Wasim Jaffer Reveals a Secret of MS Dhoni

Former India captain MS Dhoni certainly knows how to be in the news. Despite being away from the action for nearly a year, continues to be in the limelight around the globe. However, he recently came in the news but for a different cause.

When he began his journey in December 2004, nobody including him, thought that he would go on to become one of the most successful cricketers and one of the celebrated captains of the game. In fact, like other players who come from small cities, Dhoni also had small ambitions and dreams as well.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer, who recently engaged in a chat with fans shared that he shared dressing room with MS Dhoni during his early days, recalled that all Dhoni wanted was to "make 30 lakh from playing cricket" so that he could live a peaceful life in Ranchi. Jaffer, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier this month, was interacting with his fans on social media site Twitter.

Replying to a fan's question there, who asked him his "favourite memory with MS Dhoni", Jaffer wrote: "In his 1st or 2nd year in the Indian team, I remember he said, he wants to make 30 lakhs from playing cricket so he can live peacefully rest of his life in Ranchi".

MS Dhoni, who last played for India in July 2019 in the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup where India lost to New Zealand and knocked out of the tournament, was supposed to return to the game with the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) which was earlier scheduled to begin from March 29.

However, the much-awaited league was later postponed until April 15 due to the increasing number of COVID-19 affected cases in the country. To restrict the spread of the virus, the country is currently under a 21-day complete lockdown as well. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic has put a question mark on the future of the IPL 2020 where the cancellation of the league for this year is expected as well.

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IPL 2020 Likely to be Cancelled, Same Teams Will Continue Next Year: Report

The 13th edition of Indian Premier League 2020 is likely to be called off due to the current situation surrounding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in India, as per the report in the Indian Express. The mega auction, which was scheduled to take place before IPL 2021, will also be postponed by a year and all the franchises will retain the same teams they have for this year’s IPL and they will be given an option to pick or drop players as well.

"We will inform the franchises once we get final confirmation from the Indian government, the same season can continue next season,” Indian Express quoted a source in the IPL administration as saying.

This year’s IPL was actually scheduled to begin on March 29, but later it was pushed back to April 15. However, with India reporting more than a 1000 positive cases due to the novel coronavirus, that seems the 13th edition of IPL wouldn’t take place or it is highly unlikely to be played here. Moreover, from Tuesday, the 21-day lockdown is going on nation-wide which is scheduled to run till mid-April as well.

However, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had earlier said that a shortened version of the tournament could be played while assuring that the safety of the players was important. The board had also donated Rs. 51 crore for the coronavirus relief fund of Prime Minister in the country as well.

Notably, the BCCI had earlier met the IPL franchises on March 14 to discuss the situation where it was decided that the tournament was pushed back till April 15. However, the board is yet to officially update on the current situation. The report said that the BCCI are waiting for an announcement about visas from the Indian government and sports ministry before officially making a decision on the IPL.

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Gautam Gambhir Donates Rs 1 Crore to Fight against COVID-19

Former Indian opener and Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir recently donated Rs. 1 Crore to PM Funds for the fight against Coronavirus. He said that he has released the amount out of his MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for the relief efforts in this crunch situation.

"It is time that all resources of the country be directed towards fighting COVID-19. Have released INR 1 Crore from my MP LAD fund towards relief efforts. Have also donated one month's salary towards the Central Relief Fund. United we stand!!" said Gambhir.

Earlier, Gautam Gambhir had said in a statement that his foundation has distributed food packets to poor people in his constituency. The statement also added that during the lockdown, 2,000 packets of food were being prepared and distributed by the foundation as well, so that no one needs to worry about food at this tough time.

On the other hand, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also shared that he has donated Rs one crore from his MPLAD fund. Taking to Twitter, Rijiju added: "I am depositing the amount now. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a call to all BJP MPs to give Rs 1 crore from their MPLADS Fund to the National Relief Fund in fight against coronavirus."

Currently, more than 1000 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported across the country and the pandemic virus has taken more than 25 lives. Globally, the pandemic has taken around 30,000 lives so far as well. To fight against this virus, India are in a 21-day lockdown. Because of this, the upcoming IPL is going to cancelled as well, , as per the report in the Indian Express.

However, all the franchises will retain the same teams they have for this year’s IPL and they will be given an option to pick or drop players as well.

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Ravi Shastri has a say on Virat Kohli

Head coach Ravi Shastri says that India captain Virat Kohli is the "boss" of the team who knows how to lead from the front in each and every game.

"The captain is the boss, I always believe that," Shastri said this on the Sky Sports Podcast while replying to a question of Nasser Hussain. "The job of the coaching staff is to prepare the guys in the best possible way to get out there and play positive, brave, fearless cricket.”

He further added that the captain doesn’t go to each player and talk to them as it is his job. Even he said that other players are there to share the burden and leave the captain in the middle to do his job.

Ravi Shastri also gave the credit to Virat Kohli for the improvement which he brought in the team in fielding and fitness. He has set the bar so high that actually helps the player to do well in every game.

Shastri further added, "When you talk about fitness, the leadership comes from the top and it came from Virat. He is not a guy to mess around. He woke up one morning and said 'if I want to play this game, I want to be the fittest player in the world and compete against the best in all conditions' and he let his body go through one hell of a lot."

