skywritg.com – Today’s Pulse & News Briefings

Sanju Samson is quietly building a strong case to become India's greatest T20I wicketkeeper-batter in multi-nation tournaments. With 108 runs in the Asia Cup, he needs just 64 more in the final to surpass Rishabh Pant's record. Samson has also become India's leading T20I wicketkeeper in sixes, showcasing his destructive ability and adaptability across batting positions.

Dinesh Karthik recalls MS Dhoni’s breakthrough during an ‘A’ series in Kenya, where his explosive power-hitting drew comparisons to Gary Sobers. With Rahul Dravid stepping back from wicketkeeping, Karthik briefly filled in before Dhoni took charge. “The lead role was always meant for him,” Karthik said, describing how Dhoni’s arrival quickly swept Indian cricket off its feet.

MS Dhoni and R. Madhavan have ignited speculation with a teaser video showcasing them in tactical gear, hinting at a potential action project directed by Vasan Bala. Shared by Madhavan, the teaser promises a wild chase, leaving fans guessing about its nature.

Aakash Chopra has refuted Irfan Pathan's allegations of favoritism against MS Dhoni, dismissing claims that Dhoni favored players based on personal relationships. Chopra emphasized that captains tend to lean towards players they know and trust, especially under pressure, and that team selection is ultimately driven by the goal of winning, not by extraneous factors like social interactions.

Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has reignited controversy by accusing Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni of being backstabbers who feared his son's talent. He claimed Sachin Tendulkar was Yuvraj's only true friend, alleging others felt threatened by Yuvraj's potential to usurp their positions in the team. Yograj has previously asserted that Yuvraj was forced into early retirement.

Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj, has unleashed harsh criticism on MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Bishan Singh Bedi, accusing them of mistreating players. Irfan Pathan addressed a resurfaced video controversy linked to his ouster from the Indian team under Dhoni’s captaincy. Yograj backed Pathan’s claims, highlighting other players who have spoken against Dhoni's leadership and decisions.

After an old video of an Irfan Pathan interview resurfaced on social media and resulted in a massive speculation and debate on the way MS Dhoni managed the dressing room, Pathan himself has come forward to address the same. The former India all-rounder explained that his comments are being twisted and taken in a different context than intended, that too, half-a-decade after it came out.

Irfan Pathan's forgettable IPL night in 2010, where MS Dhoni's explosive hitting secured a CSK victory and a spot in the semifinals, has resurfaced due to an old interview clip. In the clip, Irfan hinted at Dhoni's alleged hookah smoking and favoritism, sparking renewed debates and trolling related to Irfan's international career exit.

MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, made headlines at the US Open 2025, where he watched the quarter-final match between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz. A photo of Dhoni with businessman Hitesh Sanghvi went viral, drawing attention both in New York and back in India. The latter also shared a video of his time with Dhoni at the competition.

Irfan Pathan's relationship with MS Dhoni is under scrutiny again after an old interview resurfaced, suggesting Dhoni's alleged favouritism towards hookah-smoking players. This contrasts with Pathan's earlier statements about his close friendship with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Robin Uthappa. Despite his all-round abilities, Pathan's career ended abruptly, leading to speculation about Dhoni's influence on his exclusion.

Reports suggest the BCCI has approached MS Dhoni to mentor the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Manoj Tiwary humorously commented on Dhoni's elusiveness, questioning his availability. Tiwary also highlighted the potential benefits of Dhoni's experience and the intriguing prospect of him working alongside Gautam Gambhir, while emphasizing that Dhoni's acceptance of the role remains uncertain.

Neil Wagner recounted the 2014 Auckland Test against India, highlighting Virat Kohli's vulnerability to short balls. Wagner revealed how Eden Park's surface allowed him to unsettle Kohli, leading to his dismissal. Despite a strong chase led by Dhoni and Jadeja, Wagner's crucial dismissal of Dhoni secured New Zealand's 40-run victory, showcasing his tactical acumen.

Ravichandran Ashwin, after retiring from international cricket, has announced his IPL retirement, citing the demanding schedule as a key factor. He expressed admiration for MS Dhoni's longevity and hinted at exploring opportunities in leagues like The Hundred and SA20. Ashwin, who played 221 IPL matches, is also open to coaching in the future on his own terms.

Manoj Tiwary has accused MS Dhoni of favoritism, claiming he wasn't backed despite strong performances, including a century. Tiwary suggests Dhoni's preferences influenced team selection, preventing him from securing a consistent place in the playing XI. He expressed his confusion and disappointment, highlighting a perceived lack of support during Dhoni's captaincy.

Sachin Tendulkar engaged with fans in a Reddit AMA, confirming his suggestion to promote MS Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup final, citing the left-right combination and Dhoni's familiarity with Muralitharan. He also highlighted his unbeaten 103 against England in Chennai in 2008 as his most meaningful innings, recalling India's successful chase of 387 and subsequent series victory.

During a 2016 T20I between India and Australia, MS Dhoni executed a remarkable stumping of James Faulkner, sparking debate about whether it was intentional or accidental. Faulkner's attempted cut shot deflected off Dhoni's pad onto the stumps, leaving the batter stranded. Alex Carey suggested Dhoni's genius made the improbable seem deliberate, highlighting the respect he commands for his instinctive skills.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings captain, engaged in a humorous interaction with youngsters at the Super Kings Academy. He playfully teased the kids about supporting rival IPL teams like RCB and MI, jokingly threatening to exclude them from CSK. Gaikwad also shared lighthearted anecdotes about captaining senior players and dealing with teammates' struggles, before seriously answering questions about his experiences.