Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest spin bowlers and a cricketing mind admired worldwide, celebrates his birthday today. Over the years, Ashwin has carved out a legacy not only as an exceptional bowler but also as a sharp tactician and a thinker of the game. In a format like the Indian Premier League (IPL), where quick decision-making, inno?vatio??n, and adaptability are paramount, Ashwin has consistently demonstrated that he possesses the qualities required to be an ideal captain. With a career spanning over a decade in the IPL, Ashwin has played under and alongside some of the best captains in cricket, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge.

His leadership stints, particularly during his time with the Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), showcased his ability to marshal his resources and make bold decisions tha?t often left fans and critics impressed. Though his captaincy record may not boast an IPL title, Ashwin’s understanding of the game, tactical genius, and ability to nurture yo??ung talent make him a strong candidate for leadership roles.

Today, as he continues to be a pivotal player in IPL teams like Rajasthan Royals, many believe that Ashwin’s leadership potential could translate into more consistent captaincy opportunities in the future. His unique ability to combine astute cricketing strategies with a calm, composed demeanor under pressure makes him the kind of leader any IPL franchise would want at the helm.

Here are key reasons why Ashwin stands out as an exceptional leader in the IPL:

1. Tactical acumen

Ashwin is known for his sharp cricketing brain, making him one of the most astute thinkers in the game. His ability to read match situations, adapt strategies on the fly, and anticipate the opposition’s moves is reminiscent of some of the best captains in IPL history. His tactical moves, such as setting unconventional fields or deploying innovative bowling plans, make him a formidable captain.

During his stint with Punjab as captain from 2018 to 2019, Ashwin demonstrated his strategic prowess. He often used unorthodox methods, such as promoting unlikely batsmen up the order or shuffling his bowlers in ways that surprised the opposition. While results did not always go his way, his tactical ingenuity was ev??ident.

2. Versatile cricketer with a wealth of experience

Ashwin has been a part of the IPL since 2009 and has played for franchises such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), PBKS, Delhi Capitals (DC) and? Rajasthan. This extensive IPL experience across various teams gives him an in-de?pth understanding of different team cultures, player dynamics, and franchise expectations.

His ability to play in multiple roles �as a strike bowler, a defensive bowler, and occasionally as a pinch hitter �shows his versatility and adaptability. These traits are crucial for an IPL captain, as leading a T20 side requires quick decisio??n-making, multi-dimensional thinking, and maximizing the potential of every player.

3. Composure under pressure

One of Ashwin’s defining characteristics is his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s defending a small target or bowling the last over in a crunch match, he has proven time and again that he can handle pressure with poise. This composure is vital for a captain in T20 cricket, where the game can change within a matter of overs.

During critical moments in matches, Ashwin’s ability to remain calm and think clearly allows him t??o make effective decisions, whether it’s changing the field, shuffling bowlers, or altering the batting order.

4. Mentoring young players

Ashwin is widely respected as a mentor for young players. His rich experience, combined with his technical know-how, makes him a great asset in guiding emerging talents. As IPL teams are often a mix of senior and young players, having a captain like Ashwin who can nurture young players?? while setting a high standard of professionalism is invaluable.

In the recent few seasons, while playing for Rajasthan, Ashwin has been spotted sharing his wisdom with younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, guiding them not just technically but mentally as well. His leadership extends beyo??nd the fiel??d, as he is known to motivate and encourage teammates to improve their game.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin names his teammate as India’s most valuable cricketer

5. Innovative and risk-taker

Ashwin has never shied away from taking risks and being innovative on the field. One of the most talked-about moments in IPL history was Ashwin’s controversial ‘non-strikers’ end run out’ dismissal of Jos Buttler in 2019. While it divided opinions, it showcased Ashwin’s willingness to push the boundaries and? use every legitimate tactic to gain an advantage for his team.

This approach reflects his leadership? style �he’s not afraid to take tough decisions or introduce unconventional strategies to turn the tide of a match. A captain with a risk-taking mentality is often the difference between a good and a great team in a high-stakes competition like the IPL.

6. Cricketer with a strong personality

Ashwin’s personality is another key reason why he would make an ideal IPL captain. He is assertive, articulate, and confident, all of which are essential qualities for leading a side in the IPL. A captain needs to command respect in the dressing room and communicate clearly with both international stars and domestic players. Ashwin does this effortlessly, as seen in his interactions both on and off the field.

His presence in post-match interviews and press conferences also shows his maturity as a leader. Ashwin is often candid, thoughtful, and an??alytical about his team’s performance, never shying?? away from taking responsibility when needed.