Shastri revealed the secret of Kohli’s fitness as well where he said that it was not the training but the sacrifices he made with his diet and also the way he looked at life helped him do better with every passing game. Currently, the Indian team is on a forced break due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and also the 21-day nation-wide lockdown.

However, India last played against New Zealand where they won the five-match T20I series by 5-0 but failed to win the ODI and Test series. Their home series against South Africa got cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Jos Buttler Hopeful of a Shortened IPL

England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, hopes to get a shortened version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year amid this coronavirus pandemic. This year the IPL was scheduled to begin from March 31 but later it was postponed to April 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic and now it could be cancelled as well.

As India are in a three-week lockdown, there is now uncertainty if the organisers will be able to decide the further steps and start the tournament after April 15.

"No news at the moment. We saw, initially, that it was going to be postponed. It's very hard to see this changing in the immediate future, so I don't see that as a possibility at the moment," Jos Buttler said in a Skysports podcast. "Obviously, it's such a massive tournament for world cricket, so hopefully some of it can go ahead -- perhaps a shortened tournament."

More than 700 cases have been reported so far in India and nearly 20 deaths due to the novel coronavirus. Not only in India, but this has also been the case in most parts of the world as the virus has led to a freeze on sporting activities all around the world.

While India's home ODI series against South Africa had to be postponed due to the threat over the virus, The ODI series between Australia and New Zealand has also been cancelled where they played there first ODI in an empty stand as well. Other sports tournaments have also been cancelled after the Sports Ministry's order came a week ago to stop all the sporting activities across the globe.

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India Need MS Dhoni's Experience in T20 World Cup, Thinks His Childhood Coach

MS Dhoni should be in the squad of India's T20 World Cup even if he does not play the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), due to the coronavirus outbreak, says his childhood coach Keshav Banerjee.

The IPL, which was earlier decided to take place from March 31, had already been postponed to April 15 and now it could be cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown in India which began Wednesday to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic.

India head coach Ravi Shastri had told IANS last year that the IPL will play a key role to decide the future of Dhoni, who will turn 39 in July. However, he had started practising with his team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai but later it was postponed too after the IPL was pushed back.

"In a World Cup, you need experience. Rishabh Pant is still learning and KL Rahul as a keeper for a World Cup, I don't think that's the best idea when Dhoni is available for selection," Banerjee told IANS from Ranchi.

"We all know what Dhoni brings to the table. The bowlers speak about it all the time. Sure, he was ready for the IPL and he hasn't played since the World Cup but I have spoken to him and I have seen him practice in Chennai, he never looked like he was away for so long," he further said.

He further added that Dhoni is very cool and he did not see him worried or anything. He wore that smile which can be helpful as well. However, legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag have said that it will be difficult for Dhoni to return to the fold.

"This Indian team still needs him in a World Cup. Behind the wicket, he is an asset and in the middle, he still binds the innings together," Banerjee added, backing his student who led India to 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 50-over World Cup titles apart from winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy as captain.

Fight Not Easy, Request all to Maintain Social Distancing, Says Virat Kohli

Indian Govt. has imposed a 21-day lockdown in India while some Indian citizens are following that properly. Indian team captain Virat Kohli has made an appeal to all the people to strictly follow the rules that have been set by not just the government, but also medical experts to fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak across the globe.

Taking to Twitter, Kohli said: "Hello, I am Virat Kohli. Today I am speaking to you not as an India player, but as a citizen of the country. What I have seen in the last few days -- people moving in groups, not abiding by curfew rules, not following lockdown guidelines -- it shows that we are taking the fight very lightly. But this fight is not as easy as it looks or feels.”

He further added, "I wish to request everyone to please maintain social distancing and follow it. Also, we should follow the directives given by the government and just for once think how you would feel if due to your negligence someone in your family gets affected by the virus. Please follow the experts as they are working very hard. It will only be successful when we follow our duties rather than going out in groups and breaking rules. This for me is an act against the country's well-being. So now, I along with all of you wish to see things improve and please follow the directives of the government. Jai Hind!”

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to restrict the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic which has already taken several lives around the world. He said that this could be an important step to fight coronavirus here. He also added that saving lives is the priority now. He even said that if the citizens of India don't follow the rules lockdown for the coming 21 days, the nation will go back 21 years and several families will be devastated.

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Virat Kohli Urges People to Stay At Home

India captain Virat Kohli has requested everyone to "stay at home" for the next 21 days as social distancing is the only option available right now which can stop novel coronavirus from spreading. India under the lockdown from Tuesday midnight for the next 21 days as the Govt. try to stop the spread of novel coronavirus which has affected nearly 700 people in the country so far and has taken over 10 lives as well.

"As our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji just announced, the whole country is going into a lockdown starting midnight today for the next 21 days. My request will remain the same, PLEASE STAY AT HOME. Social distancing is the only cure for COVID-19", Kohli tweeted.

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has also requested everyone to stay at home as "this simple task can save millions of lives" so far across the globe.

"Simple things are often the hardest to do, because they require consistent discipline & determination. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked us to stay home, stay safe for 21 days. This simple task can save millions of lives. Let's all unite in this war against COVID-19," Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.

