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    Ashoke Dinda Announces his Retirement From all Forms of Cricket

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    Ashoke Dinda retires from all forms of cricket
    Ashoke Dinda retires from all forms of cricket

    India’s veteran pacer Ashoke Dinda on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

    Ashoke Dinda Announces Retirement

    The bowler in a press conference at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said, “I am today retiring from all formats of cricket. I have sent the mails to BCCI and GCA to this effect”.

    The 36-year-old, who earned his maiden first-class cap against Maharashtra in November 2005, played 116 first-class matches and ended up with 420 wickets at an average of just over 28.

    Dinda Thanks Ganguly

    “There have been several people who have helped me throughout my career whom I would like to thank beginning with my parents. Then it’s Dada. It was because of him that I got to play for Bengal. I was not in the squad but he included me as a 16th member and handed me a debut,” Dinda remembered.

    CAB’s Sent off

    He was presented with a silver plaque and a bouquet and was thanked for his contribution by Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya, secretary Snehashis Ganguly and joint secretary Debabrata Das.

    “The contribution of Dinda is enormous. He is one of the best fast bowlers we have produced. He will be remembered for his ability to take wickets and win matches, bowl long spells and his never-say-die spirit,” Dalmiya said.

    Ashoke Dinda Cricket Carrier

    Dinda recorded his best figures in first-class cricket (8 for 123) against North Zone in the 2011-12 season. He also bagged 151 wickets in List A cricket and 151 scalps in the T20 format. Dinda also went on to play 13 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, picking up 12 and 17 scalps in those two formats respectively.

    In the IPL, Dinda represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore, and the now-defunct Pune Warriors and Rising Pune Supergiant.

    He played 78 IPL matches across 10 editions and picked up 68 wickets with a best of 4/18 against five-time champions Mumbai Indians.

    Also read: What is ‘Dinda Academy’?, Check the Reason and Reply for the Trolls

    VVS Laxman Reveals the Emotional Moment When India Beat Australia at Gabba

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    VVS Laxman
    VVS Laxman

    Indian former cricketer VVS Laxman revealed that the series win by Team India against Australia made him emotional as he shed tears while watching Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar bat.

    VVS Laxman shed tears 

    The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil.

    Much like every Indian cricket fan, former batsman VVS Laxman shed tears while watching the epic encounter against Australia.

    Speaking to Sports Today, the Test batting legend recalled how he shed tears watching India winning a series in Australia for the 2nd time in a row.

    “There is no doubt about it. In fact, I became very emotional. I was watching the last day and following it along with my family. When Rishabh and Washington were batting, I got very tense myself because when you’re not playing the game, you’re not in control,” Laxman said.

    Rishabh Pant
    Rishabh Pant

    “I just wanted India to beat Australia and win the series, especially after what has happened in Adelaide and what had happened before the Gabba Test match where everyone was talking about Indians are scared of going to Brisbane where Australia hadn’t lost in a long time,” he added.

    Laxman further revealed that it was the 2nd time he cried while watching cricket – the first one was during India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win.

    “Twice I cried, once in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup because I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team and I played alongside this group of players who were so close to me and they went on to realise their dream of winning the World Cup,” Laxman said.

    “And I always wanted to beat Australia in Australia, I was not able to do that as a cricketer. I was so proud that this young Indian did that. Tears came down my eyes. Words cannot express what a wonderful, inspirational achievement not only for cricket but for the entire country,” the former India batsman added.

    India will now gear up for a four-match Test series at home against England. India and England will also play 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is.

    New Zealand Registered their Name in the World Test Championship Finals

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    New Zealand
    New Zealand

    New Zealand has become the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship finals scheduled to play at The Lords.

    New Zealand Qualified for World Test Championship Finals

    For New Zealand to make the final they needed no more than one other team to finish with more than 70.0% of points earned, but now only one team from either India, England can finish with more than NZ’s percentage points.

    Not only India and England are in the race, Still, Australia can also qualify for the WTC finals if this happens.

    This comes after Australia’s tour of South Africa was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    CA’s interim chief executive Nick Hockley said traveling to South Africa posed an “unacceptable” risk to the touring party.

    “Following extensive due diligence with medical experts, it has become clear that travelling from Australia to South Africa at this current time poses an unacceptable level of health and safety risk to our players, support staff and the community,” CA’s interim Chief Executive Nick Hockley said.

    Australia tour of South Africa postponed

    Cricket Australia confirmed that the South Africa tour has been postponed not “Cancelled”.

    Kane Williamson-led New Zealand on Tuesday became the first team to qualify for the finals of the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship.

