Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed his availability for the upcoming IPL 2025, revealed the franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan. After CSK's shocking exit from the IPL 2024 group stage, MS Dhoni decided to remain tight-lipped about his participation in the IPL 2025. With the mega auction left on the line, CSK CEO Viswanathan is optimistic that MS Dhoni will confirm his availability for the upcoming IPL 2025. "We have still no confirmation from him, though we will like him to continue playing for us. Hope he will confirm before 31st [October]," Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. Also Read: Tests: Most wickets for South Africa October 31 is the date that has been set for all ten franchises to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction. For the upcoming edition, CSK has the option to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player after a change in rules. IPL brought back the rule that was scrapped in 2021, according to which players could be considered uncapped even if they had retired from international cricket for five years. If MS Dhoni confirms that he will play in the IPL 2025, then CSK will likely retain him as an uncapped player. The franchise will need to spend just Rs. 4 crores out of Rs. 120 crores of their purse. Each IPL franchise is allowed to retain up to six players before the IPL 2025 mega auction. MS Dhoni's last appearance in India colours was in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand when the Men in Blue suffered a heartbreak. After his retirement in 2020, Dhoni didn't feature in any other tournament apart from the IPL. In the 2024 season, Dhoni garnered 161 runs at a strike rate of 220 as he played the role of a finisher for the five-time champions. (With ANI Inputs)
21 October,2024 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand's rising star Rachin Ravindra said that his Indian heritage helped him to play spin between during the first Test match against Team India. Rachin Ravindra was born to Bengaluru parents in New Zealand. He shone in the Kiwis' first Test win against India in India after 36 years. The youngster played a knock of 134 runs which helped his side to take a lead of 365 runs. In the run chase of 107 runs, Rachin Ravindra played an unbeaten knock of 39 runs by guiding the "Black Caps" to a historic win. Speaking exclusively on JioCinema, 'Player of the Match' Rachin, shared insights into his approach against spin after New Zealand's victory over India in the 1st Test of the series. Also Read: Tata Steel Chess India: Magnus Carlsen leads star-studded lineup at this year's tournament Reflecting on his game plan, Ravindra said: "I do not necessarily play in the traditional style of Westerners who come over here. I have Indian heritage and have played a lot of cricket in India, which has helped me develop those game plans. I am not a massive sweeper or reverse sweeper, so I stick to my strengths. I was able to play against the spin, and with fewer fielders on that side, it helped me accumulate runs." He also opened up on playing in Bengaluru by saying that the city is special for him, both on and off the field due to his family connections. "Bengaluru is always special for me, not just for cricket but off the field too. It is a great city, and I feel very welcomed by the fans and the people here. Having family connections here makes it even more special, as I don't get to see them often. Playing in front of them is always an amazing feeling," he said. Rachin Ravindra said that as far as his batting approach is concerned, he is well aware of the class of his opposition and focuses on manipulating their lengths and getting in good positions to score. "I was able to get some good practice in Chennai before this series, and that definitely helped," he concluded. (With ANI Inputs)
21 October,2024 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHis fitness becoming a topic of swirling speculation, seasoned India pacer Mohammed Shami said on Monday that he is completely pain-free and is still not out of reckoning for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 starting next month. Shami bowled full tilt in the nets after India's opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Sunday. This was a few days after skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that he had swelling in his knees which has affected his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained last year. "I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up before that because I didn't want to take too much load. But yesterday, I decided to go full tilt, and I bowled at a 100 per cent," the 34-year-old told reporters on the sidelines of an event by Eugenix Hair Sciences where he spoke about his cricketing journey. "The result was good. I am 100 per cent pain-free. Everyone has been wondering for a long time about whether I will make it for the Australia series but it is still some time away," he said referring to the five-match contest that begins November 22 in Perth. Also Read: Know how CSK shaped New Zealand's first Test win in India after 36 years Rohit had said that he was not in favour of taking an "undercooked" Shami for the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Shami also said he would like to play a couple of matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy for his state team Bengal. "The only thing on my mind is to ensure that I am fit and how strong I can be for the Australia series. I can see what kind of attack we need in Australia. I have to spend more time on the ground," he said. "I want to play a couple of (Ranji) matches before I go," he added. Shami has not played for India since 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19 owing to the injury.
