As the mercury rises and the cricketing world turns its gaze toward the summer of 2026, one name continues to dominate the headlines: MS Dhoni. While the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is no stranger to the limelight, his latest appearance at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) training camp has sent social media into a frenzy. Just days before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 kick-off on March 28, a viral video has emerged showing the 44-year-old taking a hands-on approach to his equipment, proving that even after nearly two decades in the top flight, his dedication to the craft remains as sharp as ever.

Thala’s DIY spirit: MS Dhoni spotted repairing his bat

In a clip shared by the franchise on CSK’s social media handle, Dhoni was seen hunched over his workbench, meticulously using an electric sander to fine-tune his cricket bat. For most modern-day superstars, equipment maintenance is a task delegated to team kit managers or specialist bat doctors. However, ‘Thala’ has always been a man of simple habits and technical curiosity. By personally polishing the blade and adjusting its balance, Dhoni showcased a DIY spirit that resonates deeply with his Captain Cool persona—calm, calculated, and intimately connected to the tools of his trade.

This level of detail isn’t just for show. Reports from the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, where Dhoni began his pre-season training, suggest he has switched to a lighter 1.23 kg bat this year to combat the express pace of modern T20 bowling. Watching the tournament’s most experienced player—with 278 matches and 5,439 runs to his name—personally sand down his willow is a reminder of why he remains the heartbeat of the Yellow Army. It’s this blend of vintage work ethic and modern tactical adjustment that keeps fans believing he can still deliver those iconic finishing blows.

Here’s the video:

MaSter of the craft! ⚔️ #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/7iGWGra2v1

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 13, 2026

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir reacts to MS Dhoni’s viral ‘Coach Sahab’ message after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win

Chennai Super Kings’ road to redemption begins

The timing of this carpentry session is crucial as the five-time champions look to erase the memories of a bruising 2025 season. Last year was a rare low point for the franchise, as they finished at the bottom of the table with only four wins. However, the energy in the 2026 camp feels different. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side and the blockbuster addition of Sanju Samson (traded from Rajasthan Royals), the squad looks rejuvenated. The team is also buoyed by the recent success of Shivam Dube, who played a starring role in India’s back-to-back T20 World Cup triumphs.

The first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, announced on March 11, sets a challenging path for Chennai:

• March 30: Away vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati
• April 3: Home vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Chepauk
• April 5: Away vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• April 11: Home vs Delhi Capitals (DC)

As Dhoni prepares to step onto the field for his 17th IPL season for CSK, he holds the record for the most runs for the franchise . Whether he plays as a specialist finisher or an Impact Player, his presence ensures that the Whistle Podu spirit is stronger than ever. For the CSK faithful, seeing Dhoni repair his own bat isn’t just a viral moment, it’s a signal that the master is ready for one more grand act.

Also READ: Will MS Dhoni play entire IPL 2026 season? CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan reveals big update on veteran star

