Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has launched a scathing attack on the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and also mounted serious accusations of potential auction-fixing charges against former BCCI president N. Srinivasan.

Lalit revealed that the moment he started unraveling his infamous fixing plot, Srinivasan had reportedly turned against him. At present, Lalit has leveled two serious allegations against Srinivasan. 

His first allegation centers around Srinivasan's alleged role in influencing the 2009 mega-auction in which he pressured the other franchises to keep away from Andrew Flintoff. And in his second allegation, Lalit exposes how Srinivasan attempted to influence the outcome of the game in his side's favor by appointing Chennai-based umpires.

Lalit Modi gifts Andrew Flintoff To N Srinivasan (CSK)

In a recent interview, Lalit highlighted how the former BCCI secretary played a key role in manipulating the auction to ensure Andrew Flintoff was picked by CSK only. At Srinivasan's request, Modi confessed that he had advised the other teams secretly not to pick Freddie Flintoff. 

"Pick out everything—auction rigging. I gave Flintoff to Srinivasan. No doubts about it; every team knew about it. Srinivasan wasn’t going to let the IPL happen. He was a thorn in our Board. Yes, we told everybody not to pick ‘Flintoff.’ Yes, that I did—because Srinivasan said he wanted it."

See also: Youngest IPL signee Vaibhav Suryavanshi lands in serious controversy

Manipulation plot to appoint Chennai umpires for home games

If that wasn't enough, Srinivasan went a step further to interfere in yet another aspect of the game. He tried to have Chennai-based umpires officiate the home games for CSK so as to ensure that the critical decisions go in his team's favor. Modi labeled this move as "indirect fixing" in his recent interview and spoke at length on how Srinivasan turned out to be a thorn in his side during the formative years of the cash-rich league.

"At first, I didn’t think much about it. But when I realized he was putting a Chennai umpire on a Chennai game, it became an issue for me. That’s called indirect fixing. When I started exposing those things, he went totally against me. When everybody started going back-to-back, he was also a member of the board. He was a big adversary of mine. I went up against him, and he did many things. Umpire fixing—he accused me of it, and I accused him right back. He would change the umpire."

CSK is one of the most successful teams in the IPL with five title under their belt. Under Dhoni's flamboyant and esteemed leardership the Chennai-based outfit soared to new heights. However, the franchise did come under fire when the world first became aware of its role in match-fixing and was subsequently banned as a result for two years in 2016 and 2017. 

The deadline for IPL retentions has been surpassed and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made the decision to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni who will now feature as an uncapped player following his international retirement in 2019. This gives them the cushion of a staggering 55 crore in their purse enabling them to recruit a new face in the next IPL season. 

While their attention may be on the star wicket-keeper batter Rishab Pant who is all but released by the Delhi Capitals, the Chennai-based outfit may face stiff competition as other franchises will also be vying to secure his services. In such a scenario, the veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Ravi Ashwin emerges as a likely candidate who CSK could be after in this mega auction. The 38-year-old was a key figure in the CSk squad before parting ways in 2015. 

A potential return on the cards for Ravi Ashwin

According to emerging reports, Ashwin made a startling confession to play for his old franchise Chennai Super Kings. Ashwin was previously associated with the Yellow Brigade since the inception of IPL in 2008. During his formative years, CSK played a pivotal role in shaping his professional cricketing career. He evolved as a player under the leadership of MS Dhoni and was primarily responsible for driving the dominance of the franchise in the early 2010s.

Ashwin has claimed an astonishing 120 wickets for the CSK at a very competitive average of 23.7 between the period of 2009 and 2015. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for CSK in the IPL and is more than a handy customer with the bat lower down the order. Ashwin’s addition to the CSK squad can certainly bolster CSK’s spin bowling department. The off-spinner can operate in tandem with Ravindra Jadeja to wreak havoc on the batters on a spin-friendly Chennai pitch. 

Furthermore, the report suggests that CSK is likely to utilize their Right to Match (RTM) card for the experienced New Zealand opener, Devon Conway. The left-handed batsman has delivered commendable performances for the Chennai franchise, accumulating 924 runs at an impressive average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 141.28.

Following the exit of MS Dhoni as a CSK skipper, speculations are rife around the veteran player's participation for the upcoming IPL season. As all teams prepare themselves to announce the list of their retainined players on October 31, Dhoni has casted light on his availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Dhoni stepped down as a CSK skipper in the last season thus handing the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Following the introduction of a resvied rule, CSK will have to option to retain him as an uncapped player. As per the latest amendments made by the govering body, franchises will now be able to retain any player who has retired from international cricket for up to five years as an uncapped player.

