<p>"Please leave the gentleman alone," former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said of <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/search?q=dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a>, insisting that the veteran's value to the team cannot be calculated despite the lack of consistency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni turned back the clock with a match-winning half-century against Australia in the second one-dayer in Adelaide, even hitting one of those trademark last-over sixes. The well-timed knock eased the pressure he has been under due to inconsistent form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My prayer is to please leave the gentleman alone and he will continue to do well. He is also not getting younger. So the consistency you might have at a younger age will obviously not be there and you have to bear with that," Gavaskar told 'India Today'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 37-year-old two-time World Cup-winning former captain's future is one of the most debated topics in Indian cricket right now but Gavaskar feels he deserves better.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bear with that little inconsistency. But he's still tremendous value to the team... That value you cannot calculate at all," the batting great said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elaborating on what he thought makes Dhoni a crucial cog, Gavaskar said the veteran stumper's reading of the game and match situations is impeccable from behind the stumps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He keeps telling the bowlers to bowl a particular delivery, what a batsman is planning to do. He has a sense of what a batsman is thinking...What the batsman is looking to do now...Is he looking to get out of jail kind of shot?" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These are the kind of things where Dhoni helps the bowlers and of course with the field placing because Virat is so important in the deep (as he fields outside 30-yard circle) in the final overs when he saves those two runs diving around, takes magnificent catches in the deep," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gavaskar also spoke about the trust that current skipper Virat Kohli has Dhoni's assessment of situations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"...It's not possible for Virat to maybe have a conversation with the bowlers or to make adjustments to the square fielders. That is where Virat has complete faith and trust in Dhoni to make those little bit of adjustments for him," Gavaskar said.</p>


"Please leave the gentleman alone," former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, insisting that the veteran's value to the team cannot be calculated despite the lack of consistency.

"Please leave the gentleman alone," former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, insisting that the veteran's value to the team cannot be calculated despite the lack of consistency. Dhoni turned back the clock with a match-winning half-century against Australia in the second one-dayer in Adelaide, even hitting one of those trademark last-over sixes. The well-timed knock eased the pressure he has been under due to inconsistent form. "My prayer is to please leave the gentleman alone and he will continue to do well. He is also not getting younger. So the consistency you might have at a younger age will obviously not be there and you have to bear with that," Gavaskar told 'India Today'. The 37-year-old two-time World Cup-winning former captain's future is one of the most debated topics in Indian cricket right now but Gavaskar feels he deserves better. "Bear with that little inconsistency. But he's still tremendous value to the team... That value you cannot calculate at all," the batting great said. Elaborating on what he thought makes Dhoni a crucial cog, Gavaskar said the veteran stumper's reading of the game and match situations is impeccable from behind the stumps. "He keeps telling the bowlers to bowl a particular delivery, what a batsman is planning to do. He has a sense of what a batsman is thinking...What the batsman is looking to do now...Is he looking to get out of jail kind of shot?" he said. "These are the kind of things where Dhoni helps the bowlers and of course with the field placing because Virat is so important in the deep (as he fields outside 30-yard circle) in the final overs when he saves those two runs diving around, takes magnificent catches in the deep," he added. Gavaskar also spoke about the trust that current skipper Virat Kohli has Dhoni's assessment of situations. "...It's not possible for Virat to maybe have a conversation with the bowlers or to make adjustments to the square fielders. That is where Virat has complete faith and trust in Dhoni to make those little bit of adjustments for him," Gavaskar said.

You cannot calculate Dhoni's value: Sunil Gavaskar

From Virat's ton to Dhoni's winning run: Major takeaways from 2nd India vs Australia ODI

<p>India defeated Australia by six wickets in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni, who was criticised for his slow-run rate in the first ODI, hit a crucial half-century, which includes the winning runs, to level the three-match series. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Indian skipper along with Dinesh Karthik at the other end remained unbeaten as Indian registered their victory. While Dhoni made 55 runs off 54 balls, Karthik contributed &nbsp;25 in 14 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli also converted his fifty into his 39th ODI hundred while chasing a target of 299 runs set by the hosts Australia.</p>

<p>Kohli, with MS Dhoni at the other end, played a patient inning to lift his side back into the game, especially after India lost both its openers. &nbsp;</p>