The Trump administration has intensified efforts to recoup about $1.6 trillion in tariff revenue lost after the Supreme Court struck down a range of the president’s import duties, with officials turning to new investigations and legal provisions to impose replacement levies, according to news agency AP report.Experts say recovering the revenue–which the White House had counted on to offset the multi-trillion-dollar cost of tax cuts–will be challenging, as the alternative tariff routes involve longer and more complex processes and allow US companies to seek exemptions. It could take months before the revenue impact of the new measures becomes clear.“I wouldn’t bet against this administration being able to get back on paper the same effective tariff rate they had before,” said Elena Patel, co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. But the revised strategy will “make it easier for people to contest the tariffs, which is going to put a big asterisk on the revenue until all that is settled.”US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration will investigate 16 economies — including the European Union — over whether government subsidies are encouraging excessive factory capacity that disadvantages US manufacturing. The probe will also examine China, South Korea and Japan.A second investigation will examine dozens of countries over whether their failure to ban goods made with forced labour constitutes an unfair trade practice harming the United States. That review will cover the EU and China as well as Mexico, Canada, Australia and Brazil.Both inquiries are being conducted under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which requires consultations with targeted countries, public hearings and input from affected industries. Hearings on factory-capacity concerns are scheduled for May 5, while those on forced labour will be held April 28.The approach contrasts with the emergency law Trump used in his first year in office, which enabled him to impose tariffs immediately through executive orders. After the court ruling, the president imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all imports under a separate legal authority, although it can remain in place only for 150 days. He has said the rate could be raised to the maximum 15 per cent, but has not yet done so. Around two dozen US states have already challenged the new tariffs.The administration aims to complete its Section 301 investigations before the temporary duties expire. The effort highlights the growing importance the White House places on tariffs as a revenue source amid projections of large federal budget deficits in the years ahead.Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, said the first probe covers about 70 per cent of imports, while the second could extend to nearly all of them.“That breadth suggests the goal isn’t to address the issues at hand, but instead to recreate a sweeping tariff tool,” she said.Trump has argued that tariffs can compel foreign countries to help fund US government services, though recent economic studies — including work by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Harvard University economists — suggest the costs are largely borne by American companies and consumers. In his state of the union address last month, he even presented tariffs as a potential alternative to income tax.The administration is also seeking to use tariff revenues to offset the fiscal impact of tax cuts extended last year. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation could add $4.7 trillion to national debt over a decade, while existing and proposed duties were projected to cover about $3 trillion of that cost.The Supreme Court’s February 20 ruling eliminating emergency tariffs removed an estimated $1.6 trillion in expected revenue over the next decade, the CBO said. Some duties remain in place, including earlier tariffs on China and Canada imposed after previous Section 301 investigations, as well as product-specific levies on steel, lumber and cars. Combined with this year’s temporary 10 per cent duty, they could generate about $668 billion over the next decade, according to the Tax Foundation.“It’s going to take a really big patchwork of these other investigations to make up for the (lost) tariffs,” York said.Analysts say the administration’s reliance on tariffs is unusual compared with previous governments, which generally used them more narrowly to protect specific industries. Trump has also framed tariffs as a tool to encourage manufacturing to return to the United States and as leverage in trade negotiations.“What makes this really different,” said Kent Smetters, executive director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, “it is really the first time tariffs have been mainly used as a revenue raiser.”Patel added that raising revenue through legislation would be more predictable. Laws like Section 301 are typically intended to address targeted trade policy concerns rather than broad fiscal objectives.“It’s not supposed to be there to raise revenue,” she said. “If we want to raise revenue through tariffs, then Congress should impose a broad based tariff.”

Mumbai: The Maharashtra govt has begun sector-wise rationing of commercial LPG cylinders following a directive from the Centre asking district collectors to prioritise essential services while allocating gas across cities, towns and villages. The state govt has laid down supply percentages for various sectors.In letters issued on March 13 and 14 by the state food, civil supplies and consumer protection department, collectors have been told to strictly follow a priority list while distributing commercial LPG within their districts.

Hospitals, educational institutions and key public services will receive 100% LPG supply, ensuring uninterrupted cooking and operational needs in critical sectors.The order specifies govt and private hospitals, as well as schools, colleges, hostels and other educational institutions, must be supplied LPG cylinders at their full requirement levels. The state govt has also separately instructed collectors to ensure educational institutions—including pre-primary schools, secondary schools and aided institutions —get 100% LPG allocation.Other essential public services such as sanitation facilities, milk collection centres and community kitchens (annachatra) have also been placed in the top priority category with full supply entitlement.For the hospitality sector, including restaurants, hotels, roadside dhabas, tourism establishments and religious or public places, LPG allocation is capped at 90% of demand.The order also provides limited allocation for transport services, with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) eligible for 50% LPG supply.Industrial units, seed processing units and fisheries have been assigned 40% supply. Authorities said the priority-based distribution will be implemented immediately and district administrations will coordinate with distributors to ensure compliance.Meanwhile, LPG shortage has crept into the city’s public hospitals, with food availability for doctors and staff affected. Food preparation for patients was not affected so far, said officials of the state govt-run J J Hospital in Byculla and central govt-run Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre’s Kharghar unit, which were affected.

