The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, has picked his top five Indian players from the one-day internationals of all time. He went with Virat Kohli at the top, followed by the leading run-getter in the history of the format, Sachin Tendulkar. The inaugural World Cup-winning captain of the Blue Brigade, Kapil Dev, finds himself at three with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma taking the last two places. 

Tendulkar smashed 18426 runs in 452 innings at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23 with the help of 49 centuries, while Virat Kohli is second on the list with 14181 runs in 292 innings at an average of 57.41. Shastri revealed the reason for not keeping Jasprit Bumrah among the top five in the list.

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“I will go with these five, and the only reason I haven’t put Bumrah there is because he has another three to four years with him. These players, you know, or most of them are coming to the fag end of their career. They played for over a decade; some played for over a decade and a half. So, it’s tough. There are so many good players of the format looking back.”

Watch: Ravi Shastri picks Virat Kohli as number one ODI player of India

Rohit is third on the list of most runs for India in the ODIs, thanks to 11249 runs in 267 innings at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 92.62 with 32 centuries and 59 fifties at the best score of 264 runs. On the other hand, Kapil Dev has bagged 253 wickets in 221 ODI innings at an average of 27.45.

Ravi Shastri shares his top 5 Indian ODI players. Do you agree? 🤔👀

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— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) October 23, 2025

“But these are the standout players for me. You know, their contributions- especially to World Cups. There are two World Cup-winning captains. Barring Rohit Sharma, they all have won the World Cups. But can’t take Rohit out of the list. He has three double hundreds, over 11000 runs, and is number three of all-time run-getters. And all of them are genuine match winners.” Shastri addressed the interaction.

Dhoni, on the other hand, has done tremendously well. Winning the World Cup 2011 and the Champions Trophy 2025, besides collecting 10599 runs in 294 innings at an average of 39.15 and a strike rate of 87.13.

Rohit Sharma added another big record to his name in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on October 23. The Indian opener became the first Indian to score over 1000 ODI runs against Australia in Australia.

Rohit Sharma becomes first Indian to score 1000 ODI runs in Australia against Australia

He needed just two runs before the match to reach the mark and crossed it early in his innings. Rohit has scored these runs at an average of over 55, including four hundreds and two fifties in 21 innings. Among Indian batters, Virat Kohli is next with 802 runs, followed by Sachin Tendulkar (740), MS Dhoni (684) and Shikhar Dhawan (517).

In Adelaide, Rohit had a slow start scoring only one run from his first 11 balls and surviving a close run-out chance. He returned to the team after seven months in the first ODI in Perth, where he was out for just eight runs.

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Rohit is also India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in ODIs, with more than 11,000 runs at an average of over 48. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after their seven-wicket win in Perth.

Recently, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin unmasked a fraudster pretending to be Australian cricketer Adam Zampa, who attempted to deceive Ashwin into giving him contact numbers of Indian players. This again highlights the impersonation attempts that cricketers often face online because of the global popularity and following that cricketers have. Ashwin, who is famous for his sarcasm both in and outside the cricket field, tackled the situation intelligently and even posted screenshots of the funny conversation on his Instagram page.

The impersonator, who claimed to be Adam Zampa, had called Ashwin on WhatsApp and asked for phone numbers of players like Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube. Ashwin simply played along, feigning consent before turning the tables on the imposter. Sharing the exchange, he captioned his Instagram story: “Fake Adam Zampa tries to strike.” Fans were amused by his calm and humorous response to the scam attempt.

Interestingly, when the impersonator insisted he already had MS Dhoni’s number, Ashwin asked him to share it instead, which left the fake Zampa speechless. Fans applauded Ashwin's quick thinking and sense of humor regarding the online scammers.

Ashwin Reveals Previous Impersonation Incident and Defends Harshit Rana

This isn’t the first time Ashwin has dealt with impostors. He recalled a past encounter where someone pretended to be his former Chennai Super Kings teammate Devon Conway and asked for Virat Kohli’s phone number. Realizing it was fake, Ashwin immediately blocked the person.