<p>His 104 runs inning included five boundaries and two sixes. He lost his wicket while trying to hit a big shot off Jhye Richardson.</p>

<p>The 'Men in Blue' lost both its openers - Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan - after the two gave India the required start. The two established a partnership of 47 runs before Dhawan fell off Jhye Richardson while trying to hit a big shot. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhawan made 32 runs, which included five boundaries. While Rohit, who slammed a brilliant century in the first ODI, lost his wicket at 43.</p>

<p>For Australia, Shaun Marsh slammed a patient century to lift Australia while wickets kept falling at the other hand in the second ODI against India on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Playing at an economy of 106.5, Marsh hit 131 runs in123 balls to set India a target of 299 runs. The 35-year-old, however, lost his wicket by giving an easy catch to Ravindra Jadeja while trying to hit a six off Bhuneshwar Kumar. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Marsh found an ally in Glenn Maxwell, who got lucky twice but was finally dismissed for 48 runs off Bhuneshwar. Australia, who stood at 218 for the loss of five wickets at 42 overs, lost four more wickets in the following eight overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In bowling, Indian pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami shared a total of seven wickets between them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhuvneshwar drew the first blood for his side as he bowled skipper Aaron Finch for just 6 runs. In the next over of Shami, wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was sent back to the pavilion for 18 runs.</p>

<p>Bhuvneshwar, who is a death-over specialist, ended his 10 overs with four wickets and giving away 45 runs. Mohammed Shami too clinched three wickets and gave away 58 runs in his 10 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Australia, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell took one wicket apiece.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two teams will next face each other on Friday to decide the winner of the ODI series.&nbsp;</p>


India defeated Australia by six wickets in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. MS Dhoni, who was criticised for his slow-run rate in the first ODI, hit a crucial half-century, which includes the winning runs, to level the three-match series.

India defeated Australia by six wickets in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. MS Dhoni, who was criticised for his slow-run rate in the first ODI, hit a crucial half-century, which includes the winning runs, to level the three-match series. The former Indian skipper along with Dinesh Karthik at the other end remained unbeaten as Indian registered their victory. While Dhoni made 55 runs off 54 balls, Karthik contributed 25 in 14 balls. Indian skipper Virat Kohli also converted his fifty into his 39th ODI hundred while chasing a target of 299 runs set by the hosts Australia. Kohli, with MS Dhoni at the other end, played a patient inning to lift his side back into the game, especially after India lost both its openers. His 104 runs inning included five boundaries and two sixes. He lost his wicket while trying to hit a big shot off Jhye Richardson. The 'Men in Blue' lost both its openers - Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan - after the two gave India the required start. The two established a partnership of 47 runs before Dhawan fell off Jhye Richardson while trying to hit a big shot. Dhawan made 32 runs, which included five boundaries. While Rohit, who slammed a brilliant century in the first ODI, lost his wicket at 43. For Australia, Shaun Marsh slammed a patient century to lift Australia while wickets kept falling at the other hand in the second ODI against India on Tuesday. Playing at an economy of 106.5, Marsh hit 131 runs in123 balls to set India a target of 299 runs. The 35-year-old, however, lost his wicket by giving an easy catch to Ravindra Jadeja while trying to hit a six off Bhuneshwar Kumar. Marsh found an ally in Glenn Maxwell, who got lucky twice but was finally dismissed for 48 runs off Bhuneshwar. Australia, who stood at 218 for the loss of five wickets at 42 overs, lost four more wickets in the following eight overs. In bowling, Indian pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami shared a total of seven wickets between them. Bhuvneshwar drew the first blood for his side as he bowled skipper Aaron Finch for just 6 runs. In the next over of Shami, wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was sent back to the pavilion for 18 runs. Bhuvneshwar, who is a death-over specialist, ended his 10 overs with four wickets and giving away 45 runs. Mohammed Shami too clinched three wickets and gave away 58 runs in his 10 overs. For Australia, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell took one wicket apiece. The two teams will next face each other on Friday to decide the winner of the ODI series.

