names like Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin haven't fired and the impressive Shimron Hetmyer pushed up the order hasn't found the going easy to add to the Windies' woes. Among the bowlers, Oshane Thomas has impressed the most with his pace and ability to take wickets but has lacked support from the others. Brathwaite, who rose to fame after smashing Ben Stokes for four sixes in the final over of the 2016 ICC World T20 final in Kolkata, will be eager to showcase his abilities and thereby inspire his men, low on morale, to raise their game against a dominant Indian side in the concluding match of the tour to secure a consolation win.

IND vs WI, 3rd T20I: India aim clean sweep against West Indies

<p>India captain Virat Kohli has said Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to play a key role in their limited-overs team despite the wicketkeeper-batsman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announce-indias-t20-squads-for-wi-and-australia-series-ms-dhoni-dropped-173727">being omitted for upcoming Twenty20 matches </a>against West Indies and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's chief selector MSK Prasad said Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik had been drafted in for six T20s this month as the side look to identify a backup wicketkeeper to Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the decision to omit Dhoni raised questions about the long-serving wicketkeeper's future in the shortest format of the game, Prasad said the 37-year-old was merely being rested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli, speaking to reporters on Thursday after his side secured a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/5th-odi-rohit-kohli-chase-down-windies-total-in-145-overs-clinch-series-3-1-174897">3-1 victory over West Indies</a> in their five-match one-day international series, gave short shrift to questions regarding Dhoni's future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think the selector has already addressed this if I'm not wrong," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And he's been spoken to firstly... So, I don't see any reason why I should be sitting here and explaining that. I think the selector has come out and explained exactly what happened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think people are putting too much variables into this situation, which is not the case I can assure you of that," Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By sitting out the T20s, Dhoni was giving an opportunity to younger players to get much-needed expereince, Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He's still a very integral part of this team and he just feels that in the T20 format, someone like Rishabh can get more chances," he added.</p>

<p>"It has got nothing to do with anything that other people are thinking and I, as captain, can certainly assure you of that."</p>

<p>Dhoni announced his sudden retirement from test cricket midway through an Australia series in 2014, with the Boxing Day match in Melbourne being the last of his 90 appearances in the longer format.</p>

<p>He has continued to compete in limited-overs internationals but local media have questioned whether he will be around for next year's one-day World Cup in England and Wales when Dhoni will be 38.</p>

<p>He remains supremely fit and his glove work is still of the highest quality but opinion is divided over whether age has diminished his batting.</p>

<p>Dhoni was once considered India's best finisher and no target was deemed out of reach with the boundary-hitting right-hander at the crease. He has scored 1,487 runs from 93 T20 internationals, at a strike-rate of over 127.</p>

<p>Pant, 21, has been making his mark with the bat and selectors could be planning ahead for not only next year's World Cup but the World Twenty20 the following year in Australia.</p>


India captain Virat Kohli has said Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to play a key role in their limited-overs team despite the wicketkeeper-batsman being omitted for upcoming Twenty20 matches against West Indies and Australia.

India captain Virat Kohli has said Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to play a key role in their limited-overs team despite the wicketkeeper-batsman being omitted for upcoming Twenty20 matches against West Indies and Australia. India's chief selector MSK Prasad said Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik had been drafted in for six T20s this month as the side look to identify a backup wicketkeeper to Dhoni. While the decision to omit Dhoni raised questions about the long-serving wicketkeeper's future in the shortest format of the game, Prasad said the 37-year-old was merely being rested. Kohli, speaking to reporters on Thursday after his side secured a 3-1 victory over West Indies in their five-match one-day international series, gave short shrift to questions regarding Dhoni's future. "I think the selector has already addressed this if I'm not wrong," he said. "And he's been spoken to firstly... So, I don't see any reason why I should be sitting here and explaining that. I think the selector has come out and explained exactly what happened. "I think people are putting too much variables into this situation, which is not the case I can assure you of that," Kohli said. By sitting out the T20s, Dhoni was giving an opportunity to younger players to get much-needed expereince, Kohli said. "He's still a very integral part of this team and he just feels that in the T20 format, someone like Rishabh can get more chances," he added. "It has got nothing to do with anything that other people are thinking and I, as captain, can certainly assure you of that." Dhoni announced his sudden retirement from test cricket midway through an Australia series in 2014, with the Boxing Day match in Melbourne being the last of his 90 appearances in the longer format. He has continued to compete in limited-overs internationals but local media have questioned whether he will be around for next year's one-day World Cup in England and Wales when Dhoni will be 38. He remains supremely fit and his glove work is still of the highest quality but opinion is divided over whether age has diminished his batting. Dhoni was once considered India's best finisher and no target was deemed out of reach with the boundary-hitting right-hander at the crease. He has scored 1,487 runs from 93 T20 internationals, at a strike-rate of over 127. Pant, 21, has been making his mark with the bat and selectors could be planning ahead for not only next year's World Cup but the World Twenty20 the following year in Australia.

MS Dhoni 'very integral' part of team, says captain Virat Kohli

<p>India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday reiterated that Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains an integral part of the ODI team and the veteran wicket-keeper batsman decided not to play the upcoming T20s only to make way for the much younger Rishabh Pant.</p>

<p>"I think the selectors have already addressed this if I'm not wrong. And he's been spoken to, firstly... So, I don't see any reason why I should be sitting here and explaining that. I think the selectors have come out and explained exactly what happened," said Kohli at the post-match press conference after guiding India to another series win at home.</p>

<p>"I was not part of that conversation so... It is what the selectors explained. I think people are putting too much variables into the situation, which is not the case I can assure you of that. He's still a very integral part of this team and he just feels that in the T20 format, someone like Rishabh can get more chances."</p>

<p>Dhoni has been dropped for the upcoming T20 series against the West Indies and Australia and there is a possibility that he never plays for India again in the shortest format.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He anyway plays the ODIs for us regularly, so... From that point of view, he's only trying to help the youngsters; nothing that anything that other people are thinking and I as captain can certainly assure you of that," Kohli said.</p>

<p>On the positives from the West Indies series, which India won 3-1, Kohli said he was happy with the way Ambati Rayudu had played at No.4 and the manner in which young Khaleel Ahmed bowled.</p>


India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday reiterated that Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains an integral part of the ODI team and the veteran wicket-keeper batsman decided not to play the upcoming T20s only to make way for the much younger Rishabh Pant.

India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday reiterated that Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains an integral part of the ODI team and the veteran wicket-keeper batsman decided not to play the upcoming T20s only to make way for the much younger Rishabh Pant. "I think the selectors have already addressed this if I'm not wrong. And he's been spoken to, firstly... So, I don't see any reason why I should be sitting here and explaining that. I think the selectors have come out and explained exactly what happened," said Kohli at the post-match press conference after guiding India to another series win at home. "I was not part of that conversation so... It is what the selectors explained. I think people are putting too much variables into the situation, which is not the case I can assure you of that. He's still a very integral part of this team and he just feels that in the T20 format, someone like Rishabh can get more chances." Dhoni has been dropped for the upcoming T20 series against the West Indies and Australia and there is a possibility that he never plays for India again in the shortest format. "He anyway plays the ODIs for us regularly, so... From that point of view, he's only trying to help the youngsters; nothing that anything that other people are thinking and I as captain can certainly assure you of that," Kohli said. On the positives from the West Indies series, which India won 3-1, Kohli said he was happy with the way Ambati Rayudu had played at No.4 and the manner in which young Khaleel Ahmed bowled.

Dhoni only wanted to make way for Pant in T20s: Virat Kohli

<p>With the fifth and final ODI scheduled to be played in Kerala on Thursday, the players of the Indian cricket team&nbsp;MS dhoni were spotted waiting at the Mumbai airport, playing a multiplayer game.</p>

<p>Armed with their smartphones and tablets, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) uploaded a picture of the Indian team busy with the game, “As we wait for the departure announcement from Mumbai, some of them are playing a very popular multiplayer game. #TeamIndia. Any guesses?”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As we wait for the departure announcement from Mumbai, some of them are playing a very popular multiplayer game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a><br />
<br />
Any guesses? <a href="https://t.co/Y1n8AdHxhn">pic.twitter.com/Y1n8AdHxhn</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1057136686809972736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soon the tweet went viral with many cricketing fans replying that the team was playing the popular game - PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is this PUBG fever ? Just look at MSD😂😂</p>
— Popeye ® (@karanshingde) <a href="https://twitter.com/karanshingde/status/1057137039903244288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PUBG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PUBG</a> 😍😍 <a href="https://t.co/Pb9XQ5zIa4">pic.twitter.com/Pb9XQ5zIa4</a></p>
— Innocent Soul (@imcckr) <a href="https://twitter.com/imcckr/status/1057138078911913984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bumrah looks as if he is above all these petty things....😂</p>
— Debodipta Paul (@debodipta_paul) <a href="https://twitter.com/debodipta_paul/status/1057138738390720512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 4th ODI in Mumbai saw Rohit Sharma slam 137-ball-162 in the team's gigantic 224-run victory over Windies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the final ODI concludes on November 1, the hosts would be engaged in a 3-match T20I series before travelling to Australia for a long all-format series.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


With the fifth and final ODI scheduled to be played in Kerala on Thursday, the players of the Indian cricket team MS dhoni were spotted waiting at the Mumbai airport, playing a multiplayer game.

With the fifth and final ODI scheduled to be played in Kerala on Thursday, the players of the Indian cricket team MS dhoni were spotted waiting at the Mumbai airport, playing a multiplayer game. Armed with their smartphones and tablets, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) uploaded a picture of the Indian team busy with the game, “As we wait for the departure announcement from Mumbai, some of them are playing a very popular multiplayer game. #TeamIndia. Any guesses?” As we wait for the departure announcement from Mumbai, some of them are playing a very popular multiplayer game. #TeamIndia Any guesses? pic.twitter.com/Y1n8AdHxhn — BCCI (@BCCI) October 30, 2018 × Soon the tweet went viral with many cricketing fans replying that the team was playing the popular game - PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds). Is this PUBG fever ? Just look at MSD😂😂 — Popeye ® (@karanshingde) October 30, 2018 × #PUBG 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/Pb9XQ5zIa4 — Innocent Soul (@imcckr) October 30, 2018 × Bumrah looks as if he is above all these petty things....😂 — Debodipta Paul (@debodipta_paul) October 30, 2018 × The 4th ODI in Mumbai saw Rohit Sharma slam 137-ball-162 in the team's gigantic 224-run victory over Windies. After the final ODI concludes on November 1, the hosts would be engaged in a 3-match T20I series before travelling to Australia for a long all-format series.

