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Couldn’t become head coach due to lack of ‘setting’ in BCCI: Virendra Sehwag

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Virender Sehwag

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Former Indian opener says he has no interest to apply for the position again, says he wouldn’t have applied earlier had Ravi Shastri told him that he was interested in the job

Taking a fresh dig at the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), former Indian opener Virendra Sehwag, on Saturday, claimed that he was not picked as the chief coach of the Men in Blue because he lacked patronage from the powers that be in the governing body of Indian cricket.

Sehwag also said that he was not interested in applying afresh for the job in the future and pointed fingers at Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s strong backing for the appointment of Ravi Shastri as the head coach as a possible reason for him not landing the coveted role.

In an interview to a television news channel, Sehwag said: “Dekhiye main coach isliye nahi ban paaya kyonki jo bhi coach chun rahe the unse mera koi setting nahin tha (I couldn’t become the coach because I had no setting with the people who were supposed to select a person for the job).”

Sehwag said he had not applied for the job of his own volition but only after he was “given an offer to coach the team”. He explained: “The BCCI (acting) secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and GM (Game Development) MV Sridhar came to me and requested me to think about the offer to become coach of the (Indian cricket) team. I took my time and then applied for the position. I thought since they are requesting me, I should help them. I never thought of applying on my own nor will I ever apply in future.”

Sehwag further said that he would not have applied for the job had Ravi Shastri told him honestly that he was also interested in taking over the role. “When I was in England during the Champions Trophy, I asked Ravi Shastri why he hadn’t applied for the post. Shastri told me that he will not repeat the mistake which he had already made once. If Ravi had applied, then I don’t think there would have been any chance of me applying for the post. I would have never applied,” Sehwag said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

MS Dhoni hints at uncertain IPL future as CSK struggles continue

MS Dhoni has not confirmed whether he will play in IPL 2026, saying only that he will return for the next game. CSK’s season continues to falter with only two wins from nine matches.

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MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer and former Chennai Super Kings captain, has once again left fans speculating about his future in the Indian Premier League. Speaking ahead of CSK’s match against Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the 42-year-old responded cryptically to questions regarding his participation in the next season of the IPL.

When asked during the toss if he planned to return for IPL 2026, Dhoni smiled and quipped, “I don’t know, I am coming for the next game (laughs).” This playful yet evasive answer has added fuel to the ongoing speculation about whether this could be his final season.

CSK’s disappointing run in IPL 2025

Dhoni also shared his thoughts on Chennai Super Kings’ underwhelming performance this season. With just two wins in nine matches, CSK is precariously placed at the bottom of the points table and faces elimination if they lose to Punjab Kings.

“This season hasn’t worked for us. We have always been a team that avoids too many changes, but this year we’ve had to make several adjustments,” Dhoni remarked. He pointed out that despite entering the season with a similar core group, the team hasn’t been able to fully utilise home advantage, which he believes is critical in the tournament.

Highlighting the impact of the post-auction squad changes, Dhoni said, “It’s the first season after a fresh auction. You plan roles for players, but you also need to see where they actually fit best.”

Match details and changes

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes, bringing in Harpreet Brar and Suryansh Shedge in place of Prabhsimran Singh and Glenn Maxwell. CSK fielded an unchanged playing XI.

Captain Iyer commented on his team’s approach, saying, “Preparations have been good and the team is in high spirits. We’re just taking things step by step.” He also confirmed that an unnamed player has sustained a fractured finger, and a replacement is yet to be confirmed.

As CSK fights to stay in contention and fans continue to wonder about Dhoni’s future, the focus remains on the former India captain’s every move — both on and off the field.

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Adam Gilchrist says Dhoni doesn’t need to play for CSK in IPL 2026

As CSK grapples with its worst campaign in years, the debate over Dhoni’s future intensifies.

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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), once a dominant force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), face near-certain elimination from the IPL 2025 playoffs. A combination of strategic missteps at the auction, injuries to key players including their captain, and the waning form of icon MS Dhoni has led to a dismal season, leaving the team with little hope of recovery despite theoretical chances for all teams.