    The decision also means that Australia’s bid to feature in the WTC final has been virtually closed. However, if both England and India play two draws in their upcoming four-match Test series, starting from February 5, then Australia will have a slender chance of making it to the WTC final.

    India vs England: BCCI Announced the Crowd Allowance for the Test Series

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    England tour of India 2021
    Indian skipper Virat Kohli(Right) with Eoin Morgan

    BCCI announced the norms for the crowd allowance for the India vs England Test series. India’s four-match home series against England begins with the first Test at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Friday (February 5).

    The crowd allowance for India vs England Test

    The first two match of India vs England Test series is set to play in Chennai from February 5. With a lot of expectations, India’s home series returns after the South Africa tour postponed in 2020.

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) have decided to allow crowds at 50 percent capacity in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

    “We discussed the issue of allowing spectators for second India vs England Test following fresh COVID-19 guidelines by the Central government permitting crowds at sporting venues and also the state government’s SOPs given on Sunday,” the TNCA official told PTI.

    “There’s no time to allow entry of spectators for the first Test starting on February 5 as we received the government notification only recently. You can’t organise entry of spectators at such short notice,” a senior TNCA official told PTI news agency on conditions of anonymity.

    “But yes, now with fresh guidelines, there’s every possibility that second Test starting from February 13 might have spectators as per notification,” he added.

    “It has been decided by the BCCI and TNCA to allow 50 percent spectators for the second Test by following all safety protocols.”

    Crowd allowance for the last two test matches

    new Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium known as Motera Stadium
    Motera Stadium Ahmedabad

    Now, as per the latest report in The New Indian Express, crowd entry is almost certain for the third and fourth Test between the two sides at the renovated Motera Stadium.

    The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has a crowd capacity of 50,000. The first Test commences on Friday and will be played behind closed doors. Notably, crowds have already been allowed for the third and fourth Test in Ahmedabad.

    The official further said that media would also be allowed to cover both the Tests from the press box at the stadium.

    As per a report in Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to invite PM Modi to the venue during the Test match.

    Ahmedabad’s iconic Motera Stadium, rechristened as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, was inaugurated by former US President Donald Trump on February 24, 2020.

    With a seating capacity of 1,10,000, the venue is the second-largest in the world, only behind the Rungrado May Day Stadium in North Korea, which can accommodate 1,14, 000 people.

    Also read: India vs England 2021 Schedule, Venue and Timing

    Team Tamil Nadu Wins Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 2021 Trophy

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    Tamil Nadu wins 2021 Mushtaq Ali Trophy
    Tamil Nadu wins 2021 Mushtaq Ali Trophy

    Dinesh Karthik-led Team Tamil Nadu lifts the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2021 after a gap of 14 years without its key players.

    Tamil Nadu wins Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 2021

    Prior to the beginning of the tournament Tamil Nadu team’s star players  R Ashwin, M Vijay, T Natarajan, Washington Sundar, C Varun, and K Vignesh have withdrawn due to various reasons.

    Having lost in the final of the previous edition by 1 run to Karnataka, TN — this season — didn’t want to end up as the bridesmaid again.

    “The narrow loss to a star-studded Karnataka really hurt us in 2019. Much like last year, we wanted to play a good brand of cricket and remain consistent. Everyone in this side contributed at various stages of the tournament and that’s a sign of a good team,” Karthik told TOI on Monday.

    Tamil Nadu coach D Vasu’s view

    Coach D Vasu felt that players were on their toes through the course of the tournament. “Every player in the side knew that if he didn’t perform someone else was there to take his place. So, no one takes his place for granted and it makes the side more competitive,” Vasu pointed out.

    The decision to leave left-arm spinner M Siddharth for the major portion of the tournament, according to Karthik, was a difficult one to make.

    “Siddharth is a gun cricketer who works hard on his game and knows his strengths. It was a difficult choice not to pick him in the playing XI due to our team combination till the final especially since he did so well for us last year. Once we knew that the wicket for the final would aid turn — we played him and he made a big impact,” said Karthik.

    While a lot of talks has centered around the in-form N Jagadeesan and C Hari Nishaanth at the top of the batting order, the tournament saw the emergence of B Aparajith as an allrounder.

    Karthik employed Aparajith’s part-time off-spin to put brakes on the opposition’s scoring in Powerplay overs. Aparajith may have got only 6 wickets from 7 games but the standout feature was his impressive economy-rate of 5.93.

    “Aparajith has a lot to offer for us in all formats of the game. He is someone who has a balanced head, understands the game and reacts to situations well,” Karthik said.