21 October,2024 02:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSouth African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed his 300th Test wicket Monday as Bangladesh collapsed to 106 all out in 40.1 overs on the first day of the BAN vs SA 1st Test. Four of Bangladesh's top six batsmen failed to reach double figures in Mirpur, with opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scoring with 30. After captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat on a lively pitch, Bangladesh fell to 60-6 at lunch and were dismissed in the second session. Rabada, fellow seamer Wiaan Mulder and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took three wickets apiece for South Africa. Mulder removed Shadman Islam for a duck when he edged to captain Aiden Markram at slip with his fourth ball. In his next over, Mulder accounted for Mominul Haque, on four, who nicked an inswinger to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne to leave Bangladesh 13-2. Najmul had made just seven when he became Mulder's third victim, chipping to mid-off where Maharaj took the catch. Bangladesh were teetering at 21-3, which became 40-4 when Mushfiqur Rahim on 11 was bowled by Rabada between bat and pad as the South African celebrated reaching the 300-wicket landmark. He managed the feat in 11,817 balls, the fastest of all time, beating Waqar Younis (12,602). Also Read: Know how CSK shaped New Zealand's first Test win in India after 36 years Rabada soon made it 301 Test wickets, removing Litton Das for one, with Tristan Stubbs taking a stunning catch diving to his left in the gully. Following his mouthwatering spell, Rabada became the fastest to reach 300 Test wickets after bowling 11,817 deliveries. He established his prowess by surpassing the iconic Waqar Younis (12,602), Dale Steyn (12,605), Allan Donald (13,672) and Malcolm Marshall (13,728). Mehidy Hasan Miraz was trapped lbw by Maharaj for 13. After lunch Bangladesh lost two more quick wickets, with Dane Piedt removing Mahmudul and Maharaj trapping debutant Jaker Ali, before Rabada and Maharaj polished off the tail. The BAN vs SA 1st Test is the first international cricket fixture in Bangladesh since a student-led revolution toppled autocratic premier Sheikh Hasina in August. Bangladesh are missing all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after security fears forced him to cancel plans to return home. Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket last month but said that he wanted to play one last red-ball series at home. The 37-year-old was also a former lawmaker in the government ousted by the revolution, making him a target of public anger. Security was heavy around the stadium, a day after fans of Shakib clashed with those protesting against the player near the venue. The series carries points towards the World Test Championship (WTC), with the final in England next year. Bangladesh have never beaten South Africa in a Test. The second Test begins in Chattogram on October 29. (With agency inputs)
21 October,2024 02:05 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentWill Young and Rachin Ravindra put on an unbroken 75 to guide New Zealand to a first Test win in India for 36 years on day five of the rain-hit match in Bengaluru. Chasing a tricky 107 on a rain-delayed day of the IND vs NZ 1st Test, New Zealand lost captain Tom Latham without scoring and Devon Conway for 17. But Young and Ravindra guided the visitors to 110-2 in the first session and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. First-innings centurion Ravindra, a wristy left-hander, looked comfortable as he hit six fours in his 46-ball stay and was named player of the match after the eight-wicket victory in the IND vs NZ 1st Test. Young struck the winning boundary, one of his seven fours, as his New Zealand teammates exchanged hugs in the pavilion. He also hit one six, while facing 76 balls. It was New Zealand's third Test victory in India after their wins in 1969 at Nagpur and at Mumbai in 1988. Latham, who took over from Tim Southee after New Zealand were swept 2-0 in Sri Lanka, marked his first Test as full-time captain with a resounding victory. New Zealand stars Rachin Ravindra and Ben Sears train at #SuperKingsAcademy ahead of their Tests in the subcontinent against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka!🤩💛#TrainLikeASuperKing💪 pic.twitter.com/P8JsOiALSh — Super Kings Academy (@SuperKingsAcad) September 2, 2024 Before joining the national team, Rachin made a trip to Chennai, where he trained at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) academy in September. This preparation was crucial for the Black Caps as they geared up for a demanding Test season, which included six matches in the subcontinent. Also Read: Positivity reigns supreme in India dressing room despite defeat to NZ The season commenced with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida, but unfortunately, the match was washed out without a single ball being bowled. Following that, the team traveled to Sri Lanka for two Test matches, where they faced defeats in both encounters. After New Zealand's historic victory in Bengaluru, Rachin attributed a significant portion of his success in Indian conditions to his training at the CSK Academy. The experience he gained there proved invaluable, enhancing his adaptability and performance in challenging environments. In the 2024 IPL auction, CSK acquired Rachin for a modest sum of Rs. 1.8 crore, positioning him as a promising talent within the franchise. However, his future with the team remains uncertain as the 2025 IPL mega auction approaches. It remains to be seen whether CSK will choose to retain him or exercise their Right to Match (RTM) card, a decision that could impact both Rachin’s career trajectory and the team's strategy moving forward.