Former India captain as well as the current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has also urged people to stay indoors as this is the only option left amid this crunch situation.

"To my fellow countrymen, to the citizens around the world, these are very testing times in our lives but we will fight it. Listen to what every state government says, listen to what every health department says. Listen to the directives of the central government as they say staying at home is important. Be safe and be isolated. Most importantly, be sensible. Don't try out things believing that nothing is going to happen to you," he said.

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Rohit Sharma thinks IPL can wait

India opener Rohit Sharma thinks the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) can wait till the current situation gets better, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation-wide 21-day lockdown which started from Tuesday. In an Instagram chat with India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, Rohit shared this. However, he has led Mumbai Indians to their fourth-title last year and also said that after the situation gets better then India can think about hosting the cash-rich tournament.

The IPL was scheduled to start on March 29 but later has been suspended till April 15. However, keeping the present situation in mind, it could get pushed back again or even cancelled for the time being as well.

"Everyone wants to know about the IPL. As cricketers, we all want to play. But we should see the situation. I don't decide about the IPL, but the we should first think about the country. The situation needs to get better first then we can talk about the IPL. Let life get back to normal first, and for that all of us have to be disciplined," Rohit Sharma said.

Rohit Sharma has out of action for quite some times now because of his injury. He was rested for India's home series against South Africa which got postponed due to the coronavirus. In New Zealand, India won the T20 series by 5-0 but lost the ODI series by 3-0 and Test series by 2-0 as well.

Chahal also spoke about the series where he said that he bowled decent but he was missing a winning spell for long despite getting 2-3 wickets. He even said that he goes to sleep at 5 A.M. in the morning and gets up at 2 P.M. now and also spend time with family as well amid this lockdown.

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Ben Stokes still preparing for IPL despite the COVID-19 outbreak

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has said that he has been preparing for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which has been suspended due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. IPL, which was earlier supposed to start from March 29, has been pushed back until April 15. But due to the three-week lockdown, the chances of getting cancelled is high.

"At the moment my next competitive cricket is going to be in the IPL," Stokes told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I have to get my head round that I am playing even though in the back of my mind I know I am probably not. I have to build up and get myself physically in a position that if it does happen, I am good to go.

"I cannot take three weeks off and expect the body to be ready for 20 April because it doesn't work like that. It might happen and if it does, I don't want to be behind," he further added.

On the other hand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) believes that the IPL can still be played if things gets better by April end and the first game can be played by the first week of May.

While speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that it is currently very difficult to predict the future of the IPL but the board can still conduct the league like the way the tournament was taken out to South Africa. But for that, the first match needs to be played by the first week of May.

The Sports Ministry has said that the fate of the 13th edition of the IPL can be decided only after the government after April 15, keeping in mind the situation amid the coronavirus outbreak. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has also said that it is only the BCCI which will decide everything on cricket.

No Cricket Till June 2020 ICC Confirms

The International Cricket Council has taken the decision that all the matches that were scheduled to play until June 2020 has been postponed and will be subject to review. The decision was taken by seeing the current global situation which is affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Till now globally 4.62,800 have been affected coming in contact with this virus and 20,922 are dead due to this virus.

International Cricket Council (ICC) events that have been postponed:

Here are all the T20 World Cup 2021 qualifying events that have been postponed by the ICC.

• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A – Asia - Host Kuwait; 16 – 21 April
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub- Regional Qualifier– Africa – Host South Africa; 27 April – 3 May
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A – Europe - Host Spain; 16 - 22 May
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier C – Europe - Host Belgium; 10 - 16 June
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B – Asia - Host Malaysia; 26 June – 2 July
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B – Europe- Host Finland; 24 - 30 June

The T20 World Cup 2020 is also scheduled this year in the month of October and November whose fate also depends upon the situation presently around the world.

On the other hand, the Indian cricket board is also facing difficulty in deciding the future of the IPL 2020. It was rescheduled to be held from 15th April but now the country is locked down till 14th April and IPL cannot take place from 15th April.

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Kane Williamson Salutes Health Workers In An Open Letter

The New Zealand Captain wrote an open letter and lauds the services of the doctors, nurses and caregivers who are serving the country in the global pandemic. Till now 262 coronavirus cases have been reported in New Zealand and globally 4.62,800 have been affected coming in contact with this virus and 20,922 are dead.

Kane Williamson in his letter saluted them for serving the country at this point of time and said every citizen of the country is behind them. Here’s the letter by Kane Williamson:

“Dear doctors, nurses and caregivers,

Events of the past few days have made it clear we're living through a health crisis the likes of which we've never seen. There will no doubt be times in the coming days when the scale of what we're facing will seem overwhelming.

We're so grateful you have our backs. People talk about the pressure sportsmen and women are under to perform, but the truth is we get to do something we love every day for a living. We play games. Real pressure is working to save lives. Real pressure is going into work each day while putting your own personal safety on the line for the good of others.

BLAC

It's an enormous responsibility that can only be carried out by the best kind of people: those who put the greater good ahead of all else. As Blackcaps, we know how amazing it feels to have the support of a country behind you. In that same vein, we need you to know you're not alone. We want you to know that there's a whole country behind you.