Dhoni, Rohit playing PUBG at Mumbai airport? BCCI's tweet leaves fans guessing

<p>Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday said that captain Virat Kohli will need wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for the 2019 ICC World Cup.</p>

<p>Gavaskar opined that Dhoni's advice and experience will come in handy for Kohli in the 50-over format.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's no doubt about it. In 50 overs where there is that much more time, that's when MSD comes into play. You know he makes those small field adjustments, talking to the bowlers in Hindi - telling them where to bowl and what to bowl. It's a huge plus for Virat", he said.</p>

<p>Dhoni, who has been in poor form with the bat lately, was rested for the three-match T20I series against the Windies and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma will be leading the 16-man India squad for the T20I series against the Windies in absence of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni was excluded from both the T20I squads with youngster Rishabh Pant set to don the gloves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief selector MSK Prasad quickly moved to dispel talk of Dhoni's retirement, assuring fans that this was not the end for the former India captain in T20Is.</p>

<p>However, MSK Prasad made it a point to say that the selectors are looking at backup options behind the stumps.</p>

<p>"Dhoni is not going to play the 6 T20Is because we're looking at the second keeper slot. It is not the end of Dhoni in T20Is," said chief selector MSK Prasad.</p>

<p>Dhoni, who led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2007, has scored 1,487 T20I runs at an average of 37.17 and a strike-rate of 127.90.</p>


Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday said that captain Virat Kohli will need wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for the 2019 ICC World Cup. Gavaskar opined that Dhoni's advice and experience will come in handy for Kohli in the 50-over format.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday said that captain Virat Kohli will need wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for the 2019 ICC World Cup. Gavaskar opined that Dhoni's advice and experience will come in handy for Kohli in the 50-over format. "There's no doubt about it. In 50 overs where there is that much more time, that's when MSD comes into play. You know he makes those small field adjustments, talking to the bowlers in Hindi - telling them where to bowl and what to bowl. It's a huge plus for Virat", he said. Dhoni, who has been in poor form with the bat lately, was rested for the three-match T20I series against the Windies and Australia. Rohit Sharma will be leading the 16-man India squad for the T20I series against the Windies in absence of Virat Kohli. Dhoni was excluded from both the T20I squads with youngster Rishabh Pant set to don the gloves. Chief selector MSK Prasad quickly moved to dispel talk of Dhoni's retirement, assuring fans that this was not the end for the former India captain in T20Is. However, MSK Prasad made it a point to say that the selectors are looking at backup options behind the stumps. "Dhoni is not going to play the 6 T20Is because we're looking at the second keeper slot. It is not the end of Dhoni in T20Is," said chief selector MSK Prasad. Dhoni, who led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2007, has scored 1,487 T20I runs at an average of 37.17 and a strike-rate of 127.90.

Kohli needs MS Dhoni in 2019 World Cup, says Sunil Gavaskar

<p>India's wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni took a stunning catch&nbsp;in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-3rd-odi-virat-kohli-opts-to-bowl-against-west-indies-173797">third one-day</a> of a five-match series between India and West Indies on Saturday.</p>

<p>The world cup winning captain displayed a sensational piece of fielding&nbsp;to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj at a score of 21.</p>

<p>Hemraj edged Jasprit Bumrah's fair delivery that went up high in the air and was about to land in front of&nbsp;fine leg where no fielder was present.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni ran towards it, made a full stretched dive and landed horizontally on the ground to take the stunning catch.</p>

<p>Though on-field umpire referred it to the third umpire to check whether the catch was clean or not.</p>

<p>But a&nbsp;red light on the big screen signalled&nbsp;that&nbsp;it is difficult to doubt Dhoni's fitness and fielding skills.</p>

<p>The crowd at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium applauded the superman-like catch&nbsp;with 'Dhoni, Dhoni' chants.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did you see superman Mahi take the catch?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> haters can go eat crow!<br />
😍💙🏏🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/IOt7UZ7w0E">pic.twitter.com/IOt7UZ7w0E</a></p>
— Arnaz Bisney (@ArnazBisney) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArnazBisney/status/1056102930728783872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dhoni what a catch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/3EX1QOhUOM">pic.twitter.com/3EX1QOhUOM</a></p>
— Santoz (@s_a_n_t_o_z) <a href="https://twitter.com/s_a_n_t_o_z/status/1056102042584805376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for the home series against the West Indies and the crucial away assignment against Australia, signaling a possible end to his run in the shortest format.</p>

<p>The committee said that Dhoni, the 2007 World T20-winning skipper, has been "rested" and India is now looking to fill in the second wicketkeeper's slot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But when asked if Dhoni's career in T20s is over, Prasad said, "Not yet".</p>

<p>"We want to try out other keepers for the second keeper's slot," said Prasad.</p>


India's wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni took a stunning catch in the third one-day of a five-match series between India and West Indies on Saturday. The world cup winning captain displayed a sensational piece of fielding to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj at a score of 21.

India's wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni took a stunning catch in the third one-day of a five-match series between India and West Indies on Saturday. The world cup winning captain displayed a sensational piece of fielding to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj at a score of 21. Hemraj edged Jasprit Bumrah's fair delivery that went up high in the air and was about to land in front of fine leg where no fielder was present. MS Dhoni ran towards it, made a full stretched dive and landed horizontally on the ground to take the stunning catch. Though on-field umpire referred it to the third umpire to check whether the catch was clean or not. But a red light on the big screen signalled that it is difficult to doubt Dhoni's fitness and fielding skills. The crowd at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium applauded the superman-like catch with 'Dhoni, Dhoni' chants. Did you see superman Mahi take the catch?#Dhoni haters can go eat crow! 😍💙🏏🇮🇳#INDvsWI #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/IOt7UZ7w0E — Arnaz Bisney (@ArnazBisney) October 27, 2018 × Dhoni what a catch #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/3EX1QOhUOM — Santoz (@s_a_n_t_o_z) October 27, 2018 × Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for the home series against the West Indies and the crucial away assignment against Australia, signaling a possible end to his run in the shortest format. The committee said that Dhoni, the 2007 World T20-winning skipper, has been "rested" and India is now looking to fill in the second wicketkeeper's slot. But when asked if Dhoni's career in T20s is over, Prasad said, "Not yet". "We want to try out other keepers for the second keeper's slot," said Prasad.

Watch: MS Dhoni's superman-like catch to dismiss Chandrapaul Hemraj in 3rd ODI against West Indies

<p>Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday backed struggling Mahendra Singh Dhoni to do well in the World Cup and said the ongoing series against West Indies would be crucial for the veteran stumper looking forward to next year's showpiece event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A colossus in ODI cricket, of late Dhoni is struggling with his batting and his scores have dwindled in the last few years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starting with the five-match ODI series against West Indies here, India have 18-odd matches left for the World Cup and the think-tank has brought in dashing Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant in the mix to spice up the scenario.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know what combination they are thinking at. But I'm sure he (Dhoni) will do well in the World Cup. It's (against West Indies) big series for him," Ganguly told PTI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium while watching the ODI with Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Asia Cup, Dhoni batted four times, scoring 77 runs with an average of 19.25 and a strike rate of 62.09.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall in 2018, he has batted 10 times in 15 matches, for an average of 28.12 and a strike rate of 67.36.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni has an unimpressive record in the seaming conditions of England where he is yet to score a century from 20 ODIs, and averages 38.06, a sharp drop from his career average of 50.61.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"His overall record is very good," Ganguly pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It all depends how the players perform going ahead to the World Cup. It's about scoring runs. That's why Pant has been given a chance," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 10 teams will play each other in a round-robin format, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals in the next year's World Cup beginning with England versus South Africa at the Oval on May 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India are a good ODI side. This World Cup will be worth watching. All teams play all and the best four go. It will be a competitive one," Ganguly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hosting its first ODI, the Assam Cricket Association invited Ganguly as the guest of honour and was felicitated with traditional Assamese gamcha (towel) and xorai, an offering pot with a stand at the bottom, a decorative symbol of Assam used for offering tamul pan (betel nut and leaves).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ganguly also launched ACA's souvenir.</p>


Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday backed struggling Mahendra Singh Dhoni to do well in the World Cup and said the ongoing series against West Indies would be crucial for the veteran stumper looking forward to next year's showpiece event.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday backed struggling Mahendra Singh Dhoni to do well in the World Cup and said the ongoing series against West Indies would be crucial for the veteran stumper looking forward to next year's showpiece event. A colossus in ODI cricket, of late Dhoni is struggling with his batting and his scores have dwindled in the last few years. Starting with the five-match ODI series against West Indies here, India have 18-odd matches left for the World Cup and the think-tank has brought in dashing Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant in the mix to spice up the scenario. "I don't know what combination they are thinking at. But I'm sure he (Dhoni) will do well in the World Cup. It's (against West Indies) big series for him," Ganguly told PTI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium while watching the ODI with Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi. In the Asia Cup, Dhoni batted four times, scoring 77 runs with an average of 19.25 and a strike rate of 62.09. Overall in 2018, he has batted 10 times in 15 matches, for an average of 28.12 and a strike rate of 67.36. Dhoni has an unimpressive record in the seaming conditions of England where he is yet to score a century from 20 ODIs, and averages 38.06, a sharp drop from his career average of 50.61. "His overall record is very good," Ganguly pointed out. "It all depends how the players perform going ahead to the World Cup. It's about scoring runs. That's why Pant has been given a chance," he added. All 10 teams will play each other in a round-robin format, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals in the next year's World Cup beginning with England versus South Africa at the Oval on May 30. "India are a good ODI side. This World Cup will be worth watching. All teams play all and the best four go. It will be a competitive one," Ganguly said. Hosting its first ODI, the Assam Cricket Association invited Ganguly as the guest of honour and was felicitated with traditional Assamese gamcha (towel) and xorai, an offering pot with a stand at the bottom, a decorative symbol of Assam used for offering tamul pan (betel nut and leaves). Ganguly also launched ACA's souvenir.

