In the world of cricket, Few names command the kind of respect and admiration that  Mahendra Singh Dhoni. From his unflappable personality to his transformative leadership, Dhoni's impact on the game is permanent. Though fans and analysts have speculated over when he will retire from the IPL, there are those who just want to see him play on. One of them is Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson.

"Thoda Aur" – A Sentiment of Millions:
Speaking to the media, Sanju Samson explained, "Whenever people say Dhoni should retire from IPL, I only think 'Thoda Aur' for Dhoni. And this "Thoda Aur" (a little more) has become a catchphrase for what millions of cricket fans feel about the former Indian captain

Not just admiration for an individual, but also echoing the sentiment of an entire generation having grown up watching Dhoni the masterstrokes he played. Whether it’s his helicopter shots, strategic captaincy, or ability to absorb pressure, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL is nothing but magical.

SANJU 🤝 DHONI...!!!!!

- Sanju said "Whenever people say that Dhoni should retire from the IPL, I always feel 'Thoda Aur' for Dhoni". [PTI]

A Fanboy moment by Samson 🤍 pic.twitter.com/nI8GKa7tV7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 19, 2025

Beyond the Numbers – The Dhoni Impact:

MS Dhoni continues to be the cornerstone for CSK even at 42. He might not be batting as often as before, but just having him in the dressing room and on the field makes his teammates feel a lot more confident. His game awareness, calm decision making, and unparalleled experience make him an irreplaceable asset.

Samson, who has battled Dhoni both as an opponent and as a wicketkeeper-batsman himself, knows well the amount of fire Dhoni carries. * “You don’t measure Dhoni’s influence in stats. trainer, so he has that belief that is in short supply in the game, he added

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A Legacy That Refuses to Fade:

Dhoni is one of the most talked about players when it comes to retirement yet he has not bowed down to anyone yet. With each six he smashes and each spine-stinging stumping he executes, he reminds the world why he is considered one of the best the game has ever seen.

Sanju Samson’s “Thoda Aur” sentiment isn’t just about extending Dhoni’s career, it’s about paying tribute to his greatness, a recognition of the irreplaceable aura of the legend. And as long as Dhoni continues to step onto the field, million of fans, including his fellow cricketers, will come continues to hope for "Thoda Aur Dhoni" in the IPL.

Indian cricketer and Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson got hit by a really bad injury. Sanju Samson, the Indian cricketer who is Rajasthan Royals captain got hit by a ball in the fifth T20I match against England at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai. This led to him breaking his right index finger

Extent of the Injury
Samson confirms 5-6 weeks to be off action after medical tests establish the serious nature of the injury This will push the left-hander out of Kerala's upcoming Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Jammu & Kashmir in February 8-12, Pune.

Get well soon, Sanju Samson 🤞

- Waiting for your heroics in IPL 2025 and Indian Jersey soon. pic.twitter.com/LUIJUYSItt

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 12, 2025

Impact on His Career
Sanju Samson got a serious blow to his career as well. The form of the wicketkeeper-batsman has been decent, but his absence will the Kerala's chances in Ranji Trophy somewhat reduced. Yet his motivation will now be rehabilitation for the best part of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).

ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Key Players Ruled Out and Reasons Behind Their Absence

Expected Return
Samson will be back for IPL 2025 if his recovery is well. As a Rajasthan Royals key player, he will be praying for Ryan to fully recover prior to the tournament beginning. Expected Return

Sreesanth got a notice from the KCA asking for an explanation for his statement. They want to know why he said that statement for the sanju samson exclusion. This happened after the former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth spoke against the KCA for how they treated Sanju Samson. KCA didn't allow Samson a proper opportunity to give his best and show his experience how important for the India's ODI team.

Sreesanth told Onmanorama we should all cheer for Sanju because he is the only one player who plays International for our State, Kerala. The KCA gets players from other States for Kerala team and that's not fair to our own players from here. Why do they act that way? It makes it hard for players who play cricket in Kerala to get a chance.

The BCCI started looking into why Samson wasn't playing in Domestic Cricket. Before this happened, there was a small disagreement between the KCA and Samson primarily concentrated about him not getting to play for the Kerala team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Samson had to play in these home games to show he's good at Cricket because he wasn't on India's team in the ICC Champions Trophy. 