Virat Kohli's ton, MS Dhoni's 50 help India beat Australia by six wickets in 2nd ODI

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to set the pace during middle overs will remain a major cause of concern when India take on Australia in a do-or-die second ODI on Tuesday in their bid to keep the three-match series alive.</p>

<p>Hardik Pandya's sudden suspension on disciplinary grounds has badly affected the balance of the batting order, which was apparent during team's 34-run defeat in the opening match despite vice-captain Rohit Sharma's 22nd hundred in 50-over format.</p>

<p>Dhoni's 51 off 96 balls and failing to rotate the strike has brought to focus the rejigging that skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri will have to fret upon.</p>

<p>With Dhoni being slotted at No 5 even though vice-captain Rohit wants the veteran to bat a notch higher but cues from India's training session made it clear that the team is unlikely to tinker with the batting order.</p>

<p>India's batting order did come under the spotlight at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The top three (Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli) have enjoyed a fairly consistent run since 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it was a rare occasion when Dhoni had to come out in the fourth over of the innings.</p>

<p>Dhoni averages 52.95 while batting at number four, which is higher than his current career-average of 50.11 over 333 games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is even higher than his favoured batting positions of number five (50.70) and six (46.33) but batting lower down the order, strike-rate becomes paramount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet, Dhoni's career strike-rate at number four is 94.21 is higher than his overall career strike-rate of 87.60, or at number five (86.08) and number six (83.23).</p>

<p>When India last played ODIs in Australia in January 2016, Dhoni batted at number four in two matches but only scored 18 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, since that series, Dhoni has batted at number four in only eight ODIs, with the last instance in the 2018 Asia Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He averages 24.75 in this interim, with a strike-rate of 77.34 and a highest of 80 against New Zealand in October 2016.</p>

<p>This presents a quandary, which the Indian team management might not be in a mood to sort out at present.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rayudu did well enough in the Asia Cup and in the home series against West Indies, and both batsmen merit a longer run in their respective positions to help settle this batting line-up in the run-up to the English summer.</p>

<p>No pre-match short-list has been announced for this second ODI, and all-rounder Vijay Shankar only arrived late Monday afternoon in Adelaide, thus might not be available for selection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Hardik's continued absence, any forthcoming changes will be to find a better balance between bat and ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India coped in the Asia Cup and against West Indies when he was out injured, playing three spinners in sub-continental conditions helped. In overseas conditions, Pandya's absence restricts the team's capability with both bat and ball.</p>

<p>Despite his suspect action, Rayudu is free to continue bowling in international cricket, but it remains to be seen if the team management would want him to.</p>

<p>Kedar Jadhav provides an alternative option in that light, and he could come into the playing eleven at Dinesh Karthik's expense.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is every chance that the same bowling composition as in the first ODI will be retained, despite Khaleel Ahmed being off-colour. He batted in the nets along side Yuzvendra Chahal on Monday.</p>

<p>Out of the three fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami was most impressive in the first match and given the delicate situation of this series, he will certainly not be left out.</p>

<p>The team management also banks on Ravindra Jadeja's all-round skills, and as such Chahal's chances of an immediate return to the side looks doubtful.</p>

<p>Mohammed Siraj had a long bowling stint though, under the watchful eyes of coach Ravi Shastri, and he could be in contention for Ahmed's place.</p>

<p>However, onus will be on the top three batsmen to come good once again and deflect any undue pressure on the middle order for a second game running.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli averages 73.44 at the Adelaide Oval across all formats, while in ODIs alone, he still averages an impressive 46.66.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While he would definitely strive to score runs again at his favourite venue, Dhawan's form will be in limelight.</p>

<p>Along with Dhoni and Rayudu, he is the third batsman in the top six who didn't play any domestic cricket while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was being contested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Dhoni is retired from Test cricket, and Rayudu announced his First-Class retirement before the Ranji season began, Dhawan had no such excuse and spent his time holidaying in Melbourne instead of playing in the 2018-19 Ranji season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While he was in good form before this chosen break, it remains to be seen if his first-ball duck in Sydney was more than a slight blip.</p>

<p>Australia didn't announce their playing eleven for the second ODI either, but it is expected that they will field the same team as in the first match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their biggest concern at the moment is if Glenn Maxwell is batting at his best position at number seven.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Teams:<br />
India:</strong> <em>Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar.</em></p>