Ongoing series against Windies will be crucial for Dhoni: Sourav Ganguly

<p>Indian cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir may contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on BJP tickets, news reports said Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports said Dhoni may fight from Jharkhand and Gambhir from Delhi. Jharkhand and Delhi are cricketers' home states respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports added that they have been approached by BJP leaders and that talks are ongoing.&nbsp;There has however been no confirmation whether the players have accepted the proposal or not. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports said Gambhir will contest from the New Delhi seat. The reports added that he has wide acceptability and is known for his social work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Dhoni, the reports said the BJP is keen on him as their star campaigner for Jharkhand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Dhoni is playing the current West Indies ODI and T20 series, Gambhir has been absent from the Indian squad for some time.&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir may contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on BJP tickets, news reports said Monday. The reports said Dhoni may fight from Jharkhand and Gambhir from Delhi.

Indian cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir may contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on BJP tickets, news reports said Monday. The reports said Dhoni may fight from Jharkhand and Gambhir from Delhi. Jharkhand and Delhi are cricketers' home states respectively. The reports added that they have been approached by BJP leaders and that talks are ongoing. There has however been no confirmation whether the players have accepted the proposal or not. The reports said Gambhir will contest from the New Delhi seat. The reports added that he has wide acceptability and is known for his social work. As for Dhoni, the reports said the BJP is keen on him as their star campaigner for Jharkhand. While Dhoni is playing the current West Indies ODI and T20 series, Gambhir has been absent from the Indian squad for some time.

MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir may fight 2019 election on BJP tickets: Reports

<p>Dashing keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant forced his way into the Indian ODI set-up for the first time as the national selection committee got down to put in place a succession plan for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.</p>

<p>Pant, who had scored 114 and 92 in his previous two Test appearances, has been a prolific white ball player who replaced the inconsistent Dinesh Karthik as Dhoni's cover.</p>

<p>The southpaw is expected to be one of the missing links in the Indian ODI team's middle order jigsaw puzzle.</p>

<p>Asked if Pant will be playing purely as a batsman, chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said: "Yes, definitely but if need arises he will be the backup keeper."</p>

<p>While Dhoni remains the first-choice keeper till the World Cup, Prasad indicated that young Pant is a long-term investment.</p>

<p>"It is no brainer who is our No 1 wicketkeeper. In search of the second wicketkeeper, we have given opportunities to DK and right now we are giving an opportunity to Rishabh Pant. At an appropriate time, we will take a call as to who is the best among the two."</p>

<p>Prasad indicated that they have now zeroed in on a couple of names for the two middle-order slots.</p>

<p>Another interesting inclusion was of Mohammed Shami, who last played an ODI in September last year. He will be looked at as a potential third seamer option.</p>

<p>"I have been telling this for a quite some time that we are just 18 ODIs away from now before we play the first game of the World Cup and so we need to figure out our fast bowlers and in this process, we have picked Shami," said Prasad.</p>

<p>It is learnt that skipper Virat Kohli, who was rested for the Asia Cup, returns to play all five ODIs while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are set to come back during the second phase of the series.</p>

<p>The chairman of selectors also said that Dhoni will take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy knock-out phase, representing Jharkhand.</p>

<p>"He (Dhoni) will play the knock-outs. About Ambati Rayudu, I need to confirm."</p>

<p>He also gave a couple of injury updates with Hardik Pandya unavailable till the second week of November as he is suffering from an acute lower back injury.</p>

<p>About his future in red-ball cricket, Prasad said: "Well, it is a workload management program going on and it all depends on his recovery from the injury he has now. At an appropriate time, we can answer as and when he recovers from injury."</p>

<p>On Kedar Jadhav, it was learnt that he will be available for the last three ODIs as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.</p>

<p>Prasad also in his own way rubbished multiple captaincy theory which was doing the rounds since India's Asia Cup triumph under Rohit Sharma's leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Well, I would like to tell in 2015, Virat took over Test captaincy and subsequently in 2017, he took over ODI captaincy. He has excelled in all formats, led from the front and India are No 1 side in all formats (only in Tests).</p>

<p>We want all 15 players to think as leaders and we will be an unbeatable team. Rohit and Ajinkya (Rahane) has done well in that aspect but we want others to think like leaders and rise to the occasion," Prasad added.</p>


Dashing keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant forced his way into the Indian ODI set-up for the first time as the national selection committee got down to put in place a succession plan for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dashing keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant forced his way into the Indian ODI set-up for the first time as the national selection committee got down to put in place a succession plan for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pant, who had scored 114 and 92 in his previous two Test appearances, has been a prolific white ball player who replaced the inconsistent Dinesh Karthik as Dhoni's cover. The southpaw is expected to be one of the missing links in the Indian ODI team's middle order jigsaw puzzle. Asked if Pant will be playing purely as a batsman, chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said: "Yes, definitely but if need arises he will be the backup keeper." While Dhoni remains the first-choice keeper till the World Cup, Prasad indicated that young Pant is a long-term investment. "It is no brainer who is our No 1 wicketkeeper. In search of the second wicketkeeper, we have given opportunities to DK and right now we are giving an opportunity to Rishabh Pant. At an appropriate time, we will take a call as to who is the best among the two." Prasad indicated that they have now zeroed in on a couple of names for the two middle-order slots. Another interesting inclusion was of Mohammed Shami, who last played an ODI in September last year. He will be looked at as a potential third seamer option. "I have been telling this for a quite some time that we are just 18 ODIs away from now before we play the first game of the World Cup and so we need to figure out our fast bowlers and in this process, we have picked Shami," said Prasad. It is learnt that skipper Virat Kohli, who was rested for the Asia Cup, returns to play all five ODIs while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are set to come back during the second phase of the series. The chairman of selectors also said that Dhoni will take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy knock-out phase, representing Jharkhand. "He (Dhoni) will play the knock-outs. About Ambati Rayudu, I need to confirm." He also gave a couple of injury updates with Hardik Pandya unavailable till the second week of November as he is suffering from an acute lower back injury. About his future in red-ball cricket, Prasad said: "Well, it is a workload management program going on and it all depends on his recovery from the injury he has now. At an appropriate time, we can answer as and when he recovers from injury." On Kedar Jadhav, it was learnt that he will be available for the last three ODIs as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Prasad also in his own way rubbished multiple captaincy theory which was doing the rounds since India's Asia Cup triumph under Rohit Sharma's leadership. "Well, I would like to tell in 2015, Virat took over Test captaincy and subsequently in 2017, he took over ODI captaincy. He has excelled in all formats, led from the front and India are No 1 side in all formats (only in Tests). We want all 15 players to think as leaders and we will be an unbeatable team. Rohit and Ajinkya (Rahane) has done well in that aspect but we want others to think like leaders and rise to the occasion," Prasad added.

Maiden call-up for Pant as India prepare Dhoni's succession plan

<p>Priyanka Chopra is in Mumbai to shoot for her film and beau Nick Jonas couldn't stay apart from his fiance for too long. The American singer who arrived in India over the weekend was seen enjoying a game of football with Priyanka's Bollywood friends in Mumbai on Sunday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Jonas and his team played a match against MS Dhoni's team under 'Football for Humanity' banner which hosts celebrity charity football matches. Going by the photos, it appears Jonas and Ishaan Khatter were part of the same team and Dhoni and Aditya Roy Kapur were in the other.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Other actors like Shabbir Ahluwalia, Dino Morea and producer Bunty Walia were also part of the match.</p>

<p><img alt="Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72c095c3-a07c-429b-94a5-69c50dc48835" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nick%20pc1.jpg" /></p>

<p><br />
<img alt="Nick Jonas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f78ff71-b870-4a80-ad99-d062d04e1003" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nick%20pc2.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="MS Dhoni and Aditya Roy Kapur" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="408ece3d-d508-4a5b-a0e1-d5eb985be73f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nick%20pc4.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="Ishaan Khatter, Nick Jonas and Dino Morea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e714275d-57b4-446f-a93b-073f2917e4fb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nick%20pc%206.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="Nick Jonas " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e2b0f4a-5075-4ec1-95ee-d51ea105031d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nick%20pc%207.jpg" /></p>

<p>Priyanka sat on the side and cheered for her man with her friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Priyanka and Nick " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c188e53e-8634-4c13-84e9-dbf059d4867d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nick%20pc3.jpg" /><br />
<br />
A day earlier, Priyanka and Nick were spotted at a suburban restaurant on a dinner date in Mumbai.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Priyanka is currently shooting for Shonali Bose's 'The Sky Is Pink'which co-stars Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim.&nbsp;</p>


Priyanka Chopra is in Mumbai to shoot for her film and beau Nick Jonas couldn't stay apart from his fiance for too long. The American singer who arrived in India over the weekend was seen enjoying a game of football with Priyanka's Bollywood friends in Mumbai on Sunday.

Priyanka Chopra is in Mumbai to shoot for her film and beau Nick Jonas couldn't stay apart from his fiance for too long. The American singer who arrived in India over the weekend was seen enjoying a game of football with Priyanka's Bollywood friends in Mumbai on Sunday. Jonas and his team played a match against MS Dhoni's team under 'Football for Humanity' banner which hosts celebrity charity football matches. Going by the photos, it appears Jonas and Ishaan Khatter were part of the same team and Dhoni and Aditya Roy Kapur were in the other. Other actors like Shabbir Ahluwalia, Dino Morea and producer Bunty Walia were also part of the match. Priyanka sat on the side and cheered for her man with her friends. A day earlier, Priyanka and Nick were spotted at a suburban restaurant on a dinner date in Mumbai. Priyanka is currently shooting for Shonali Bose's 'The Sky Is Pink'which co-stars Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim.

