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    IPL 2020 : Ambati Rayudu Picks Favourite IPL Team Between CSK and Mumbai Indians

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    Ambati Rayudu picks favourite IPL team between CSK and Mumbai Indians
    Ambati Rayudu picks favourite IPL team between CSK and Mumbai Indians

    India batsman Ambati Rayudu, who made a comeback into domestic cricket after announcing retirement post ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 snub, has expressed support for his Chennai Super Kings vice-captain Suresh Raina.

    Speaking during an Instagram live session with Super Kings, Rayudu vouched for the southpaw’s international comeback. “He [Suresh Raina] has a lot of cricket left in him. I am putting a bet on it that he would make a comeback for India,” Rayudu was quoted as saying.

    Despite last playing for India during the tour of England in 2018 and not playing competitive cricket since IPL 2018, Raina had exhibited interest in batting at No. 4 for India in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia.

    Dropped from the T20I squad after the home series against England in 2017, Raina was recalled before the tour of South Africa in 2018. Before getting dropped again, Raina had scored 298 runs in 13 T20Is at an average of 27.09 and a strike rate of 143.96 including a lone half-century.

    Having scored 423 runs in 19 T20I innings at No. 4, Raina is the highest run-scorer at the given position among active Indian players. Raina, 33, has scored 803 runs in 33 T20Is at a strike rate of 142.88 and is only behind current India vice-captain Rohit Sharma and captain Virat Kohli in the list of most T20I runs scored by Indian batsmen outside Asia.

    Ambati Rayudu picks favourite IPL team between CSK and Mumbai Indians

    Rayudu, who made his Indian Premier League debut for Mumbai Indians in 2010, had changed bases to Chennai before IPL 2018. In 114 IPL matches for MI in eight seasons, the right-hand batsman had scored 2,416 runs at an average of 27.15 and a strike rate of 126.16 including 16 half-centuries.

    Being asked about his favourite IPL franchise, Rayudu picked his current franchise in CSK and explained the difference between both the teams he has played for in the IPL.

    “At CSK it’s pretty calm, they have a lot more faith in players ability, while MI is more ‘play-your-role’ kind of a setup. CSK fans are emotional like how south Indians are, they have knowledge. Even when playing for India we don’t see such fan base,” Rayudu said.

    Other than Rayudu, batting coach Michael Hussey, batsman Faf du Plessis and all-rounders in Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo have also attended Instagram live session with the franchise during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

     

    Kookaburra Cricket Ball Shine Polish: Australian Firm Comes up with Saliva Alternative to Shine Cricket Ball

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    Kookaburra Cricket Ball Shine Polish: Australian firm comes up with saliva alternative to shine cricket ball
    Kookaburra Cricket Ball Shine Polish: Australian firm comes up with saliva alternative to shine cricket ball

    Apart from affecting the cricketing schedule in a huge manner, the novel COVID-19 pandemic has also possessed a drastic doubt on one aspect of the game, i.e., the customary way of shining the ball with sweat or saliva.

    In times of social distancing when coming in vicinity of an infected person can transfer the disease, several players applying their sweat or saliva on the ball has it in it to have serious health-related consequences.

    The recent been talks of banning the usual manner of shining the ball with sweat or saliva has invited opinions in the negative especially from former and current fast bowlers.

    With uncertainty regarding the new norms, former and current fast bowlers are expressing concerns due to the fear that lack of shine might hinder the ability to swing the ball which will result in the game further favouring the batsmen.

    Also Read : “Will cricketers still be able to shine a ball?” : Former Australia Paceman Jason Gillespie Questions Amid Coronavirus Spread Fear

    Ideally, players aren’t allowed to use any “artificial substance” to shine the ball. Having said that, the ongoing global pandemic might make room to tinker the law to support the murmurs of using an artificial substance to shine the ball. It is worth mentioning that the quantity and usage of the substance will require thorough pondering.

    Kookaburra Cricket Ball Shine Polish

    Australian manufacturer Kookaburra has come up with a polish which will aid the fast bowlers to retain shine on the ball without using their sweat or saliva. It is said that the compound has been derived from existing products used in the footwear industry.

    Speaking in an interaction with PA News Agency, Kookaburra Managing Director Brett Elliott opened up on the developments regarding what will be the first-ever such produced used in cricket.

