MS Dhoni, who is gearing up for his return to competitive cricket in the Indian Premier League, sparked speculation about a new role within the Chennai Super Kings franchise for IPL 2024 with a rare social media appearance on Monday.
The 42-year-old, expected to play his final season this year after a triumphant 2023 campaign, teased fans with a cryptic message on Facebook: “Can’t wait for the new season and the new ‘role’. Stay tuned.” Dhoni was recently spotted enjoying pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar alongside wife Sakshi and former CSK teammate Dwayne Bravo, showcasing his dandiya skills.
CSK, led by Dhoni, will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the tournament opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22. While CSK aims to defend their IPL title and become the most successful side in the league, reports suggest that Dhoni will hand over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad in the middle of IPL 2024.
Despite his age, Dhoni continues to struggle with a knee injury for which he underwent surgery last year. Whether there will be a captaincy change during IPL 2024 remains to be seen. CSK previously made a change in their captaincy during IPL 2022, with Dhoni returning to captaincy after Ravindra Jadeja quit mid-way through the season.
CSK’s IPL 2024 schedule includes matches against Gujarat Titans in Chennai on March 26, Delhi Capitals in Vizag on March 31, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on April 5.
MS Dhoni has returned to his old persona by growing his hair long. He is set to captivate the heart of his fans with his batting in the new season of Indian Premier League. MS Dhoni recently posted a cryptic Facebook post.
In his Facebook post, MS Dhoni has written that he can’t wait for the new role in IPL 2024. His post has caused a loads of speculations among the netizens. Everyone is coming out with their theories regarding the FB post of Dhoni.
However, sources of Cricreads have confirmed that MS Dhoni is looking to bat at number 3 for CSK to payback the love that he was shown by the fans during the last IPL season.
Dhoni is looking to bat at number 3 in order to fill the gaps in batting order. Ambati Rayudu has retired and he was an integral part of CSK. On the other hand Devon Conway is ruled out of IPL 2024 due to an injury.
Also, Shivam Dube is reported to be injured as well. Dhoni could bat at number 3 to hold the innings together for CSK.
As the excitement builds for the IPL tournament starting on March 22nd, we can’t wait for the thrilling opening match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). But before the action begins, let’s honor the legendary finishers who have left an indelible mark in IPL history. These players have nerves of steel and have delivered unforgettable performances in IPL history. Below is the list of the most dangerous players specially from 16-20 overs in IPL match. Join us as we explore their remarkable journey through the IPL!
Greatest IPL Finishers of All-Time
1. Hardik Pandya
IPL Career Strike Rate: 156.67
Current IPL Team: Mumbai Indians
Retired: No
Best Finish: 29* (11) vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2017
Hardik’s aggressive approach, clean hitting, captaincy and ability to accelerate the run rate in the death overs make him a vital cog in the MI lineup for IPL 2024. Chasing 179, Mumbai had fallen way behind the required rate, needing 60 off the last four overs. Hardik walked in at Kieron Pollard’s dismissal and instantly made an impact, smashing 12 runs off his first four balls. He fired a further 17 runs off five deliveries to wrap up an incredible chase, showcasing his credentials as a top-drawer finisher.
2. Kieron Pollard
IPL Career Strike Rate: 148.96
Current IPL Team: Not Playing
Retired: Yes
Best Finish: 66* (33) vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2013
Pollard’s towering sixes and brute force have rescued Mumbai Indians from precarious situations time and again. His ability to finish games with flair and power sets him apart from other IPL players. Mumbai Indians were as good as done against Sunrisers Hyderabad, needing 62 off the last four overs in their chase of 179. Pollard, on 9 off 10 then, smashed eight sixes off the last 27 balls, smacking Thisara Perera for 28 runs in the 17th over. He is by far one of the most dangerous IPL batter in tournament history.