Nick Jonas plays football with Dhoni, Ishaan Khatter as Priyanka cheers on

<p>Rohit Sharma said&nbsp;he has imbibed the ability to remain calm under pressure from none other than former captain MS Dhoni.</p>

<p>"He never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too," said Rohit while adrre4sing the media after winning the 2018 Asia Cup in the last-ball thriller against Bangladesh on Friday.</p>

<p>Dhoni has been facing the criticism for his slow game and he might&nbsp;be dwindling rapidly, while coach Ravi Shastri has praised Rohit's calm demeanour during their victorious Asia Cup campaign, a trait that he has picked up from his illustrious predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whatever I have seen of him (Dhoni) leading the side for all these years, he never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too," skipper Rohit told media persons today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Look, we always learn from (MS) Dhoni because he has been such a good captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whenever we encountered a problem or a question on the field, he was always there with an answer. What I have observed, him captaining the team over the years, is that he never panics, takes a few seconds before taking a decision, thinks about it then decides…so there is that similarity..I think I also have that. I also try to think and then react," said Rohit Sharma.</p>

<p>The stylish Mumbaikar spoke about qualities in Dhoni that he has tried to inculcate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I also try to first think and then react. Yes, 50-over cricket gives you time but still you need to take time as well. I have learnt this from seeing him, we have played for so many years under his captaincy. Whenever there is something, he is ready with advice."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni didn't exactly set the Asia Cup on fire with his batting but his smart glovework and strategic interventions were for everyone to see.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We always keep on learning from Dhoni bhai because he has been such a great captain. Whenever there were questions or doubts on the field, he was always there to answer," Rohit signed off.</p>


Rohit Sharma said he has imbibed the ability to remain calm under pressure from none other than former captain MS Dhoni. "He never panicked, took time while taking decisions.

Rohit Sharma said he has imbibed the ability to remain calm under pressure from none other than former captain MS Dhoni. "He never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too," said Rohit while adrre4sing the media after winning the 2018 Asia Cup in the last-ball thriller against Bangladesh on Friday. Dhoni has been facing the criticism for his slow game and he might be dwindling rapidly, while coach Ravi Shastri has praised Rohit's calm demeanour during their victorious Asia Cup campaign, a trait that he has picked up from his illustrious predecessor. "Whatever I have seen of him (Dhoni) leading the side for all these years, he never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too," skipper Rohit told media persons today. "Look, we always learn from (MS) Dhoni because he has been such a good captain. "Whenever we encountered a problem or a question on the field, he was always there with an answer. What I have observed, him captaining the team over the years, is that he never panics, takes a few seconds before taking a decision, thinks about it then decides…so there is that similarity..I think I also have that. I also try to think and then react," said Rohit Sharma. The stylish Mumbaikar spoke about qualities in Dhoni that he has tried to inculcate. "I also try to first think and then react. Yes, 50-over cricket gives you time but still you need to take time as well. I have learnt this from seeing him, we have played for so many years under his captaincy. Whenever there is something, he is ready with advice." Dhoni didn't exactly set the Asia Cup on fire with his batting but his smart glovework and strategic interventions were for everyone to see. "We always keep on learning from Dhoni bhai because he has been such a great captain. Whenever there were questions or doubts on the field, he was always there to answer," Rohit signed off.

When it comes to calmness, I am similar to Dhoni: Rohit Sharma

<p>After skipper Rohit Sharma decided to sit out from the Super Four dead rubber clash against Afghanistan on Tuesday, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was handed over the captaincy duties for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman, who is known for his cool and calm demeanour on the field, once again lost his cool and snapped at Kuldeep Yadav during Afghanistan’s innings.</p>

<p>In the middle of the match, the chinaman asked MS Dhoni for a field change in his over. But despite repeated instances from the 23-year-old, the skipper refused to make the alterations and asked Yadav to carry on with his bowling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Yadav continued to argue, Dhoni snapped back at the bowler saying, “Bowling karega ya bowler change karein? (Will you bowl or should we change the bowler?).”&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAFG</a><br />
"Bowling karega ya bowler change karein" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KuldeepYadav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KuldeepYadav</a> when he insisted for a field change <a href="https://t.co/gQHFkBH9jB">pic.twitter.com/gQHFkBH9jB</a></p>
— Manoj Gupta (@PassionForNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/PassionForNews/status/1044840868283387905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Hearing Dhoni’s words, Kuldeep immediately went silent and stepped back to carry on the attack.</p>

<p>This was not the first time Kuldeep got to hear stern words from Dhoni.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India, who are already in the finals, lost their way after the 110-run opening stand between Ambati Rayudu and KL Rahul. They were bowled out for 252, ending the match in a tie.</p>


After skipper Rohit Sharma decided to sit out from the Super Four dead rubber clash against Afghanistan on Tuesday, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was handed over the captaincy duties for the Men in Blue.

After skipper Rohit Sharma decided to sit out from the Super Four dead rubber clash against Afghanistan on Tuesday, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was handed over the captaincy duties for the Men in Blue. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who is known for his cool and calm demeanour on the field, once again lost his cool and snapped at Kuldeep Yadav during Afghanistan’s innings. In the middle of the match, the chinaman asked MS Dhoni for a field change in his over. But despite repeated instances from the 23-year-old, the skipper refused to make the alterations and asked Yadav to carry on with his bowling. When Yadav continued to argue, Dhoni snapped back at the bowler saying, “Bowling karega ya bowler change karein? (Will you bowl or should we change the bowler?).” That's #Dhoni during #INDvAFG "Bowling karega ya bowler change karein" #MSDhoni to #KuldeepYadav when he insisted for a field change pic.twitter.com/gQHFkBH9jB — Manoj Gupta (@PassionForNews) September 26, 2018 × Hearing Dhoni’s words, Kuldeep immediately went silent and stepped back to carry on the attack. This was not the first time Kuldeep got to hear stern words from Dhoni. Meanwhile, India, who are already in the finals, lost their way after the 110-run opening stand between Ambati Rayudu and KL Rahul. They were bowled out for 252, ending the match in a tie.

Watch: MS Dhoni loses his cool on Kuldeep Yadav during India-Afghanistan game 

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni's comeback as captain, just for a game, ended in a thrilling tie against Afghanistan in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four match at on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the excellent cricketing skills, the match also saw some umpiring blunders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik were given leg before by the on-field umpires -- Gregory Brathwaite of West Indies and Anisur Rahaman of Bangladesh -- even though TV replays clearly indicated that the ball was missing the stumps in both the cases.</p>

<p>Taking a dig at umpiring errors, Dhoni said, "There were a couple of run-outs, and a few things we can't talk about because I don't want to get fined for it."</p>

<p>Any public criticism of umpiring decisions invites sanctions from the ICC and Dhoni chose his words very carefully.</p>

<p>Dhoni was dismissed by part-time off-spinner Javed Ahmadi and the delivery seemed to have gone over stumps while Karthik's dismissal of Mohammed Nabi was bigger blunder as the ball missed the leg stump by a couple of feet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India were set a target of 253 and the match ended in a tie after the team was bowled out for 252.</p>

<p>When asked about India's below-par performance, the wicketkeeper said, the team was not playing their full-strength side that also needs to be factored in.</p>

<p>"I wouldn't say we went wrong in the chase. To start off, it was like a handicap in golf. We didn't go with a full-strength side. Not enough spinners on this wicket. The first over that a fast bowler bowls, they need to extract swing. We didn't hit the back of a length area, and we gave away too much initially with the ball."</p>

<p>Dhoni was asked to lead the team, after Rohit Sharma and other players were given a game's rest. &nbsp;It was his 200th ODI game as captain of Indian Cricket team.&nbsp;</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni's comeback as captain, just for a game, ended in a thrilling tie against Afghanistan in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four match at on Tuesday. Apart from the excellent cricketing skills, the match also saw some umpiring blunders.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's comeback as captain, just for a game, ended in a thrilling tie against Afghanistan in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four match at on Tuesday. Apart from the excellent cricketing skills, the match also saw some umpiring blunders. Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik were given leg before by the on-field umpires -- Gregory Brathwaite of West Indies and Anisur Rahaman of Bangladesh -- even though TV replays clearly indicated that the ball was missing the stumps in both the cases. Taking a dig at umpiring errors, Dhoni said, "There were a couple of run-outs, and a few things we can't talk about because I don't want to get fined for it." Any public criticism of umpiring decisions invites sanctions from the ICC and Dhoni chose his words very carefully. Dhoni was dismissed by part-time off-spinner Javed Ahmadi and the delivery seemed to have gone over stumps while Karthik's dismissal of Mohammed Nabi was bigger blunder as the ball missed the leg stump by a couple of feet. India were set a target of 253 and the match ended in a tie after the team was bowled out for 252. When asked about India's below-par performance, the wicketkeeper said, the team was not playing their full-strength side that also needs to be factored in. "I wouldn't say we went wrong in the chase. To start off, it was like a handicap in golf. We didn't go with a full-strength side. Not enough spinners on this wicket. The first over that a fast bowler bowls, they need to extract swing. We didn't hit the back of a length area, and we gave away too much initially with the ball." Dhoni was asked to lead the team, after Rohit Sharma and other players were given a game's rest. It was his 200th ODI game as captain of Indian Cricket team.

'Don't want to be fined': Dhoni on umpiring errors during India-Afghanistan game 

<p>Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Electing to bat, Afghan's Shahzad was the sole player on whom the team was dependent&nbsp;before nabi took the driver's seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opener was in action from the very first ball and played magnificently against the Indian bowling attack to slam 124 runs.</p>

<p>Dropped at 49 by Ambati Rayudu, Shahzad slammed 11 boundaries and 7 huge sixes in his 116-ball inning, which was finally ended by Kedhar Jadhav. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghans could have put a high target if Shahzad would have found an ally in the downline. Apart from him no other player, till Nabi arrived, could stand the Indian attack and were dismissed in quick successions.</p>

<p>Nabi's 56-ball 64 runs cameo was supported with three boundaries and four sixes. He played at a strike rate of 114.29, much better than what Shahzad's had today. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Khaleel Ahmed was the man who took Nabi's wicket to restrict Afghanistan's score.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two and three wickets, respectively, to keep Afghanistan in control. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>India, who is being captained by MS Dhoni, will have to display a better class of batting to win the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if India lose, they will still be playing the Asi Cup final, after they registered a comfortable victory against Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier to book a spot. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday.

Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday. Electing to bat, Afghan's Shahzad was the sole player on whom the team was dependent before nabi took the driver's seat. The opener was in action from the very first ball and played magnificently against the Indian bowling attack to slam 124 runs. Dropped at 49 by Ambati Rayudu, Shahzad slammed 11 boundaries and 7 huge sixes in his 116-ball inning, which was finally ended by Kedhar Jadhav. Afghans could have put a high target if Shahzad would have found an ally in the downline. Apart from him no other player, till Nabi arrived, could stand the Indian attack and were dismissed in quick successions. Nabi's 56-ball 64 runs cameo was supported with three boundaries and four sixes. He played at a strike rate of 114.29, much better than what Shahzad's had today. Khaleel Ahmed was the man who took Nabi's wicket to restrict Afghanistan's score. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two and three wickets, respectively, to keep Afghanistan in control. India, who is being captained by MS Dhoni, will have to display a better class of batting to win the game. Even if India lose, they will still be playing the Asi Cup final, after they registered a comfortable victory against Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier to book a spot.

Asia Cup: Shahzad's superlative century powers Afghanistan to 252

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday captained India for the 200th time in One-day Internationals (ODIs) after a gap of almost two years in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash against Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As expected, the defending champions opted to rest key players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, giving Dhoni a chance to lead the Men In Blue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman relinquished the captaincy of India's T20 and ODI sides in January 2017.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Afghanistan had won the toss and elected to bat against India.</p>

<p>Speaking after the toss, MS Dhoni said this match gave him the opportunity to play it his 200th ODI match as a captain. "I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captaincy. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters," he said.</p>

<p>Dhoni also revealed that India were also looking to bowl first. "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament gets a chance."</p>

<p>&nbsp;They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl," he added.</p>

<p>India are already in final after wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan.</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday captained India for the 200th time in One-day Internationals (ODIs) after a gap of almost two years in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash against Afghanistan.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday captained India for the 200th time in One-day Internationals (ODIs) after a gap of almost two years in their Asia Cup 2018 Super Four clash against Afghanistan. As expected, the defending champions opted to rest key players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, giving Dhoni a chance to lead the Men In Blue. The wicketkeeper-batsman relinquished the captaincy of India's T20 and ODI sides in January 2017. On Tuesday, Afghanistan had won the toss and elected to bat against India. Speaking after the toss, MS Dhoni said this match gave him the opportunity to play it his 200th ODI match as a captain. "I was not really sure of where I am standing. I have captained 199 ODIs, so this gives me an opportunity to make it 200. It's all destiny and I always believed in that. It's not in my control, once I left captaincy. Good to complete 200, but I don't think it really matters," he said. Dhoni also revealed that India were also looking to bowl first. "We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Both the openers are missing, Bhuvi, Bumrah and Chahal are also missing. Everybody who hadn't played in this tournament gets a chance." They are part of the 15 and are representing India. We'll have to keep the intensity up. It is important for them to adjust to the line and length they need to bowl," he added. India are already in final after wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Asia Cup: MS Dhoni returns as India's captain against Afghanistan 

<p>It wasn’t easy being Dinesh Karthik in an era where Mahendra Singh Dhoni redefined the role of a keeper-batsman.</p>

<p>Having last played a Test match way back in 2010, Karthik, during all these years of soul searching, was honest in his analysis as to why he didn’t get a chance to wear the white flannels — “he was not good enough in presence of a special player like Dhoni”.</p>

<p>“Look, I think I wasn’t good enough, rather I was not consistent enough. That was a highly competitive environment and there was someone called MS Dhoni breathing down my neck, which caused a lot of stir in world cricket at that point of time. He went on to become one of the greatest captains India has ever produced,” Karthik said ahead of his comeback Test against Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Karthik, who came in as a replacement to injured Wriddhiman Saha, has not played 87 Tests since he played the last of his 23 Tests against Bangladesh in 2010.</p>

<p>In fact, a statistician will reveal the plight of the keepers during ‘Dhoni era’. Karthik’s 87 Test match gap is an Indian record but then the earlier record was held by Parthiv Patel, who made a comeback after 83 Test matches and eight year hiatus from the longest format.</p>

<p>“So, I didn’t lose my place to some normal cricketer he (Dhoni) was special. I respect him for that. At that stage, I could not produce enough performance to hold on to my side. I need to be honest with myself. Now, I have another opportunity and I guess, I will try my best,” the Chennai stumper said in an honest assessment.</p>

<p>If Dhoni kept him out of Test squad till 2014, the next four years saw emergence of Wriddhiman Saha as one of India’s most technically accomplished wicketkeepers.</p>

<p>While Saha’s injury has opened the door for Karthik, he wouldn’t like to over-burden himself by thinking how he could hold onto his place.</p>

<p>“If you go deep into the question on what I should do to keep out someone else, then you are taking energy away from the fact that you are competing with somebody (Afghanistan). That puts extra pressure to what already is there,” Karthik said.</p>

<p>“What I am trying to do — as cliched as it may sound — is trying to be the best cricketer that I can be, not on the field but also off the field. I am trying to be consistent there, even if I don’t get an opportunity. Even if I don’t play the sport at the highest level, I want to be content with the fact that I have given everything I had — both on and off the field,” he said.</p>

<p>“If I go into your question and start thinking about that aspect, then it will be subjective — I need to score this, I need to score that. I don’t want to keep it that way. I want to keep it in a way which is try and prepare as much as I can. And given a chance, try and deliver. I am keeping my whole process that way.”</p>

<p>The dashing keeper-batsman also feels that playing Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu kept him on his toes as the team was playing Ranji Trophy knock-outs almost every two years.</p>

<p>“I enjoyed playing the Ranji Trophy. It is a totally different challenge. There are not many people coming and watch you play, yet we play the sport because we enjoy playing it. I am lucky that way because I have always done that subconsciously. I have enjoyed being a part of Tamil Nadu team. Credit to them (TN Ranji side) as well for having put up with me over the tough years. I am really indebted to them. It is very easy to fade away but for Tamil Nadu to constantly competing in Ranji Trophy, that was challenge. Every alternate year, we put up performances. We were consistent. Every two years we would hit the knockouts and go to semis or final,” he said.</p>

<p>As a senior, Karthik was expected to perform and he has done that with aplomb over the years.</p>

<p>“As senior players, they (TNCA) expect you to perform well. I am happy to do that for the team. Along the way, if I have been able to help young guys, then it’s great. At the end of the day, I was happy to play for a team like Tamil Nadu which has backed me all these years. Today, I am really happy that I am sitting here.”</p>


Karthik came in as a replacement to injured Wriddhiman Saha

It wasn’t easy being Dinesh Karthik in an era where Mahendra Singh Dhoni redefined the role of a keeper-batsman. Having last played a Test match way back in 2010, Karthik, during all these years of soul searching, was honest in his analysis as to why he didn’t get a chance to wear the white flannels — “he was not good enough in presence of a special player like Dhoni”. “Look, I think I wasn’t good enough, rather I was not consistent enough. That was a highly competitive environment and there was someone called MS Dhoni breathing down my neck, which caused a lot of stir in world cricket at that point of time. He went on to become one of the greatest captains India has ever produced,” Karthik said ahead of his comeback Test against Afghanistan. Karthik, who came in as a replacement to injured Wriddhiman Saha, has not played 87 Tests since he played the last of his 23 Tests against Bangladesh in 2010. In fact, a statistician will reveal the plight of the keepers during ‘Dhoni era’. Karthik’s 87 Test match gap is an Indian record but then the earlier record was held by Parthiv Patel, who made a comeback after 83 Test matches and eight year hiatus from the longest format. “So, I didn’t lose my place to some normal cricketer he (Dhoni) was special. I respect him for that. At that stage, I could not produce enough performance to hold on to my side. I need to be honest with myself. Now, I have another opportunity and I guess, I will try my best,” the Chennai stumper said in an honest assessment. If Dhoni kept him out of Test squad till 2014, the next four years saw emergence of Wriddhiman Saha as one of India’s most technically accomplished wicketkeepers. While Saha’s injury has opened the door for Karthik, he wouldn’t like to over-burden himself by thinking how he could hold onto his place. “If you go deep into the question on what I should do to keep out someone else, then you are taking energy away from the fact that you are competing with somebody (Afghanistan). That puts extra pressure to what already is there,” Karthik said. “What I am trying to do — as cliched as it may sound — is trying to be the best cricketer that I can be, not on the field but also off the field. I am trying to be consistent there, even if I don’t get an opportunity. Even if I don’t play the sport at the highest level, I want to be content with the fact that I have given everything I had — both on and off the field,” he said. “If I go into your question and start thinking about that aspect, then it will be subjective — I need to score this, I need to score that. I don’t want to keep it that way. I want to keep it in a way which is try and prepare as much as I can. And given a chance, try and deliver. I am keeping my whole process that way.” The dashing keeper-batsman also feels that playing Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu kept him on his toes as the team was playing Ranji Trophy knock-outs almost every two years. “I enjoyed playing the Ranji Trophy. It is a totally different challenge. There are not many people coming and watch you play, yet we play the sport because we enjoy playing it. I am lucky that way because I have always done that subconsciously. I have enjoyed being a part of Tamil Nadu team. Credit to them (TN Ranji side) as well for having put up with me over the tough years. I am really indebted to them. It is very easy to fade away but for Tamil Nadu to constantly competing in Ranji Trophy, that was challenge. Every alternate year, we put up performances. We were consistent. Every two years we would hit the knockouts and go to semis or final,” he said. As a senior, Karthik was expected to perform and he has done that with aplomb over the years. “As senior players, they (TNCA) expect you to perform well. I am happy to do that for the team. Along the way, if I have been able to help young guys, then it’s great. At the end of the day, I was happy to play for a team like Tamil Nadu which has backed me all these years. Today, I am really happy that I am sitting here.”

