With MS Dhoni saying he will not discuss his international future until January, former batsman VVS Laxman feels that veteran Wicketkeeper is preparing for IPL 2020 and will take a call after the T20 Championship.HIGHLIGHTSLaxman awaits the return of Dhoni as long as he has a good performance in IPLDhoni hasn't played international cricket since the 2019 World CupDhoni said that he wants to be left alone until January 2020Former Indian VVS Laxman feels that MS Dhoni can return if young Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson do not take advantage of the opportunities that arise in the near future.VVS Laxman said, MS Dhoni would relate to his international future after the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020. He added that Dhoni could be seen in international cricket if he plays well for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).The future of Dhoni's International Cricket has become intense speculation since the World Cup-winning former captain has not played since the 2019 World Cup.Dhoni was not available for the West Indies tour and took an educational license during which he trained with the Para Regiment in the Indian army. Nor he was a part of India's limited-overs team for series against South Africa and Bangladesh.While the images of his Ranchi training raised expectations of an early return, Dhoni was not named in the T20I and ODI squads for the next series against the West Indies at home.“I think MS Dhoni will wait patiently to see the performance of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson."If these two young people do not take advantage of their opportunity, it can be believed that MS Dhoni can return considering he performs well in the IPL that leads to the World Cup.""At this time, Rishabh Pant will be the first option, and his back up will be Sanju Samson, and if these two boys do not take advantage of the opportunities given to them, then we may be able to look at MS Dhoni, considering how he performs in IPL." Meanwhile, Dhoni broke the silence about his international return at a promotional event in Mumbai on Wednesday. "January tak mat poocho (don't ask me till January)," said Dhoni.
On paper, Punjab Kings and the Rajasthan Royals have more than a few things in common in the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both affected by the withdrawal of players and locked at six points each, the two teams will look to revive their falling campaign during their clash at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.Wicketkeeper captains KL Rahul and Sanju Samson comfortably sit among the top six scorers of the tournament, but their individual efforts have left no impact on their team's performances so far.With the odds stacked against them in their 14th attempt to lift the elusive trophy, Punjab Kings will hope for their coach Anil Kumble and the leadership group to get their campaign back on track.Also Read- Virat Kohli to quit RCB captaincy after the end of IPL 2021 seasonDuring his playing career, Kumble had back India from the clutches of defeat on numerous occasions. With the former India captain name doing the rounds for a second stint as head coach of the national team once Ravi Shastri completes his tenure after the T20 World Cup, the legendary leg-spinner will look to prove his mettle as a franchise coach.Before his fallout with Virat Kohli, Kumble had coached India to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final. However, his brief tenure as coach of the Punjab Kings has yet to produce the desired results. The Mohali-based franchise finished sixth in 2020 and is currently at the same spot midway into the IPL 2021 season.Tuesday's competition will be more about what kinds of starts can be made by the top order players on both sides. As for the Kings, Rahul and Mayank are expected to open with Chris Gale providing just the right momentum to their innings at No.3.Prabhsimran Singh is another exciting prospect at the top of the order in case he gets into the XI. The middle order will be manned by Mandeep Singh, M Shahrukh Khan and a toss-up between new recruit Aiden Markram and West Indian Nicholas Pooran, eager to get over a nightmarish first phase, where he got four ducks.Leg-spin remains Punjab's forte and the addition of experienced campaigner Adil Rashid, alongside the India pair of Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin, could come in handy in UAE conditions. The withdrawals of Riley Meredith and Jhye Richardson means Mohammed Shami is set to be partnered by either Chris Jordan or Nathan Ellis. Left-armer Arshdeep Singh's improved death bowling will also strengthen his case.Similarly for the Rajasthan, a lot will depend on the start provided by power-hitters Liam Livingston and Evin Lewis. Coming to the IPL after some sensational performances in "The Hundred" for Birmingham Phoenix, Livingston will be excited to stretch his run, while at the same time his skills will be tested against a high-quality leg-spin.Weakened by the withdrawal of Ben Stokes, Joss Butler and Jofra Archer, Rajasthan hope that their Indian Players like Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Jaydev Unadkat and Chetan Sakariya to turn the tide.Also Read- Pakistan vs New Zealand: Entire tour called off due to security concerns minutes before 1st ODI
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samsun hopes his team will play cricket fearlessly and end their 13-year drought in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The inaugural IPL champions in 2008, Rajasthan Royals have built a strong organization in their ranks this season with some great players like Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, and Yuzvendra Chahal as well as Samson."We have a different team this time, and there are some new members on the team, so it's important that we unite and understand our teammates," Samson told RR against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday. Before the first match of the IPL 2022.“We definitely learned a lot from the past 2-3 seasons. We discussed and worked out some options and got a great team up for auction.”Sango said the royals have a variety on the team in the nearly two-month tournament this season.“We have a lot of Indian and international strength in our squad. This is a very long tournament. We need to understand the mentality, physical condition, and form of all the players. But we have enough options to play.”“I think this formula has to be played with a very brave mindset and this year this team has that kind of personality. So we like to go out and express ourselves.” Lasith Malinga recently joined the Rajasthan Royals as the team's bowling coach, and Samson said the pacemaker in Sri Lanka adds a lot of value and makes his job easier.“It is great to have people like Lasith and Kumar Sangakara (key cricketer) who have grown up watching and admiring almost every cricketer for everything they have done on the pitch. Now they are just trying to help youngsters like us understand their game better.”“Every conversation we had with Lasith makes bowling very simple and easy and brings a lot of clarity to every player. He definitely makes things easier for me as a leader.RR will play their first match on March 29th at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.Also Read - IPL 2022: Teams who best win percentage in IPL history