    “The most effective mitigating action to avoid risk would be to introduce a temporary ban on the traditional shining method. This could be immediately introduced, enabling cricket to resume as soon as it is safe.

    “Kookaburra’s research and development centre in Australia has been working on a product to replace the traditional methods of polishing a ball that could be controlled and managed by the match umpire. We have developed a unique wax formula for polishing a cricket ball,” Elliott was quoted as saying.

    Elliott went on to claim that the polish to shine the ball could be available within a month for testing in real match conditions. He also revealed the intention of resuming the sport on the back of an innovation like this.

    Also read : Cricket Authorities Considering of Legalization of Ball Tampering When the Game Resumes After COVID-19

    “The pocket size sponge applicator would enable umpires or players to apply a thin layer of wax which could then be rubbed and polished in a traditional manner to enhance the shine on the ball.

    “This could be available within a month, however has it yet to be tested in a match conditions as the ability to complete real trial matches at the moment is inhibited.

    “It may not be something we need to make forever, it’s designed to get cricket back and give administrators time to make decisions. Nobody was calling out for this 12 months ago so maybe it is more of an interim measure,” Elliott added.

    ‘Your legacy is very important’ – Suresh Raina Draws Out Similarities Between Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi

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    Suresh Raina draws out similarities between Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar
    Suresh Raina draws out similarities between Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar

    Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi are regarded as legends of their respective sports. The whole world has been in awe of both the starts for their on-field as well as off-field moments. Indian international Suresh Raina, who was a part of World Cup-winning squad in 2011, has revealed that he is a huge fan of Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi.

    Raina, who heaped praise on the Argentinian footballer, compared him with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Raina pointed out similarities between both the stalwarts. While Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Messi is often hailed as one of the best to have graced football.

    In a live chat with Khaleej Times on Facebook, Raina explained what he feels is similar between Messi and Sachin and said both superstars have been generous to people around them. Both the legends have been humble during the course of their careers despite achieving the immense amount of success.

    ‘I am a big fan of Messi’: Suresh Raina

    “I am a big fan of Messi. He is so down to earth, Both Sachin and Messi are very good when it comes to taking care of people around them because in sports you need to be really humble,” said Raina.

    “You may be the number one player in the world, but your legacy is very important, You need to show gratitude to everyone,” he added.

    Raina also revealed how Sachin took care of the entire Indian team during their title-winning World Cup campaign in 2011. The left-hander revealed that Tendulkar was like the team’s second coach for the side during the marquee event. The Indian side scripted history in the final of 2011 World Cup by defeating Sri Lanka in the final and lifting the trophy after 28 long years.

    “With Sachin, it’s always about his calmness. It was because of Sachin that we won the World Cup. He was the guy who made everyone in the team believe that we can do that, He was like the second coach in the team,” expressed Raina.

    “Facing Jasprit Bumrah or Bowling to Virat Kohli?” Ellyse Perry makes her Pick

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    Perry finally answered saying she would rather choose to bowl to Kohli than to face Jasprit Bumrah.
    Perry finally answered saying she would rather choose to bowl to Kohli than to face Jasprit Bumrah.

    Due to the coronavirus threat, no sporting events are taking place across the globe. The COVID-19 scare has now restricted players from coming up and talking to the media as well. However, in these desperate times, players have found an alternative to keep interacting with fans and media.

    Recently, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry had a session with TV presenter Ridhima Pathak where she discussed several aspects of the game and also gave insights regarding her life during the lockdown. Pathak conducted a “Would You Rather” challenge for the Australian cricketer.

    One of the questions asked to Perry was whether she would want to face Jasprit Bumrah or bowl at Virat Kohli.

    Just a few months back, Perry wanted to bowl to Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar and the Master Blaster took up the challenge and faced six balls in the innings break during an exhibition match in Australia.

    The exhibition match was organized to raise funds for the bushfires that caused havoc in Australia.

    Perry was also asked if she would want to face England women’s team in the 2021 World Cup final or India.

    Perry said she would love to face the Indian said again. The question was, “Face India in women’s World Cup 2021 final or face England in women’s World Cup 2021?” to which Perry replied, “I’ll love to play India again.”