    A tournament win notwithstanding, Vasu is already looking forward to the next one.

    “Winning the Ranji Trophy is the ultimate aim for our team. But, at the moment, we will look to take confidence from the Mushtaq Ali T20 win and aim for a strong show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” Vasu said.

    T Natarajan Had a Short Interview With Selected Journalists

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    T Natarajan
    T Natarajan

    Post the successful Australia tour T Natarajan had a short interview with selected journalists on Monday on how life has changed in the last few months. T Natarajan plays a crucial role in the Australia series and makes a unique record by making a debut in all three formats on the same tour.

    T Natarajan Interview to selected journalists

    With the first two India-England happening in Chennai, do you miss being part of the squad?

    Definitely, especially after being with the team for the last few months. But I do understand that it’s important to take a break. Given that I did not spend time with the family in the last six months, I am fine with it. But undoubtedly, I will feel bad that I’m not able to be with the national team when they are playing in Chennai.

    How do you view your life in the last few months?

    It all feels like a dream. I was hoping to get a chance to play in the IPL (for Sunrisers Hyderabad). Once I began doing well in the IPL, five months just went like a blur. I am very happy and the last few months have been unforgettable.

    Talk to us about being part of the Indian team dressing room?

    There was a lot of support from the team members and support staff. Not once did I feel that I was new to the side. In fact, I felt like I had been playing with them for a very long time. Everyone made me comfortable which was very special.

    What were coach Ravi Shastri‘s inputs to you?

    Ahead of my India debut, he said, ‘continue to do whatever you have been doing so far, but do it with confidence. Just go out there and bowl Bindaas.’ The kind of motivation one gets from him is enormous.

    How much of a help has bowling coach Bharath Arun been during the Australian tour?

    I spent considerable time with him in Australia and worked on numerous areas and his inputs were very crucial. He was someone whom I knew well and was able to ask questions freely. He would share his inputs on how to bowl during a particular situation and how to become more effective.

    Going forward, how do you plan to maintain your workload?

    I am looking to play in all formats and will maintain my workload accordingly. I am keen to work on my strength and endurance levels in the coming months.

    This is the first time I’ve played for six long months at a stretch in my life. Because I trained continuously during those months of lockdown, I was able to take care of the workload in IPL and in Australia.

    Has there been any specific instructions from the team management on areas you need to work on?

    Having played continuously for the last 5-6 months, BCCI had given me rest for some weeks. I have started training from today (Monday) and will continue working on my fitness.

    If I am aiming to play all three formats, I need to be on top of my fitness. The team management wants me to improve my endurance as they seem happy with my skills. Red-ball cricket is a test of endurance.

    Will you play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for TN if given the go-ahead by the BCCI?

    If I am given the go-ahead by the BCCI then I will certainly play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In fact, I was asked to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali but BCCI wanted me to be given a break and I couldn’t go on to play for TN in the competition.

    How do you see TN winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?

    Having played for TN for many years, I just missed being there with the team when they lifted the trophy. I’m extremely happy for them. They played like a team during the tournament and thoroughly deserved this victory.

    Rishabh Pant Opens On His Dismissal for 97 in Sydney

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    Rishabh Pant
    Rishabh Pant

    Indian batsman Rishabh Pant opens his talk on 97 run dismissal vs Australia Test match. In the fourth innings of the third Test, with India needing 407 to win, Pant scored a brilliant counter-attacking 97, which saw him take the attack to off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

    Rishabh Pant opens on his 97 run dismissal vs Australia

    After losing Shubman Gill overnight and Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane early on Day 5, Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara stitched a 148-run partnership for the fourth wicket to give India a chance to go for the kill.

    However, Pant was dismissed three runs short of what would have been his third Test century, and once Hanuma Vihari injured his hamstring, India started batting for a draw.

    “I was feeling bad not because of missing a century, but because I was thinking about the match. We had the game in our grasp. Pujji bhai (Cheteshwar Pujara) and I were playing, and winning the match would have been different. That was more heart-breaking for me than missing a hundred,” Pant told ‘The Week’ magazine in an interview.

    Hence, when Pant found himself in a similar situation in the next Test at the Gabba, the 23-year-old ensured he got the job done this time around. Requiring 324 to win on the final day, the fact that Gill provided a fantastic start to the team, India began harbouring hopes of a win. The platform which Gill built through his innings of 91, Pant capitalised on it, remaining unbeaten on 89 and getting India to one of their famous Test wins of all time.

    “The plan was to play normal cricket, to let the game unfold and then see what happens. I was not thinking too much about winning, but it was there at the back of my mind. I did not try to do too many different things, and gave myself time to stay at the crease,” Pant added.

