IPL 2021: Kings XI Punjab New name: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has changed its name. The franchise captain KL Rahul and owned by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, and Preity Zinta will now be called Punjab Kings. KXIP is said to be attending IPL Auctions 2021 with a new brand identity.Official contacts have been made to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the change, but written approvals are still pending. Punjab Kings will now attend IPL Auctions 2021 scheduled for February 18th under their new name."The team has been planning to change the name for a long time and I think it needs to be done before this IPL 2021. A source from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry told PTI on Monday that it is not a surprising decision."KXIP is one of the eight franchise teams that competed in the latest edition of the T20 League in the United Arab Emirates.In the tournament's 13-year history, they were runners-up once and finishing third again.The next IPL bid is scheduled to start in the second week of April, and the auction will take place on Thursday. The auction will see 292 players, including 164 Indians, come under the hammer with Rs 196.6 crores per transaction.Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction: Top 10 facts from the final player's list
MS Dhoni has been in outstanding form in the current edition of the IPL and has played a crucial role in completing CSK's innings in numerous matches. Nevertheless, there has been extensive discussion about the seasoned cricketer retiring from the sport permanently after this IPL season commenced. Thala, a popular nickname among his fans, has retired from international cricket and now only participates in IPL matches annually.Speculation about MS Dhoni's retirement grew stronger when he transferred the captaincy of CSK to Ruturaj Gaikwad at the beginning of the season. Later on, Gaikwad disclosed in a conversation that MS Dhoni had indicated transferring the CSK captaincy to him a few years ago.In 2022, I recall Dhoni saying to me, "You probably won't lead next year, but be prepared for the opportunity after that." It was clear that I was prepared for it (captaincy) from that moment on. Earlier this year, Gaikwad had stated that he was not surprised or shocked by the news because it was not unfamiliar to him.Following the game against RR on Sunday, CSK requested their supporters to remain at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK supporters were then given a celebratory lap and signed balls by their beloved cricketers, causing speculation among commentators on whether this could be MS Dhoni's final match at Chepauk.Suresh Raina's epic reply on MS Dhoni's retirement:During the CSK vs RR match, Suresh Raina, who was commentating, was questioned about whether MS Dhoni was playing his final game in Chepauk. Raina's reply sparked optimism among numerous CSK supporters that Thala might return for one more season.Commentator Abhinav Mukund questioned Raina on Sunday, stating, "I obviously have to inquire about this." Could this be MS Dhoni's final match at Chepauk?"Absolutely not," Raina firmly declared before bursting into laughter.Also Read: ICC names Yuvraj Singh as brand ambassador for T20 World Cup 2024