3. MS Dhoni
IPL Strike Rate: 136.64
Current IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
Retired: No
Best Finish: 54* (29) vs. Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2010
When it comes to finishing, there is no other batter than MS Dhoniin the entire world. His calm demeanor, astute cricketing brain, and ability to accelerate in pressure situations have made him a true legend. Whether it’s those helicopter shots or calculated risks, Dhoni’s finishing prowess is unmatched. Struggling to stay afloat in their chase against KXIP, CSK needed 44 off the last three overs to progress to the semi-final. Dhoni, in his prime, produced bits of batting brilliance out of nowhere, securing a crucial win.
4. Ravindra Jadeja
IPL Career Strike Rate: 128.56
Current IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan R
Retired: No
Best Finish: 11 off 5 balls against GT, IPL 2023 Final
Jadeja has been an underrated finisher in Indian Premier League, helping the team win matches in critical situations. His ability to turn the game towards his side makes him a valuable asset. Not a single cricket fan can forget his last 2 balls 10 against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 final match.
5. AB de Villiers
IPL Career Strike Rate: 151.69
Current IPL Team: Not Playing
Retired: Yes
Best Finish: 79 of 47 balls against Gujarat Lions in Qualifier 1, IPL 2016
AB de Villiers stands as one of the all-time great players in the IPL and is particularly renowned as one of the premier finishers in the tournament’s history. His audacious strokeplay, 360-degree shots, and ability to turn the game on its head make him a force to be reckoned with. In a display of sheer brilliance, AB de Villiers mesmerized cricket fans with his unforgettable innings of 79 runs off just 47 balls against Gujarat Lions in the IPL 2016 Qualifier 1, showcasing his unparalleled mastery and flair under pressure.
6. Glenn Maxwell
IPL Career Strike Rate: 157.62
Current IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Retired: No
Best Finish: 78 vs KKR in Chinnaswamy stadium
Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, has consistently left fans in awe with his explosive performances in the IPL. His recent scintillating innings of 78 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was nothing short of spectacular. Maxwell’s batting prowess, a blend of finesse and brute force, anchored the innings and propelled RCB to a memorable victory.
7. Andre Russell
IPL Career Strike Rate: 174
Current IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
Retired: No
Best Finish: 48 against RCB
Andre Russell has turned games on their heads with his ability to clear the boundary at will. His all-round skills, especially in the death overs, make him a match-winner for KKR. Andre Russell’s sensational knock of 48 runs off a mere 13 balls, executed while chasing a daunting target of 205, stands as a testament to his unparalleled power-hitting prowess and unmatched ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly. This unforgettable innings etched itself as one of the greatest finish in IPL history.
8. Rinku Singh
IPL Career Strike Rate: Not specified
Current IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
Retired: No
Best Finish: 48 of 21 balls
Rinku Singh, a standout performer in IPL 2023, emerged as one of the premier finishers. His remarkable display for the Kolkata Knight Riders during a crucial match against the Gujarat Titans left fans in awe. With the team requiring 28 runs off the last five balls, Rinku smashed five consecutive towering sixes, sealing a sensational victory. His power-hitting ability and nerve of steel make him a valuable asset for KKR.
There’s a lot of talk about whether Mahendra Singh Dhoni will continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His childhood friend Paramjit Singh has shared some thoughts on Dhoni’s possible retirement. Despite many questions about his future in the IPL after his memorable reply to Danny Morrison in 2021, Dhoni hasn’t said much about what he plans to do after 2024.
As the excitement builds up for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, one question on the minds of many cricket fans is whether Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will retire after the tournament. Despite speculation surrounding his future, Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about his plans, leaving fans and pundits guessing.
In a recent interview, Paramjit, who played a pivotal role in Dhoni’s journey to international cricket, shared his perspective on the matter, expressing confidence that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain will continue playing beyond IPL 2024.
“I do not think this will be his (Dhoni’s) last season. He is still fit. I think he will play one or two more seasons. He will definitely play one more season. The reason is he is fit,” remarked Paramjit Singh.