THOUGHTS on the controversy that has erupted between KCA & Sreesanth over the treatment meted out to Sanju Samson? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/aGvf0umwtZ

— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) February 8, 2025

KCA Fires Back at Sreesanth

Sreesanth’s comment hinted that KCA had acted unfairly. Sreesanth is the co-owner of the Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kcl, he isn't allowed to make such bold statements about the KCA as per his contract. KCA said that why they supported him when no one else did because of his match-fixing past, yet he still made negative remarks against them.

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"When Sreesanth was in jail facing match-fixing allegations, KCA officials Backed him. While the court Dismissed the criminal charges, he has not been officially cleared in the match-fixing case. There’s no reason for him to show as a protector of other players," KCA stated this statement. The KCA board helped Sreesanth make a comeback when others didn’t.  "KCA’s supported Sreesanth got a chance to return to cricket, including playing in the Ranji Trophy. Other teams haven’t extended the same level of support to players with similar pasts, and that’s something to think about," the statement added by Kerala Cricket Association (KCA).

Sanju Samson, who is really proficient at cricket and plays for India, injury in his index finger. Samson got hurt because Jofra Archer threw the ball inordinately speedily and it hit his finger. Sanju was playing against England in Mumbai. Now, because his finger Injury, he can't play for more than a month and will miss the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals. His team, Kerala, will miss him a lot because he's such a good player.

Sanju Samson Suffers Finger Fracture, Set to Miss Ranji Trophy Quarterfinals

The Captain of the Rajasthan Royals team had to go back to his house in Thiruvananthapuram. He's going to improve at the National Cricket Academy before he starts practicing again. A physiotherapist, who is knowledgeable about injuries, stated that Samson needs approximately five or six weeks to fully recover, and the cricket authorities must approve his return before he can participate in major cricket matches again.

Sanju Samson likely to be out of cricket action for 6 weeks after the ball hit on the gloves during the first over of the 5th T20I. [Asianet News]

- With the pain, he continued to bat in the final T20I, waiting for a strong comeback during IPL 🤞 pic.twitter.com/TCqzop1l2v

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 3, 2025

"Samson has fractured his right index finger. It will take him five to six weeks before he can resume proper nets. So there is no chance of him playing the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal for Kerala (vs J&K) in Pune from February 8-12," a BCCI official confirmed on conditions of anonymity.

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In August, he'll be able to play for India again when they play a few brief matches in Bangladesh. But before that time, Samson will probably play in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Samson had entered the T20I series against England in sublime form, having scored three centuries in seven games against Bangladesh and South Africa. However, his performances in the England series were underwhelming, managing only 51 runs across five innings. His struggles against short pitched deliveries from Archer, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood were evident, with most of his dismissals coming inside the Powerplay.

4th T20I of India vs England Predicted XI & Match details

The 4 T20I between India and England is a must win for both trying to get out of the series. India might opt for the strongest XI in the 4th T20I beginning with Suryakumar Yadav as Rinku Singh has fully fit and returns for the 4th T20I against England, strengthening India's middle order by his explosive finishing. He would add a crucial depth and power to the batting line up in this match.

Match Details:

• Match: IND VS ENG,4th,T20I
• Date: January 31, 7:00 PM (IST)
• Venue:Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
• Live streaming:Star Sports Network, DD Sports & Disney+HotStar

Predicted playing IX:

1. Sanju Samson (WK): Provides stability at the top and adds flexibility in the batting order.
2. Abhishek Sharma: A young left-hander with aggressive stroke play, capable of providing quick starts.
3. Tilak Varma: A dependable middle-order batter with the ability to accelerate when needed.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C): The skipper and India’s most experienced T20 batter, known for his 360-degree shots.
5. Hardik Pandya: The pace-bowling all-rounder adds power with the bat and provides crucial overs.
6. Rinku Singh: Back to full fitness, he is India’s designated finisher with exceptional hitting ability in the death overs.
7. Washington Sundar: A spin-bowling all-rounder, effective in both batting and bowling departments.
8. Axar Patel: A key player in the lower order, offering control with the ball and handy contributions with the bat.
9. Arshdeep Singh: India’s lead left-arm pacer, effective with both the new and old ball.
10. Mohammed Shami:  pacer brings experience and pace to the bowling attack.
11. Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner can trouble England’s batters with his variations.