In that same vein, we need you to know you’re not alone. We want you to know that there’s a whole country behind you.

We will get through this and you are a big reason why,”

Kane Williamson and his team was touring Australia and then as the virus started to spread globally very rapidly many international series were called off and after the 1st ODI, the series against Australia was called off.

Sri Lanka Cricket helps government is crisis, donated LKR 25 million

Sri Lanka cricket came forward to help the government fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the island country. The board donated a sum of 25 million Lankan rupees to the government.

Donation from SLR

A press release issued by the Sri Lanka Cricket board on Sunday announced that a grant of LKR 25 million will be given to the government of the country immediately. The release read, "Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a decision to grant a sum of LKR 25 million to the Government to help its efforts toward combating the Covid-19 pandemic, which has created a national health crisis. Accordingly, the grant will be handed over to the Government immediately.”

It further added that the board is ready to provide its assistance to the government in such crisis. "Sri Lanka Cricket, whilst understanding the gravity of the ongoing health problem, has also taken several other steps to provide its fullest assistance to the Government in order to combat the crisis.

SLR happy to help government

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Cricket also cancelled all domestic cricket tournaments in the country till further notice in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The release also added this information saying, "SLC has already postponed all domestic cricket tournaments, until further notice, while have asked our players, (first class and national) and also employees to remain indoors, during this troubled time, obeying government directives.”

It also mentioned how the players are trying to promote public safety through social media and helping to aware the fans. The board requested everyone related to the board to take proper precaution to fight the situation. "Whilst, the SLC also wishes to request our valued stakeholders, such as the member clubs, District and Provincial Associations to take all precautionary steps to ensure that they remain safe at this moment of time."

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked the board for the act. "Thank you to @OfficialSLC for the grant of 25 million lkr to assist the govt. in its battle against #COVID19. The support flowing in from all ends has been overwhelming. We also thank all the individual players who have come forward in offering support. #TogetherWeCan #COVID19SL"

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Future of IPL has decided

The coronavirus pandemic has affected everything not only in the country but also across the globe. Several sports event has been postponed which included the 13th edition of the IPL as well. The BCCI pushed back its start from March 31 to April 15 due to the outbreak of pandemic coronavirus. However, they believe that it can still be played if things come under control by April end and the first game can take place by the first week of May.

A BCCI official further said that while it looks very difficult now to predict the fate of the IPL, they can think a pattern when the tournament was taken out to South Africa. But for that, the first match need to be played by the first week of May.

"The latest we can wait is till the end of April. If the first game isn't played by the first week of May then it will be almost impossible to have the league this year. Even if we have to wait till end of April to follow all the procedures, we can take a cue from the South Africa edition and conduct the league successfully. If you remember, that was the shortest IPL with 59 games played over 37 days and we can do the same. But certain measures will have to be taken," the official added.

However, the official again said that logistics could pose an issue and so the tournament should be played in a state like Maharashtra as it has four international stadiums available as well.

The official further explained, "You cannot travel around the country in such a scenario. If we get the necessary permissions, we will have to stick to a place like Maharashtra where we have three stadiums in Mumbai and a stadium in Pune."

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IPL’s Future Decided Over Conference Call

The future of the 13th edition of the IPL will be decided over a conference call between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises on Tuesday. They will discuss what to be done next there. Earlier, on March 13, the BCCI had decided to push back the IPL till April 15 due to the COVID-19 outbreak all over the world and in the country. Earlier it was about to begin on March 29.

“BCCI and IPL franchise to have a conference call on coming Tuesday to discuss the process and further way of IPL 2020,” a BCCI source told ANI.

Meanwhile, the BCCI had also asked all their employees to work from home as the COVID-19 has been affecting people and it spreads rapidly day by day. The total number of affected cases in India has now reached 300, including 32 foreigners as well, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

“BCCI office has closed so no meeting can be held there similarly no meeting can be held in the hotel so they have opted conference call,” the source added.

The disease has taken more than 10,000 lives globally. Coronavirus has affected not only everyone’s lives but also sporting events across the globe which not only included the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League but also several international series as well. However, no decision took place yet as the situation has not changed much in the last few days due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

India currently reported near 300 positive cases and four deaths for COVID-19 so far. While all the foreign visas have already been put on hold till April 15, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said that a “truncated IPL” can happen where a minimum 17 days already lost as well.

To stay updated with all the IPL News, IPL Live Score, IPL Prediction, IPL Match Analysis, and much more interesting IPL blogs, follow Cricadium.

Venkatapathy Raju comments on MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is one of those cricketers who know how to be in the limelight. While his records and calibre speak for him, it is not unknown that he has been out of the action ever since India lost to New Zealand in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

However, the upcoming Indian Premier League was about to play the key role for him as many said his performance will decide whether he will be in the T20 World Cup squad or not.

Recently, Venkatapathy Raju, who became a part of the national selection committee headed by DilipVengsarkar told Sportstar about how they picked up MS Dhoni and his cricketing career.

“Well, the guiding principle of the panel was simple - only consistent performers and match-winners will be considered for selection. We could do this because we watched most of the matches with focus on certain fringe players, who could go on to play for India. This is where the India-A series

concept really helped us,” he admits.