Speaking in a promotional event in Goa, Dhoni has admitted that he only has a few years of cricket left in him and wants to make the most of it. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the 42-year-old wants to revist his good old days when he used to enjoy the sport as a child while at the same time balance his emotions and commitments to the game. 

CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan was more than happy to receive this positive news on the star wicketkeeper batter and looks forward to welcoming him with open hands ahead of the next season. He was quoted by Cricbuzz for saying the following: "When he is ready, what else do we want? We are happy."

Where will MS Dhoni bat in the batting order in IPL 2025?

As Dhoni now looks all set to feature in yet another IPL season, now the question arises around his position at the batting order. After stepping down from the captaincy duties last year, Dhoni was seen batting lower down the order. This was done as a precautionary measure to avoid further complications for him after a knee surgery operation. But the World Cup winning captain later clarified that this move was adopted to give yognsters more game time higher up the order in a bid to get them battle ready for the T20 World Cup.

Whether or not Dhoni will continue to bat at this order for the next season is something which remains to be seen. Dhoni has an illustrious IPL career spanning more than 264 matches with over 5243 runs. The former Indian skipper has been a loyal servant for the Chennai-based outfit since the inception of IPL in 2008. 

Veteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra revealed that Gautam Gambhir went and ended the feud with Virat Kohli after their on-field spat during the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. However, during the IPL 2023, Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gambhir verbally altered with Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s star batter Virat Kohli. The incident also included Afghanistan pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq and all three of them were penalised too.

However, during IPL 2024, Gambhir and Kohli were seen hugging each other and having conversations that hinted at an end to the rivalry as well. Speaking on YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra’s show ‘Unplugged’, Mishra said that it was Gambhir who approached Virat Kohli and sorted the issues before stating that Kohli should have been the one to resolve the situation.

“I saw a good thing about Gautam” – Amit Mishra

“Virat Kohli was unnecessarily abusing LSG players Kyle Mayers and Naveen badly, he could have avoided the fight but he didn’t. I saw a good thing about Gautam. Virat Kohli didn’t go towards him, Gautam went towards him. He went and asked ‘How are you, how’s your family.’ So it was Gautam who ended the feud and not Kohli. So Gautam showed his big heart at that time. It should have been Kohli who should have gone and ended the feud. He should have gone and said ‘Gauti bhai, let’s end this,'” Amit Mishra said.

Amit Mishra also added that Kohli has changed quite a lot over time and added that it was mainly due to fame and power. In comparison, he admitted that Rohit Sharma has not changed a bit since becoming a star player as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

“I haven’t been part of the Indian team in years. Still when I meet Rohit during the IPL or any other event, he is always joking with me. I don’t need to think what he will think. I have seen Virat change a lot. We had almost stopped talking. When you get fame and power, some people think that others are reaching out to them only for a purpose,” Mishra said.

“He doesn’t know how to do captaincy” – Amit Mishra on Shubman Gill

Amit Mishra also opined on Shubman Gill’s captaincy in IPL 2024. He also stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad is a better player than him as well.

“I’ve seen him (Shubman Gill) in the IPL, and he doesn’t know how to do captaincy. He has no idea about captaincy. Why they made him captain is a question. Just because he’s in the Indian team doesn’t mean he should be made captain. In my opinion Ruturaj Gaikwad is a better player than Shubman Gill,” he further added.

He also praisеd Rohit Sharma’s ovеrall fitnеss and pеrformancе as well.

“Rohit Sharma is as fit as other players. He fields so well and has also scored 200 runs, with 50-60 of those runs coming from running between the wickets. Being fit is important, not having six-pack abs,” he concluded.

During India’s tour of Zimbabwe, Riyan Parag had a heartwarming moment when his father Parag Das gave him his debut India cap. This was a historic milestone as Riyan became the first player from Assam to play for the Indian team.

Riyan, a young all-rounder received his debut India cap from his father, who is a former first class cricketer for Assam. The father and son shared a joyful hug, making it a dream come true moment as Riyan prepared to represent India in the first T20I against Zimbabwe.

This achievement is significant as Riyan is the first player from the Northeast to play for the country. His journey began with his appearance for India at the U-19 World Cup in 2018. The following year, he joined the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has since become a key player for the team.

Parag’s Impressive Performance in IPL 2024

Riyan’s exceptional skills were evident in the last domestic season. He led the charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, scoring 510 runs at a strike rate of 182.79 and taking 11 wickets. His impressive performances continued in the Deodhar Trophy, where he scored 354 runs in five matches and took 11 wickets.

In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 378 runs at an average of 75.60 in four matches, including two centuries. In IPL 2024, he earned the Orange Cap in the initial games and finished the season as the highest scorer for his team and third overall, with 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.22.