21 October,2024 12:57 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentMembers of the New Zealand White Ferns cricket team which beat South Africa by 32 runs in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai on Sunday will split prize money of around USD 2.3 million. That works out at around USD 155,000 or NZD 256,000 per team member, a life-changing windfall for players who for years have struggled for years to achieve financial parity with their male counterparts. New Zealand's first-ever victory in the World Cup of cricket's shortest format was a massive surprise. The White Ferns had lost 10 consecutive T20 matches before beating South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match. Also Read: New Zealand's triumphant 'Grandmas' revel in World Cup triumph That pre-tournament success proved a turning point for New Zealand who beat India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, losing only to Australia on the way to the semifinals. South Africa ousted six-time champion Australia in a massive upset in the semi in which New Zealand beat the West Indies. New Zealand made 158-5, batting first in the final, helped by Suzy Bates who made 32, Amelia Kerr who made 43 and Brooke Halliday who made 38. Kerr then took 3-24 and Rosemary Mair 3-25 as New Zealand restricted South Africa to 126-9. "Pretty unbelievable to be honest," Mair said. "Coming into the tournament all the odds were against us so for the group to bounce back like they have is unbelievable. "We just care so much about each other. We've been through a lot of lows in the last 18 months, and we've just stuck by each other and kept working hard for each other." Also Read: New Zealand revels in a 'golden 48 hours' of sporting glory Captain Sophie Devine was leading the New Zealand team for the last time. She and Bates have played in all nine T20 World Cups since the first in 2009. New Zealand reached the final of the first two tournaments in 2009 and 2010, losing to Australia on both occasions. "This means everything to us," Bates said. "When you play team sport, you want to be a world champion. We've fought our way back to the top. (Devie) has been so outstanding leading this team... so calm and believing in us. We'll probably have a cuddle for even longer later because there's been some dark times that only the people in the (locker room) understand." New Zealand was coached to victory by Australian Ben Sawyer and former Black Caps batters Dean Brownlie and Craig McMillan. The White Ferns' success was praised Monday by New Zealand Sports Minister Chris Bishop. It came at the end of a weekend in which New Zealand also retained sailing's America's Cup and in which the New Zealand men's cricket team beat India in a test in India for the first time in 36 years. "And then to round out a truly amazing sporting weekend, at 3am Monday morning (NZT) the White Ferns, led by Sophie Devine, stepped up to face South Africa in the women's T20 World Cup final in Dubai and absolutely smashed it, bringing home their first World Cup since the One Day International in 2000," Bishop said. "Amelia Kerr's 43 runs off 38 balls and then taking 3 wickets for 24 set our team up for their magnificent performance." (With agency inputs)
21 October,2024 12:37 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondent
Upon taking the helm of a recast New Zealand Test team earlier this month, skipper Tom Latham pledged to restore pride in the national men's team through their preparedness to battle out even the most forlorn of causes. In pushing India to the brink on a rain-curtailed opening Test, he might have felt the need to pat his back now and then. Latham’s ambition to overturn nearly four decades of disappointment by winning a Test match in India could hardly have started in better shape despite the frayed nerves that began to appear as India youngsters Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan raised hopes of an improbable win in the second innings. It showed on his face. The joy of beating the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their own backyard is no trivial achievement. Sharma, on the other hand, had a mixed bag of emotions to unpack as he sat before the media, ready to face scrutiny and offer explanations. Despite the palpable disappointment stemming from an eight-wicket defeat, Sharma, for most of the press conference, reiterated that he found a silver lining in the aftermath of a truly abysmal first innings that culminated in their lowest home total of 46 runs. Yet, as any good leader would, he chose to highlight the resilience displayed by his young comrades as they battled back to make a contest out of the first Test. The stark contrast between India’s dismal first innings and their spirited second innings was all that cricket stands for. Ever-evolving and full of surprises. After being skittled for just 46 in 31.2 overs, an embarrassing feat that left many questioning their approach in overcast conditions, India regrouped. Also Read: New Zealand revels in a 'golden 48 hours' of sporting glory Khan, playing in only