Tag: Indian Cricket

Sports

CSK’s Legend MS Dhoni Gears Up for Another IPL Season

Tanisha Cardozo

The cricketing world can breathe a sigh of relief—MS Dhoni is officially set to play in the IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news to NDTV, ending months of speculation over whether the iconic captain would continue playing.

At 44, Dhoni may no longer be scoring prolifically and often bats lower down the order, but his presence on the field extends far beyond statistics. Known as the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies and a five-time IPL champion with CSK, Dhoni continues to be an inspiration and a fan favourite across the country. Whenever injuries or other challenges have sidelined designated captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the past, Dhoni has seamlessly returned to the helm, demonstrating the leadership and calm that has defined his legendary career.

Off the field, Dhoni has made it clear that he has no interest in joining the commentary box, citing the delicate balance required to critique players without appearing unfair. In a recent podcast, he explained, “Commentary is very difficult… It’s a very thin line. If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.” This insight underscores Dhoni’s dedication to the sport and his preference to contribute directly on the field rather than from the booth.

As the IPL 2026 approaches next month, fans of CSK and cricket enthusiasts nationwide can look forward to witnessing the return of a living legend. Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and ability to galvanise his team continue to make him indispensable, proving that while he may have scaled back his personal batting milestones, his impact on the game remains monumental. Whether he’s guiding young players, leading in critical moments, or delighting spectators with his unique presence, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL remains unmatched, promising yet another memorable season.

Fit & Fabulous

Royal Elegance Meets Modern Romance: Inside Shikhar Dhawan & Sophie Shine’s Wedding Style

Tanisha Cardozo

It’s official—Shikhar Dhawan has stepped into a new innings, this time off the field. The star cricketer married Sophie Shine on February 21 in a dreamy, intimate ceremony in Delhi NCR, surrounded by close friends and family. While the couple has kept things relatively private so far, glimpses from the celebration—shared by fellow cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal—have already sent fans into a frenzy.

And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a masterclass in understated elegance and modern bridal fashion.

Sophie Shine made a striking statement by moving away from the conventional reds and pinks typically associated with Indian bridal wear. Instead, she embraced an ethereal ivory lehenga adorned with delicate floral motifs in soft coral, peach, and sage green tones. The entire look felt like a blooming garden—romantic, fresh, and quietly luxurious. Her blouse added another layer of uniqueness, featuring a high neckline and long sleeves embellished with cascading pearl strands that doubled as jewellery, giving her ensemble a vintage yet contemporary appeal.

What truly elevated her look, though, was the seamless blend of cultures. Traditional mehndi and a maang tikka met soft, dewy makeup and flowing blonde waves, creating a balance that felt both global and deeply rooted. It’s the kind of bridal styling that speaks to a new generation—one that values individuality as much as tradition.

On the other side, Dhawan stayed true to his signature charisma but dialled it into a refined, regal aesthetic. His white-on-white sherwani featured subtle tonal embroidery that added depth without overpowering the outfit. The silhouette was sharp, tailored, and unmistakably modern, yet carried a classic “Maharaja” vibe.

The standout detail? A layered emerald mala that introduced a rich pop of colour against the ivory base, instantly elevating the entire look. Paired with a traditional safa adorned with a jewelled kalgi, Dhawan’s ensemble struck the perfect balance between royal heritage and contemporary minimalism.

Together, the couple’s fashion choices told a story—one of harmony between tradition and modernity, simplicity and statement. It’s a reminder that weddings today are as much about personal expression as they are about rituals.

Beyond the fashion, the union itself has captured attention. Dhawan, fondly known as the “Gabbar of Indian Cricket,” has long been celebrated for his aggressive batting style and infectious energy on and off the field. Sophie Shine, on the other hand, brings her own dynamic presence as a professional and entrepreneur, with a keen eye for style and a growing influence in philanthropic spaces.

As their journey begins, this wedding isn’t just being remembered for its beauty—but for how effortlessly it redefined elegance. And if these first glimpses are anything to go by, Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine have already set a new benchmark—not just for celebrity weddings, but for modern love stories.

Sports

Sheldon Jackson Guides Delhi Warriors to Unbeaten Run with Four-Wicket Win Over Gurugram Thunders

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

A composed half-century from Sheldon Jackson helped table-toppers Delhi Warriors successfully chase 173 against Gurugram Thunders at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna, extending their unbeaten run and ending Gurugram’s semi-final hopes.


Story Body
Goa, 1 February 2026: A packed Sunday evening at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna saw Gurugram Thunders take on table-toppers Delhi Warriors in a must-win encounter for their tournament survival. Despite a competitive total and a disciplined bowling effort, Gurugram fell short as Delhi Warriors completed a four-wicket win to continue their unbeaten run and maintain their position at the top of the points table.

Batting first, Gurugram Thunders posted 172 for 6, anchored by a solid opening partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Cheteshwar Pujara. The pair added 82 runs for the first wicket, with Blackwood scoring 51 off 30 balls and Pujara contributing a steady 58 from 43 deliveries. After the dismissal of both openers, wickets fell at regular intervals, slowing the scoring rate. However, Gurugram managed to recover in the latter stages to post a competitive total.

Delhi Warriors’ chase got off to a cautious start as Gurugram’s bowlers kept things tight. Stuart Broad set the tone during the powerplay, claiming two wickets in his three overs as Delhi were restricted to just 33 runs in the first six overs. The pressure told as wickets continued to fall, leaving Delhi in a tricky position midway through the innings.