    Virat Kohli vs Rahane Captaincy, Australia’s Shane Lee Replies

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    Shane Lee compared the captaincy styles of Rahane and Kohli
    Shane Lee compared the captaincy styles of Rahane and Kohli

    Former Australia all-rounder Shane Lee commented on the Virat Kohli vs Rahane captaincy debate. He feels players are ‘almost scare to put a foot out of line’ under Kohli’s leadership.

    Shane Lee on Kohli vs Rahane captaincy

    “Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team.

    “They’re almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane,” Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said.

    Ajinkya Rahane 
    Ajinkya Rahane

    He also said that had he been an Indian selector he would have asked Kohli to focus on his batting.

    “Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I’m not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell,” Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added.

    Is Rahane is better than Kohli?

    Some experts are of the opinion that Rahane would be a better Test captain than Kohli. Though Lee also holds a similar opinion, he doesn’t feel the current skipper would step down to make way for his deputy to take charge.

    India beat Australia 2-1 in the four-match Test series despite being all out for their lowest Test score 36. India came back to win the second Test in MCG and the final Test match in Brisbane. The team is now gearing up for the big-ticket home series against England which is set to begin on February 5.

    Former Indian Wicket Keeper Batsman Makes an Advice for Kuldeep

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    Kuldeep Yadav
    Kuldeep Yadav

    Former Indian wicket keeper batsman Syed Saba Karim makes a advice note for Kuldeep Yadav.

    Syed Saba Karim advices Kuldeep Yadav

    With senior spinner R Ashwin injured and Ravindra Jadeja already ruled out, the opportunity was available for India to include Kuldeep for the fourth Test in Brisbane, but instead, the management decided to hand a debut to Washington Sundar.

    It’s been over two years since Kuldeep last played a Test for India and a year since he last played for India in a T20 match. With the chips down, Kuldeep has received a piece of advice from Saba Karim, the former India wicketkeeper, who feels that besides being patient, the wrist-spinner should use this time to work on his batting.

    “Be patient; work on your skills; keep working very hard. Keep enhancing your skill not only as a bowler but also a batsman. This is a time when you can work on your batting skills. Have a very strong presence in the dressing room. Always be there to help your colleagues,” Karim told SportsKeeda in an interview.

    Kuldeep Yadav
    Kuldeep Yadav

    “At some point, you won’t do well, and that’s the time you reflect and gain experience so that you don’t repeat those errors in the future.”

    Karim urged Kuldeep not to lose heart as he believes tough times such as these can help a player learn plenty. “Team spirit is when a player who is sitting out still prays for his competitor who goes out to play for his team. That’s the real definition of team spirit,” Karim, who played 34 ODIs and one Test for India, added.

    “I have noticed on many occasions while playing first-class cricket that the player who sits out is not in a very happy frame of mind. He is waiting to get back on to the field to replace the player who is playing in place of him.”

    Also read: Kuldeep Yadav Lauds Gambhir for his Advice During his Early IPL Carrier

    Stuart Broad Names the ‘Best English Batsman’ Against Spin Bowling

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    Stuart Broad
    Stuart Broad

    England speedster Stuart Broad hails his skipper Joe Root for leading England to beat the Sri Lanka. The pacer said that Root has improved himself as a leader and now their next challenge will be to show the same form when they face Virat Kohli & Co in India.

    Stuart Broad Praises Joe Root

    In his latest column on the Daily Mail, Broad stated that the England captain has managed to reach this milestone in his career just because the latter constantly looked to ‘improve’.

    The first of the 4-match Test series begins in Chennai on Friday which will also be the 100th game for Root in whites.

    “One thing I would say is that you don’t reach the hundred milestones if you are not constantly looking to improve and he is certainly someone that will always look to do so. His hunger is the reason I believe he will go on to win 150 caps,” the fast bowler wrote.

    Joe Root
    Joe Root

    The veteran English quick also mentioned that Root is still learning how to captain in different parts of the world and has a big job to finish when England begins playing the Test series.

    “Joe’s still learning how to captain in different parts of the world, but he’s developed a lot, his record in Sri Lanka, for example, is extremely impressive, and he is unbeaten anywhere in his past 10 Test matches.

    “He’s yet to do the job out here in India, but while this will be a different challenge it’s certainly one that he will meet front on. And I’m confident he has the players around him to help him deliver,” Broad said.

    Root plays Spin well

    Broad highlighted Root’s ability to counter spin attack and added that he hasn’t seen any other England batsman dealing with spin bowling better than him.

