Ruturaj Gaikwad has been left out of India's 15-man T20I squad for the upcoming series against England. The opener, who has a fantastic record in the few opportunities he's had, isn't even on the sidelines right now but rather as far away from the action as possible. Gaikwad is one such batter who has earned fame after relentless hard work in a platform like IPL.

This led him being the right successor of MS Dhoni by being the captain of the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings. It's not just this forthcoming bilateral series; he has been excluded in many crucial International matches. That said, here we look at the probable reasons behind the talk of the matter that perplexed many fans. 

1. Intense race for the coveted top-order batting spots

There is no question that Ruturaj Gaikwad is a superb player, but he is now competing with more than five other players for the opening berth, which Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson currently hold. The latter two don't play T20Is often since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prefers Test cricket to the shorter format. Hence, they've been rested from T20Is to manage their workloads. The names Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson make it highly competitive for the Maharashtrian batter, as each has a unique skill set that will aid the squad significantly.

Another significant factor is his potential and natural game. One can argue that Gaikwad is the most skilled striker among those named, especially considering that it's the shortest game format. He looks more like an anchor than an aggressor. All of the others can start smashing right away, something Gaikwad has yet to do, where he takes his time to get to his swashbuckling form. Even age is also a consideration, as Sanju Samson is the only one older than him. All the others are younger, and selectors may choose them over him. Ultimately, it's all about the proper set of permutations and combinations made in the think tank of the Indian Cricket team's selection process.

See Also: BCCI Considers Performance-Linked Pay for Players After Australia Series Setback

2. Probable selection bias and internal politics

Stirring up controversies and debates, particularly amongst Indian cricket fanatics, is not a relatively new thing. Ever since the sport's evolution, a particular sect of spectators has become more inclined and invested in the goof-ups and stories than the usual game itself. With several incidents prominently and vividly remembered by many, Ruturaj Gaikwad's long-run exclusion from the international team acts as an addition to the list of such a story. Though his gameplay doesn't match the fast-paced T20I format, leading him to be ignored for the forthcoming bilateral series against England, Gaikwad has encountered such moments for quite a long time.

Be it from not getting selected for the forgettable and recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy or even the home bilateralT20I series against Bangladesh, his name not being present on the 15-man Squad for International games has got everyone perplexed. Many speculate that it's due to internal board politics, with head coach Gautam Gambhir having a bias on player selection towards his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, over his arch-rival team, Chennai Super Kings, where Gaikwad comes from. And it's just one of them; other reasons come from where he had a rift with the former T20I captain, Rohit Sharma, which led him to get ignored for a long period. In the end, these speculated theories keep on coming and going. Unless and until any of these have a concrete backing, that is when the eyes would be facing them. 

No matter what the reasons are, as mentioned above, it is no surprise that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been phenomenal with the bat through his recent performances. With his noteworthy mentions coming from the IPL, Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Gaikwad has got all the boxes ticked to get a callback to don the Indian jersey.

Though some of the aspects do have their own viability and sense, it's all about time that will tell the competent batter's future in the International circuit. Also, the whole Indian cricket fandom would suffice with the things that are beneficial for the team and its prospects, with Ruturaj Gaikwad being one of the probable central pillars towards their path, as many yearn for him not to be another missed out competent opportunity. 

Yograj Singh, the father of former cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has often criticized MS Dhoni in the past. He accused Dhoni of sidelining his son during the latter years of Yuvraj’s career and even compared it to how Kapil Dev allegedly treated him during his time as a player. Yograj believed that after Yuvraj recovered from cancer, he could have played for a few more years, but Dhoni and later Virat Kohli did not give him that opportunity.

Read Also: Yograj Singh Took a Pistol to Confront Kapil Dev

However, in a recent interview on the YouTube channel Unfiltered by Samdish, Yograj surprised many by praising Dhoni. He highlighted Dhoni’s fearless nature and leadership qualities. Sharing an example from a match in Australia, he said,

“What I liked the most about him was that he was a fearless man. If you remember, he was hit on the grill by Mitchell Johnson, and he didn’t move an inch. The very next ball, he pulled him for a six. There are very few people like him.”

Yograj also acknowledged Dhoni’s ability as a captain, saying,

“I find Dhoni to be a very motivated leader who knew how to guide his team. The best thing about him was that he could read the pitch and advise bowlers where to bowl.”

This is one of the rare occasions where Yograj has spoken positively about Dhoni, contrasting with his earlier statements blaming Dhoni for Yuvraj’s premature exit from the team.