India's Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

Key Updates:

• Rinku Singh is fit and comes back into the playing XI.
• The experience from Mohammed Shami will also bolster the pace attack.
• Varun Chakravarthy's mystery spin will be of huge importance in Ranchi conditions
• Balanced team with both old players and new blood.

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The shining bright international cricket talents in India include two of its big offensive players: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma. Both of these players have recently crossed significant thresholds in the latest ICC T20I rankings. T20I all-rounders: Getting to the top for Pandya, and Tilak Varma emerging as the bright star of Indian batting ranks has moved him up to being India 39 best T20I batsman. It has been crucial in these recent victories in the T20I series against South Africa and looks like a foretold ascendant in the shortest format.

Hardik pandya-1 T20I ALL ROUNDER

Tilak Varma-2 T20i BATTER

Hardik Pandya : The World's Best T20I All-Rounder Once Again

ICC T20I all-rounder rankings: once again Hardik Pandya has top the list, with his versatility on bat as well as ball. His string of consistently outstanding performances have been huge in India's recent mandates and his field captaincy is an inspiration to the new generation of Indian cricketers.

Boosting his Ranking: Top Performances

Second T20I: played a crucial unbeaten 39 at the beginning of their lineup and took them through a challenging chase in that match.Impactful Bowling: That 1/8 in three off he bowled was crucial as there after India oozed control over South Africa and was able to win this fourth T20 in series.Adequate support: Throughout the series, he provided all-important unpicking down the other end and also himself achieved some valuable blows.

He passed competitors such as Liam Livingstone of England and Dipendra Singh Airee of Nepal in these performances to reinstall himself as the top all-rounder in T20I. That's his second time at the top, first since India's team last lifted the T20 World Cup trophy this year.

Hardik Pandya's T20I Career Overview

Tilak Varma soars through the T20I batting rankings

The biggest hope of India in T20I, young, performed amazingly well Tilak Varma. become the highest-ranked T20I batter from India at No. 2in the world.T20 International Batting Record An Indian innings shot 280 in 4 matches: Varma tore South Africa apart, smashing runs 
2 Centuries in T20I: Back-to-back centuries proved that he can end the innings or score boundaries.

Tilak Varma  T20I Career Overview

Senior Players Contests: In this ranking surge, he pushed Suryakumar Yadav to No.4 in the ICC power rankings.
Known for aggressive and fearless approach with the bat, Pragyan has made sure that he is up for something important in India's T20I squad and new rating trends point to new heights for Indian cricket.

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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson started the new year in a full mood as he smashed 22 runs in the second over of the chasing in the Kolkata T20I against the English pacer Gus Atkinson. The right-handed batter only dealt with the boundaries in that powerful over. 

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Sanju Samson hit 4,4,6,4,4

Chasing down the 133-run target, Sanju Samson faced all the first 12 balls of the second innings of the match. After scoring one run in the first over of Jofra Archer, Samson welcomed Atkinson with a four as the right-handed opening batter smashed a pull shot to a short delivery. On the next ball, Samson sweetly drove his bat as the ball traveled between cover and mid-off for another four. 

After a dot ball, Samson smashed a sixer over the cover. The opener scored the next two boundaries of the over through the on-side. After guiding the full ball between midwicket and mid-on, he just tucked the last ball for another four to the short fine leg.

4⃣, 4⃣, 6⃣, 4⃣, 4⃣

Dial S for Stunning, Dial S for Sanju Samson 🔥 🔥

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/4jwTIC5zzs#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IamSanjuSamson | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/F6Ras6wYeb

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025

Sanju Samson is in great form in T20I format

Samson scored 26 off 20 balls before Jofra Archer dismissed him. Before this T20I match, the right-handed batter hit three centuries in the previous five T20I innings. After scoring two back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh (111) at Hyderabad and against South Africa (107) at Durban, Samson scored two consecutive ducks at Gqeberha and Centurion, before his third T20I century in the Johannesburg T20I against South Africa (109*). He became the first batter to record three T20I centuries in a calendar year.  

At the end of the latest Kolkata T20I, the 30-year-old Samson has scored 836 runs in 38 T20I matches (34 innings) with an average of 27.86 and a strike rate of 154.24. Apart from three centuries, the right-handed batter has also recorded two T20I half-centuries. 

