Virat Kohli's appreciation tweet triggers MS Dhoni retirement speculation in social media
New Delhi, Sep 12: All Virat Kohli wanted was to remember a good partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni but the seemingly innocuous social media post ended up triggering a fresh avalanche of speculation on the former skipper's future on Thursday.
It started with Kohli posting a picture of himself with Dhoni from the 2016 World T20 quarter final match against Australia, which India won by six wickets. In that match, Kohli top-scored with a 51-ball 82 not out and stitched a 67-run unbeaten partnership with his then captain Dhoni (18 not out) to steer India home.
"A game I can never forget. Special night. This man (Dhoni), made me run like in a fitness test @msdhoni," Tweeted Kohli alongside the picture.
The appreciation tweet, within no time, was linked to Dhoni's future and speculation started that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman would be making an announcement by evening.
Dhoni, who is currently on a break in the USA, became a trending topic on social media thanks to Kohli's post before the speculation was put to rest.
"I don't know from where these rumours started. I don't think they are true," was Chairman of Selectors MSK Prasad's response when the senior player's name cropped up while he was addressing a press conference to announce India's Test squad for the home series against South Africa.
Dhoni's future has been a subject of intense speculation ever since he announced a sabbatical from the game after the World Cup in June-July.
He made himself unavailable for the recently-concluded tour of the West Indies as well as the upcoming home assignment against South Africa.
The 38-year-old spent a chunk of the break time serving in the Territorial Army, where he is an honorary lieutenant colonel.
The selectors, on the other hand, have made it clear that Rishabh Pant would be their top choice for the wicketkeeper's slot going forward and keeping next year's World T20 Championship in focus.
A game I can never forget. Special night. This man, made me run like in a fitness test ? @msdhoni ?? pic.twitter.com/pzkr5zn4pG
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 12, 2019
Ok , I am prepared.
— Neel Patel (@NeelPatel189) September 12, 2019
I won't cry.
I promise.
Tears rolling down already. ?#Dhoni
#Dhoni
— Gudumba (@Gudumba6) September 12, 2019
I can't imagine cricket without you playing ? pic.twitter.com/FXJqm5MK4z
Dear dhoni we would not let you go without this!!!! ❤?? #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/Pw91Uhz7CF
— Vikram Singh ?? (@TheVikram_) September 12, 2019
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Savarkar remarks: Rahul Gandhi appears in Pune court via video link in defamation case, gets bail
Pune, Jan 10: A special court in Pune on Friday granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case related to his alleged objectionable remarks on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar.
The MP/MLA court granted bail to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on a surety bond of Rs 25,000 after he appeared before it through video conferencing, his lawyer said.
Senior Congress leader Mohan Joshi stood as surety for Gandhi (54) before the court presided over by Amol Shinde, judicial magistrate (first class) and special judge for MP/MLA cases.
Advocate Milind Pawar, representing Gandhi, said soon after his client appeared before the court, they moved a bail application.
The judge allowed the plea and granted bail to the former Congress president on a surety bond of Rs 25000, he informed.
The advocate said the court also granted permanent exemption to the Lok Sabha MP from Rae Bareli from appearing before it.
The case was filed on a complaint by V D Savarkar's grandnephew Satyaki, who alleged Gandhi had made defamatory remarks against the Hindutva icon at a programme he attended in London in March 2023.
Earlier, advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, representing Satyaki Savarkar, objected to Gandhi's application seeking virtual appearance.
There was no provision that allows an accused to appear in court through video conferencing before securing bail, Kolhatkar argued.
The court, however, permitted Gandhi to attend the proceedings online.
Wearing a bottle green sweater, the Congress MP appeared before the court and stated his name when the judge asked for it.
The matter will be next heard on February 18.
As per the complaint, Gandhi, while speaking at the London event, stated that Savarkar had written in a book that he and five to six of his friends once beat up a Muslim man and he (Savarkar) felt happy.
According to the complaint, the freedom fighter had not written this anywhere and the Congress leader's remarks were aimed at defaming him.
At the time, the court had asked the Pune police to investigate the allegations and file a report.
The Vishrambaug police, after an inquiry, submitted that there was prima facie truth in the complaint.
Gandhi had skipped the previous court appearance on December 2 citing the winter session of Parliament which he was attending.
His lawyer Pawar had then assured that the opposition parliamentarian will appear in the court on January 10.