<p><strong>Australia: </strong><em>Aron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa.&nbsp;</em></p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to set the pace during middle overs will remain a major cause of concern when India take on Australia in a do-or-die second ODI on Tuesday in their bid to keep the three-match series alive.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to set the pace during middle overs will remain a major cause of concern when India take on Australia in a do-or-die second ODI on Tuesday in their bid to keep the three-match series alive. Hardik Pandya's sudden suspension on disciplinary grounds has badly affected the balance of the batting order, which was apparent during team's 34-run defeat in the opening match despite vice-captain Rohit Sharma's 22nd hundred in 50-over format. Dhoni's 51 off 96 balls and failing to rotate the strike has brought to focus the rejigging that skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri will have to fret upon. With Dhoni being slotted at No 5 even though vice-captain Rohit wants the veteran to bat a notch higher but cues from India's training session made it clear that the team is unlikely to tinker with the batting order. India's batting order did come under the spotlight at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The top three (Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli) have enjoyed a fairly consistent run since 2016. But it was a rare occasion when Dhoni had to come out in the fourth over of the innings. Dhoni averages 52.95 while batting at number four, which is higher than his current career-average of 50.11 over 333 games. It is even higher than his favoured batting positions of number five (50.70) and six (46.33) but batting lower down the order, strike-rate becomes paramount. Yet, Dhoni's career strike-rate at number four is 94.21 is higher than his overall career strike-rate of 87.60, or at number five (86.08) and number six (83.23). When India last played ODIs in Australia in January 2016, Dhoni batted at number four in two matches but only scored 18 runs. In fact, since that series, Dhoni has batted at number four in only eight ODIs, with the last instance in the 2018 Asia Cup. He averages 24.75 in this interim, with a strike-rate of 77.34 and a highest of 80 against New Zealand in October 2016. This presents a quandary, which the Indian team management might not be in a mood to sort out at present. Rayudu did well enough in the Asia Cup and in the home series against West Indies, and both batsmen merit a longer run in their respective positions to help settle this batting line-up in the run-up to the English summer. No pre-match short-list has been announced for this second ODI, and all-rounder Vijay Shankar only arrived late Monday afternoon in Adelaide, thus might not be available for selection. In Hardik's continued absence, any forthcoming changes will be to find a better balance between bat and ball. While India coped in the Asia Cup and against West Indies when he was out injured, playing three spinners in sub-continental conditions helped. In overseas conditions, Pandya's absence restricts the team's capability with both bat and ball. Despite his suspect action, Rayudu is free to continue bowling in international cricket, but it remains to be seen if the team management would want him to. Kedar Jadhav provides an alternative option in that light, and he could come into the playing eleven at Dinesh Karthik's expense. There is every chance that the same bowling composition as in the first ODI will be retained, despite Khaleel Ahmed being off-colour. He batted in the nets along side Yuzvendra Chahal on Monday. Out of the three fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami was most impressive in the first match and given the delicate situation of this series, he will certainly not be left out. The team management also banks on Ravindra Jadeja's all-round skills, and as such Chahal's chances of an immediate return to the side looks doubtful. Mohammed Siraj had a long bowling stint though, under the watchful eyes of coach Ravi Shastri, and he could be in contention for Ahmed's place. However, onus will be on the top three batsmen to come good once again and deflect any undue pressure on the middle order for a second game running. Kohli averages 73.44 at the Adelaide Oval across all formats, while in ODIs alone, he still averages an impressive 46.66. While he would definitely strive to score runs again at his favourite venue, Dhawan's form will be in limelight. Along with Dhoni and Rayudu, he is the third batsman in the top six who didn't play any domestic cricket while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was being contested. While Dhoni is retired from Test cricket, and Rayudu announced his First-Class retirement before the Ranji season began, Dhawan had no such excuse and spent his time holidaying in Melbourne instead of playing in the 2018-19 Ranji season. While he was in good form before this chosen break, it remains to be seen if his first-ball duck in Sydney was more than a slight blip. Australia didn't announce their playing eleven for the second ODI either, but it is expected that they will field the same team as in the first match. Their biggest concern at the moment is if Glenn Maxwell is batting at his best position at number seven. Teams: India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar. Australia: Aron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa.