Dhoni, often hailed as ‘Captain Cool,’ has had a remarkable career in the IPL. Alongside Rohit Sharma, he is one of the two captains to have lifted the IPL trophy five times with a franchise. With a total of 250 games played since the inaugural season, Dhoni has amassed 5082 runs at an impressive average of over 38, including 24 half-centuries.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni made headlines by showcasing the logo of Paramjit’s sports shop on his bat during practice sessions in Ranchi. This gesture not only underscores the bond between the childhood friends but also hints at Dhoni’s commitment to his roots amidst the glitz and glamour of professional cricket.
Currently, Dhoni is enjoying some personal time in Jamnagar with his wife, Sakshi, as they attend the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The event has attracted a host of celebrities from India and around the world. Dhoni is expected to join the CSK camp in Chennai, gearing up for the highly anticipated clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk on March 22.
Sachin Tendulkar is recognised as the Godfather of Cricket in the world. The Little Master has left behind an insane legacy that is hard to match by any of the future generation players. Tendulkar was the cricketer who popularised cricket in India and the other parts of the world. His success in cricket ultimately made Asia the hotspot of the game. In the modern times, BCCI is the richest and most influential cricketing body in the world and a lot of the credit for that goes to the legendary Godfather of Cricket- Sachin Tendulkar. This article covers the reasons which prove that Sachin Tendulkar is the Godfather of Cricket in India and around the world.
Table of Contents
Why Sachin Tendulkar is the Godfather of Cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar is widely hailed as one of cricket’s godfather and most influential figures, earning a global fanbase for his remarkable consistency on the field, including memorable performances in Australia where he frequently scored centuries. Fans often express their adoration with the phrase “Cricket is my religion and Sachin is my God.” ESPNcricinfo describes him as “the most worshipped cricketer in the world.”
During the 1998 Australian tour of India, Matthew Hayden famously remarked, “I have seen God. He bats at no. 4 in India in Tests.” However, Tendulkar himself has humbly rejected the notion of being cricket’s deity, stating, “I am not God of cricket. I make mistakes, God doesn’t.” In fact, Sachin Tendulkar was right he is not the God but the Godfather of Cricket.
Tendulkar’s feats sometimes overwhelmed even online platforms. On February 24, 2010, ESPNcricinfo’s website struggled to handle the traffic surge after Tendulkar set a new record for the highest individual male score in a One Day International, becoming the first to score 200* in ODIs, with over 5 million fans visiting the site simultaneously.
The intense devotion of Tendulkar’s fans has occasionally led to extreme reactions, such as reported cases of distress and even self-harm over his on-field performances.
In his hometown of Mumbai, Tendulkar’s celebrity status has led to a unique lifestyle, with Ian Chappell noting that he would find it challenging to cope with the constant attention Tendulkar receives, including the need to disguise himself to enjoy simple activities like going to the movies. Tendulkar himself has mentioned finding solace in quiet drives through Mumbai’s streets late at night.
Records & Achievements of Sachin Tendulkar, the Godfather of Cricket
Sachin Tendulkar’s cricketing achievements are legendary. He holds the record for the most runs in both Test matches, with 15,921 runs, and One Day Internationals (ODIs), with 18,426 runs. Tendulkar is also the sole player to surpass 30,000 runs across all international cricket formats. He became the 16th player and the first Indian to reach 50,000 runs in domestic and international recognized cricket, achieved during a Champions League Twenty20 match in 2013.
In ODIs, Tendulkar surpassed 1,000 runs in a calendar year seven times, with his 1998 tally of 1,894 runs standing as the record for the highest runs scored by a player in a single calendar year. He notably scored the first double-century in one-day cricket. His partnership with Rahul Dravid remains the most prolific in Test cricket, amassing 6,920 runs for India at an average of over fifty runs per partnership.