Sanju Samson was not selected for the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, announced on 18th January at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. This news came as a surprise, especially after his excellent performances in T20 cricket. Despite his strong form in the T20 format, with a century in the Bangladesh T20 series and two consecutive centuries in the South Africa T20 series, Samson was not included in the squad. Many had expected him to be named due to his recent form, but his omission raised questions.

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Samson had played in the Bangladesh T20 series first, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led his home team, Kerala. After that, he participated in the South Africa T20 series. Given the tight schedule, Samson decided to rest before the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, as he felt this would allow him to perform better in the 50-over format. However, during this rest period, Kerala's state team had a camp to prepare for the Vijay Hazare Trophy season, and Samson chose not to join the camp. This decision led to his exclusion from the state team, which became a point of controversy.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary, Vinod S. Kumar, clarified the situation, stating that Samson had informed them via email that he would not be available for the camp. The team held a short camp in Wayanad without him, and naturally, only players who were part of the camp were considered for selection. This led to no further discussion with Samson on the matter.

Samson's absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy was a key issue. According to the new guidelines, players are expected to play domestic cricket if not on national duty. Samson's decision to skip the tournament did not sit well with the BCCI selectors, and reports suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with his casual approach.

BCCI Asks Samson About His Absence from Vijay Hazare

In this matter, the BCCI not only spoke to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) but also directly engaged with Sanju Samson. According to reports, the BCCI asked Samson why he chose not to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Samson's response was that he had informed the KCA that he would not be joining the camp, as he felt the Kerala board had not required his presence. The BCCI, however, was not satisfied with this explanation.

BCCI’s Response to Samson's Explanation

The BCCI emphasized the new rules, which require players to participate in domestic cricket if they are not on national duty. They were concerned that Samson's decision to skip the camp went against the spirit of these regulations, especially considering that the Vijay Hazare Trophy was an important opportunity for him to prove himself in the 50-over format.

Samson’s Defense of His Actions

Later, in this conversation, Samson reportedly responded to the BCCI, explaining that in the past, when he had not joined the camp, the board had still selected him. He thought the same would happen this time. However, the BCCI found this response even more casual and irresponsible.

The BCCI was disappointed with Samson's casual attitude towards domestic cricket and his failure to join the Kerala camp. His actions were viewed as irresponsible, especially in light of the new rules emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket. This, in turn, led to his omission from the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

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The BCCI's stance is clear: they now emphasize that players should participate in domestic cricket, as it helps with their overall performance and development. Samson's failure to join the camp and his casual approach to the Vijay Hazare Trophy cost him a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. His omission highlights the consequences of not adhering to the expectations set by the board.

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Samson is currently part of the T20 series against England, which began on 22nd January, and is seen as a regular opener in the T20 side. However, his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad continues to be a major talking point.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 3 Unlucky Indian Players Who Missed Out

India’s 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced on January 18, and while the team boosts a strong lineup, a few big names missed out on selection. These players have been in remarkable form recently and can consider themselves unlucky. Here’s a look at three such players:

1. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj’s A large number of fans didn't think Mohammed Siraj would be left out, but he was. Mister Siraj has been very good at dismissing players in cricket since 2023. Siraj got 47 players out, and only one person, Kuldeep Yadav, got more than him.He got 53 people out. But the selectors who decide who plays picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh to be the main fast bowlers for the important games instead of Siraj.

To swing the ball both ways and deliver in high pressure situations has been a key factor in India’s success across formats. His performances in the last two years made a strong case for inclusion, but the competition for places in the squad proved too stiff. While Siraj’s absence is a blow to his fans, it underscores the depth of India’s pace bowling resources.

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2. Karun Nair

Everyone thought Karun Nair would play in the Champions Trophy because he did very well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Before the major last event, he got an average of 752 runs, which is really good. In only seven times at bat, he made five major100's and one 50. The people choosing the players saw his doing very well and couldn't ignore him.

However, as chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained, finding a spot in a star studded Indian batting lineup is no easy task. “You look at the guys who have been picked, all average well in excess of mid 40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15,” Agarkar said. While Nair’s exclusion is unfortunate, it highlights the immense competition for spots in the Indian team.