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/vPPSeqrvbz

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 19, 2025

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Recently, Ashwin also defended young pacer Harshit Rana after his poor outing against Australia in the first ODI. He urged fans not to make personal attacks on players, saying, “We can criticize their cricketing skills, but it shouldn’t get personal. It may be funny once or twice, but it shouldn’t be a running theme.” His mature response reinforced his image as one of Indian cricket’s most respected voices on and off the field.

As Virat Kohli, the former ODI captain, reaches Australia for the upcoming three-match 50-over series down under from October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, there are still fresh speculations of whether the veteran would continue to play the 50-over format till the next World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

During a recent podcast with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli recalled the suggestion from the former Indian World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni, and the head coach, Gary Kirsten, ahead of the home World Cup 2011. That was the early stage of Kohli’s career, having made his debut just two years ago against Sri Lanka.

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“Gary and MS made it very clear to me that we are backing you to play at number three. And this is what you can do for the team. What you represent on the field, your energy, your engagement, that's one of the biggest values to us. So we want you to play that way.” Kohli expressed during the interaction.

Virat Kohli reveals what MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten told him ahead of ODI World Cup 2011

Kohli wasn’t the most renowned player when he joined the national side. But over the years, with his match-winning performances, he collected fame and became one of the top performers of the Blue Brigade.

“I was never looked upon as an outright match-winner who could change a game from anywhere. But I had this thing where I'm going to stay in the fight, I am not going to give up. And that is what they backed. So that very thing God blessed me with that helped me improve my game and technique.” Kohli addressed.

“I have never been shy to admit that I was not the most technically sound, naturally gifted player. I evolved a lot while playing because I was keen on learning, very keen to get better. I wanted to be the best. There's no denying I wanted to be the best. And that hunger, that desire to keep improving and eventually win more games for your team, is what helped me improve my game.” The Delhi-born concluded.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has already started their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League season (IPL 2026). They are definitely going to make a few signings from the mini auction table. But what about the captaincy? Who will lead the team during IPL 2026? 

As of now, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain of the multi-time IPL-winning franchise. But is he capable enough to lead CSK from the front? Last season he played only 5 matches before being knocked out of the tournament due to injury. In those five matches, the batter scored 122 runs in 5 innings at an average of 24.40. He smashed two half centuries as well. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required made him one of the most reliable cricketers of the format. 

According to some of the latest claims, the CSK management can take a look at his captaincy as well. It was claimed that Gaikwad's captaincy may have been under scrutiny. But, at this point, who can be considered as the captain in place of Gaikwad? Last season when Ruturaj was out of the campaign due to injury, MS Dhoni again took over the charge and led the team. Though, that did not help the team to recover from the bad patch. 

Read More: Babar Azam to bid farewell to Tests after Virat Kohli? Failing Pakistan star faces scrutiny

Who will be the captain of CSK for IPL 2026?

Chennai Super Kings finished the season as the worst team of the campaign. They accumulated only 8 points from 4 wins in 14 matches. They were the 10th team in the points table of the 10-team tournament. Despite those devastating stats, CSK made some positive moves as well by signing the young players like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. Which reflected their desire to invest in the young prospect.

As of now, it is unlikely to see MS Dhoni back in the captaincy. But there are chances to see changes in the leadership role. Some of the young prospects from the squad can be handed over the vice captaincy role. 

Did Chennai Super Kings (CSK) already finalize the list of players who can be released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction? For the last couple of days the question has been hovering around cricket fans on social media platforms.

A recent media report claims multiple names of cricketers who can be released by the franchise before the auction. The list of probables contains some big names as well. When the speculations about CSK's probable retention list were at their peak, the franchise updated their bio on their official social media account, suggesting the followers not to believe in rumors; the final decision is yet to be made. Now, another report about the topic has arrived.

The latest report also suggested that the multi-time IPL franchise is yet to reach a final decision about the players who they want to release ahead of IPL 2026. To finalize the list, it is reported that Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, and head coach Stephen Fleming can soon have a meeting together to chalk out their future plans. It is also claimed that after their discussions, N Srinivasan will give final approval; before his final approval, nothing is concrete. 