    “There are no doubts that he is our key batsman in the conditions here because he very rarely gets out to spin, and he’s the best English player I’ve seen against it. But that’s the good thing about building a team. When you are looking to score 400 in the first innings across all types of conditions it is important to have players with different strengths in your batting unit,” Broad wrote further.

    Also read: India vs England 2021 Schedule, Venue and Timing

    Kuldeep Yadav Lauds Gambhir for his Advice During his Early IPL Carrier

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    kuldeep yadav KKR
    kuldeep yadav

    KKR’s leggie Kuldeep Yadav lauds Gambhir for mentoring him during his early days in KKR. Yadav was signed up by the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2014.

    In January 2018, he was bought back by KKR in the 2018 IPL auction for INR 5.8 crores. In the 2019 edition, he played only 9 matches, taking 4 wickets and scoring a total of 12 runs.

    “I was a senior player during the 2014 U19 World Cup and performances happened exactly according to expectations. From there I was selected for KKR and life changed drastically. I got plenty of time in KKR. There were a lot of senior players, especially Gautam Gambhir,” Kuldeep Yadav said in a video posted by KKR.

    Kuldeep Yadav lauds Gambhir

    Kuldeep further reveals how Gambhir’s advice helped him in his career and made him a confident player.

    “I always keep thanking him. He guided me as a leader and taught me everything. Even before I was about to play in the Champions League, he advised me what to bowl, how to hone my skills and become a confident player.”

    KKR lifts maiden IPL trophy in 2012 under Gambhir s captaincy
    KKR lifts maiden IPL trophy in 2012 under Gambhir s captaincy

    Kuldeep said that the first season at KKR would always be important for him as the franchise took good care of him.

    “In my first season with KKR, I was a youngster and our team was packed with the likes of Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla and we had a few more good spinners in our squad,” Kuldeep added.

    “I always felt that it was a good time for me to learn and get better. I was coming out of my U-19 days. As KKR have always backed youngsters, they took good care of me. So that first season would always be important for me.”

    Kuldeep has been retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2021 mini-auction which is scheduled to take place on February 18.

    Kuldeep set to return for England Test series

    The Uttar Pradesh-born spinner had a brilliant start to his IPL career picking up 29 wickets in the 2017 and 2018 seasons making him a constant fixture in the Indian team and earning a spot in the 2019 World Cup squad.

    However, things have gone downhill in the last year and a half. Kuldeep could manage to take mere 5 wickets in the last two IPL seasons combined. He has also lost his spot in India’s playing eleven in all three formats.

    He could be seen in action soon in the upcoming India vs England Test series. Since Ravindra Jadeja is ruled out due to an injury, Kuldeep Yadav is likely to feature in the Test line-up for the first time since picking a five-wicket haul in Sydney two years ago.

    Imran Tahir Lavished Praise on MS Dhoni Ahead of the IPL 2021

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    Imran Tahir
    Imran Tahir

    CSK spinner Imran Tahir lavished praise on MS Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2021 edition, in April-May.

    Imran Tahir Praises Dhoni

    With over 4,500 runs in the T20 league, the CSK captain has also won the title thrice as the Chennai skipper. His knowledge about conditions and knack of reading the batsmen from behind the stumps often help his bowlers. Thus, Tahir lavished praise on Dhoni and stated that he ‘will always have him in his side’.

    “It is always a pleasure to play with that guy (Dhoni). Have been playing with him for the last three years. For me, he is a great, great human being,” Tahir said.

    Harbhajan Singh

    “He understands everybody, respects everybody. We love him. He is the guy who has got the knowledge and is the best in the world. You don`t have to say anything to him. He knows what field he needs to set for us, and we just need to come and bowl,” the leg-spinner told SportsKeeda.

    Prior to the IPL 14 auction, in Chennai on February 18, Tahir was all praise for his franchise’s skipper and former Indian captain MS Dhoni.

    Tahir was retained by CSK for this season even though he played few matches in the 2020 edition in UAE. Tahir was surprisingly not given the opportunity by Dhoni in the first few matches. However, when he got his chances in the last few games, he impressed.

    “It is a pleasure to be in his company. (One can) learn a lot of things. And that`s what you want as a cricketer. I`ll always have him in my team. I wish that I just keep going and play for CSK. I am really enjoying my cricket.”

    CSK finished seventh with eight losses in the 2020 season. However, Tahir hopes that the team will do well this time.

    “We are hoping for a very good season. We are going to work harder and will come back with better planning. As a player, the franchise looked after us so well,” Tahir said.