    The Australian women’s side on the International Women’s Day (March 8) defeated India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in Melbourne. Perry was, however, ruled out of the match due to an injury.

    As for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, it will be played in New Zealand. The tournament is scheduled to start in February. However, the event could be shifted if the COVID-19 threat continues.

     

    “Not all IPLs are to win or lose” : Gautam Gambhir Throws New View on IPL 2020

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    Former Team India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has now revealed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has the power to lift up the mood of the entire nation.
    Former Team India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has now revealed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has the power to lift up the mood of the entire nation.

    Former Team India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has now revealed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has the power to lift up the mood of the entire nation.

    The out break of deadly corona virus raise it’s impact day by day to an greater extend. The deadly corona virus marks it’s image almost in every nook and corner of the world. Thus without any option left governments starts to impose a total lock down, in that list Indian government recently extend it’s lock down period till May 17 to control the COVID-19 spread.

    “As a politician, if you ask me then I would say it is very important for us to save the lives of the people.”

    “But if you want to change the mood of the country, not all IPLs are to win or lose, some are to change the mood of the country. So there could not be anything better than IPL for that,” Gambhir told Sports Tak.

    IPL suspend till further notice

    The cash rich Indian Premier League(IPL) has been suspended till further notice amid coronavirus pandemic. Originally 13th edition of Indian Premier League has been scheduled to start from March 29. The opening match has been planned to play between the defending champion Mumbai Indians and MS Dhoni‘s led Chennai Super Kings.

    “I know, many people will say that IPL is more important for you, but personally, if IPL happens this year, as an Indian I feel, then any franchise should not look it from the way of winning or losing, they should look it in a way to change the spirit of the nation,” Gambhir added.

    “When the world has been brought to a standstill, then there seems to be negativity around, but when people will watch IPL, the atmosphere would change. So this IPL would be the most special of all the IPLs in the past 12 years. Even if it happens closed doors or without overseas players, or whoever wins, it does not matter, eventually, the nation will win.”

    Ravindra Jadeja Advises People to Stay Indoors Via Sensational Run-Out Video from IPL 2017

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    Ravindra Jadeja advises people to stay indoors via sensational run-out video from IPL 2017
    Ravindra Jadeja advises people to stay indoors via sensational run-out video from IPL 2017

    Had it not been for the ongoing novel COVID-19 pandemic, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja would have been representing Chennai Super Kings in the 13th season of the Indian Premier League.

    With the cash-rich league postponed indefinitely, cricketers around the world have taken refuge across social media platforms for reasons varying from spreading awareness regarding, interacting on Instagram live sessions and sharing their lockdown stories.

    Jadeja, who had urged people to stay at home last month, has posted a video of his sensational fielding effort during the 35th match of the 10th season of the Indian Premier League against Mumbai Indians in Rajkot.

    WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja’s Impressive Swordsmanship Skill After David Warner’s Instagram Post

    Chasing a 153-run target, Mumbai needed five runs off as many balls to win the match. It was in that crunch situation that Jadeja put on display two inch-perfect run-outs to dismiss Jasprit Bumrah (0) and Krunal Pandya (29) as the match traveled to a super over.

    Taking inspiration from that effort, Jadeja hinted as to how people might get run-out (affected by the disease) if they don’t remain indoors.

    “Bahar bindaas gumthe ho. Mast meh timepass karthe ho, jab aapko ghar pe rahena chahiye. Phir yeh toh hona he tha [You pass time by roaming out freely when you should be at home. This was bound to happen],” read Jadeja’s tweet.

    It is worth mentioning that Jadeja had represented Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017 when his current franchise in Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the IPL.

    In 27 matches for Lions, the southpaw scored 349 runs at an average of 26.85 and a strike rate of 120.34. In the bowling department, Jadeja dismissed 13 batsmen at an average of 50.77, an economy rate of 8.44 and a strike rate of 36.08.

     

    Did CSA offer AB de Villiers to lead South Africa? AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith Reveals the Truth

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    Did CSA offer AB de Villiers to lead South Africa; AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith clarify
    Did CSA offer AB de Villiers to lead South Africa; AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith clarify

    Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers’ international comeback has become a much-discussed topic primarily because of the 36-year old’s early retirement, unmatched skill and plentiful fan-following.