He further said that there were reasons for giving him the captaincy. At that time, the seniors came after a long break so they thought it would be better to give him the captaincy.

However, he thinks every player has to keep performing – be it domestic, India-A series or any other competitive cricket. This is to prove to yourself, not to others.

“Playing international cricket is never easy. It demands a different level of fitness and skills. For that, you have to be in the thick of it. I remember how I struggled coming back into Indian team after a three-year gap because of the totally different kind of intensive training in the Indian team as compared to playing Ranji or other first-class tournaments,” he signed off.

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Javed Miandad loves Virat Kohli’s batting

Former Pakistan cricket legend Javed Miandad loves to see Virat Kohli's batting and said that the India captain his favourite batsman, citing his record "itself tells a lot". The former Pakistan captain has picked him as his favourite because of his "classy" batting.

While speaking on his YouTube channel about the talent and depth present in the current Indian set up, Miandad praised the squad, especially Virat Kohli for his stunning stats and the way he achieved them and continue to do so.

"I was asked who is the best in the Indian cricket team, so I choose Virat Kohli," Miandad said. "I don't have to say much, his performance itself tells a lot. People have to admit this as stats are visible.”

"Virat performed really well in South Africa; even on an uneven wicket, he scored a hundred. You cannot say he is scared of fast-bowlers or he cannot play on bouncy pitches or he doesn't play spinners well," he further added.

Javed Miandad, who had scored 8832 runs in 124 Tests and 7381 runs in 233 ODIs for Pakistan, said that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make batting look so easy. They have been doing wonders with the bat.

He further added, "He is a clean hitter. Look at his shots, it feels so good to watch him bat. He has class."

Currently, the coronavirus threat has become a major concern that has affected the entire world. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation citing the people of the country to practice "Janta Curfew" on Sunday (March 22) to fight against the novel COVID-19. In a video shared by Anushka Sharma on Instagram, along with India captain Virat Kohli has requested the people of the country to stay safe by doing self-isolation during these tough times. Anushka Sharma further added that the only way to stop the spread of coronavirus is by "acting together".

Sunil Gavaskar thinks MS Dhoni will silently retire

Questions started raising on MS Dhoni’s future after the delay of IPL 2020 due to the growing coronavirus pandemic. With the global death toll crossing 10,000 on Friday, hosting IPL seems to be tough so as the return of Dhoni.

While India head coach Ravi Shastri and others think Dhoni need to perform in the IPL in order to return into India's team for the upcoming T20 World Cup to be played in October, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar thinks Dhoni’s comeback is 'highly unlikely'.

“I would certainly like to see Dhoni in India’s World Cup squad but it’s highly unlikely to happen. The team has moved on. Dhoni is not someone to make big announcements so I reckon he would silently retire from the game,” Gavaskar told Dainik Bhaskar.

MS Dhoni has been out of the game since the 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat. However, MS Dhoni has started training in Ranchi in the lead up to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and he was also in Chennai for the training camp before the league was suspended due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus across the globe.

"Where will he fit in? With the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul already in form, especially the latter performing exceptionally well of late, I think there is no reason why we should not stick with them," Virender Sehwag earlier was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

However, former India batsman Wasim Jaffer backed Dhoni, saying that he is an asset for the team and India need him in the T20 World Cup. Jaffer, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket feels that the former Indian captain can ease the pressure from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant who have in the circuit ever since Dhoni is absent.

Justin Langer comments on Virat Kohli's aggression

Australia head coach Justin Langer has said that he felt like a "punching bag" after Virat Kohli's aggressive celebrations during India's 2018-19 tour. However, he also referred to as the "double standards" when it comes to sledging in cricket and which is very popular in Australia.

Virat Kohli led India won the Border Gavaskar Trophy by 3-1, their first-ever Test series win on the Australian soil and later they won by a 2-1 in the ODIs too, whereas the T20 series ended in a 1-1 draw. Australia, on the other hand, were going through a tough phase because of the ball-tampering scandal and decided not to do any sledging. However, Kohli's on-field behaviour angered Langer as well.

Langer on Kohli

"I remember that afternoon (feeling) like a punching bag. We can't fight back because it felt like we had our hands behind our backs and we just had to take it," Langer said in Amazon's recently released docu-series titled 'The Test'. "You must be feeling the double standards the way their captain is carrying on and we sort of have to be careful. Imagine if we behaved two out of ten (of) that."

However, Langar asked his boys to take on Virat Kohli but also warned them not to cross the line between banter and abuse.

Tim Paine on Kohli

On day four of the second Test at Perth, Kohli and Tim Paine were seen in a verbal spat as well as Paine thought it was crossing the limit from India side and he needed to step up for his boys.

"I sort of just had enough and thought you also have to stand up for yourself and your teammates and that was one of the reasons I thought, 'no, I'm the captain, it's my turn, I have to stand up and show him we're here for the fight'," Tim Paine said.

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Madan Lal enjoys Virat Kohli’s Aggression

Former India cricketer and presently the member of BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee, Madan Lal, praised Virat Kohli and also backed him to continue being his aggressive self as he thinks this is needed on the ground to win matches.