Distribution of commercial LPG cylinders has begun across 29 states and Union Territories, while enforcement agencies have stepped up raids and surprise inspections nationwide to check hoarding and black-marketing amid pressure on cooking gas supplies, a senior oil ministry official said on Saturday.Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said panic booking of LPG refills continues to rise despite adequate stocks being available to meet domestic household demand. She added that India has sufficient crude inventories and that refineries are operating at full capacity, ensuring adequate supply of petrol and diesel.“There are no dry-out reports from any retail outlets. Our refineries are operating at full capacity, and sufficient petrol and diesel are available. Based on our requirements, we produce adequate petrol and diesel domestically and do not need to import,” she said.Sharma said the government is prioritising domestic LPG consumers even as it monitors the evolving geopolitical situation that has affected energy supplies from Gulf countries. India imports 88 per cent of its crude oil, about 50 per cent of its natural gas and around 60 per cent of its LPG demand, PTI reported.Before the conflict escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s retaliation, more than half of India’s crude oil needs were met from the Middle East, along with about 30 per cent of gas supplies and 85-90 per cent of LPG. The disruption has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the main sea route for energy shipments from the region. While India has sourced additional crude from alternative suppliers such as Russia, gas supply disruptions have resulted in cuts for industrial and commercial users including hotels and restaurants.“The situation is a matter of concern for all of us, but we are ensuring that household consumers do not face inconvenience. Domestic consumers have been prioritized, and LPG cylinder supply is being ensured for them,” she said.Refill bookings have surged sharply due to panic buying, she added. “Yesterday, the number of bookings was about 75 lakh, and it has now increased to around 88 lakh. This is nothing but panic booking,” Sharma said, urging consumers to book cylinders only when needed.Before the conflict, daily LPG bookings averaged around 55 lakh and oil marketing companies delivered about 50 lakh cylinders each day. While deliveries have remained unchanged, bookings have risen significantly. Sharma clarified that booking restrictions are linked to the gap between deliveries.“In urban areas, there is a minimum gap of 25 days between the last delivery and the next booking, while in rural areas the gap is 45 days. If consumers try to book before this window, the booking will not take place,” she said.To ease supply pressure, the government has increased domestic LPG output. “The first day we informed you about a 10 per cent increase in domestic production, then 25 per cent, then 28 per cent, and today the increase has reached 31 per cent,” she said.State-run GAIL has also met city gas distribution operators and advised them to provide piped natural gas (PNG) connections to commercial consumers facing LPG shortages. Consumers able to shift from LPG to PNG are being encouraged to do so, she said.Commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments to prioritise distribution among consumers, and supplies have already begun in 29 states and Union Territories.As part of supply management measures, the Commission for Air Quality Management has allowed industries and establishments in the National Capital Region to temporarily use biomass and RDF pellets instead of natural gas and LPG for one month. Sharma added that domestic PNG supply and CNG allocation for vehicles will continue at 100 per cent with no cuts.State governments and district administrations have been asked to closely monitor distribution, with review meetings already held in Haryana, Goa, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Enforcement efforts have also been intensified.Authorities in Maharashtra and Rajasthan have conducted joint inspections, while surprise checks were carried out at around 1,400 locations in Uttar Pradesh. “As many as 20 FIRs have been registered in Uttar Pradesh, and prosecution has been launched against 19 people,” she said, adding that raids have also taken place in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Karnataka.Oil marketing companies have activated inspection teams and conducted around 1,300 surprise checks at LPG distributorships and retail outlets in a single day. The government has also asked companies to promote digital booking of refills and spread awareness to prevent panic buying.Consumers have been urged to use SMS, WhatsApp and mobile apps of oil marketing firms for bookings instead of visiting distributors. “There is no need to stand in queues at distributorships for booking or cylinder delivery. OMCs deliver cylinders to consumers’ homes and will continue to do so,” Sharma said.She added that while the situation remains serious, LPG supplies are continuing. “There is no cause of panic. We urge consumers to rely only on information provided through official channels and resort to unnecessary panic.”

Kuldeep Yadav ties know with Vanshika Chadha (ANI Photo)

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has tied the knot with longtime partner Vanshika Chadha in a grand ceremony held in the scenic hill town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The wedding comes shortly after Kuldeep was part of India’s victorious campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, making it a particularly special time in his life.The ceremony took place at The Savoy Hotel Mussoorie, where family members, close friends and several personalities from the cricketing world gathered to celebrate the occasion.

In the days leading up to the wedding, traditional pre-wedding ceremonies such as haldi, mehendi and sangeet were held, with pictures and videos from the celebrations quickly circulating on social media.After the wedding ceremony in Mussoorie, the couple is expected to host a grand reception in Lucknow on March 17. The reception is likely to be attended by several prominent names from cricket, politics and business.Here are a few viral clips and photos from the event:Many current and former members of the India national cricket team were invited to the celebrations. According to reports, the guest list included stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Sunil Gavaskar, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif and Piyush Chawla.Close friend and fellow spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who arrived in Dehradun for the wedding, shared his excitement about the celebrations.“I am very excited for my brother’s marriage. I will dance a lot and enjoy,” Chahal had earlier said.Meanwhile, Tilak Varma had mentioned that he had the plans to enjoy the wedding before turning his attention to cricket again.“We’re going to Kuldeep’s wedding to have fun. After that, we’ll prepare for IPL,” Tilak had shared.

Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Kolkata Knight Riders made a significant mistake by releasing key players Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt after their title-winning campaign in the Indian Premier League 2024 season. Kumble warned that unless KKR learn the importance of retaining their core players, the three-time champions may struggle to remain serious contenders for the IPL title.