Tendulkar’s milestone achievements include being the first to score 12,000, 13,000, 14,000, and 15,000 runs in Test cricket, as well as the first to reach 10,000 runs in ODIs. He also became the first to score 15,000 runs in Test Cricket. Tendulkar excelled in Cricket World Cups, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the 1996 and 2003 tournaments.
His record of 51 Test centuries and 49 ODI centuries (second only to Virat Kohli) solidifies his status as one of the game’s greatest batsmen. Tendulkar holds the record for the most centuries in both Tests and ODIs combined, with 100 centuries overall. Additionally, he is the only player to achieve 50 centuries in Test cricket and was the first to reach 50 centuries across all international cricket formats.
Why MS Dhoni is Not the Godfather of Cricket?
MS Dhoni is a huge figure in the cricketing world. He is worshipped by a lot of fans in India. Dhoni is the most successful Indian captain ever in the international tournaments. He is also the most successful captain in the IPL. Not even Indians, even the foreign players who have played under his captaincy in the IPL call him the greatest cricketing brain ever to exist. He is a master who knows how to use everyone’s talents to achieve the best. However, MS Dhoni cannot be called the Godfather of Cricket because the game which he has mastered was brought into the popular culture by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Even Dhoni has said that Sachin Tendulkar was his inspiration for playing cricket. This proves that Sachin Tendulkar is the Godfather of Cricket.
Godfather of Cricket FAQs
1- Who is the Godfather of Cricket in the world?
Sachin Tendulkar is the Godfather of Cricket in the world.
2- Who is the Godfather of Cricket in India?
Sachin Tendulkar is the Godfather of Cricket in India.
3- Is MS Dhoni the Godfather of Cricket?
No, MS Dhoni is not the Godfather of Cricket.
4- Is Sir Don Bradman the Godfather of Cricket?
No, Sir Don Bradman is not the Godfather of Cricket.
Mohammed Shami, the premier pacer of the Indian cricket team, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his stellar performances over the years. With more than a decade of experience under his belt, Shami has proven to be a vital asset to the Indian bowling lineup across all formats of the game, including the fiercely competitive Indian Premier League (IPL).
Throughout his illustrious career, Shami has had the privilege of playing under the guidance of some of India’s most iconic cricket captains. From making his debut under the seasoned leadership of MS Dhoni to emerging as one of the world’s top bowlers during Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Shami has witnessed the evolution of Indian cricket firsthand.
However, it was under the inspiring leadership of Rohit Sharma in recent years that Shami reached new heights of performance. In a candid chat with News18 India, Shami revealed his choice for the ‘best’ Indian captain he has played under, and it wasn’t the usual suspects.
“Look, it is different for everyone. These things start with comparisons, but you will say the one that has been most successful. So for me, it is MS Dhoni because no one has been as successful as him,” remarked Shami, displaying humility and respect for the achievements of the former captain.
Despite naming Dhoni as his preferred captain, Shami expressed admiration for star batter Virat Kohli, acknowledging Kohli’s exceptional batting prowess and record-breaking achievements on the field. Additionally, Shami showered praise on current India skipper Rohit Sharma, labeling him as the most ‘dangerous batter’ globally, a testament to Rohit’s unmatched skill and presence in the cricketing arena.
Mohammed Shami’s revelation sheds light on the dynamic relationship between players and captains in the Indian cricket team. While each captain brings their unique style of leadership to the table, it is the success and achievements on the field that ultimately define their legacy. As India continues its cricketing journey, players like Shami will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the leadership of captains past and present, striving to etch their names in the annals of cricketing history.