his fourth Test, stepped up and delivered a magnificent 150, while Pant, in typical fashion, electrified the pitch with a blistering 99. Their efforts propelled India to a respectable total of 462 in the second innings, transforming the narrative from one of despair to one of spirited defiance. So much so that Sharma admitted to having ‘felt like we were ahead in the game at one stage’. This sentiment, however, stood in stark contrast to the reality that New Zealand had already amassed a staggering 402 in their first innings, leaving India with a daunting lead of 356 runs to overcome. Sunday wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill defeat, it marked India’s second home Test loss in 2023, the first being against England earlier in the year. However, Rohit remained undeterred, reminding each of us in the room that the team has a history of bouncing back from such setbacks. The overarching theme of his remarks revolved around mindset, an essential aspect in the high-pressure world of Test cricket. Also Read: Maharashtra skipper Gaikwad inspires fightback, but Mumbai hold strong Despite the initial calamity of their first innings, the Indian team showcased flashes of brilliance that suggest a latent potential ready to be unleashed. Khan’s century and Pant’s near-century indicate that the batting lineup, while momentarily shaken, possesses the firepower to challenge any opposition. As the second Test looms on the horizon, Sharma’s India will undoubtedly have a few lessons to ponder. The focus will be on ensuring that the first innings performance doesn’t become a recurring nightmare. It’s time to turn potential into performance, and with Sharma at the helm, one can only hope that the team rises to the occasion, not just for the sake of pride, but to silence any lingering doubts about their capabilities.
21 October,2024 11:51 AM IST | Bengaluru | Srijanee MajumdarIndia paid the price for getting all out for 46 in the first innings of the IND vs NZ 1st Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, their lowest-ever total at home, despite special efforts from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) in the second essay. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was regal in both innings as he nullified India's ace spinners with ease and guided his side to their first Test win in India since 1988. It was India's second home Test defeat this year. England won the opener of a five-match series in January but India won the next four. While the Men in Blue remain at the top of the standings, Sunday's defeat has somewhat weakened their hold on a place in next year's final, as their percentage drops to 68.06% ahead of two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-match series with Australia at the end of the year. Australia and Sri Lanka are currently India's closest challengers in the standings, with the Pat Cummins' side in second place at 62.50%, and the island nation narrowly behind at 55.56% following their recent series sweep over New Zealand. Also Read: New Zealand revels in a 'golden 48 hours' of sporting glory Meanwhile, in a recently surfaced clip, KL Rahul was seen bowing to the pitch and touching it after the match concluded on Sunday afternoon. This poignant act led many fans to speculate whether it could be his last appearance in Test cricket. Below are some reactions from X. Once he used to be :'India's first 360° batter''India's upcoming best batter''India's pressure soaker''Best SENA batter'Rahul, what has happened to you?This is not the KL Rahul we know 💔😣#INDvNZpic.twitter.com/fO89nHCrlg — Atharv Shukla (@Atharb_) October 19, 2024 Kl Rahul scored century in south Africa when india 🇮🇳 are 107/5 in tough conditions 🙏.7 Away centuries, but people say he is an ordinary player 🙏.This is slap on the hatters ✅. #INDvsNZ | #KLRahul | #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/m0kwG5Dxrg — Lord Kl Rahul 🇮🇳 (@temba214) October 19, 2024 Management has informed KL Rahul that it was his last international test match for India.KL Rahul touches the pitch after the match. pic.twitter.com/lsphMkJ3mH — Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) October 20, 2024 He touches pitch because it is his home ground,samjhe . — Yuvraj Pandey (@pandey_yuvrajuv) October 20, 2024 It seems KL has realized that his chances of returning to the Test team are slim. Why do I say this?Sarfaraz Khan has proven himself and secured his place, and with Gill set to be fit for the next match, KL's time may be up. I don't expect to see him again in this lineup. — Shocking Viral News (@shockingviral24) October 20, 2024 Being his last test he kept the soil — Anirban (@Anirban37699026) October 20, 2024 The venue holds particular significance for Rahul, who played at Chinnaswamy Stadium as part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2013 to 2016 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has also represented Karnataka in domestic cricket. Regrettably, his performance in the Bengaluru Test was underwhelming, as he managed scores of 0 and 12 across the two innings.