'I didn’t lose my place to a normal cricketer, it was MS Dhoni': Dinesh Karthik

<p>No India cricket match actually begins till he blows his conch. No Indian century celebration is complete without him waving the tricolour incessantly.</p>

<p>Yes, we are talking about Indian Cricket team and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's biggest fan Sudhir Kumar Gautam.</p>

<p>His life revolves around the cricket stadiums and the Indian cricket team players.</p>

<p>The love is not one sided. Even the players respect his love for the game and leave no occasion to award him for his dedication in their own way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, the 'super fan' Gautam was invited by the former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni at his farmhouse for lunch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A jubilant Gautam shared pictures with captain cool and his family on his Twitter.</p>

<p>“Special Day with Captain Cool @msdhoni, Super Lunch with Super Family at Farm House. Words can’t describe the moments spent. Thank You MS Dhoni and Sakshi Di @SaakshiSRawat. Captain Relaxed after winning #IPL2018 @ChennaiIPL,” he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Special Day with Captain Cool <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>, Super Lunch with Super Family at Farm House. Words can't describe the moments spent. Thank You MS Dhoni and Sakshi Di <a href="https://twitter.com/SaakshiSRawat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaakshiSRawat</a>. Captain Relaxed after winning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a>. <a href="https://t.co/qZHjGm9KCR">pic.twitter.com/qZHjGm9KCR</a></p>
— Sudhir Kumar Gautam (@Sudhir10dulkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sudhir10dulkar/status/1002512187493998593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni is currently back in his hometown Ranchi after leading the Chennai to IPL success.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will be back on the pitch when India take on Ireland in a two-match T20I series which would be followed by the tour of England for three T20Is, five ODIs and five Tests.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sudhir Kumar Gautam is the fan famous for painting himself in the colours of the Indian flag. He was called for lunch to Dhoni's farmhouse in Ranchi

No India cricket match actually begins till he blows his conch. No Indian century celebration is complete without him waving the tricolour incessantly. Yes, we are talking about Indian Cricket team and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's biggest fan Sudhir Kumar Gautam. His life revolves around the cricket stadiums and the Indian cricket team players. The love is not one sided. Even the players respect his love for the game and leave no occasion to award him for his dedication in their own way. Likewise, the 'super fan' Gautam was invited by the former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni at his farmhouse for lunch. A jubilant Gautam shared pictures with captain cool and his family on his Twitter. “Special Day with Captain Cool @msdhoni, Super Lunch with Super Family at Farm House. Words can’t describe the moments spent. Thank You MS Dhoni and Sakshi Di @SaakshiSRawat. Captain Relaxed after winning #IPL2018 @ChennaiIPL,” he tweeted. Special Day with Captain Cool @msdhoni, Super Lunch with Super Family at Farm House. Words can't describe the moments spent. Thank You MS Dhoni and Sakshi Di @SaakshiSRawat. Captain Relaxed after winning #IPL2018 @ChennaiIPL. pic.twitter.com/qZHjGm9KCR — Sudhir Kumar Gautam (@Sudhir10dulkar) June 1, 2018 × Dhoni is currently back in his hometown Ranchi after leading the Chennai to IPL success. He will be back on the pitch when India take on Ireland in a two-match T20I series which would be followed by the tour of England for three T20Is, five ODIs and five Tests.

In pictures: MS Dhoni invites 'super fan' of Indian cricket home for lunch

<p>MS Dhoni-led Chennai have clinched the title or the third time after defeating Hyderabad by 8 wickets at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.</p>

<p>The victory has become emotional as Chennai marked a return after serving a two-year ban and produced a stunning performance to clinch the trophy with a successful run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With skipper Dhoni leading from the front, the entire Chennai team has contributed in various occasions to inspire the team towards the victory.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champ18ns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champ18ns</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/5D8DVIipAU">pic.twitter.com/5D8DVIipAU</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1000789950101471232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis have always given a required start to the team and the middle order batting was solidified by Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in the final match against&nbsp;Hyderabad, Shane Watson slammed a century and scored 117 runs off just 57 balls to achieve the target.</p>

<p>The bowling unit has also done their job well throughout the tournament and has taken wickets whenever required.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video: Chennai team celebrates with the trophy:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Everywhere we go! We are the Chennai Boys and we are the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperChampions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperChampions</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVqQnMeXAi">pic.twitter.com/iVqQnMeXAi</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1000803071058788353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperChampions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperChampions</a>! <a href="https://t.co/C31h1u2yoh">pic.twitter.com/C31h1u2yoh</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1000802881161777152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The victory has become more emotional as Chennai marked a return after serving a two-year ban

MS Dhoni-led Chennai have clinched the title or the third time after defeating Hyderabad by 8 wickets at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai on Sunday. The victory has become emotional as Chennai marked a return after serving a two-year ban and produced a stunning performance to clinch the trophy with a successful run. With skipper Dhoni leading from the front, the entire Chennai team has contributed in various occasions to inspire the team towards the victory. #WhistlePodu #Champ18ns ?? pic.twitter.com/5D8DVIipAU — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 27, 2018 × Openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis have always given a required start to the team and the middle order batting was solidified by Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Even in the final match against Hyderabad, Shane Watson slammed a century and scored 117 runs off just 57 balls to achieve the target. The bowling unit has also done their job well throughout the tournament and has taken wickets whenever required. Watch the video: Chennai team celebrates with the trophy: Everywhere we go! We are the Chennai Boys and we are the #SuperChampions! #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/iVqQnMeXAi — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 27, 2018 × #WhistlePodu for the #SuperChampions! pic.twitter.com/C31h1u2yoh — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 27, 2018 ×

Watch: Chennai teammates celebrate with trophy after winning 11th edition of IPL

<p>MS Dhoni-led Chennai won the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League for the third time after defeating Hyderabad by 8 wickets at Wankhede stadium.</p>

<p>The victory became emotional as Chennai won the title after serving a two-year ban. The team produced a stunning performance throughout the season to lift the trophy.</p>

<p>With skipper Dhoni leading from the front, the entire Chennai team contributed on various occasions to inspire the team towards victory.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni thanked fans and followers for their love and support. He shared a picture with wife Sakshi Dhoni and daughter Ziva with the caption, "Thanks everyone for the support and Mumbai for turning yellow."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSyjBfnmma/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Thanks everyone for the support and Mumbai for turning yellow.Shane ‘shocking’ Watson played a shocking innings to get us through.end of a good season.Ziva doesn’t care about the trophy, wants to run on the lawn according to her wordings.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-05-27T20:03:03+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 27, 2018 at 1:03pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>He also hailed Shane Watson's 117-run knock and said, "Shane 'shocking' Watson played a shocking innings to get us through. End of a good season."</p>

<p>Dhoni also mentioned the secret plan of Ziva as she was not interested in being clicked and wanted to run on the lawn instead.</p>

<p>"Ziva doesn’t care about the trophy, wants to run on the lawn according to her wordings, said Dhoni."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Everywhere we go! We are the Chennai Boys and we are the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperChampions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperChampions</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVqQnMeXAi">pic.twitter.com/iVqQnMeXAi</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1000803071058788353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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MS Dhoni hailed Shane Watson's 117-run knock and said, 'Shane 'shocking' Watson played a shocking innings to get us through'

MS Dhoni-led Chennai won the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League for the third time after defeating Hyderabad by 8 wickets at Wankhede stadium. The victory became emotional as Chennai won the title after serving a two-year ban. The team produced a stunning performance throughout the season to lift the trophy. With skipper Dhoni leading from the front, the entire Chennai team contributed on various occasions to inspire the team towards victory. MS Dhoni thanked fans and followers for their love and support. He shared a picture with wife Sakshi Dhoni and daughter Ziva with the caption, "Thanks everyone for the support and Mumbai for turning yellow." Thanks everyone for the support and Mumbai for turning yellow.Shane ‘shocking’ Watson played a shocking innings to get us through.end of a good season.Ziva doesn’t care about the trophy, wants to run on the lawn according to her wordings. A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on May 27, 2018 at 1:03pm PDT × He also hailed Shane Watson's 117-run knock and said, "Shane 'shocking' Watson played a shocking innings to get us through. End of a good season." Dhoni also mentioned the secret plan of Ziva as she was not interested in being clicked and wanted to run on the lawn instead. "Ziva doesn’t care about the trophy, wants to run on the lawn according to her wordings, said Dhoni." Everywhere we go! We are the Chennai Boys and we are the #SuperChampions! #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/iVqQnMeXAi — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 27, 2018 ×

IPL: Chennai captain Dhoni acknowledges fan support, wife Sakshi & Ziva celebrate

<p>Opener Shane Watson's unbeaten ton helps Chennai lift third Indian Premier League title (IPL) as they defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>While chasing 179 runs target, Watson played a superb knock and smashed 117 runs in 57 balls, which includes seven fours and eight sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this century, Watson became the second batsman in IPL history to score a century in a final.</p>

<p>Hyderabad had almost lost the game after Watson slammed 26 runs in five legal deliveries off Sandeep Sharma, including three sixes on the trot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai achieved the target in just 18.3 overs with eight wickets in hand and nine deliveries to spare.</p>

<p>Opting to chase after winning the toss, Chennai were in a spot of bother early on as openers Watson and Faf du Plessis began on a slow note, scoring just 20 runs off the first five overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Watson along with Suresh Raina took the team out of the crises.</p>

<p>Earlier, Hyderabad scored a decent 178 for six against the 'Yellow Brigade'.</p>

<p>Skipper Kane Williamson left behind his poor form and played a captain's knock to settle the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike other games, Kane took few balls to settle and then went for big shots. He made 47 runs in 36 balls which included five fours and two sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He fell just three runs short to reach his 9th IPL half-century and gave away his wicket to Karn Sharma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later it was Yusuf Pathan and Carlos Brathwaite's cameos which helped Hyderabad cross the 150 runs mark. Pathan remained unbeaten and made 45 runs in just 25 balls. His inning included four boundaries and two sixes.</p>

<p>Brathwaite, on the other hand, smashed three sixes to reach 21 runs in 11 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he gave away his wicket on the last ball of Hyderabad's innings while trying to hit another six for the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opener Shikhar Dhawan too contributed 26 runs.</p>

<p>For Chennai, apart from Deepak Chahar, every other bowler took one wicket apiece. While it was Bravo who turned out to be the costliest today, as he gave 46 runs in his four overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field bowl against Hyderabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two teams faced each other for the fourth time in this year's edition, with all the games being won by Chennai. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With this century, Watson became the second batsman in IPL history to score a century in a final.