7. Proven track record in leading sides

Though Ashwin’s record as IPL captain might not include a title yet, he has significant leadership experience. Apart from captaining Punjab, he also led Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. His leadership tenure has helped him grow as a tactician and manager of player resources. Even in teams where he wasn’t captain, such as CSK under MS Dhoni or Rajasthan, he was often seen contributing to leadership discussions, indicating the respect he commands from his p??eers and team m?anagement.

Ashwin brings a unique blend of tactical genius, versatility, calmness under pressure, mentorship, and a strong personality, making him an ideal candidate for captaincy in th?e IPL. While he may not have led a side to an IPL title yet,? his leadership qualities and the respect he commands from teammates make him a compelling choice for any franchise looking for a captain who can blend strategy with calm execution.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals his all-time I??PL XI; omits Rohit Sharma as captain

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Australian superstar Steve Smith served as captain of the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in IPL 2017. At the time, there was much speculation about how he would lead a team that included the highly successful former India skipper MS Dhoni. After a lacklustre start to the season, Dhoni was replaced as captain by Sm??ith, who went on ??to lead the team to the final, where they narrowly lost to the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Smith has now returned to the IPL in 2023 as a member of the commentary panel for Star Sports, where he reflected on his experience of captaining RPS and working with Dhoni. He spoke of initially feeling daunted by the prospect of leading a team that included such an accomplished cricketer, but he credited Dhoni with providing him with valuable guidance and support both on and off the field. Smith also noted that he learned a great deal from Dhoni’s calm and composed approach to leadership and has tried to emulate it in his own style.

“So, you know, when I got the call to say that they wanted me to captain, it was a little bit daunting. But that season, MSD was just wonderful. You know, he helped in any way that he could and, he’s a terrific guy. It was a great experience being able to captain him, but also very daunting as well,” Smith was quoted as saying to Star Sports.

Smith further described his emotions upon being appointed captain of RPS, including his initial shock and uncertainty? about working with Dhoni.

“I didn’t really know what to expect initially. MS had captained every team he played for, obviously throughout the IPL with Chennai, every season should I say. But when they came and asked me, I was a little bit shocked first, and then I didn’t really know what to say. It was like, have you spoken to MS about this? This is a little bit strange from my side, but after we sorted everything out, MS was just wonderful. And the way he helped me and helped guide that team that year was incredible. And yeah, I couldn’t thank him enough.

“He was someone that I was bouncing ideas off. Being behind the stumps, he’s got a great, great view of the game. He understands the angles really well and obviously playing in India also, you know, it’s his home and he understands those conditions as well as anyone would. So, I would’ve been stupid if I wasn’t trying to get as much knowledge as I could out of him in the middle. And he was very helpful and certainly helped us achieve what we did that year,” added Smith.

However, the Aussie praised Dhoni for his willingness to offer advice and assistance throughout the season, noting that the wicketkeeper-batter’s experience and understanding of the game were invaluable assets to the team. Smith also spoke about the importance of maintaining a calm and level-headed approach to leadership, which he learned from watching Dhoni over the years.

“I think just the calmness that MS shows, we saw it throughout his career, just how calm he was. It didn’t look like he was flustered by any emotions or anything like that. And that’s certainly something that I’ve taken in not just in that season, but just watching him go about his business in the prior years, just how calm and relaxed he was. At times I can get quite agitated and things like that. So, I have to try and keep myself as calm and as sort of level-headed as I can. And yeah, that’s certainly something that I learned off of MS.”

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IPL 2017 Points Table, Team Rankings, Net Run-Rate:

Points table updated till match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab

Win – 2 points
No Result – 1 point
Tied – 1 point

Note: Tied (where it was not? possible to complete a Super Over at the end of play or where the Super Over itself is tied)

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England’s scintillating all-rounder Ben Stokes reveals his biggest cricket heroes, past and present.

In his ‘Dream XI’ team, Stokes has included three players from Australia and two players each from England, South Africa, West Indies, India.

The team starts with blazi??ng batsman Virender Sehwag as the opening partner of Alast??air Cook. Number 3 slot goes to Hashim Amla, who Stokes think is the best ever he has seen.

The middle-order started with Ricky Ponting and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. The lone all-rounder in this XI is the great Sir Garry Sobers while Adam Gilchrist winds up the star-studded batting lin??e-up.

The bowling line u?p started from spin wizard Shane Warner, who has the second most wickets in the Test history. The pace trio is looking threatening as it includes the names of Dale Steyn, Curtly Ambrose a?nd James Anderson on the list.