Along with Riyan Parag, two other young talents, Dhruv Jurel and Abhishek Sharma, also made their India debuts in the first T20I against Zimbabwe on July 6. Shubman Gill was leading the team, won the toss and chose to bowl first in the series opener.

Indian vice-captain Hardik Pandya shared that he’s been through a tough few months during a recent chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his home in New Delhi last Thursday.

During the IPL 2024 season, Pandya faced criticism from Mumbai Indians (MI) fans. He took over as captain from Rohit Sharma, but the team struggled, finishing last with only four wins in 14 matches.

However, Pandya bounced back during the T20 World Cup, scoring 144 runs at a strike rate of 150 and taking 11 wickets. His standout performance included key dismissals in the final against South Africa.

Hardik Pandya opens up about his personal and professional struggles

“Last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me. A lot of things happened and I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports… So I believed that I would stay strong, will work hard” Pandya shared with Modi and the team during their discussion.

Following the World Cup, Pandya achieved the top spot in the ICC all-rounder rankings, a first for an Indian player. With Rohit Sharma stepping down from T20Is, Pandya is now a leading contender for the role of India’s new T20 captain.

Star India batter Virat Kohli joined the Indian team a day before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up clash against Bangladesh but he missed all three practice sessions. He wasn’t selected for the warm-up game as well, with captain Rohit Sharma stating that Kohli’s late arrival made him unavailable for the game as well.

Virat Kohli has been in a sublime form

Meanwhile, a report has stated that Virat Kohli, alongside a few others, missed a practice session on Sunday after being given rest following their warm-up match against Bangladesh as well. However, the report has also claimed that Kohli will be there in Team India’s next training session on Monday.

However, Kohli has been in sublime form as he finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a whopping 741 runs in 15 innings to his name. He also won the Orange Cap for the second time in his career. While there were talks about his potential non-selection for the T20 World Cup, he came to the marquee event as the top run-getter in history, having smashed 1141 runs in 27 games since 2012 as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma urges US Police to go easy with the pitch invader during IND vs BAN warm-up match

Kohli was also named the ODI Player of the Year by ICC before the start of the T20 World Cup. In 2023, after having some years of poor form and struggle, in 27 ODIs, he scored 1,377 runs which came at an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13, with six centuries and eight half-centuries in 24 innings. His best score was 166* as well.

Virat Kohli likely to play a key role in the T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli played a key role in India’s Asia Cup 2023 triumph, scoring an unbeaten 122* in 94 balls against Pakistan in an important Super Four stage game as well. Later on in the ODI World Cup, Virat scored 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62, with three centuries, six half-centuries and the best score of 117 as well.

He also finished the tournament as a top run-getter, scoring the most runs in a single World Cup edition, breaking the batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 673 runs back in the 2003 WC. He also surpassed Sachin’s record of 49 ODI centuries, scoring his 50th ODI ton against New Zealand in the semifinals as well. And, he is expected to play a key role in the T20 World cup as well.

The Indian Premier League 2024 has come to a close, marking a season filled with incredibly high scores and numerous records being broken. This year, the batters thrived on pitches that were perfect for scoring, leading to an astonishing total of 1260 sixes, the highest ever in a single IPL season. While many players, both international stars and domestic talents, performed exceptionally well, some experienced players surprisingly failed to make an impact despite the favorable conditions.

In a season where batters dominated and runs flowed freely, a few seasoned players did not meet the high expectations set by their previous performances and the pre-season excitement. These players struggled to find their form and could not capitalize on the batter-friendly pitches. Their inability to contribute significantly was in stark contrast to the overall trend of spectacular batting displays seen throughout the tournament.

As we reflect on IPL 2024, it’s clear that while many players enjoyed a standout season, others found themselves unable to deliver when it mattered most. Despite the numerous opportunities presented by the favorable conditions, these players were unable to help their teams in the quest for victory, highlighting a disappointing and unexpected aspect of this otherwise record-breaking season.

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK Review: What factors contributed to the Yellow Army’s inability to retain the IPL title?

Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians

Taking on the role of captain with great expectations, Hardik Pandya experienced a dismal season. Leading the Mumbai Indians, his performance with both bat and ball was disappointing. Over the course of 14 matches, Hardik scored just 216 runs, averaging a modest 18.00. Although his strike rate of 143.05 was decent, it couldn’t hide his failure to deliver big scores. With the ball, he took 11 wickets but struggled with his economy rate, conceding runs at 10.75 per over.

Hardik’s lackluster performance significantly contributed to the Mumbai Indians’ poor season, ending with them at the bottom of the table. Fans had hoped for much more from their captain, but his inability to consistently perform with either bat or ball was a major reason for the team’s last-place finish. This season, Hardik’s struggles were a glaring weakness in a team that otherwise had potential but couldn’t translate it into success.

