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India vs England 4th Test: Oval nightmare awaits Kohli and Co

India vs England 4th Test: With England’s strong return, the series is tied 1-1 with both teams seeking to notch another victory and go into the final Test with confidence on its side.

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India vs England

After the innings and 76 runs defeat in Leeds, Virat Kohli and company head to Oval, London for the Fourth Test in the 5-Test series. With England’s strong return, the series is tied 1-1 with both teams seeking to notch another victory and go into the final Test with confidence on its side.

After losing at Lords in the Second Test, England bounced back strongly to hand India an innings plus defeat at Leeds in the heart of West Yorkshire. On Day 3, England completely dominated the visitors. India was bowled out for a 78 in the first innings before another pre-lunch collapse on Day 4 saw them lose 8 wickets for just 63 runs. With the next two matches set to be played at venues that historically assist quality spin, Virat Kohli and the management would be tempted to play spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at Oval and Manchester.

Ashwin has been warming the bench for all 3 Tests before this and was carrying the drinks etc. The decision to not let him play has been hotly debated between the fans of Kohli and Ashwin. It is true that Ashwin’s experience with the bat could have come in handy when the dominoes began tumbling on day of the Headingley Test.

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England’s vice-captain Jos Buttler will miss the fourth Test against India as he is about to welcome his second child. All-rounder Chris Woakes has got the fitness green signal. But England are yet to anoint a new deputy to stand in for Buttler but James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Rory Burns are expected to be contenders.

Johnny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties from Buttler for the Oval Test, starting Thursday, having donned the gloves in 48 of his 77 Tests.

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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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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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Champak magazine sues BCCI for naming robotic dog Champak over copyright infringement

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The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the publishers of Champak, a popular children’s magazine.

The dispute centers on the BCCI’s decision to name its AI robot dog, a viral sensation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, ‘Champak’. The court has directed the BCCI to submit a written response and summary within four weeks, with the next hearing slated for July 9.

The controversy erupted after the BCCI introduced the AI robot dog as a crowd-pleasing feature during IPL 2025. Delhi Press, the publisher of Champak magazine, contends that the name infringes on their registered trademark, prompting legal action. The robotic canine, unveiled via a promotional video on IPL’s social media platforms, made its official debut at the toss of Match 29 between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Since then, it has become a beloved fixture, delighting fans and players alike.

The robot dog, seen interacting with players during practice sessions and appearing at pre-match tosses, has added a playful dimension to the IPL’s global broadcast. The BCCI named it ‘Champak’ following a fan poll on their website, where the moniker topped the votes, reflecting its cultural resonance. However, this choice has sparked legal scrutiny, as Champak magazine argues that the name capitalizes on its established brand identity.

The IPL’s innovative use of technology, including AI-driven fan engagement tools, aligns with the league’s efforts to modernize and expand its global appeal, drawing millions of viewers each season. Yet, this trademark clash highlights the complexities of branding in high-profile sports events. As the legal battle unfolds, the BCCI faces the challenge of defending its creative decision while maintaining the robot dog’s popularity.

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