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MS Dhoni’s IPL retirement buzz: Ricky Ponting backs Thaala’s keeping skills but questions batting role

MS Dhoni may still be sharp behind the stumps, but Ricky Ponting says the bat might decide his future. As CSK tumbles, the Thala talk is louder than ever.

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MS Dhoni's retirement plan

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

As Chennai Super Kings grapple with a turbulent IPL 2025 season, legendary Australian cricketer and Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting has dropped a major hint regarding MS Dhoni’s future in the frenchise league. With CSK slipping to the ninth spot after three consecutive losses, the spotlight has fallen heavily on the 43-year-old Dhoni, whose batting form has come under intense scrutiny.

While Dhoni’s glove work remains top-notch, Ponting acknowledged that the CSK icon’s role with the bat has become increasingly limited. “His keeping is not getting any worse… as good as ever,” Ponting told The Indian Express, adding that Dhoni remains sharp behind the stumps, especially when standing up to spinners.

But the former Australian captain didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room — Dhoni’s batting. “If his batting output drops, he might start thinking about it [retirement],” Ponting said, indicating that Dhoni’s IPL future could hinge on how impactful he is in the remainder of the season.

CSK began IPL 2025 with fireworks — taking down Mumbai Indians in their opener. But then? Boom. Three straight losses placed them at Ninth place in the IPL pointstable. Fans are holding their breath, memes are raining on social media, and suddenly “Whistle Podu” feels more like “Whistle Please.”

Dhoni batted at No.9 vs RCB and No.7 vs Delhi Capitals, but the only thing he hit hard was the pause button. His unbeaten 30* couldn’t stop a 25-run loss, and it’s safe to say CSK’s ship is leaking faster than Dhoni’s deliveries behind the stumps.

Ponting acknowledged this tactical role, noting, “With the impact player rule now, Dhoni bats after other serious ball strikers. He is still dangerous even if he’s only facing 10–12 balls.”

CSK, the five-time champions, are currently enduring one of their worst starts in IPL history. After an opening win against Mumbai Indians, they have faltered in the following games, raising questions about squad balance, execution, and form.

Despite the struggles, Ponting refrained from criticizing CSK’s approach. “You are not going to argue with anything CSK do; they generally make the right decisions,” he said, crediting their long-standing consistency in coaching and decision-making.

With their next game scheduled against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, all eyes will again be on Dhoni — both for his performance and the growing whispers around a possible swansong.

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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