India vs Australia: MS Dhoni's poor form a worry as India look to restore parity in 2nd ODI

<p>Indian former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the fifth Indian batsman to score 10,000 runs in one-day cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni achieved this feat while playing at Sydney Cricket Ground against Australian on Saturday in the first ODI of a three-match series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wicket-keeper batsman becomes the fifth to reach the milestone for his country.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🙌 10,000 ODI RUNS FOR INDIA FOR MS DHONI 🙌<br />
<br />
The wicket-keeper batsman becomes the fifth to reach the milestone for his country. 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> LIVE 👇<a href="https://t.co/cJ0yJS6W8v">https://t.co/cJ0yJS6W8v</a> <a href="https://t.co/ezkRGRjCRI">pic.twitter.com/ezkRGRjCRI</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1083984376965165057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>the wicket-keeper batsman had earlier accumulated a total of 10,173 runs in the 50-over format during a home series against West Indies in October 2018 however, the record also contained the 174 runs, which he smashed against the Africa XI, while representing the Asia XI in a three-match rubber in 2007.<br />
<br />
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli had scored 10,000 ODI runs for India.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Overall, Dhoni is the 12th player in the&nbsp;history of ODI cricket to reach the 10,000-run club.&nbsp;</p>


Indian former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the fifth Indian batsman to score 10,000 runs in one-day cricket. Dhoni achieved this feat while playing at Sydney Cricket Ground against Australian on Saturday in the first ODI of a three-match series.

Indian former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the fifth Indian batsman to score 10,000 runs in one-day cricket. Dhoni achieved this feat while playing at Sydney Cricket Ground against Australian on Saturday in the first ODI of a three-match series. The wicket-keeper batsman becomes the fifth to reach the milestone for his country. 🙌 10,000 ODI RUNS FOR INDIA FOR MS DHONI 🙌 The wicket-keeper batsman becomes the fifth to reach the milestone for his country. 👏#AUSvIND LIVE 👇https://t.co/cJ0yJS6W8v pic.twitter.com/ezkRGRjCRI — ICC (@ICC) January 12, 2019 × the wicket-keeper batsman had earlier accumulated a total of 10,173 runs in the 50-over format during a home series against West Indies in October 2018 however, the record also contained the 174 runs, which he smashed against the Africa XI, while representing the Asia XI in a three-match rubber in 2007. Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli had scored 10,000 ODI runs for India. Overall, Dhoni is the 12th player in the history of ODI cricket to reach the 10,000-run club.

India vs Australia: MS Dhoni becomes 5th Indian batsman to score 10,000 ODI runs

<p>India's young cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul recently appeared on Bollywood director Karan Johar's show 'Koffee with Karan' and spilled the beans on some of the intriguing secrets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cricketing duo, during the fiery 'Rapid-fire round' were asked to name the better batsman between current Indian skipper Virat Kohli and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.</p>