21 October,2024 11:40 AM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand hailed one of the country's finest weekends in its sporting history Monday after the triple success of winning the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, a rare Test triumph in India and America's Cup sailing glory. "It was a weekend that kept giving, one that will go down as one of the greats," the news website Stuff said. "And the All Blacks weren't even in action." First, the crew of Emirates Team New Zealand completed a commanding 7-2 victory over Ineos Britannia on Saturday to retain the America's Cup. The dominant Kiwis lifted the world's oldest international sporting trophy for the third consecutive time after beating their British opponents by 37 seconds in the ninth race off Barcelona to end the best-of-13 series. On Sunday, New Zealand crushed the mighty India by eight wickets in Bengaluru to record their first Test cricket win on Indian soil for 36 years. Later the same day, an outstanding all-round performance by Amelia Kerr led the country to their historic first Women's T20 World Cup crown as they beat South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai. Also Read: New Zealand's triumphant 'Grandmas' revel in World Cup triumph Throw in a ruthless 64-50 victory over world champions Australia in Wellington in netball, and it had many in New Zealand debating whether the country had ever known a weekend like it. "The best weekend for NZ sport ever?" asked Radio New Zealand. Jesse Mulligan, a presenter on RNZ, said: "It's been a golden 48 hours for New Zealand sport." New Zealand Herald reporter Bonnie Jansen said: "On a weekend when no All Blacks, Warriors (rugby league) or the Olympic Games were in sight, other Kiwi athletes absolutely dominated on their world stages." The Herald ran a poll on its website asking readers which was their highlight, also throwing in Auckland FC's win on their debut in the A-League and Liam Lawson's ninth-placed finish in the Formula One in Austin, Texas. The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 win came out top with 33 percent of the vote, followed by the America's Cup and then the Test victory in India. (With agency inputs)
21 October,2024 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand veterans Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu, affectionately dubbed the 'grandmas' of their team, celebrated a momentous achievement on Sunday as the all-round White Ferns triumphed over South Africa by 32 runs to claim the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 title. Captain Devine had previously characterized the trio as 'three grandmas', and it was fitting that these seasoned players enjoyed their crowning moment together. For 37-year-old Bates and 35-year-old Devine, this victory marked a long-awaited redemption after falling short in the 2009 and 2010 finals against England and Australia, respectively. Their previous heartbreaks threatened to define their careers, but the Dubai 2024 tournament offered a perfect finale for these two legends. Bates, who delivered a pivotal performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against the West Indies, showcased her talent once again, scoring 32 runs from 31 balls in the final. In doing so, she surpassed Mithali Raj to become the most-capped player in women’s international cricket, with 334 matches to her name. Devine praised Bates, stating, "It speaks volumes of who Suzie is as a player. Her aggressive batting set the tone for the rest of the lineup." Also Read: New Zealand win maiden Women's T20 World Cup as SA falter in successive final Devine herself led the team with skill throughout the tournament, even lightening the mood before the final with humor. While her personal contribution in the final was modest at six runs, her remarkable 57* against India earlier in the tournament had set the stage for their victorious campaign. Tahuhu, often flying under the radar, contributed significantly with the ball and has now taken 93 T20I wickets. Devine highlighted her importance, emphasizing her relentless competitiveness and teamwork. In the final, New Zealand set a target of 158 runs, thanks in part to a crucial 57-run partnership between Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday. In the chase, South Africa faltered, with only 126 runs on the board, as Kerr and Rosemary Mair excelled with the ball, securing the title for the White Ferns.
21 October,2024 09:26 AM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentWhen South Africa opted to chase in the semi-final against Australia, many skeptics felt they had unnecessarily brought pressure upon themselves. But they went on to prove their detractors wrong by a long way. In the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup here on Sunday night, when South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt again won the toss, she did not hesitate in deciding to chase the target. It’s quite apparent they feel confident going after the target. As has been the case right throughout the tournament, the pitch for the final proved challenging for batters, with the ball occasionally stopping and keeping low. As a result, New Zealand were caught in the dilemma of whether to go on an all-out attack or be judicious. Also Read: Women's cricket in Asia struggles to match Western standards Going for overtly ambitious shots they did keep losing wickets and ended up 158-5, leaving South Africa to chase the target at almost eight runs an over in front of a near-full house, the largest seen during the tournament, outstripping the ones seen during India’s matches against Pakistan here in Dubai and against Australia in Sharjah. The bulk of the runs came from the two most experienced White Ferns batters. Opener Suzie Bates contributed 32 off 31 balls while Amelia Kerr added 43 from 38 balls. At the time of going to press, South Africa were 64-3 after 10 overs.
21 October,2024 08:08 AM IST | Dubai | Santosh SuriADVERTISEMENT