Cricket, often dubbed the ‘gentleman’s game,’ has evolved into a powerhouse of entertainment and business. In the realm of sports endorsements, the names Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma are synonymous with multi-million deals. Yet, it was the legendary Sachin Tendulkar who set the stage for these colossal brand values, signing the first-ever INR 100 crore deal in 2001.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Pioneer
In 2001, the concept of mega endorsement deals was still in its infancy, and Sachin Tendulkar, already a cricketing deity, inked a historic agreement with Mark Mascarenhas’s sports management firm, WorldTel. This groundbreaking deal not only made Tendulkar the most valuable cricketer of his era but also laid the foundation for subsequent generations of Indian cricketers to become global icons with immense brand value.
Tendulkar’s association with WorldTel was a game-changer, reshaping the landscape of branding and endorsements in Indian cricket forever. It showcased the earning potential of cricketers beyond the cricket field, transforming them into larger-than-life figures with significant financial clout.
The Impact Beyond Playing Days
While modern-day stalwarts like Virat Kohli boast net worths exceeding INR 1,000 crore and command attention for their lucrative deals, it was Tendulkar who paved the way for such financial success. His influence extended beyond his playing days, transitioning seamlessly into the world of endorsements.
Even after retiring from all forms of cricket in 2013, the Little Master continued to be a sought-after face for various brands. His portfolio included collaborations with prestigious names like ITC Savlon, Jio Cinema, BMW, Adidas, and more. Tendulkar’s enduring popularity and credibility made him an enduring choice for brands seeking a connection with the masses.
The inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2007 marked another turning point in cricket’s commercial landscape. It catapulted the brand value of cricketers to unprecedented heights. Tendulkar’s pioneering deal with WorldTel laid the groundwork for cricketers to become valuable assets for advertisers.
Today, Virat Kohli, often regarded as the wealthiest Indian cricketer, boasts a net worth exceeding INR 1,000 crore. His lucrative deals, including a substantial INR 110 crore partnership with Puma, exemplify the financial prowess of modern cricketers in the era of T20 extravaganzas.
Similarly, the former skipper MS Dhoni, an iconic figure in Indian cricket, has aligned himself with powerhouse brands. His associations with Reliance, SBI, Oreo, India Cements, Dream11, and Reebok showcase the diverse avenues through which cricketers can amplify their brand presence.
The Enduring Legacy
Sachin Tendulkar’s groundbreaking deal with WorldTel in 2001 left an enduring legacy, demonstrating the potential for cricketers to transcend the boundaries of the playing field. His ability to seamlessly transition into the world of endorsements set the precedent for the financial success of subsequent cricketing icons.
As cricket continues to captivate millions worldwide, the business of endorsements remains an integral part of the game. Tendulkar’s pioneering deal not only transformed the economics of Indian cricket but also paved the way for cricketers to become global brands with astronomical brand values. In every endorsement deal struck by contemporary cricketers, there’s a nod of gratitude to the Little Master who, with his visionary deal, changed the game forever.
Cricketers jersey become iconic as the time passes by. This list contains the ideal jersey numbers of our favourite Indian cricketers.