<p>In reply, both picked their captain Kohli without any hesitation.</p>

<p>Ever since Kohli has started scoring runs consistently for his side, the comparisons between him and the Tendulkar have been made. In the last two year, Kohli has even surpassed Tendulkar in several records held by the former. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">' Sachin or Virat '<br />
<br />
Elite opinions. <a href="https://t.co/SJdV59Mn3X">pic.twitter.com/SJdV59Mn3X</a></p>
— Freak (@strangerrr_18) <a href="https://twitter.com/strangerrr_18/status/1081926816384860160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>After their answer, fans of Tendulkar chided the two, accusing them of knowing zilch about the game.&nbsp;A Twitter user even called Pandya an empty vessel that is making noise.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hardik Pandya in Koffee with Karan is the classic example of 'empty vessels make the most noise'. Only if wearing Gucci shoes made someone a gentleman. Sigh! <a href="https://t.co/HMEkHr65rb">https://t.co/HMEkHr65rb</a></p>
— Sohini Guharoy (@sohinigr) <a href="https://twitter.com/sohinigr/status/1081964482044272644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what I'm doing now, just to feel better about the sport I grew up loving.<br />
<br />
Needed this to detox from the sewage that Hardik Pandya spewed on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoffeeWithKaran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoffeeWithKaran</a> <a href="https://t.co/XFdR0SNHWi">pic.twitter.com/XFdR0SNHWi</a></p>
— Anand M S (@yemmay) <a href="https://twitter.com/yemmay/status/1081967891942039552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It might have been fun initially to watch two young sportsmen letting their guards down, but the obnoxious and misogynist attitude of Hardik Pandya just was too much to take in. At one time, cricket was called a gentleman's sport. Where has all the class gone? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoffeeWithKaran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoffeeWithKaran</a></p>
— Medha Chatterjee (@moldyshorts16) <a href="https://twitter.com/moldyshorts16/status/1081960284015808513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sachin is the greatest batsmen of all time '<br />
said by<br />
<br />
Don Bradman<br />
Viv Richards<br />
Sunil Gavaskar<br />
Brett Lee<br />
Wasim Akram<br />
David<br />
Ganguly.......and many more<br />
<br />
Kohli &gt; Sachin said by<br />
'KL Rahul ' and 'Hardik Pandya' .....<br />
<br />
Every true cricket fan knows who is best!</p>
— S A N D E E P (@SandeepRohitian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandeepRohitian/status/1081955125206355968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoffeeWithKaran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoffeeWithKaran</a><br />
After seeing kl and hardik choose virat over sachin.<br />
Me : <a href="https://t.co/Kcsy9piUrh">pic.twitter.com/Kcsy9piUrh</a></p>
— Sameer (@sabhya_purush) <a href="https://twitter.com/sabhya_purush/status/1081985226203512832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karan also asked the two to choose the better captain between Kohli and MS Dhoni, both of them picked Dhoni as a better skipper.</p>


India's young cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul recently appeared on Bollywood director Karan Johar's show 'Koffee with Karan' and spilled the beans on some of the intriguing secrets.

India's young cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul recently appeared on Bollywood director Karan Johar's show 'Koffee with Karan' and spilled the beans on some of the intriguing secrets. The cricketing duo, during the fiery 'Rapid-fire round' were asked to name the better batsman between current Indian skipper Virat Kohli and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. In reply, both picked their captain Kohli without any hesitation. Ever since Kohli has started scoring runs consistently for his side, the comparisons between him and the Tendulkar have been made. In the last two year, Kohli has even surpassed Tendulkar in several records held by the former. ' Sachin or Virat ' Elite opinions. pic.twitter.com/SJdV59Mn3X — Freak (@strangerrr_18) January 6, 2019 × After their answer, fans of Tendulkar chided the two, accusing them of knowing zilch about the game. A Twitter user even called Pandya an empty vessel that is making noise. Hardik Pandya in Koffee with Karan is the classic example of 'empty vessels make the most noise'. Only if wearing Gucci shoes made someone a gentleman. Sigh! https://t.co/HMEkHr65rb — Sohini Guharoy (@sohinigr) January 6, 2019 × This is what I'm doing now, just to feel better about the sport I grew up loving. Needed this to detox from the sewage that Hardik Pandya spewed on #KoffeeWithKaran pic.twitter.com/XFdR0SNHWi — Anand M S (@yemmay) January 6, 2019 × It might have been fun initially to watch two young sportsmen letting their guards down, but the obnoxious and misogynist attitude of Hardik Pandya just was too much to take in. At one time, cricket was called a gentleman's sport. Where has all the class gone? #KoffeeWithKaran — Medha Chatterjee (@moldyshorts16) January 6, 2019 × Sachin is the greatest batsmen of all time ' said by Don Bradman Viv Richards Sunil Gavaskar Brett Lee Wasim Akram David Ganguly.......and many more Kohli > Sachin said by 'KL Rahul ' and 'Hardik Pandya' ..... Every true cricket fan knows who is best! — S A N D E E P (@SandeepRohitian) January 6, 2019 × #KoffeeWithKaran After seeing kl and hardik choose virat over sachin. Me : pic.twitter.com/Kcsy9piUrh — Sameer (@sabhya_purush) January 6, 2019 × Karan also asked the two to choose the better captain between Kohli and MS Dhoni, both of them picked Dhoni as a better skipper.