Read More: Babar Azam achieves huge feat during ongoing PAK vs RSA first Test

Speculations around Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction

According to the report published by Cricbuzz, as of now, December 13-15 is considered the probable window for the IPL 2026 auction. Ahead of the auction, which will be a mini auction unlike a mega auction held last season, all of the franchises will have to finalize the names of the players they are willing to retain and release.

In the mini auction, there can be multiple high-profile names in search of a new team. According to the report, the date for the retention deadline can be November 15.

Former India captain MS Dhoni continues to win hearts wherever he goes. The CSK icon recently opened a new international cricket stadium in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. His arrival had the crowds on their feet, with fans traveling in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their beloved “Thala.” Dhoni flew into the venue on a private flight from Mumbai with tight security. The whole stadium was filled with cheers and chants of “Dhoni! Dhoni! ” as soon as he arrived.

During the event, one special moment caught everyone’s attention. A young fan came running toward Dhoni to touch his feet as a sign of respect. The touching moment promptly went viral on social media. Fans all over the nation commended the boy for having classic respect and love towards Dhoni. The former Indian captain laughed, shook hands with the young fan, and kept walking in showing his humility and kindness naturally.

This incident once again showed Dhoni’s special bond with his fans. Even in retirement from international cricket, he maintains an unparalleled amount of popularity and sincerity. Dhoni has been with CSK since its inception and handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2024. Even after undergoing knee surgery, he is still immensely devoted to the team. The simplicity, calmness, and loyalty of the man are why fans love him so much.

A New Cricket Home in Madurai

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), along with the Velammal Education Trust, has built the new Velammal Cricket Stadium in Madurai. The stadium currently has a seating capacity of 7,300, which will later increase to 20,000. It is built on 11.5 acres of land near Velammal Hospital on Chinthamani Ring Road.

Watch the video here

A little boy touched MS Dhoni's feet in the stadium 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/eRc94Fl30D

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025

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The new stadium includes practice pitches, a gym, a players’ lounge, medical facilities, and parking areas. It is also expected to have matches from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Ranji Trophy, and potentially IPL matches which allow fans in Madurai to witness watching live cricketing superstars.

Some innings don’t need a century to be significant. They evoke feelings, influence millions, and are immortalized in the minds of cricket enthusiasts. They provide historical significance for cricket nostalgia. One of DHONI’s 91 in 2011, KL Rahul’s brave 97 in 2023, and Richa Ghosh’s daring 94 in 2025; there seems to be a common understanding of acknowledging the reality that the legacy of performance can have a wider influence far beyond the pattern of the milestone.

M. S. Dhoni—The Finisher’s Clinic (91 v Sri Lanka, 2011) Calm and Composed

With Asia's expectation upon them to chase Sri Lanka's score in the 2011 World Cup Final, India took to the big stage under the pressure of pursuing runs. Enter Dhoni, captain but also the cavalry, who promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh, absorbing the pressure to build the partnership that slowed and turned the game India's way. The phrase 'helicopter shot' has a meaning to Indian cricket that is forever intertwined with that monumental 91* not out achieved from 79 balls.

The Captain Who Delivers

DHONI’s innings were more than just runs; he was playing to portray leadership when it mattered most instead of only moments of mediocrity. He demonstrated greatness that lies in taking responsibility when it matters. A number of runs is less relevant; his 91* not out will forever remain one of the most significant scores made in a World Cup final.

KL Rahul – One Man Army (97 vs Australia, 2023)  An Encounter Against the Odds

KL Rahul managed to score 97 runs in the 2023 World Cup final, playing under tremendous pressure. Faced with the loss of early wickets, Rahul came into bat and steadied the innings with maturity and a calm head. Every boundary, every single connection, is connected to hope for the billions of viewers who are watching at home.

Composure Under Pressure

While he narrowly missed out on his century, Rahul's innings stood out for its control and guts. Even in the end, he commanded respect for his level-headedness against a world-class Australian attack. His 97 wasn't just a score; it sent a powerful message that grit and grace can trump a century.