I like dhoni, he was fearless: Yograj Singh pic.twitter.com/GDvmYKWc3Y

— GUY (@OLDTWEETGUY) January 12, 2025

In this interview on Unfiltered by Samdish, Yograj Singh shared many surprising insights about his cricketing journey, his strained relationship with Kapil Dev, and his bond with his son, Yuvraj Singh. He discussed the politics he faced as a cricketer and how similar struggles impacted Yuvraj’s career.

Currently, 66-year-old Yograj Singh runs a cricket academy in Chandigarh under his name, where he trains aspiring cricketers. Known for his strict and disciplined coaching style, he focuses on building strong personalities and shaping young talent into skilled players with a tough and determined mindset.

Read Also : Captain Rohit Sharma Travels to Pakistan?

Yograj Singh, a fast bowler in the 1980s, played 1 Test match and 6 ODIs for India. However, he ended his career early, saying there was politics in the team. He claimed that some teammates in leadership roles made things difficult for him, which forced him to leave cricket sooner than he wanted.

As always, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a unique approach for the Indian Premier League auction. The IPL Mega Auction ahead of the 2025 season was no exception for them. CSK is a team that understands what it wants and has won five championships convincingly.

Following a disappointing IPL 2024 season, CSK will look to rebound and display their capabilities with their gathered roster. Before the auction, CSK retained five players: MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Rituraj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana. CSK has a rich roster of trustworthy domestic and overseas players. That said, here is a list of the two strengths and a weakness of the 2025 Chennai Super Kings side. 

Chennai Super Kings 2025 IPL Squad: Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad, R Ashwin, Devon Conway, Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, Vansh Bedi, Shreyas Gopal, C Andre Siddarth, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shaik Rasheed, Mukesh Choudhary, Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

2 Strengths:

Perfect Spinners for Chepauk Conditions

CSK boasts one of the best spin units. With the Chennai pitch predicted to help spinmeisters, CSK will field three spinners and strangle the opposition batters. All three spinners differ from one another, which adds variation. Ravichandran Ashwin, who last played for CSK in 2015, returns to the team after stints with Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

Ravindra Jadeja has been a consistent performer for CSK as an efficient bowler. Finally, former Gujarat Titans spinner Noor Ahmad was purchased for a whopping INR 10 crores. The emerging Afghan spin has 137 T20 scalps averaging at 23.08. So CSK will rely on 12 excellent overs of spin in Chennai to challenge visiting teams on slow tracks.

Emerging and underdog batting lineup

The five-time IPL winners' batting assault is another significant advantage that the Men in Yellow will be eager to utilise to the utmost. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad are a reliable starting pair, with Rachin Ravindra serving as Conway's backup, and their recent play has been impressive. However, considering CSK's reliance on Indian pacers, Rachin Ravindra, a spin allrounder, might step in at number three.

This means Rahul Tripathi will play fourth, with Shivam Dube at fifth. The top four or five are CSK's best and will be relied on heavily. Dube, in particular, has a role to play and is well-known for his tremendous and swashbuckling hits. And, of course, not to forget our vintage and massy mid-order batting display by Thala, a.k.a, MS Dhoni.

1 Weakness:

Lack of reliable and backup allrounder, hindering the mid and lower-order

CSK stunned everyone when signing Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda. Despite their expertise, they never seemed to hit the ground running in the IPL. Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar can be regarded as CSK's mediocre buy. Overall, both allrounders are solid but not exceptional, but only time will tell if they will unleash their finest performance.

As a result, their lower-order batting lacks quality and experience. It is a paper-thin batting. If Dhoni has fitness difficulties, CSK would struggle in the finishing area. This would compel them to play Overton or Curran, making Rachin Ravindra make his way out of the Playing XI arsenal.

"If You Play Good Cricket, You Don’t Need PR": MS Dhoni on Social Media and Publicity

In a world increasingly dominated by social media and marketing strategies, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni remains an emblem of simplicity and authenticity. Known for his calm demeanor and straightforward approach, Dhoni recently shared his views on the growing influence of social media and publicity in sports. Speaking at an event, Dhoni emphasized that for a cricketer, performance on the field speaks louder than any campaign or promotional strategy.

“If you play good cricket, you don’t need PR,” Dhoni remarked, echoing his long-held belief in letting actions speak for themselves. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, who led India to three ICC trophies, shared how staying focused on the game and delivering consistent performances has always been his priority.