Ben Stokes’ Dream XI team:

Virender Sehwag (India), Alastair Cook (England), Hashim Amla (South Afr??ica), Ricky Ponting (Australia), Sachin Tendulkar (India), Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies), Adam Gilchrist (Australia), Shane Warne (Australia), Dale Steyn (South Africa), Curtly Ambrose (West Indies),? James Anderson (England).

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Indian cricketer and Mumbai Indians player Ambati Rayudu has trolled Rising Pune Supergiant co-owner Harsh Goenka for criticising star wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni.

Rayudu, after Dhoni’s match winning knock off 61 runs from 34 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, tweeted, “Great knock @msdhoni. Can some one plz gift a mirror to @hvgoenka”.

Notably, Goenka had earlier praised RPS skipper Steve Smith and said that he overshadowed Dhoni.

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Harsh Goenka, who was slammed by MS Dhoni fans for his criticism of the former RPS skipper, once? again took to Twitter and commented about MSD after Rising Pune Supergiant defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets at the Maharashtra Cricket Assoc??iation Stadium, Pune.

This time around, Harsh Goenka tweeted about Dhoni’s excellent knock and acknowledged his 34-ball 61-run knock which sealed RPS second win in a row.

This is what Harsh Goenka tweeted:

“Masterful innings by Dhoni. Great to see him back in form. Nobody can be a greater finisher. Takes @RPSupergiants to a nail-biting win.”

And finally, the truth has been spo??ken?? by Mr. Goenka!

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A?? post shared by Rising Pune Supergiant (@punesupergiants) on Apr 20, 2017 at 10:16am PDT

Rising Pune Supergiant’s all-rounder Ankit Sharma turned 26 on April 20, 2017 and celebrated his birthday with the IPL teammates including MS Dhoni.

Dhoni was behind the birthday boy as the cake cutting ceremony began and quickly pounced on him and held him, as other players painted cake all over Ankit’s face.

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Gujarat Lions skipper Suresh Raina, who was also MSDhoni‘s trusted lieutenants during the best days of Chennai Super Kings feels disappointed with the way MSD was removed from Rising Pune Supergiant’s captaincy.

“I was disappointed. He has done so well for the country as well as for the IPL teams. He should be respected every time. It’s about not me saying, it’s the world saying,” Raina said.

Dhoni has faced criticism from all quarters due to his poor form with ?the bat in the ongoing IPL but Raina has come in support of the star wicket-keeper batsman.

“Having shared the dressing room with him (for India and CSK), you know what goes through when one faces hardships. He (Dhoni) should be respected as a player. In any profession, be it as a player or a journalist, you need to be respected. Even a player, however short his career span may be, wants to earn respect.”

When asked whether it’s affecting Dhoni, he said: “I don’t think. He’s back among runs. Hope he will do well better after two-three matches. We have only played five matches. After sometime the picture will be clear. He should bat up the order and bat long. He’s a world class finisher.”

The southpaw also termed his eight-year stint with CSK as the ‘best experience’.

“The time I spent with Chennai Super Kings will always remain special. We have won so many trophies, be it IPL or Champions League T20. When I was very young, it gave me a great learning opportunity by being among all the legends,” Raina said.

Raina also revealed that IPL has transformed him? as a player making him more assertive and positive in his approach.

“By playing IPL, I got over my hesitations. It created a positive vibe in me. Like you say cricketing instincts. You are in a good zone when you hit a bowler instinctively — I developed that and dominated the bowlers.”

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The gorgeous actress? Beauty with brains? Outstanding singer? Suave anchor? Or a no-nonsense IPL host, who is forever sharp, witty and confident? How do you define Shibani Dandekar?

Well, here’s the thing – Shibani is all of those and more. And it is not easy being her.

The ethereal beauty has picked her favorite cricketers from the IPL 2017 and the choices she has made s??hows her thorough knowledge of the game.

Shibani feels Royal Challengers Bangalore star player AB De Villiers is the hottest prospect this year. She also played a safe bet on Rising Pune Supergiant’s Ben Stokes to watch?? out for since he is the millio??n dollar boy of this current IPL season.

“I have a few favourites to choose from. First and foremost, it’s AB de Villiers. When he comes out on the field, whether it’s batting or fielding, it’s just a treat to watch him.
Then, I think, Ben Stokes will be one of the players to watch out for, considering that he is one of the highest paid players this season â€?it should be exciting”, the glamorous diva was quoted as saying in an article for the Hindustan Times.

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