Kohli’s aggressive behaviour became the headline in the recent tour of New Zealand, where he was seen giving Kane Williamson a send off. Madan Lal, however, said India 'need' an aggressive captain like Kohli as well.

Madan Lal backs Virat Kohli

“I don’t understand why people in India are asking him to mellow down,” Lal told The Times of India. “First, everyone wanted a very aggressive captain and now you want Kohli to stop his aggressive streak. I love the way he is on the field. Earlier, people used to say that Indians are not aggressive; now that we’ve become aggressive people question that and ask why we are so aggressive. I enjoy Kohli’s aggression; we need a captain like him.”

Madan Lal also backed Virat Kohli to return to his formidable form as he had a very poor series with the bat in New Zealand. Not only Kohli, but all the batsmen have failed to live upto the expectations there.

“He was out of form. You can say it was a loss of confidence. That [tour of New Zealand] doesn’t take anything away from him. He is still the world’s best player. At times, technical flaws come in and you then try harder and harder but still you don’t come out of it. It happens to the best of players,” he said.

However, the world is currently dealing with the novel coronavirus which has taken several lives already. It has affected the sports industry too and because of that, multiple sports events have been postponed which included the IPL 2020 edition which was about to begin on March 29, but it has been postponed till April 15 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak across the globe.

Wasim Jaffer calls MS Dhoni an asset

Former India opener and domestic cricketer Wasim Jaffer has said that MS Dhoni will be a vital cog for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Jaffer, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier this month, said that Dhoni's inclusion could be helpful for KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant; who are currently India’s wicketkeepers in the limited-overs cricket.

Wasim Jaffer on MS Dhoni

"If Dhoni is fit and in form I think we can't look beyond him as he'll be an asset behind the stumps and also lower down the order. It'll take the pressure of keeping off Rahul and India can play Pant as a batsman too if they want a lefty," Jaffer said in a tweet.

Dhoni had last played for India at the 2019 World Cup in England where they were thrashed by New Zealand in the semi-finals. Since then, he has not taken part in the action and is about to appear in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, India head coach Ravi Shastri has already said that Dhoni's selection will be dependend on his performance in IPL 2020.

Ravi Shastri on MS Dhoni

"It all depends on when he starts playing and how he is playing during the IPL. What are the other people doing with the wicket-keeping gloves or what is the form of those players as opposed to Dhoni''s form. The IPL becomes a massive tournament because that could be the last tournament after which more or less your 15 is decided," Shastri had told IANS in November last year.

He further added that there might be another player too to get selected but nothing can be said before the IPL. He asked everyone to wait for for the IPL to get over because after that only the best 17 in the country can be selected. The IPL 2020 edition, was about to begin on March 29, but it has been postponed till April 15 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak across the globe which has taken many lives so far.

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Aakash Chopra backs MS Dhoni’s return

Former India batsman Aakash Chopra said that MS Dhoni can return to international cricket with or without playing in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. His comments come at a time when there is uncertainty over the league due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the country. IPL was scheduled to begin on March 29 but it was suspended until April 15.

Aakash Chopra on MS Dhoni

"For a player like Dhoni, IPL was never going to be a yardstick. If he had scored runs in the IPL, experts would have been like 'select Dhoni', 'do this and do that'. MS Dhoni knows what he is doing, whether he wants to come back or not," Aakash Chopra said in a YouTube video.

"IPL, I don't think was a critical factor. If he wants to come back, he will make himself available, if the selectors decide to pick him, he will be picked automatically because you won't get experience in supermarkets. Dhoni is a hugely experienced player. If India needs MS Dhoni, then with or without IPL, he will come back," he further added.

Team management move on from MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has been out of cricket since India’s 2019 World Cup exit. However, he started practicing in Chennai earlier this month. While there is no surety over his future, team management and the selectors have cleared the air that a he can be back after a good IPL performance, because there are so many senior and young players who will be featured in the IPL. If they do well, they can also get a chance, shared a senior BCCI source to the Press Trust of India.

However, the present situation is pretty bad for everyone as the novel coronavirus has affected several lives and sporting events across the globe.

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Virender Sehwag Trolls Sachin Tendulkar For His Bowling In Road Safety World Series Game

Cricket fans have been enjoying since last Saturday when the Road Safety World Series began in Mumbai. The two-week-long tournament has been witnessing the return of multiple cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Brian Lara as they take the field, one more time which gives everyone gives a trip down memory lane.

However, Virender Sehwag trolled Sachin Tendulkar for his bowling in the game.

On Tuesday, the India Legends team won the toss against the Sri Lankan legends and they elected to bowl. While talking to the broadcast team of the match after the toss, Virender Sehwag funnily shared his unhappiness with Tendulkar for electing to field first again. Sehwag jokingly said about how fielding a whole 20 overs is very tiring for his body as he is not in cricket on a daily basis. Sehwag's slowness can be seen in the first match where India played against the West Indies.

However, his slow fielding and the exhaustion that it causes him certainly did not affect the way he bats. In the first match against the West Indies, Virender Sehwag smashed a match-winning 74* off 57 deliveries and helped his side to register a convincing victory. In the second match, Sehwag could only score three runs while chasing Sri Lanka's total of 138. But Irfan Pathan's 57* helped India Legends get a second victory in their name as well.

