Liverpool braced for new and improved Luis Diaz bid from Bayern Munich as Reds consider Alexander Isak move after signing Hugo Ekitike

Bayern Munich are set to launch a renewed attempt to sign Luis Díaz from Liverpool, with a second offer reportedly on the cards. While Díaz remains with the Liverpool squad during their pre-season tour in Asia, discussions surrounding his potential departure have intensified behind the scenes.

Bayern remain determined to sign DiazWilling to test Liverpool's resolvePreparing improved bid for the ColombianFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After being approached by both Bayern Munich and long-time suitors Barcelona, the 27-year-old has informed the Reds of his preference to leave in this transfer window. The Catalans had reignited their interest in him but ultimately diverted their efforts toward signing Marcus Rashford after being told Liverpool would demand a high fee, one the Spanish club was unwilling or unable to meet due to financial limitations.

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According to Bayern are now poised to present a new formal offer in the region of €75 million (£65m/$88m) for Díaz, a sum just short of the €80m (£69.5m/$94m) that had been informally discussed between Liverpool and the player as a suitable valuation. The Bundesliga side has set a hard cap of €80 million and are unwilling to exceed that amount. To bridge the gap, Bayern are proposing the inclusion of a sell-on clause. According to German outlet , this would allow Liverpool to profit from any future sale of the Colombia international.

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Bayern are “very optimistic” about completing the transfer within the next seven to 10 days. Díaz’s agent, Raul Costa, reportedly spent several days on Merseyside before the player departed for the club’s Asia tour, laying the groundwork for a potential deal by holding preliminary discussions with Liverpool officials. The Bavarians had an earlier bid worth approximately £57m (€66m/$77m) turned down. However, their persistence suggests they are confident of eventually landing the winger.

DID YOU KNOW?

Liverpool have publicly maintained their stance that Diaz is not available for transfer. Yet, much like the unfolding situation involving Alexander Isak at Newcastle United, there are signs that this firm position may soften if a significant offer arrives, particularly one with creative add-ons that protect the club’s long-term interests.

Should Diaz be sold, Liverpool would almost certainly look to replace him with another high-profile forward, especially Isak. Sources suggest that the Swede is intrigued by the prospect of a switch, particularly after being informally approached by the reigning Premier League champions, who are prepared to break the British transfer record to secure his signature.

More exciting than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "very special" talent

Manchester United are set for a huge summer transfer window if they are to rise up the table and be a success in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th position last time around, registering their lowest points tally and finish since the division formed back in 1992.

Ruben Amorim was unable to work his magic after being appointed back in November, but this window presents him with the chance to make his desired changes at Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match

The likes of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof will all depart at the end of the month, raising key funds in their pursuit of landing key targets.

With the window reopening on Monday, it allows the club to add to the signing of Matheus Cunha, with multiple additions needed if they are to have any chance of pushing for European football.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

All areas of the pitch are expected to be subject to investment as the hierarchy looks to hand Amorim with the tools he needs to be a success at Theatre of Dreams.

Hugo Ekitiké, Richard Rios and Ronald Araujo are just three names thrown into the mix over recent months, but as of yet, no deals have yet been agreed for any of the aforementioned talents.

However, serious moves have been made to land Copenhagen star Rooney Bardghji before the end of the transfer window, that’s according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have held talks with the Danish side over a move for the 19-year-old, who’s previously scored against United in the Champions League.

It also states that he’s seen as one of Europe’s most promising stars, but has endured somewhat of a dismal spell with injuries, only making six appearances in 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target would be a more exciting signing than Mbeumo

Over recent weeks, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been the most likely star to make the move to join United and further aid Amorim’s attempts in the final third.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

The Cameroonian has starred in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, scoring 20 times in his 38 appearances, undoubtedly being the shining light in the Bees’ side.

Such a record has led to the Red Devils’ keen interest, even making a £55m bid for the attacker, but it was swiftly rejected with a £70m price tag mooted.

They face huge competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature this window, with the Lilywhites potentially having the edge given the appointment of his former boss, Thomas Frank.

However, given the interest from elsewhere, it’s led to a move for Bardghji, with the Swedish youngster a more exciting and upcoming talent than Mbeumo, with Amorim needing to pursue a move for his signature.

FC Copenhagen midfielderRoony Bardghji.

The teenager, who’s been labelled “very special” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his talents this campaign, but has previously demonstrated the elite-level talent at his disposal.

In the 2023/24 campaign, he thrived in the Champions League, completing 90% of the passes he attempted and creating 1.9 chances per 90 – highlighting his ability to provide for teammates in attacking areas.

Games played

9

Goals scored

1

Pass accuracy

90%

Chances created

1.9

Dribbles completed

3.8

Dribble success rate

75%

Shots taken

2.8

He also managed to complete 3.8 dribbles per 90, at a completion rate of 75%, posing a real threat with the ball at his feet and starring in a competition Mbeumo has yet to be in his career.

Bardghji’s effort against United in such a period is evidence of the brilliance he’s able to produce when featuring on the pitch, having the potential to explode into a top-level talent when injury-free.