    De Villiers’ form in the 13th season of the Indian Premier League was bound to be observed closely by Cricket South Africa but the novel COVID-19 pandemic has spoken of the otherwise.

    A recent interview doing the rounds in the Indian media claimed that CSA had offered de Villiers to lead South Africa in T20Is with two upcoming ICC T20 World Cups in mind.

    “The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa, and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again. The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form, and I have got to be better than the player next to me.

    Also read : “De Villiers has been my idol growing up” : England’s Jos Buttler Revealed Some Interesting Facts on Ab De Villiers

    “If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI.I have not been part of the Proteas for a while, and I feel that it’s important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there,” de Villiers was quoted as saying on Star Sports Cricket Connected according to the reports.

    Did CSA offer AB de Villiers to lead South Africa?

    Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who had recently been named as Director of Cricket at Cricket South Africa, had opined against handing the Test captaincy to newly-elected limited-overs captain Quinton de Kock in a bid to not burden him with three jobs in as many formats.

    Going by Smith’s comments, there was a doubt from the starting regarding de Villiers’ reported statement with respect to CSA offering him the captaincy. de Villiers himself took to social media platform to quash all such reports of being offered leadership.

    Apart from de Villiers, Smith also took to the same platform to aware the cricket fraternity regarding the “fake news” spreading all over the globe.

    Also read: We’ve Taken Abuse, Death Threats For Supporting Black Lives Matter Movement, Says Graeme Smith

    Rishabh Pant Reveals Why MS Dhoni is Among his Favourite Batting Partner

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    Rishabh Pant reveals why MS Dhoni is among his favourite batting partners
    Rishabh Pant reveals why MS Dhoni is among his favourite batting partners

    It was in January last year that India wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant became only the second wicket-keeper batsman ever to score Test centuries in England and Australia.

    In a feat which even the mighty Mahendra Singh Dhoni hadn’t achieved in his playing days, Pant put on display signs of having it in him to fill the boots of the legendary player.

    Upon the culmination of the Test series in Australia last year, India coach Ravi Shastri had disclosed how Pant used to be on the phone with Dhoni throughout the Test series.

    In a recent Instagram live session with his Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals, Pant claimed the former captain to be his “mentor” and talked about how he can approach him “freely”.

    Also read : “In comparison, Dhoni is ahead of Sourav Ganguly” : Former Team India cricketer Atul Wassan Claimed

    “He [MS Dhoni] has been like a mentor to me, on and off the field. I can approach him freely with any problem I may be facing, and he will never give me the entire solution for it,” Pant was quoted as saying.

    Rishabh Pant reveals why MS Dhoni is among his favourite batting partners

    Further speaking about Dhoni, Pant explained why Dhoni never gives him the entire solution to problems and also considered the latter to be among his “favourite batting partners”.

    “This is so that I don’t become entirely dependent on him, he gives me hints only that helps me solve the issue myself. He’s also one of my favourite batting partners, though it’s not something that happens too often.

    “If Mahi [Dhoni] bhai is at the crease, you know things are sorted. He’s got a plan in his head, and all you need to do is follow it,” Pant said.

    Pant, who has played 14 white-ball matches alongside Dhoni, has scored 276 runs a below par average of 25.09 and a strike rate of 106.15 in those matches.

    Pant, 22, has been recently seen falling off the radar in limited-over formats especially after the rise of Lokesh Rahul as a wicket-keeper batsman. After facing the axe in home Tests last year, Pant played a couple of Tests in New Zealand earlier this year but registered mediocre scores of 12, 4, 19 and 25.

    RCB’s Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers to Auction their IPL Cricketing Gears to Raise Funds for Battle Against COVID-19

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    RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers to Auction their IPL Cricketing Gears to Raise Funds for Battle Against COVID-19
    RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers to Auction their IPL Cricketing Gears to Raise Funds for Battle Against COVID-19

    India skipper Virat Kohli and former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers will auction their cricketing gears, including the bats with which they scored hundreds for Royal Challengers Bangalore during an IPL match in 2016, to raise funds for the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

    The items to be auctioned also include their respective gloves and shirts from that particular game where both of them had scored centuries to power RCB to a challenging 248 for three against Gujarat Lions.

    RCB had won the match by 144 runs.