MS Dhoni on PR (Latest interview) :

If I play good cricket ,I don't need any PR 🔥😁#MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/q1HaPygZfq

— Chakri Dhoni (@ChakriDhonii) December 31, 2024

Staying Grounded Amidst Stardom

Dhoni’s career, spanning nearly two decades, is a testament to his philosophy. Despite being one of the most celebrated cricketers globally, he has maintained a low profile off the field. While social media platforms have become a vital tool for athletes to connect with fans and build personal brands, Dhoni remains an exception. His rare posts and minimal digital presence reflect his commitment to privacy and staying grounded.

He added, “It’s not about being in the spotlight all the time. If you’re doing your job well and contributing to the team’s success, people will notice you. Fame and recognition will follow naturally.”

A Message for Young Cricketers

Addressing young and aspiring cricketers, Dhoni encouraged them to focus on honing their skills rather than seeking validation through likes and followers. “The game comes first. Social media can amplify your achievements, but it can’t replace the hard work and dedication required to succeed at the highest level,” he said.

He also cautioned against getting carried away by online fame, stressing the importance of balancing personal life and professional responsibilities. “You can’t let distractions affect your performance. At the end of the day, what matters is how you contribute to your team and the sport,” Dhoni explained.

Legacy Beyond Cricket

Even after retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni remains a beloved figure in the cricketing world. His leadership, humility, and unwavering focus on the game have inspired countless players and fans. As captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni continues to lead by example, proving that success is built on discipline, hard work, and staying true to one’s values.

MS Dhoni Turns Santa Claus for a Festive Christmas Celebration

Dressed up as Santa, Dhoni, the ex-captain of the Indian cricket team, really looked like Christmas. Dhoni wore the bright red suit, had on boots, a white beard, and made it more enjoyable with a pair of yellow glasses. Dhoni brought joy to his family and friends by doing this.

Sakshi Singh Dhoni shared heartwarming pictures from their celebrations, showcasing Dhoni posing with his wife and daughter Ziva. In one touching moment, he was seen hugging Ziva, while another picture captured him by a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Adorned with ornaments, white flowers, and a shining star on top, the tree stood beside a window with several colorful gift boxes placed at its base.

MS Dhoni as Santa Claus celebrating Christmas. 🎄 pic.twitter.com/jpnKuUNHEQ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 25, 2024

The festivities extended to friends as well. Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon joined in and shared a photo with Dhoni on her Instagram, while her rumoured boyfriend, UK-based businessman Kabir Bahia, posted a group picture featuring the entire gang. Sanon later reposted the image on her handle.

ALSO READ:Selfish Captain Rohit Sharma, Not Selfless Here's the Reason Why?

Everyone was quite fond of the party because it was very fun but no one really knows where it happened. The most impressive part though, was when Dhoni suddenly appeared dressed as Santa, making the night unforgettable for everyone there.

Kriti Sanon with Santa MS Dhoni during the Christmas celebration 🌲 pic.twitter.com/uXKXdEcif7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 25, 2024

CSK Fans Excited for Another Season with Thala Dhoni  

MS Dhoni, affectionately known as Thala, continues to be the heart of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Retained for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Dhoni is gearing up for another chapter in his incredible journey.  

After leading CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before IPL 2024. Even so, his role as a mentor and player remains vital. His guidance, both on and off the field, keeps the team strong and focused.  

As fans eagerly await the new season, they’re hoping for more magic from the man who has become a symbol of loyalty and leadership in cricket.

Former legendary Indian batsman and World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni has landed in a soup after he was found to have been involved in a land-related dispute in his hometown in Ranchi. The plot of land in question is Dhoni’s Harmu Road residence gifted to him by the Jharkhand government during Arjun Munda's tenure as Chief Minister.

It's been believed that Dhoni has violated the norms set by the residential plot regulations by transforming his residential plot for commercial purposes. To probe the allegations against his property, the Jharkhand State Housing Board sprung into action to investigate the matter further.

See also: Watch: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's bodyguard accused for misbehave

More about Dhoni's disputed property

The currently disputed Harmu Road residence is situated in Ranchi’s upscale Harmu Housing Colony. The plot has a surface area of approximately 10,000 square feet and was gifted to the Indian legend as a reward for his achievement in the field of sports. Soon after, a lavish residence was built at the site and the family was in brief possession of the property before leaving for a farmhouse in Simaliya on the city’s outskirts to ensure privacy.

But in recent times, speculations have been rife about a possible diagnostic center being planned at the Harmu Road property, compelling the Housing authorities to launch a formal probe. Furthermore, a signboard of the pathology center was also erected outside the residence but was later concealed with a green cloth. 