Sheldon Jackson then stepped up with a calm and controlled knock, anchoring the chase under pressure. Jackson scored an unbeaten 59 off 38 balls, finding support from Pawan Negi earlier and Seekkuge Prasanna towards the end. Prasanna’s quick 36 off 14 balls ensured Delhi Warriors crossed the line in 18.5 overs with four wickets in hand.

The defeat marked Gurugram Thunders’ fourth loss in five matches, officially ending their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Earlier in the day, Pune Panthers secured a narrow 12-run victory over Maharashtra Tycoons in a closely contested Maharashtra derby. The win lifted Pune Panthers to six points, confirming their place in the semi-finals.

Sports

Chirag Gandhi Stars as Gurugram Thunders Secure First Win in World Legends Pro T20 League 

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes | Team Allycaral 

Gurugram Thunders registered their first win of the World Legends Pro T20 League with a composed three-ball victory over Maharashtra Tycoons in the sixth match of the tournament, played in Goa on January 29.


Chasing a challenging target of 200, the Thunders were anchored by Chirag Gandhi, who produced a calm and decisive unbeaten knock of 74 off 43 deliveries. His innings ensured Gurugram stayed in control during the crucial middle and death overs, eventually sealing the chase at 200 for 5 in 19.3 overs.

Earlier, Maharashtra Tycoons had a shaky start after opting to bat first, losing early wickets in the powerplay. Sreesanth struck in his opening over by dismissing Alastair Cook, setting the tone for Gurugram’s early dominance. Despite regular setbacks, Shaun Marsh and Asghar Afghan steadied the innings with a rebuilding partnership, though Maharashtra slipped to 90 for 5.

The innings was revived by Sarul Kanwar, who played a commanding knock of 83 off just 36 balls. His aggressive strokeplay through the middle overs lifted Maharashtra to a competitive 199 for 7, giving their bowlers something to defend under lights.

In reply, Gurugram Thunders got off to a solid start with Cheteshwar Pujara and Jermaine Blackwood adding 53 runs for the opening wicket. As the required run rate climbed, Chirag Gandhi took charge, rotating the strike efficiently and finding boundaries when needed. He received timely support from Thisara Perera, and together they ensured Gurugram crossed the line with three balls to spare.

Speaking after the match, Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Industries, Transport and Panchayat, Government of Goa, highlighted the importance of cricket in uniting the country and praised the development of infrastructure like the 1919 ground, noting its potential to nurture future cricketing talent.

Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Lions defeated Dubai Royals by 16 runs in the other fixture. After recovering from early setbacks, Rajasthan posted 170 for 9, led by Naman Ojha’s fluent 66. Despite a hat-trick from Piyush Chawla, Rajasthan’s bowlers held firm, bowling Dubai Royals out for 154 in 19.1 overs.

Brief Scores:
Maharashtra Tycoons: 199/7 (20 overs)
Sarul Kanwar 83*, Shaun Marsh 52
Saurin Thakar 2/27, Rayad Emrit 2/44

Gurugram Thunders: 200/5 (19.3 overs)
Chirag Gandhi 74*, Jermaine Blackwood 43
Carlos Brathwaite 2/22, Peter Siddle 1/36

Sports

Dubai Royals Cross 200 as Chawla Holds Nerve in 3-Run Thriller Against Gurugram Thunders

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 28, 2026 – A run-fest at the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 lived up to expectations as Dubai Royals edged out Gurugram Thunders by three runs in a pulsating fourth match of the tournament.


Batting first, Dubai Royals posted a commanding 200 for 5 in their 20 overs, becoming the first team in the league to breach the 200-run mark. The innings was anchored by Samit Patel, who produced a match-defining unbeaten knock of 65 off just 32 balls, blending clean hitting with intelligent placement. Ambati Rayudu chipped in with a fluent 45 off 27 deliveries as the Royals maintained momentum throughout the innings.

Despite the onslaught, Gurugram Thunders showed resilience with the ball. Thisara Perera delivered a disciplined spell, finishing with figures of 2 overs for 24 runs, while the bowling unit regrouped in the death overs to prevent further damage.

In reply, Gurugram Thunders mounted a spirited chase, driven by an exceptional innings from Cheteshwar Pujara. Displaying attacking intent, Pujara registered his first half-century of the tournament and went on to score a sublime 99, striking at over 100. He found strong support from Thisara Perera, whose explosive unbeaten 56 off 27 balls kept the chase alive till the final moments.

With seven runs required off the last over, veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla held his nerve, dismissing Pujara just one short of a century and conceding only three runs to seal a dramatic victory for Dubai Royals. The Thunders eventually finished on 195 for 7, falling agonisingly short once again.

The win marked Dubai Royals’ first victory of the season after an opening-day defeat, while Gurugram Thunders endured their second narrow loss of the tournament.

Brief Scores
Dubai Royals: 200/5
Samit Patel 65 (32), Ambati Rayudu 45 (27)
Stuart Broad 2/17 (3 overs), Saurin Thakar 1/26 (3 overs)

Gurugram Thunders: 195/7
Cheteshwar Pujara 99 (60), Thisara Perera 56* (27)
Piyush Chawla 3/35 (4 overs), Samit Patel 2/16 (4 overs)