KKR lost key pillars of their title-winning side

KKR lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024 with Iyer leading the side and Salt playing a crucial role at the top of the order. However, both players moved to new franchises soon after. Iyer joined Punjab Kings and guided them to their first IPL final in nearly a decade in his very first season. Meanwhile, Salt moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he played a key role in their maiden IPL title win.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble questioned KKR’s decision to release both players.“Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win but KKR let both of them go,” Kumble noted in a JioHotstar release.

“There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention. KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave (and) that has left them without an IPL-winning captain.” KKR have since appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain. While Kumble acknowledged Rahane’s experience, he noted that the veteran batter has yet to win the IPL as a captain.“Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced campaigner. He has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. But he has not lifted the IPL title as (a) captain (yet),” Kumble said.“Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage. KKR let go of that advantage. They need to learn how to keep hold of their key players. Otherwise, they will keep struggling and cannot be considered favourites to win the trophy,” the legendary spinner added.

Kumble praises Iyer’s leadership

The legendary spinner also praised Iyer’s leadership, calling him an underrated captain.“Shreyas Iyer is certainly an underrated skipper. It is not easy to win a trophy with one franchise and then go to another. There is a different management, atmosphere and a team. The pressure is also different,” he noted.“…the new franchise he joined had not played in the final in the last 10 years and in just his first season with the Punjab Kings, he took them to the final. I was not just impressed by his captaincy, but (also with) the way he led the team from the front.”“There are some players who have to prove themselves every time. Shreyas is like that. Even after performing, questions still come up. I think he is underrated, but is an exceptional leader.”

The international T20 circuit shifts its focus to the scenic Bay Oval as New Zealand hosts South Africa in the opening encounter of their 2026 series. With both sides looking to establish dominance early in the tour, this clash promises a fascinating battle between the Black Caps’ tactical versatility and the Proteas’ raw pace and power.

New Zealand enter the series under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, fielding a balanced squad that expertly blends the veteran stability of Devon Conway and Tom Latham with the explosive potential of rising talents like Tim Robinson. Their primary strength lies in their bowling variety; with Lockie Ferguson’s express pace, Kyle Jamieson’s height and bounce, and the seasoned spin duo of Santner and Ish Sodhi, the Black Caps possess the necessary tools to exploit any surface conditions. The key player to watch will be Devon Conway, whose rare ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate will be crucial for setting or chasing a target at the Bay Oval, a ground that generally favours batters.

On the other side, South Africa arrives under the captaincy of the crafty Keshav Maharaj, bringing a hungry squad eager to prove its depth on the international stage. While some familiar veterans are absent from this tour, the inclusion of Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman ensures their pace attack remains a formidable, high-velocity threat. The Proteas’ greatest asset in this matchup is their aggressive middle-order hitting, with ‘3D’ players like Wiaan Mulder and George Linde capable of clearing the ropes and contributing vital overs with the ball. Gerald Coetzee stands out as their player to watch; on a New Zealand surface that often offers extra zip, his aggressive ‘hit-the-deck’ style has the potential to seriously unsettle the Kiwi top order early in the innings.

Bay Oval Pitch Report

The surface at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui is historically a batter’s paradise, characterized by its true bounce and consistent pace. In the shortest format, this venue often sees high-scoring encounters, with an average first-innings total typically hovering between 155 and 165, though scores well above 190 are not uncommon when the top order finds its rhythm. The square boundaries are relatively short, making it easier for power hitters to find the fence.

However, bowlers are not entirely out of the equation; seamers can expect some early lateral movement and extra zip if there is any cloud cover, while the lights during an evening match can provide a bit of assistance for the new ball. Spinners generally find it more challenging here due to the flat nature of the deck, relying heavily on flight and deception rather than significant turn. Overall, the pitch favours those who can time the ball well and exploit the quick outfield.

Also READ: New Zealand unveil squad for home T20I series against South Africa, Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham to share captaincy

Bay Oval T20I Stats and Records

• Total matches played: 24
• Matches won batting first: 15
• Matches won bowling first: 5
• Average 1st innings score: 155
• Average 2nd innings score: 137
• Highest total recorded: 243/5 (20 Overs) by New Zealand vs West Indies
• Lowest total recorded: 90/10 (19.4 Overs) by West Indies vs New Zealand
• Highest score chased: 185/4 (16.3 Overs) by Australia vs New Zealand
• Lowest score defended: 16/1 (2.1 Overs) by Australia vs New Zealand

Also READ: South Africa unveil 15-member squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, Keshav Maharaj to lead