    “We had a few nice knocks together. There is a particular one in 2016 IPL against Gujarat Lions. I got 129 and you also got 100 right at the end, that doesn’t happen always when two batters get 100s. It is a special memory for me,” De Villiers said during an Instagram live chat.

    “I was thinking how we can make a difference, that’s why I told you to get hold of that bat from that game and I still got that shirt from that game, which I got you signed, I also signed my shirt. So I got my shirt and my bat, I gonna get hold of your bat, my bat, your gloves, my gloves. That’s quite a big package.

    “The plan is to get it on an online auction platform (bidorbuy.co.za). It could be a nice collector’s item. We both can share a picture of that game. People can go and bid and all the proceeds can go for the COVID-19 cause both in India and South Africa, particularly, for the cause of getting meals on people’s table. we can make it 50-50 and support the cause in memory of that day.”

    RCB skipper Kohli, who had scored 109 in that match, said he would give away anything for the cause.

    “It sounds amazing. The fact that you want to share a part of it with India where you have a massive fan, I think it is quite special, it is an amazing gesture from you,” he said.

    “I don’t think I will be able to score that many runs in a single season. I have kept most of the things from that season. For this cause I will give anything away.”

    The Indian captain said it is “surreal” what has been happening around the globe and felt people will be more human once the pandemic-induced crisis is over.

    “I never thought I will see this happening in my life time. So many people are trapped, specially migrant and daily wagers are struggling. There is a silver lining, I mean it is good to see the human side coming up, there is no ego, there is no manipulation, so many people are helping out in this crisis situation,” he said.

    “We have to grateful that we are comfortable sitting, where so many others are struggling for food. Nothing hurts you more than seeing people struggling to get food on table.

    “Whenever people come back, when players comeback, there will be lot more energy … it will drastically change the enjoying part of things, pure love for everything will come up in the surface.”

    The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 2.5 million people around the globe, bringing all sporting activities to a standstill.

    “De Villiers has been my idol growing up” : England’s Jos Buttler Revealed Some Interesting Facts on Ab De Villiers

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    Jos Buttler Revealed Some Interesting Facts on Ab De Villiers
    Jos Buttler Revealed Some Interesting Facts on Ab De Villiers

    Jos Buttler has revealed that his wife had mistaken AB de Villiers to be a New Zealander when they first had a conversation during the Indian Premier League (IPL), the England wicketkeeper batsman has said.

    “De Villiers has been my idol growing up. The guy I love watching, he is just awesome,” Buttler, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, said during The Royals Podcast Episode 3, the full show of which will be aired on their official social media handles on Tuesday.

    “Got to know him little bit during the IPL actually when I was at Mumbai (Indians). Just at the start of the game, he said I will catch up with you for a beer at the hotel after the game,” said Buttler, a World Cup winner in 2019 with England and also regarded as one of the most destructive batters of the game today.

    Also read : “He is a really good player with the short ball” : England’s Jos Buttler all Praises for this Indian Batsman

    “I was like so excited. I was like so cool getting to drink a beer with AB de Villiers. I got back to the hotel told Louise (my fiance at that time, now wife) we are going to go straight to the bar.

    “AB de Villiers will be there for a drink, this is going to be awesome.

    “We then we probably chatted for 20 minutes, having a great time I am loving it and he has got pretty strong Afrikaans accent. About 20 minutes into the conversation, Louise asks ‘which part of New Zealand are you from’? and that just absolutely killed me,” said the 29-year old, laughing. Buttler was born in Taunton, Somerset and has so far played 41 Tests, 142 ODIs and 69 T20Is for England.

    Also read : Latest News about IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler hopes IPL 2020 happens later in the year

    Prior to this, Royals spin bowling consultant and New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who is generally the host of the show, spoke to Australian batting ace Steve Smith and Shreyas Gopal.

    Sachin Tendulkar Breaks Silence on Hosting Matches Behind Closed Doors Amid Coronavirus Scare

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    Sachin Tendulkar Breaks Silence on Hosting Matches Behind Closed Doors
    Sachin Tendulkar Breaks Silence on Hosting Matches Behind Closed Doors

    Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar expressed his thoughts on how hosting matches behind closed doors will be really demotivating for the players.