Some 90s from Indian wicketkeeper-batters hit harder than tons in World Cups 💥

📸:JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/RNRTErkml2

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) October 9, 2025

See Also: Know details of number of retentions and dates for mega auction of Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025

Richa Ghosh – The Brave Soldier (94 vs South Africa, 2025)  The Next Era of Indian Cricket

Richa Ghosh's brilliant innings of 94 off 77 balls in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semifinal on the world's stage was an indication of an emerging star. At just 21 years old, she walked in when India was under pressure and turned the game around with fearless hitting. Beautiful thick shots with insane confidence; Richa Ghosh embodying a new era of Indian spirit.

Continuing the Legacy

Richa may not have reached her hundred, but her innings spoke for itself. It showed glimpses of Dhoni's calmness and Rahul's focus, but with her added bit of fire. By this innings, she has shown that Indian women's cricket has entered a bold new era—of a name with Richa Ghosh on the wall of legends.

With a grand welcome, former India captain MS Dhoni inaugurated a brand new cricket stadium in Madurai. A huge number of cricket fans and Dhoni followers came to make the occasion more special. A countless number of fans appeared in the stadium with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jerseys to show love and support for Dhoni.

This cricket ground has been built near Velammal Hospital on Chintamani Ring Road in Madurai. The ground is spread over a total area of 11.5 acres. As we all know, there are cricket fans in every corner of India. If we look at the southern part of our country, then there is only one major cricket stadium for the people of Tamil Nadu, and that is in Chennai.

With the help of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, the Velammal Educational Foundation has completed the construction of this grand cricket stadium in Madurai. Madurai is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu with rich culture and glory. A new stadium is like another father for the city. Former Indian cricket team captain and former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni inaugurated the cricket stadium today (October 9).

Read More: WATCH: Mohsin Naqvi's latest activity after running away with Aisa Cup 2025 trophy

Videos show the glimpses of the warm welcome Dhoni received 

MSD is in Madurai! 😍
The Velammal International Cricket Stadium is being inaugurated today by MS Dhoni. 🏟️🏏 #Madurai #MSDhoni𓃵 #sports pic.twitter.com/7vljIPhflR

— Madurai Updates (@UpdatesMadurai) October 9, 2025

Earlier, he arrived at the Madurai airport this afternoon. Fans gathered to welcome him. At the airport, he was welcomed with the 'Dhoni, Dhoni' chant. After the inauguration ceremony, Dhoni also played some cricket on the pitch of the new stadium. The gallery was packed; all went to see the iconic player of Indian cricket. 

There are many videos on social media platforms related to the grand occasion in Madurai. The stadium has been equipped with modern technology and floodlights for day and night matches.

Richa Ghosh is the new sensation in the Indian women’s team across formats. Coming in the lower order, she has always used her power and aggression to play some splendid knocks to power the national side to a solid position. She continued to show the same skill during the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.

Ghosh has picked the former World Cup-winning Indian captain, MS Dhoni, as her idol. She pointed out how the Ranchi-born used to time the innings quite well by knowing when to nail the sixes or when to rotate the strike to build the innings when they lost wickets earlier in the game.

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“MS Dhoni is my idol. So, I follow him. Like when he hits sixes, he knows when to accelerate to take the game deep, and if the team has lost wickets, rotating the strike to build an innings is what I have learnt from him.” Ghosh expressed during a recent interaction on ICC TV.

Watch: Richa Ghosh calls MS Dhoni her idol during Women’s World Cup 2025

Ghosh has overall smacked 947 runs in 43 innings of the women’s ODIs at an average of 27.85 and a strike rate of nearly 100 with the help of six half-centuries. She failed for two runs against Sri Lanka in the opening game of the World Cup in Guwahati before clubbing a fine, unbeaten knock of 35 runs in just 20 balls at a strike rate of 175 against Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

 

 

 

 

 

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On the other hand, MS Dhoni is enjoying his off period after the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for the Chennai Super Kings. He led the side in the previous season in the absence of injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, but couldn’t make a significant impact as they ended at the bottom of the points table. There is speculation about whether he would turn up for the next season.

India’s women's side has earned two successive victories in the World Cup 2025 and will face South Africa in their third fixture on October 09 at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Vishakhapatnam.