Opener Shane Watson's unbeaten ton helps Chennai lift third Indian Premier League title (IPL) as they defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. While chasing 179 runs target, Watson played a superb knock and smashed 117 runs in 57 balls, which includes seven fours and eight sixes. With this century, Watson became the second batsman in IPL history to score a century in a final. Hyderabad had almost lost the game after Watson slammed 26 runs in five legal deliveries off Sandeep Sharma, including three sixes on the trot. Chennai achieved the target in just 18.3 overs with eight wickets in hand and nine deliveries to spare. Opting to chase after winning the toss, Chennai were in a spot of bother early on as openers Watson and Faf du Plessis began on a slow note, scoring just 20 runs off the first five overs. However, Watson along with Suresh Raina took the team out of the crises. Earlier, Hyderabad scored a decent 178 for six against the 'Yellow Brigade'. Skipper Kane Williamson left behind his poor form and played a captain's knock to settle the team. Unlike other games, Kane took few balls to settle and then went for big shots. He made 47 runs in 36 balls which included five fours and two sixes. He fell just three runs short to reach his 9th IPL half-century and gave away his wicket to Karn Sharma. Later it was Yusuf Pathan and Carlos Brathwaite's cameos which helped Hyderabad cross the 150 runs mark. Pathan remained unbeaten and made 45 runs in just 25 balls. His inning included four boundaries and two sixes. Brathwaite, on the other hand, smashed three sixes to reach 21 runs in 11 balls. However, he gave away his wicket on the last ball of Hyderabad's innings while trying to hit another six for the team. Opener Shikhar Dhawan too contributed 26 runs. For Chennai, apart from Deepak Chahar, every other bowler took one wicket apiece. While it was Bravo who turned out to be the costliest today, as he gave 46 runs in his four overs. MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field bowl against Hyderabad. The two teams faced each other for the fourth time in this year's edition, with all the games being won by Chennai.

'Kings' Chennai crowned with 3rd IPL title

<p>MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field against Hyderabad in the final of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, at the Wankhede stadium.</p>

<p>The two teams are facing each other for the fourth time in this year's edition. This is Chennai's seventh final in the 11 years of IPL nut they have managed to win only two times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking after the toss, Dhoni said, "We will bowl first. Looking at our bowling and batting, our batting will have to look to take extra pressure. The journey has been good. It is not something that you can always predict."</p>

<p>"There were challenges thrown at us. We had a core group of players with us but other than that it was a fresh squad. We have one change. Karn Sharma comes in for Harbhajan Singh," he added.</p>

<p>Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad will also be hoping to repeat their 2016 heroics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about their strategy for today, Kane said,"We would have bowled first as well. It is a fresh wicket. Finals cricket and we will look to do the job. Get a competitive total and then assess the conditions. We are looking forward to the occasion."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fairly new franchise squad and all the boys are raring to go. We have two changes. Sandeep Sharma comes in for Khaleel Ahmed. Unfortunately, Saha is injured and Goswami comes in," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Teams</strong></p>

<p><strong>Hyderabad (Playing XI): </strong>Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Yusuf Pathan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma</p>

<p><strong>Chennai (Playing XI):</strong> Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi</p>


The two teams are facing each other for the fourth time in this year's edition.

MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field against Hyderabad in the final of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, at the Wankhede stadium. The two teams are facing each other for the fourth time in this year's edition. This is Chennai's seventh final in the 11 years of IPL nut they have managed to win only two times. Speaking after the toss, Dhoni said, "We will bowl first. Looking at our bowling and batting, our batting will have to look to take extra pressure. The journey has been good. It is not something that you can always predict." "There were challenges thrown at us. We had a core group of players with us but other than that it was a fresh squad. We have one change. Karn Sharma comes in for Harbhajan Singh," he added. Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad will also be hoping to repeat their 2016 heroics. Talking about their strategy for today, Kane said,"We would have bowled first as well. It is a fresh wicket. Finals cricket and we will look to do the job. Get a competitive total and then assess the conditions. We are looking forward to the occasion." "Fairly new franchise squad and all the boys are raring to go. We have two changes. Sandeep Sharma comes in for Khaleel Ahmed. Unfortunately, Saha is injured and Goswami comes in," he added. Teams Hyderabad (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Yusuf Pathan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma Chennai (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi

IPL 2018: MS Dhoni wins toss, opts to bowl against Hyderabad in finale

<p>MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the final of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League, at the Wankhede stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>The two teams are facing each other for the fourth time in this year's edition. This is Chennai's seventh final in the 11 years of IPL nut they have managed to win only two times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What the skippers say:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Kane Williamson -&nbsp;</strong>It is the final clash and the team will look to do the job. Get a competitive total and then assess the conditions. We are looking forward to the occasion.</p>

<p><strong>MS Dhoni -</strong>&nbsp;The pressure would be more on the batting side. Also, the winning and losing is not something that you can always predict. The journey has been good.</p>

<p><strong>Pitch report:</strong> Wankhede stadium is a batting pitch and a high scoring match is expected. The pitch has too many cracks and it will support the spinners. Don't worry, as there are no chances of rain today at Wankhede.</p>

<p><strong>Team news:</strong></p>

<p>For Hyderabad, there are two changes Sandeep Sharma is back in the squad for the crucial game. Wicketkeeper batsmen Wriddhiman Saha is injured and Shreevats Goswami has filled in.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni has made just one change for tonight's match. Karn Sharma has been included in the squad at the place of Harbhajan Singh.</p>

<p><strong>Confirmed playing XI:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Hyderabad:</strong> Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Yusuf Pathan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma</p>

<p><strong>Chennai:</strong> Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi</p>


MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the final of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League

MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the final of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League, at the Wankhede stadium on Sunday. The two teams are facing each other for the fourth time in this year's edition. This is Chennai's seventh final in the 11 years of IPL nut they have managed to win only two times. What the skippers say: Kane Williamson - It is the final clash and the team will look to do the job. Get a competitive total and then assess the conditions. We are looking forward to the occasion. MS Dhoni - The pressure would be more on the batting side. Also, the winning and losing is not something that you can always predict. The journey has been good. Pitch report: Wankhede stadium is a batting pitch and a high scoring match is expected. The pitch has too many cracks and it will support the spinners. Don't worry, as there are no chances of rain today at Wankhede. Team news: For Hyderabad, there are two changes Sandeep Sharma is back in the squad for the crucial game. Wicketkeeper batsmen Wriddhiman Saha is injured and Shreevats Goswami has filled in. MS Dhoni has made just one change for tonight's match. Karn Sharma has been included in the squad at the place of Harbhajan Singh. Confirmed playing XI: Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Deepak Hooda, Yusuf Pathan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma Chennai: Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi

IPL 2018 Final, Chennai vs Hyderabad | Team news, pitch report, confirmed squad

<p>After all the ups and downs, the two teams which made it to the finale - Chennai and Hyderabad- will put a tough fight to clinch the Indian Premier League 2018 title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match will be held at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team entered the finale after defeating Hyderabad by two wickets in the Qualifier 1.</p>

<p>Opener Faf du Plessis smashed an unbeaten 67 which was supported by Shadul Thakur's 5-ball-15 runs to take Chennai to the finale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thakur's inning came at a crucial time when Chennai needed over 40 runs in the last three overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kane Williamson team was sent to Kolkata&nbsp;where they defeated Dinesh Karthik side in Qualifier 2 to make it to the final against Chennai.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Chennai and Hyderabad have locked horns three times previously in this season and all the games were won by Dhoni & corp.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The two Captains - <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> and Kane Williamson pose with the silverware on the eve of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> Final.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a> <a href="https://t.co/juYi8DOWxx">pic.twitter.com/juYi8DOWxx</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1000421209949941760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>if we talk about the team then, Chennai mostly relies on their batting line which includes, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni.</p>

<p>Watson and Rayudu have been out of form if seen their last few matches.&nbsp;<br />
But it is time for the boys to make a comeback to help Chennai clinch the title for the third time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their bowling attack has improved with Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja swinging wickets in team's favour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time champions have also found another death over specialist in Lungi Ngidi.&nbsp; So far, Dwayne Bravo has been carrying the responsibility alone on his shoulders for the franchise.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Hyderabad, on the other hand, returned to winning ways with the support of its bowlers.</p>

<p>Rashid Khan became the star player of the qualifier two after taking three crucial wickets.&nbsp;Siddarth Kaul and Carlos Brathwaite also took two wickets apiece to take Hyderabad to victory side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, batting mostly relies on opener Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson.&nbsp;Yusuf Pathan is a capable batsman but has been completely out of form. Its time for him to stand up to his billing and play a knock he is known for.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from them, any player who scores is a surprise gift for the Kane-Williamson side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the match promising to be a high-voltage encounter, the winning probability of both the teams remains 50-50.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The match will be held at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

After all the ups and downs, the two teams which made it to the finale - Chennai and Hyderabad- will put a tough fight to clinch the Indian Premier League 2018 title. The match will be held at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. The Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team entered the finale after defeating Hyderabad by two wickets in the Qualifier 1. Opener Faf du Plessis smashed an unbeaten 67 which was supported by Shadul Thakur's 5-ball-15 runs to take Chennai to the finale. Thakur's inning came at a crucial time when Chennai needed over 40 runs in the last three overs. The Kane Williamson team was sent to Kolkata where they defeated Dinesh Karthik side in Qualifier 2 to make it to the final against Chennai. Interestingly, Chennai and Hyderabad have locked horns three times previously in this season and all the games were won by Dhoni & corp. The two Captains - @msdhoni and Kane Williamson pose with the silverware on the eve of #VIVOIPL Final.#CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/juYi8DOWxx — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2018 × if we talk about the team then, Chennai mostly relies on their batting line which includes, Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni. Watson and Rayudu have been out of form if seen their last few matches. But it is time for the boys to make a comeback to help Chennai clinch the title for the third time. Their bowling attack has improved with Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja swinging wickets in team's favour. The two-time champions have also found another death over specialist in Lungi Ngidi. So far, Dwayne Bravo has been carrying the responsibility alone on his shoulders for the franchise. × Hyderabad, on the other hand, returned to winning ways with the support of its bowlers. Rashid Khan became the star player of the qualifier two after taking three crucial wickets. Siddarth Kaul and Carlos Brathwaite also took two wickets apiece to take Hyderabad to victory side. Meanwhile, batting mostly relies on opener Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson. Yusuf Pathan is a capable batsman but has been completely out of form. Its time for him to stand up to his billing and play a knock he is known for. Apart from them, any player who scores is a surprise gift for the Kane-Williamson side. With the match promising to be a high-voltage encounter, the winning probability of both the teams remains 50-50.