    Earlier being asked about the prospect of playing in front of empty stands, Pat Cummins readily agreed to do the same much like Chennai Super Kings spinner Harbhajan Singh. Laying emphasis on finding balance between safety and normality, Cummins didn’t express any concern regarding playing behind closed doors.

    “Empty stadiums would be so disappointing for players who are competing. There are a lot of times when players respond to spectators,” Sachin told PTI.

    “If I play a good shot and the manner in which crowd responds also brings in that energy. Similarly, if a bowler bowls a fiery spell and the crowd is responding to it, it builds a kind of pressure on the batsman and he needs to respond to it.”

    “Spectators are integral to any sport. Their encouragement, vociferous chants for or against you is a necessity in sport,” he added.

    The former Team India cricketer also explained how the normal gestures of shining the ball, giving high-fives and hugs to your teammates, etc will all change after this pandemic is over.

    Also read: Rohit Sharma Express his Hunger for ICC World Cup Success

    “I think players will be wary for some time when it comes to using saliva (to shine the ball). It will play on their minds. Social distancing measures will be followed until the deadly virus is around,” Tendulkar said.

    “High fives and hugging your teammates will be avoided for some time. This is what I would like to believe. They will be conscious, to begin with and may maintain social distancing.”

    “You would want to play in an environment that is safe and secure. I still believe one has to be careful and be aware of what we have been hit with. The importance of good hygiene, something I have promoted as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,” he added.

    “In comparison, Dhoni is ahead of Sourav Ganguly” : Former Team India cricketer Atul Wassan Claimed

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    Former Team India cricketer Atul Wassan reveals WHY MS Dhoni is a better skipper than Sourav Ganguly across all formats
    Former Team India cricketer Atul Wassan reveals WHY MS Dhoni is a better skipper than Sourav Ganguly across all formats

    Former Team India cricketer Atul Wassan  named the better skipper between MS Dhoni Sourav Ganguly across all three formats of the sport.

    Atul Satish Wassan (born 23 March 1967) is a former Indian cricketer. After retirement, he became a cricket commentator. He played 4 Tests & 9 ODIs for India at the highest level, however, due to injuries his career was cut short & he shifted towards Television industry hosting many cricket-related shows & also worked as an expert on many renowned sports channels like TenSports.

    Wassan picked Dhoni as the better captain over Ganguly

    Clarifying his point, the 52-year-old claimed that even though Sourav’s reign started really well but later on he struggled to replicate his form.

    “Dhoni..because Dhoni across the formats because Ganguly…. he started it off very well but eventually you have to keep your game also so that you don’t struggle for your spoil,” Atul said.

    The former cricketer then went on to add how a captain should not be picked up only for their leadership qualities but based on the side that they build.

    “Captain is someone, who is decided after your team is built if you’re selected for captaincy, then in that comparison, Dhoni is ahead,” he claimed.

    Also read : Shane Watson reminiscences playing under MS Dhoni at CSK

    Dhoni has led India to win the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. No other man has done that.

    Dhoni’s cool demeanour and poker face in tough, pressure situations has earned him the nickname ‘captain cool’.

    Michael Hussey endorses MS Dhoni fit to play for India

    Hussey, who made his IPL debut for Super Kings in 2008, went on to play for them till 2015 except for 2014 where he played for Mumbai Indians. In 50 IPL matches for CSK, the southpaw had scored 1,768 runs at an average of 42.10 and a strike rate of 123.64 including one century and 13 half-centuries.

    Talking about Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s international career, Hussey expressed no doubt whatsoever regarding the fitness of the 38-year-old player. Furthermore, Hussey also eulogized Dhoni’s “calculative brain” while batting.

    “Of course, he [MS Dhoni] is still fit to play international cricket. But Dhoni is the best person to answer what is in his mind. MS is always very calculative. I would want to finish the match as early as possible but MS would say no because there is this bowler who is coming up to bowl or someone else that we need to see out.

    “Don’t think I’ve met anyone like MS in that respect. Yes he has got a calculating brain but he has also got that unbelievable power. He knows when he wants to hit a six he can, which is something I didn’t have,” Hussey said.

    MSD has represented India in 90 Tests, 349 ODIs and 98 T20Is. He has scored more than 10,000 ODI runs, and 4876 runs in Test cricket.

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