India Legends would have to face South Africa Legends in Match No.6 at Pune and then they will play Australia Legends in Match 10 also at Pune. The final of the tournament will take place at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on March 22.

Here is the full squad of the Indian team

Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Sameer Dighe (wicketkeeper), Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, Pragyan Ojha, Manpreet Gony, Sanjay Bangar, Abey Kuruvilla and Sairaj Bahutule.

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Harbhajan Singh shares how to tackle Coronavirus

Veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh gave MS Dhoni's example while explaining how to tackle the pandemic Coronavirus that has brought the world on standstill in recent times.

Celebrities all around the world are doing their bit to help health & welfare organisations bu spreading more awareness about the pandemic Novel Coronavirus that has affected more than 1.5 lakh people all across the globe and the deaths counts reach around 7,000. After the World Health Organisation (WHO) started the Safe Hands Challenge, teaching people how to stay safe by washing hands properly and frequently, Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh also shared 'one simple step' to tackle the COVID-19.

In such a crunch situation where the scientists and health organisations are constantly working to develop the vaccine for COVID-19, everyone has been asked to take care and precautions and stay at home while washing their hands frequently in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. However, 'handshake’ is a big NO now as health authorities asked not to do it now.

However, Harbhajan Singh shared an Instagram story on his account where his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate MS Dhoni was seen shaking Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner Preity Zinta's hand while he himself used a hand towel to cover his face.

His message was clear that he said to avoid shaking hands with each other now and also cover your face while sneezing, coughing in order to stop the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus has affected not only everyone’s lives but also sporting events across the globe which included the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League where no decision took place. Not only this, multiple international series which included India versus South Africa series, England versus Sri Lanka series, Australia versus New Zealand series and many more but also many sporting events across the globe so far.

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Australia Players to Miss IPL 2020?

While the start date of IPL has been delayed amid coronavirus threat and both the BCCI and the IPL franchises have talked about the importance of foreign players to play in the IPL, the question that raised is whether the foreign boards will allow their players to travel to India for the upcoming IPL during the coronavirus outbreak.

As per the report in Fox Sports, the Australian players might have to give up their lucrative IPL due to the restrictions across the globe because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The news came after CA, on Tuesday, cancelled the 2019-20 Sheffield Shield final and NSW declared champions. However, media reports suggest that the No Objection Certificates which CA provide with the player for their participation in the foreign leagues come under the scanner.

The IPL has already been pushed back from March 29 to April 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak but it seems CA is in no mood to take any risk. And the global stars like Pat Cummins, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith are going to miss out their deals.

“We can provide advice. We’re conscious of the fact that Australian players are individually contracted to the IPL and the time will certainly come very soon where players are going to be really interested and leaning on our perspective as their leader… to advise them in that regard,” said Kevin Roberts.

“And then there will also be a perspective from the BCCI and their IPL division within that and together with our players and the BCCI I’m sure players will reach the best possible decisions in uncertain circumstances,” he further added.

Although the BCCI has suspended the league till at least April 15, as of now, there is absolutely no surety over when will the IPL starts. All the major series and tournaments around the world have been cancelled or postponed as well.

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Deepika Padukone nominates Virat Kohli and Roger Federer in Safe Hands Challenge

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is currently spending her time at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, has involved in the new social media trend - the Safe Hands Challenge where the people are posting videos of themselves washing hands properly.

Deepika shared a video where she was seen in her washroom, washing her hands well and closing the tap with the back of her hands as well. Moreover, she also nominated Virat Kohli, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roger Federer to take up the challenge as well.

Deepika posted a video with the caption, “Thank You @DrTedros , for nominating me for the #SafeHands Challenge! #COVID19 surely is an uphill health and public safety task, but all of us are in this fight together!I further nominate @rogerfederer,@Cristiano and @imVkohli to take up this challenge! #coronavirus #StaySafe.”

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) started the safe hands challenge and tweeted, “There are simple things we each must do to protect ourselves from #COVID19, including Open hands washing with Soap & Splashing sweat symbol or alcohol-based rub. WHO is launching the #SafeHands Challenge to promote the power of clean Open hands to fight #coronavirus. Join the challenge & share your Open hands washing video!”

Notably, the tweet was included a video of WHO Director-general Dr Trevor Adhanom Ghebreyesus who was showing how to wash hands properly in this serious situation.

Recently, the famous actor had to cancel her France trip because of the coronavirus outbreak where she was invited by luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to attend their show at the Paris Fashion Week. Her last film was Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak where she portrayed the role of a survivor of an acid attack

Coronavirus has so far affected more or less every country in the world, infecting more than 1,30,000 people and The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared coronavirus a pandemic.

Many safety measurements have been taken in India which asked people to work from home and avoid going outside unless it’s too urgent. Even schools, colleges, gyms, theatres and night clubs have also been closed till March 31. Alongside this, the sports and film industry witnessed cancellation as well.

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Virender Sehwag has a say on the future of MS Dhoni

Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag said that it is difficult for MS Dhoni to return in the Indian squad if he comes back to the circuit. The former Indian captain has been out of action since India’s exit from the semifinal of the World Cup in 2019 after losing to New Zealand.