Ajinkya Rahane – Chennai Super Kings

Ajinkya Rahane, expected to be a crucial player at the top of the order, struggled significantly this season. In 13 matches, he managed to score only 242 runs at an average of 20.16, with a strike rate of 123.46. These numbers fell well short of the expectations for a player of his calibre.

Rahane’s inability to provide a strong start contributed to frequent top-order collapses for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This inconsistency at the top was a major factor in CSK’s disappointing exit before the playoffs, as they failed to build the solid foundations needed for competitive totals.

Liam Livingstone – Punjab Kings

Liam Livingstone, once celebrated as Punjab Kings’ dynamic finisher, experienced a disappointing season. In 7 matches, he scored only 111 runs at an average of 22.20 and a strike rate of 142.31, a stark contrast to his usual IPL performance.

Livingstone’s slump in form significantly weakened PBKS’s lower-order firepower. His inability to provide effective finishing touches led to crucial losses in games that might have been won with better performances. This dip in his contributions was a key factor in the team’s struggles this season.

Rashid Khan – Gujarat Titans

Renowned for his magical spells, Rashid Khan had a season to forget. Across 12 matches, he managed to take only 10 wickets at an inflated average of 36.70 and an economy rate of 8.40. His inability to secure crucial middle-over wickets significantly contributed to the Gujarat Titans’ disappointing finish in eighth place.

After Hardik Pandya’s departure, much was expected from Rashid to lead the team’s bowling attack, but his lackluster performance left a void. His struggles were a major factor in the team’s poor showing, dashing their hopes and aspirations for the season.

Veteran India player turned mentor Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli’s on-field relationship made headlines a few times when the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) played against each other in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In the recently-concluded season, Gambhir as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor ‘hugged it out’ with Virat Kohli to make things normal for them and everyone.

Gautam Gambhir mentored KKR in IPL 2024

However, Shreyas Iyer-led KKR, under the guidance of Gambhir, beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to win their third IPL title. After the win, Gambhir became the frontrunner for the Indian men’s cricket team’s head coach job after Rahul Dravid’s tenure end following the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to public,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

Earlier, Virat Kohli had recalled his ‘viral’ hug with him as well, saying: “People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore.”

Gambhir and Kohli both moved on

Notably, the on-field flare-ups between Gambhir and Kohli are well-known, but now it seemed they have moved on from their past rivalry. The duo was seen hugging each other after a match between KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well and a clip of them chatting went viral on social media as well.

Meanwhile, a BCCI source recently revealed that the Gambhir-Kohli bust-up has ended as well. “If people are talking about Gambhir’s friction with Virat Kohli, it can be confirmed that the two have always got along well off the field,” the source added. “Even after the bust-up during an IPL match last year, the two were made to sit down and sort out any issue if they indeed had one.”

Veteran Team India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has shared that he is perfectly fit to play professional cricket for another three years as well. However, he feels he wouldn’t be able to cope with the mental side now. With Karthik unlikely to play for India again, he also retired from his IPL career recently. He also played his final IPL match this year against the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium as well.

Dinesh Karthik had a good season in IPL 2024

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik said: “I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years. Especially with the Impact Player rule, it becomes that much easier. Touch wood, I have never missed a game because of an injury through my three decades. I’ve been blessed that way. I was never worried about my body or my fitness. It was all about the mental side of things, whether I’ll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don’t play as many matches, will I be okay with it.”

When he was asked what kept him motivated after a poor IPL season last year, Karthik said that he has always been “extremely motivated.” He hasn’t missed a single season of IPL since its inception in 2008. With 257 matches, he is the joint (along with Rohit Sharma) second-most capped player in IPL history after MS Dhoni as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

“I am internally very, very motivated” – Dinesh Karthik

“I am internally very, very motivated. Intrinsically, extremely motivated and I’ve lived by the mantra that if you are the best, no one can stop you. I just believed if I get one chance, I should make the most of it. I never cribbed. I was always thinking like I got a chance but I missed it. I got a tournament here, but I probably could have done better in this match. And that kept me going,” he said.

Dinesh Karthik further shared that family functions have kept him busy amid the feeling of retirement and he also recalled how nervous he was before the IPL 2024 against CSK.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. There’s lots happening in the house, there’s a couple of weddings and all so I’ve been pretty busy with that. It’s a tad bit emotional, a tad bit relief. In a way, I was mentally prepared for whenever it had to happen. But I was so much more prepared for 18th May. Once that part of the tournament was crossed, I was extremely elated and very, very happy and grateful. The 22nd came around pretty fast, but overall it was a mixed feeling of relief, emotion and the fact that it has all come to an end,” Dinesh Karthik concluded.