3. Sanju Samson

Fans are surprised that Sanju Samson is not playing, because he's really proficient at changing his approach for different times in a match. Sanju is famous for being able to play carefully, like at the No. 3 spot, or be the best hitter at the No. 6 spot. In a game in 2023 against South Africa, he obtained 100 runs all by himself. Also he's made 510 runs in 16 of those one-day games, and that includes getting more than 50 runs three times and that one time he got 100 runs.

In T20Is, Samson’s record is equally commendable, with 810 runs in 37 matches, featuring three centuries and a fifty. Notably, two of these centuries came in a T20I series against South Africa, underlining his ability to perform in challenging conditions. Despite his stellar credentials, the selectors chose to go with other options, leaving many fans and experts questioning the decision.

Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, and Sanju Samson didn't get to be on the Champions Trophy team because there are so many other talented players in India. This shows that cricket in India is clearly utterly tough and difficult and full of great players. Even though it's sad they aren't playing now, they are strong and probably will come back even better. Today, we are all looking at the players who did get to go as the team gets ready for the important ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy is all set to make a comeback after a long gap of eight years, which is scheduled to happen from 19 February 2025 in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). As the name suggests, this tournament acts as one of those platforms where it gives an ode to the right prolific teams who are at their best form amidst the competitive and dynamic cricketing landscape. 

Unsurprisingly, all the participating eight teams would be eager to triumph and don the white blazer, a customary ritual after winning the trophy. India has always been the face of consistency and a cricket powerhouse, making it one of the strong contenders for the title. The last time the Men in Blue won the coveted Champions Trophy was way back in 2013, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. With the Indian squad being released for the clashups, here we ponder the lineup's two major strengths and weaknesses. 

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

2 Strengths:

Well-curated and reliable spinners department

Considering that India will be clashing in the daunting and flat conditions of the Middle East in UAE, it is not a surprise that it would primarily be constituting spin-friendly tracks. Pertaining to such aspects, India has made a side with a commendable spinmeister arsenal.

With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, the left-hand-dominated attack has been reliable with their spin and mysterious deliveries that could hinder the momentum of the opposition batters. Overall, the first and most significant strength to take away from the Indian side would definitely be their spinners. 

Robust mid-order core

Though there have been some slight ups and downs in India's top-order batting, it has always been the middle-order of the team that has created an enormous impact in obtaining pivotal runs. KL Rahul and, along with Shreyas Iyer, who will be coming back donning the blue jersey after a considerable amount of time, will be faces of the batting attack if the initial few starting batters falter.

Rishabh Pant could play the role of initiating the power-hitting mode of their batting innings. In addition, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja's all-rounding abilities with the bat could help them get runs in the end stages of the game. 

2 Weaknesses:

Bewildering exclusions

India has always been a prominent side for having the right balance across all departments for such big and fierce tournaments, and in some cases, they have successfully obtained the desired results. But this time, the released squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked much debate among critics and fanatics regarding players who have been shockingly excluded or not even considered by the selectors' committee.

Especially in the case of Karun Nair, who has had a fantabulous Vijay Hazare Trophy stint as the captain of Vidarbha, averaging at over 750 with his willow, has got many fans disappointed in his exclusion. The squad has also neglected consistent fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, and many are surprised by this big step. Even the case of Sanju Samson is no different from the rest, and his name not being on the squad got many agitated, as he has been phenomenal in the white-ball international games with his swashbuckling approach and reliable hands behind the gloves. 

The injury woes and dilemmas

Injury for any sportsperson has always hindered a team-based sports' lineup, which could massively impact their route towards performing well in any competitive tournament. In this case, many star players of the 15-man squad are under the medical radar for detecting any probable major injuries. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have backed out of playing the Ranji Trophy, citing niggles and discomfort. In the spinners department, Kuldeep Yadav has had a long-term groin injury, where his coming back to inform abilities would be a bit time-consuming.

Jasprit Bumrah has been having a probable lousy time with the back after carrying off commendable and valiant efforts in the 2024-25 BGT. As a precautionary measure, Harshit Rana is called a reserve player if Bumrah encounters a major injury, prompting him to stay away from the ball for the ICC tournament. So, from the names mentioned above, all the players are impactful in their aspects, and their speculated injury stories could be a potential weakness for the team's upcoming intense 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for the England ODI series