IPL 2018 Final: 'Kings' Chennai to clash once again with 'Risers' Hyderabad

<p>The biggest cricket carnival, Indian Premier League has reached the last phase and we have two finalists Hyderabad and Chennai.</p>

<p>The cricket fraternity is waiting for the ultimate winner of&nbspthe eleventh edition of IPL which will be decided after today's intriguing encounter between the two finalists at Wankhede.</p>

<p>According to several online surveys that are being conducted on social media, M.S Dhoni-led Chennai team has been voted as the strong favourites but they certainly don't deserve the title.</p>

<p>The fans survey highlighted Dhoni as the most popular player out of the top 12 players with 27.3 per cent votes followed by Virat Kohli with 22 per cent and Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson with 20.11 per cent fan votes.&nbsp</p>

<p>If the favourites teams are judged on the basis of favourite players than Virat Kohli-led Bangalore must win the competition because the Bangalore team had the most popular playing XI of the season, in the presence of Virat himself and South African batsman AB de Villiers.</p>

<p>We all know that the frenzy for MS Dhoni is massive, it doesn't matter whether he is playing for Chennai or Pune, the fan following will be same. It is an honour and MSD has earned it for himself and he truly deserves it.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Hyderabad received a major blow before the start of IPL in the form of David Warner's ouster from the IPL.</p>

<p>Australian cricketer David Warner was supposed to lead the "Orange Army" and also he was the opener. In his absence, Hyderabad's batting unit suffered a lot but still the team raised above it and emerged as one of the top contenders for the title.</p>

<p>After David Warner's exit, Kane Williamson got the responsibility to lead the team and he proved his mettle with stunning leadership skills and managed to reach the finals despite many adversities.</p>

<p>Under his guidance, many players come into view and the best example of that is Siddharth Kaul.</p>

<p>Kaul has taken 21 wickets so far in the tournament with 8.00 economy rate.</p>

<p>Although, Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have supported the team,&nbspbut never felt the pressure of sole responsibility.</p>

<p>The bowling unit has never been dependent on experienced ones, in fact, all the bowlers, from spinners to seamers and from pacers to death over specialists, everybody has taken wickets at crucial moments.</p>

<p>Unlike Chennai, which is also branded as a bunch of old and experienced players, Hyderabad have given chance to young talents.</p>

<p>In my opinion, it is easy to play and win with experienced players but it takes actual intent to motivate young champs and give them chance to play their own game and shine brighter than stars.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Kane Williamson proved his mettle with stunning leadership skills and managed to reach the finals despite many adversities

The biggest cricket carnival, Indian Premier League has reached the last phase and we have two finalists Hyderabad and Chennai. The cricket fraternity is waiting for the ultimate winner of&nbspthe eleventh edition of IPL which will be decided after today's intriguing encounter between the two finalists at Wankhede. According to several online surveys that are being conducted on social media, M.S Dhoni-led Chennai team has been voted as the strong favourites but they certainly don't deserve the title. The fans survey highlighted Dhoni as the most popular player out of the top 12 players with 27.3 per cent votes followed by Virat Kohli with 22 per cent and Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson with 20.11 per cent fan votes. If the favourites teams are judged on the basis of favourite players than Virat Kohli-led Bangalore must win the competition because the Bangalore team had the most popular playing XI of the season, in the presence of Virat himself and South African batsman AB de Villiers. We all know that the frenzy for MS Dhoni is massive, it doesn't matter whether he is playing for Chennai or Pune, the fan following will be same. It is an honour and MSD has earned it for himself and he truly deserves it. On the other hand, Hyderabad received a major blow before the start of IPL in the form of David Warner's ouster from the IPL. Australian cricketer David Warner was supposed to lead the "Orange Army" and also he was the opener. In his absence, Hyderabad's batting unit suffered a lot but still the team raised above it and emerged as one of the top contenders for the title. After David Warner's exit, Kane Williamson got the responsibility to lead the team and he proved his mettle with stunning leadership skills and managed to reach the finals despite many adversities. Under his guidance, many players come into view and the best example of that is Siddharth Kaul. Kaul has taken 21 wickets so far in the tournament with 8.00 economy rate. Although, Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have supported the team,&nbspbut never felt the pressure of sole responsibility. The bowling unit has never been dependent on experienced ones, in fact, all the bowlers, from spinners to seamers and from pacers to death over specialists, everybody has taken wickets at crucial moments. Unlike Chennai, which is also branded as a bunch of old and experienced players, Hyderabad have given chance to young talents. In my opinion, it is easy to play and win with experienced players but it takes actual intent to motivate young champs and give them chance to play their own game and shine brighter than stars. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: IPL 2018 - Why Hyderabad will overshadow Dhoni's experienced side

<p>IPL 2018 has finally reached its climax as two-time champions Chennai and Hyderabad will face-off in the summit clash of the 11th season of the cash-rich league at the Wankhede stadium today.</p>

<p>Hours before the final clash begins, Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that the age factor was definitely a concern for the team.</p>

<p>"The age-group of the boys was definitely a concern, you had to keep them fit. We had to take care of the resources and to make sure that when we come to the business end of the tournament, the best 11 is available for selection," Dhoni said.</p>

<p>While interacting with the media persons, Dhoni also justified his decision to often under-bowl veteran spinner Harbhajan in the tournament.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What goes into <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> mind before he chooses a particular bowler? The <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> captain offers a very interesting analogy?. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a> <a href="https://t.co/XEIEDdBEtH">pic.twitter.com/XEIEDdBEtH</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1000401323009830917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>But the answer was not plain, it was equivalent to his 'match-winning' six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have a lot of cars and bikes in my house. I don't ride all at a time. A lot of times, especially when you have six to seven bowlers in the side, you want to see the conditions, you want to see who is batting and what is needed at that point of time." Dhoni said.</p>

<p>"I see what is in best interest of the team," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harbhajan has played 13 matches out of the total 15 played by CSK and picked up seven wickets at an economy of 8.48.</p>


Chennai will clash with Hyderabad at the Wankhede stadium today

IPL 2018 has finally reached its climax as two-time champions Chennai and Hyderabad will face-off in the summit clash of the 11th season of the cash-rich league at the Wankhede stadium today. Hours before the final clash begins, Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that the age factor was definitely a concern for the team. "The age-group of the boys was definitely a concern, you had to keep them fit. We had to take care of the resources and to make sure that when we come to the business end of the tournament, the best 11 is available for selection," Dhoni said. While interacting with the media persons, Dhoni also justified his decision to often under-bowl veteran spinner Harbhajan in the tournament. What goes into @msdhoni mind before he chooses a particular bowler? The @ChennaiIPL captain offers a very interesting analogy?. #VIVOIPL #Final #CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/XEIEDdBEtH — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2018 × But the answer was not plain, it was equivalent to his 'match-winning' six. "I have a lot of cars and bikes in my house. I don't ride all at a time. A lot of times, especially when you have six to seven bowlers in the side, you want to see the conditions, you want to see who is batting and what is needed at that point of time." Dhoni said. "I see what is in best interest of the team," he added. Harbhajan has played 13 matches out of the total 15 played by CSK and picked up seven wickets at an economy of 8.48.

Watch: Why Dhoni barely used Harbhajan Singh in IPL 2018

<p>Chennai have reached the finals after defeating Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1 of the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League under the guidance of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni.</p>

<p>"Yellow Brigade" have marked a comeback after serving a two-year ban and emerged as one of the top contenders for the IPL trophy.</p>

<p>Two-time winners Chennai team is preparing for the final encounter which is scheduled to be played on May 27 to reclaim the trophy one more time, Suresh Raina has said that the team would like to win this year's IPL for their skipper MS Dhoni.</p>

<p>Raina was quoted as saying by the Chennai's website, Raina said, "He (Dhoni) got quite emotional (when the team reached the final this time). He cares so much for Chennai we all do. He has been amazing for Chennai since 2008 and is one of the nicest guys around. So this time, we want to win the IPL for Dhoni."</p>

<p>"He gets criticised so often and every time (he) answers his critics back through his performance. Sometimes you need to see it from an emotional side as well. We definitely have a team which can win it for MS this time. You need to do something (special) everytime he turns up and that is the reason we want to win the IPL for Dhoni," he further added.</p>

<p>"I remember reading somewhere after the auction that Chennai team is a bunch of old guys. But it is all about experience and how well you use it. Our unit is very confident right now. This season we batted as a group. Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu gave us good starts and then myself, followed by MS have been doing well. So if you see our team is so experienced and has so many match winners in it. We haven’t won the title since 2011 so I really want to do it this time," Raina concluded.</p>


'I remember reading somewhere after the auction that Chennai team is a bunch of old guys. But it is all about experience and how well you use it,' says Suresh Raina

Chennai have reached the finals after defeating Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1 of the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League under the guidance of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. "Yellow Brigade" have marked a comeback after serving a two-year ban and emerged as one of the top contenders for the IPL trophy. Two-time winners Chennai team is preparing for the final encounter which is scheduled to be played on May 27 to reclaim the trophy one more time, Suresh Raina has said that the team would like to win this year's IPL for their skipper MS Dhoni. Raina was quoted as saying by the Chennai's website, Raina said, "He (Dhoni) got quite emotional (when the team reached the final this time). He cares so much for Chennai we all do. He has been amazing for Chennai since 2008 and is one of the nicest guys around. So this time, we want to win the IPL for Dhoni." "He gets criticised so often and every time (he) answers his critics back through his performance. Sometimes you need to see it from an emotional side as well. We definitely have a team which can win it for MS this time. You need to do something (special) everytime he turns up and that is the reason we want to win the IPL for Dhoni," he further added. "I remember reading somewhere after the auction that Chennai team is a bunch of old guys. But it is all about experience and how well you use it. Our unit is very confident right now. This season we batted as a group. Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu gave us good starts and then myself, followed by MS have been doing well. So if you see our team is so experienced and has so many match winners in it. We haven’t won the title since 2011 so I really want to do it this time," Raina concluded.

We want to win IPL 2018 for Dhoni - Suresh Raina

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