List of Indian Cricket Team Jersey Numbers from 1 to 100
Jersey Number
Player
1
KL Rahul
2
Ashoke Dinda
3
Yuzvendra Chahal Ajinkya Rahane
4
T Natarajan
5
Washington Sundar
6
Wriddhiman Saha
7
MS Dhoni
8
Ravindra Jadeja
9
Sanju Samson Amit Mishra
10
Sachin Tendulkar
11
Mohammad Shami
12
Yuvraj Singh Nitish Rana
13
Munaf Patel
14
Sanju Samson
15
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
16
Mayank Agarwal
17
Rishabh Pant
18
Virat Kohli
19
Dinesh Karthik Umesh Yadav
20
Axar Patel
21
Manish Pandey
22
Jayant Yadav Sandeep Warrier
23
Kuldeep Yadav
24
Krunal Pandya
25
Shivam Dube Cheteshwar Pujara Venkatesh Iyer
26
Murali Vijay
27
Khaleel Ahmed
28
Rahul Chahar
29
Varun Chakaravarthy
30
Pragyan Ojha
31
Ruturaj Gaikwad
32
Ishan Kishan
33
Hardik Pandya
34
Krishnappa Gowtham
35
Rinku Singh
36
Harshal Patel
37
Devdutt Padikkal
38
NA
39
NA
40
NA
41
Shreyas Iyer
42
Shikhar Dhawan
43
Prasidh Krishna
44
Hanuma Vihari
45
Rohit Sharma
46
NA
47
NA
48
Suresh Raina
49
Mukesh Kumar
50
NA
51
NA
52
NA
53
NA
54
Shardul Thakur
55
Chetan Sakariya
56
Ravi Bishnoi
57
Deepak Hooda
58
NA
59
Vijay Shankar
60
NA
61
NA
62
NA
63
Suryakumar Yadav
64
Ashish Nehra Yashasvi Jaiswal
65
Avesh Khan
66
NA
67
NA
68
NA
69
NA
70
Shivam Dube
71
NA
72
NA
73
Mohammed Siraj
74
NA
75
NA
76
NA
77
Shubman Gill Jaydev Unadkat
78
NA
79
Kedar Jadhav
80
NA
81
NA
82
NA
83
NA
84
NA
85
NA
86
NA
87
NA
88
Shahbaz Nadeem
89
NA
90
Deepak Chahar
91
NA
92
NA
93
Jasprit Bumrah
94
NA
95
NA
96
Navdeep Saini
97
Ishant Sharma
98
NA
99
Ravichandran Ashwin
100
Prithvi Shaw
The list comprises various jersey numbers of players from the Indian cricket team, spanning from 1 to 100. Notable names associated with these numbers include KL Rahul, Ashoke Dinda, and Yuzvendra Chahal, each representing their respective positions. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar donned the number 10 jersey, while other prominent players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are linked with their distinctive numbers. The roster also includes emerging talents such as Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. Some numbers have been designated as “NA” (Not Available), possibly indicating unassigned or vacant positions. The diversity in jersey numbers reflects the rich history and evolving composition of the Indian cricket team, showcasing the legacy of iconic players alongside the infusion of new talent.
Rishabh Pant has been out of cricketing action for over a year now. He was severely injured in a car accident at the end of 2022 and ended up missing the entirety of IPL 2023. In Pants absence David Warner was named the captain of Delhi Capitals.
According to the Delhi Capitals owner, Rishabh Pant is set to return in IPL 2024. He is expected to captain the Capitals by taking back the leadership role from David Warner. Pant was greatly missed by DC in the last season.
Recently, Rishabh Pant has been spotted quite a few times with MS Dhoni and his family. There are rumours going around that Pant will become the captain of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
MS Dhoni is supposedly playing his last ever IPL in 2024 and he is expected to hand over the reins of the team to someone else. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja are also in the line to become CSK’s captain.
However, interestingly Rishabh Pant is being considered for the role as well. Even though Pant is playing for DC this year, a huge transfer could happen just before the start of IPL 2025 to make him the CSK’s captain.
MS Dhoni initially entered the cricket scene as a formidable power-hitter, sporting a distinctive long-haired look. It was only after guiding India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup that he opted for a change in hairstyle. As he gears up for the Indian Premier League 2024, the Chennai Super Kings captain has embraced his classic, vintage appearance once again.
Aalim Hakim, the well-known celebrity hairstylist, shared images of MS Dhoni sporting a fresh hairstyle. Fans appreciated the new look, reminiscent of his debut days back in 2004.
During a promotional event, Dhoni disclosed that he’s maintaining long hair as a tribute to his fans’ affection. Despite the increased grooming time from 20 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, he expressed commitment to the style, stating, “I’ll keep this hairstyle as long as fans enjoy it, but when I feel it’s time, I’ll cut it.”
Aalim Hakim played a role in inspiring Dhoni to revert to his previous hairstyle after seeing fan art.