Subsequently, an investigation was launched to ascertain whether Dhoni had indeed committed a violation by conducting commercial activities on a residential land. Sanjay Lal Paswan, the Housing Board Chairman has issued a clarification stating that any deviation from the intended use of residential plots constitutes a violation of the rules.

"We have received complaints and instructed officials to investigate. If the allegations are proven, a notice will be issued to Dhoni." 

Not the first time Dhoni's property has come under scrutiny

Prior to this recent controversy, Dhoni's Harmu property has hardly evaded the wrath of the housing officials. In 2015, the board highlighted the presence of an illegal plot that was acquired adjacent to his plot. Although the controversy was long over, the recent allegations have once again sparked concerns about the property's usage. 

The Housing Board has notably initiated comparable measures against around 300 additional property owners for the conversion of residential plots into commercial properties. Furthermore, the state BJP office located in the same area has also received notices for analogous infractions. Authorities have been instructed to revoke allotments should any unauthorized activities be verified.

Former India player turned commentator Harbhajan Singh said that he and MS Dhoni do not talk to each other. While speaking to News18, the spin maestro has revealed that while he does not have a problem with the former India captain MS Dhoni, he and the former India captain are not friends anymore.

Harbhajan Singh played under MS Dhoni's captaincy for India and CSK

However, both Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni were integral parts of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup as well. While Dhoni led the team in both editions brilliantly, Harbhajan stepped up with 7 and 9 wickets in respective tournaments as well.

The spinner also shared that he and MS Dhoni did not speak outside the field during their years at the Chennai Super Kings as well. However, both of them played for the Chennai-based franchise where the spinner played between 2018-2020. He further shared that he only rings those people who pick up his calls.

SEE ALSO: Travis Head names one of the greatest pacers of the game

"I don't have anything against him" - Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni

"No, I don't speak to Dhoni. When I was playing at CSK, that's when we spoke, but otherwise, we haven't spoken. It's been 10 years and more. I have no reason; perhaps he does. I don't know what the reasons are. When we were playing in the IPL at CSK, that's when we used to talk, and that, too, was restricted to the ground. After that, he did not come to my room, nor did I go to his," Harbhajan Singh told News18.

"I don't have anything against him. If he has something to say, he can tell me. But if he did, he would have told me by now. I never tried to call him because I have a lot of passion. I only ring up those who pick up my calls. I don't have the time otherwise. I stay in touch with the ones I am friends with. A relationship is always about give and take. If I respect you, I hope you will respect me back. Or you respond to me. But if I call you once or twice but don't get a response, I will probably only meet you as much as I am needed to," the spinner concluded.

However, the last time Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni represented India together was way back in 2015 – in an ODI against South Africa. After the 2015 World Cup as well. While he did not play after 2015, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2021 as well.

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. 

Jake Fraser McGurk was stunned after experiencing the madness of craze for the former Indian captain MS Dhoni on the field. 

The 22-year-old right-handed Australian batter Jake Fraser McGurk made his IPL debut in the 2024 edition. He finished the tournament as the third-leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals in the season with 330 runs in nine innings with an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of incredible 234.04. He scored four half-centuries in that innings.

I couldn't believe that it was for one guy: Jake Fraser McGurk

In a recent podcast, Jake revealed his special experience during the Delhi Capitals’ match against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings. It was the 13th game of the IPL 2024 at Visakhapatnam, where Delhi Capitals won by 20 runs.  

Jake Fraser McGurk said via Unplayable Podcast, "The first ball MS Dhoni hit for a six, it was louder than when he walked in - Whole 30 minutes period was one of the loudest noises I have ever heard. I couldn't believe that it was for one guy." 

MS Dhoni scored 20 runs in the last over

While Delhi Capitals scored 191/5 in 20 overs, Chennai Super Kings only scored 171/6. 

Coming to bat at no.8, former CSK captain Dhoni started with a four. In fact, he hit three fours of that over. In the final over, while CSK required almost impossible 41 runs, Dhoni slammed two fours and two sixes. Spending just the last 22 minutes of the match as a batter, Dhoni scored 37 not out off 16 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes.  

Jake wasn’t in the playing XI for the game as he made his IPL debut later.

Jake made his international cricket debut this year as he has played three ODIs and four T20Is. The youngster holds the record for the fastest century in the List A cricket format scoring a 29-ball century for South Australia against Tasmania at the Marsh Cup.  

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.