With just two wins from nine matches, CSK is staring at a potential last-place finish, a stark contrast to their storied history. Dhoni, the team’s talismanic leader, has signaled a focus on rebuilding for 2026, stating his intent to “secure a strong XI and return stronger.” However, Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist believes Dhoni, now 43, should retire from the IPL to pave the way for younger talent.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist expressed admiration but urged Dhoni to step aside: “MS has nothing left to prove. He’s a champion, an icon, but for the team’s future, he may not need to be there next year. I say this with love.”

CSK’s struggles this season follow a trophyless 2024, where they narrowly missed the playoffs despite Dhoni’s return with his trademark long hair and aggressive batting. The 2023 season, where Dhoni led CSK to a record-equaling fifth IPL title against Gujarat Titans in a rain-extended final, would have been an ideal farewell.

Many expected him to retire after matching Mumbai Indians’ championship tally, but Dhoni chose to play on, citing his desire to perform for Chennai fans one more time. “Retirement would be ideal, but I owe it to the fans to play another season,” he said then.

This year, however, Dhoni’s performance has been hampered by persistent knee issues, limiting his mobility and forcing him to bat lower at No. 7 or 9. With only 140 runs this season, his struggles have been evident. Coach Stephen Fleming noted that Dhoni’s knee problems restrict his running, impacting his role. Some fans argue that Dhoni’s prolonged IPL stint risks tarnishing his legacy, a sentiment echoed by Gilchrist, who fears further decline could overshadow his achievements.

As CSK grapples with its worst campaign in years, the debate over Dhoni’s future intensifies. While his leadership remains invaluable, the team’s dismal run and his physical limitations suggest a tough road ahead, leaving fans and analysts divided on whether the beloved ‘Thala’ should return for another season.

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Cricket news

Chennai Super Kings on the brink of IPL 2025 exit after loss-heavy run, Harbhajan Singh rules out playoff chances

Harbhajan Singh rules out CSK’s chances for IPL 2025 playoffs as the Dhoni-led side faces Punjab Kings in a must-win encounter at Chepauk.

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Chennai Super Kings,

As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its crucial phase, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a do-or-die situation in Match 49 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Chepauk. With just two wins in their nine games, CSK’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread—so much so that former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has completely written them off.

Punjab opt to bowl as Chennai stare at elimination

In a high-stakes encounter, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, likely banking on the spin-friendly conditions of the Chennai pitch. The surface, previously used in the tournament, is notably dry with cracks and no grass cover. Former players Graeme Swann and Aaron Finch highlighted that spinners could dominate as the ball gets older, putting the onus on batters to make the most of the powerplay and early overs.

CSK’s poor form raises serious concerns

CSK, historically one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, has endured a forgettable season so far. With seven defeats from nine matches, the team finds itself near the bottom of the table. Each game from this point is a must-win for the five-time champions, yet the road ahead appears increasingly steep.

The IPL 2025 playoff predictor put CSK’s qualification chances at a marginal 0.24 per cent. However, Harbhajan Singh, speaking on the tournament’s official broadcast, minced no words and stated, “CSK have 0.00 per cent chance of making the playoffs.” Having once donned the yellow jersey himself, the veteran spinner’s assessment speaks volumes about the side’s current struggles.

Punjab Kings in playoff contention

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings continue to push their case for a playoff berth. With five wins from nine games, a victory over CSK tonight could propel them into the top two on the points table. This game, therefore, carries contrasting implications for the two sides—survival for Chennai, and elevation for Punjab.

Dhoni nears T20 landmark

In what could be a rare silver lining for CSK fans, captain MS Dhoni is on the verge of achieving another personal milestone. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter needs just four more sixes to reach the 350-mark in T20s. Among Indians, only Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav have surpassed this landmark. Globally, West Indies legend Chris Gayle continues to lead the six-hitting charts.

As CSK step out under pressure at Chepauk, fans will hope for a Dhoni special and a miracle comeback, even as the odds—and opinions—remain heavily stacked against them.

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