It was expected that MS Dhoni might return through the IPL 2020 as per coaches and former cricketers. However, amid this COVID – 19 the tournament has been delayed for a couple of weeks and this made thing unclear for Dhoni’s future too.

Speaking about Dhoni’s further, Sehwag said, “Where will he fit in? With the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul already in form, especially the latter performing exceptionally well of late, I think there is no reason why we should not stick with them.”

The former player also expressed his view on India’s present performance during the ODI and Test series in New Zealand, in which they were thrashed by 0-3 and 0-2 respectively. However, Sehwag said that Virat Kohli is a star batsman.

Sehwag explained, “He [Kohli] is a class batsman but that has happened to all the great batsmen in different eras be it Sachin Tendulkar, Steven Waugh, Jacques Kallis or Ricky Ponting. We must admit that the Kiwis were superior to us in the ODIs and Tests. In the T20s, Kiwis lost close matches. In the shortest format, it is always difficult to make a quick comeback.”

However, Sehwag did not pick a favourite but felt Hardik Pandya’s return will be beneficial for Team India. The all-rounder was included in the squad for India’s three-match ODI series against South which got cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Notably, on Tuesday, the ICC announced that the T20 World Cup in October will go on as per the plan and Sehwag said Pandya’s return will be the key for India.

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'Nothing Concrete' decided at IPL Owners' Tele-Conference

No decision was taken during Monday's conference by all the eight IPL franchise owners as the current situation in the country has not changed at all amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. This virus has affected every industry around the world along with people’s lives as well that too globally.

Earlier, the start date of this year’s IPL has been pushed back from March 29 to April 15 as India currently have reported 125 positive cases and two deaths for COVID-19 have been registered as well. On the other hand, all foreign visas have been postponed until April 15 while the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has given a hint of a "truncated IPL" that could be a possibility as a minimum 17 days have already lost.

"Nothing concrete was discussed in today's meeting (con-call). It was just a follow up meeting. The situation has not changed in 48 hours, so talking about hosting the IPL is still pre-mature," an IPL franchise owner told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"We have to wait and watch. We will keep doing these con calls on a weekly basis to take stock of the situation," he further said.

There are six to seven options have been decided in case the situation improves by April 15, one option is dividing the teams into two groups with top four qualifying for the knock-outs as well.

Along with these, there are suggestions for increasing the number of double-headers in a curtailed time as well or having matches at three or four centres in order to limit travel too can be an option. Even BCCI has given another option too which is the games can be played in empty stands to avoid people’s gatherings as well which is one of the reasons of spreading the novel coronavirus.

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IPL Owners' Con-Call; Teams Prepare for Call-Off

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are subconsciously ready for a call-off league this year due to coronavirus outbreak. However, they are trying hard to make it play. While speaking to IANS, an official said that the owners although they have a conference call, things are getting dangerous now. The BCCI has earlier decided to push back the start date and decided to begin from April 15 instead of March 29.

"We are having a conference call today in the evening and we will discuss the situation, but just look around. Schools, colleges, malls, theatres have all been closed. In fact, even gyms have closed now after the fresh directive from the health department. So, in such a scenario, it is only obvious that we might get to a situation where the league may have to be called off for a season," the official said.

On the other hand, another official said that safety is the first priority now and everyone stands united on this. If the situation continues like this, they might have to call-off the league this year.

While both the BCCI and the IPL franchises have already spoken about the foreign players’ inclusion in the league, the question arises whether the other cricket boards will allow their players to participate or not. On March 11, the government had cancelled all visas, except for a few official categories, till April 15 in the situation of the growing coronavirus threat.

In the meeting which took place at Nirman Bhavan in the national capital, it was decided that all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/international organisations, employment and project visas, will be suspended till April 15. Even the Sports Ministry also maintained this by making it clear that all the sporting events will be cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. And, if in case it is unavoidable, the events will take place behind closed doors to avoid people’s gathering.

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IPL may take a ₹10,000-crore hit if cancelled

The dangerous coronavirus pandemic has been affecting not only people but also the domestic and global sports industry, including Twenty20 cricket Indian Premier League (IPL) that is scheduled to begin on 29 March.

However, the ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that the decision is on hold, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope earlier revealed that the IPL should postpone or limit the number of matches to TV audiences only.

According to sports industry experts, the cash-rich tournament - IPL, where international players are a big attraction, is at risk of taking a financial hit of nearly ₹10,000 crores. This includes gate receipts, sponsorship and media rights, franchise revenue and players fees as well as hospitality and travel-related costs too. However, the decision will be taken by BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the organizer of the tournament.

“Around 35% of IPL talent (players) and production crew comes from other countries. With the new visa curbs, their entry might get restricted until they get work visas. All the safety and execution related concerns are valid as there are multiple stakeholders involved with obvious cost implications," said Vinit Karnik, business head, ESP Properties, GroupM.

Currently, an India are taking on South Africa in a three-match series which is also being played in an empty stadium and only TV audience can see, as per a government advisory.

On the other hand, for the very first time, Australia versus New Zealand game has also been played in front of zero crowds. While the players’ participation in the Asia XI versus World XI at stake, Cricket Australia cancelled their tour to South Africa where the women’s team were supposed to play three One Day International matches and as many Twenty20 International matches as well.

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