KL Rahul, Pandya say Kohli 'better batsman' than Tendulkar; Twitterati boils

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-convicts-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-in-corruption-case-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison-186144">Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison</a></p>

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.</p>

<p>The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-car-bomb-attack-in-kabul-gunmen-target-government-ministry-186183">Afghanistan: Car bomb attack in Kabul; gunmen target government ministry</a></p>

<p>Gunmen entered a Kabul government compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said.</p>

<p>The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-returns-in-indias-squad-for-australia-and-nz-odis-pant-dropped-186204">MS Dhoni returns in India's squad for Australia and NZ ODIs; Pant dropped</a></p>

<p>MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-demand-to-free-two-detained-canadians-china-186176">Resolutely oppose demand to free two detained Canadians: China</a></p>

<p>China declared today it was "resolutely" opposed to Canada demanding release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/puzzling-to-see-providing-loan-waiver-is-termed-as-economic-waste-varun-gandhi-to-wion-186169">Policy apathy has adversely impacted farmer condition: Varun Gandhi to WION</a></p>

<p>BJP MP from Sultanpur Varun Gandhi has written a book called "Rural Manifesto" in which he has highlighted the problem faced by Indian agriculture. He spoke with WION on the issues faced by the Indian farmers. BJP recently lost the momentum in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh because of strong rural distress and subsequently lost elections to Congress in the three states.</p>


Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.

Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption. Afghanistan: Car bomb attack in Kabul; gunmen target government ministry Gunmen entered a Kabul government compound in Afghanistan after detonating a car bomb, officials said. The attack occurred outside Afghanistan's ministry of public works. MS Dhoni returns in India's squad for Australia and NZ ODIs; Pant dropped MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad. Resolutely oppose demand to free two detained Canadians: China China declared today it was "resolutely" opposed to Canada demanding release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline. Policy apathy has adversely impacted farmer condition: Varun Gandhi to WION BJP MP from Sultanpur Varun Gandhi has written a book called "Rural Manifesto" in which he has highlighted the problem faced by Indian agriculture. He spoke with WION on the issues faced by the Indian farmers. BJP recently lost the momentum in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh because of strong rural distress and subsequently lost elections to Congress in the three states.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.</p>

<p>Dhoni's return comes as a surprise since he was dropped from the T20s against Australia only last month. The reason cited by the selectors at that time was that they were looking for a second wicketkeeper in the format.</p>

<p>However, justifying the 37-year-old's selection, a BCCI official, on conditions of anonymity, told PTI, "Since there are only eight ODIs (three against Australia and five against New Zealand), selectors want to give MS as much game time as possible (before the World Cup). Three T20Is means 11 international matches through the next one month."</p>

<p>In the ODI squad, the 21-year-old Pant's axing is the only change that the selectors have made to the side that competed against the West Indies in a home series in October-November.</p>

<p>India are currently engaged in a Test series against Australia and will play three ODIs against them starting January 12 in Sydney.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This will be followed by a limited-overs engagement with New Zealand, starting with five ODIs from January 23. The three T20 Internationals against Kiwis are lined up from February 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The squads:</p>

<p><strong>India's squad for ODI series against Australia and NZ</strong>: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>India's squad for T20I series against NZ</strong>: Virat Kohli(Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed.</p>


MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.

MS Dhoni Monday returned to India's T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad. Dhoni's return comes as a surprise since he was dropped from the T20s against Australia only last month. The reason cited by the selectors at that time was that they were looking for a second wicketkeeper in the format. However, justifying the 37-year-old's selection, a BCCI official, on conditions of anonymity, told PTI, "Since there are only eight ODIs (three against Australia and five against New Zealand), selectors want to give MS as much game time as possible (before the World Cup). Three T20Is means 11 international matches through the next one month." In the ODI squad, the 21-year-old Pant's axing is the only change that the selectors have made to the side that competed against the West Indies in a home series in October-November. India are currently engaged in a Test series against Australia and will play three ODIs against them starting January 12 in Sydney. This will be followed by a limited-overs engagement with New Zealand, starting with five ODIs from January 23. The three T20 Internationals against Kiwis are lined up from February 6. The squads: India's squad for ODI series against Australia and NZ: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (VC), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami. India's squad for T20I series against NZ: Virat Kohli(Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed.

MS Dhoni returns in India's squad for Australia and NZ ODIs; Pant dropped

<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

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