Given his tender age, he has bags of time to reach his full potential and build on the impressive start he’s made to his professional career at Copenhagen.

Should he move to United, he would hand Amorim a new dimension, certainly offering a more exciting signing than the Brentford star, given the levels he’s produced and the room he still has to grow over the next few years.

Amorim's next Amad: Wilcox considering Man Utd bid for "special" £38m star

Manchester United could be about to land a star who can emulate Amad Diallo’s success.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

Elgar, Westley brings champions Surrey back down to earth

Century stand between second-wicket pair puts Essex on front foot before rain arrives

ECB Reporters Network26-Sep-2024

Dean Elgar passed 1000 runs for the season•Getty Images

An unbeaten century second-wicket stand between Dean Elgar and Tom Westley before the rains came brought champions Surrey back down to earth after their week-long celebrations.Surrey completed their third successive Vitality County Championship win in their last game against Durham but were on the back foot during the 28-and-a-half overs possible until persistent heavy rain drove the players off the pitch nine minutes before lunch. By that time, Essex, who won the toss, had reached 116 for 1 with Elgar and Westley hitting an under-strength Surrey attack to all corners of Chelmsford in a stand worth 112 in 26 overs.Westley had started circumspectly but accelerated the more the partnership became entrenched. He had 11 boundaries in his 52 from 78 balls. Elgar, who passed 1000 runs for the season during his 54 from 88 balls, had started brightly before handing the initiative to his captain.Play started promptly but only after groundstaff had started pumping 4500 litres of water off the playing area from 6.30am. The operation started all over again just as they were settling in for their lunch break with play called off for the day at 2.30pm.Under heavy clouds but with some sunshine interspersed, Essex got off to a disastrous start with Robin Das lasting just six balls before he hung his bat out to Tom Lawes and helped settle whatever nerves Josh Blake might have had behind the stumps. Blake, who posted an unbeaten century at Chelmsford in the Metro Bank Cup earlier in the summer, was one of three first-class debutants for Surrey, batsman Ollie Sykes and spinner Yousef Majid completing the triumvirate.Elgar dominated the first fifty of the stand with Westley contributing just 13 to that point. The South African took three boundaries off Kemar Roach early on, two of them driven crisply through the covers. His seventh four, flicked to fine leg off Dan Lawrence, took him to four figures in his first year at Essex; a single off James Taylor carried him past fifty for the ninth time this season.Westley, who passed 1000 runs for the first time in his career last season, accelerated as the clouds turned threatening and the rain approached. He reached his sixth fifty-plus score of the year – as well as passing 700 runs – shortly after the pair’s century stand had been marked.Westley’s half-century took 76 balls, two fewer than Elgar’s, with three of his 11 fours coming in a frenetic six-ball spell against Taylor and Lawrence that was followed two balls later by four leg byes. The best of some well-placed shots from the one-time England batter was a sharp pull backward of square off Taylor

Dom Bess half-century guides Yorkshire to crucial win

Unbeaten 53 seals victory in rollercoaster clash with Essex after James Wharton, Shan Masood fifties

ECB Reporters Network06-Aug-2024A nerveless List A career best of 53 not out from Dom Bess guided Yorkshire to a crucial win in a rollercoaster Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash with Essex as they chased 244 to win by three wickets at Scarborough and maintain their qualification hopes.Both sides encountered batting problems in an enthralling contest played on a competitive pitch.The Vikings fell from 102 for 2 to 184 for 7, losing Shan Masood for 58 and James Wharton for a career-best 71 off 89 balls. Seamer Shane Snater impressed with three wickets for Essex, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a fourth defeat in five matches in Group B.After losing three early wickets having been inserted, Robin Das and Luc Benkenstein made 67 off 92 balls and 68 off 94 respectively in Essex’s 243 for 9, which saw new-ball pair Ben Cliff and Ben Coad claim three wickets apiece for Yorkshire, who have now won three from five.Coad also contributed 26 not out in an eighth-wicket stand of 60 inside nine overs with Bess, who hit six fours in 55 balls.Essex opener Feroze Khushi played on to Cliff in the fourth over to start this contest before further wickets fell shortly afterwards as Essex fell to 27 for 3.Nick Browne miscued Coad to midwicket and captain Tom Westley slashed Cliff to point.Das and Benkenstein rebuilt with caution, though Das pulled Matthew Revis for six and ramped Cliff for four over the wicketkeeper’s head.Das reached his fifty off 67 balls, and by the time Benkenstein followed him to the same milestone, off 71, Essex were 150 for 3 in the 32nd over.But, in the following over, Das picked out deep cover off the seam of Revis, ending a fourth-wicket partnership of 125.The good work of Das and Benkenstein would be undone by the loss of four wickets for only five runs in 12 balls as left-arm spinner Dan Moriarty, Coad and Cliff all struck.Benkenstein’s departure came in a damaging spell which saw Essex crumble to 190 for 8 in the 42nd over.Moriarty had a reverse-sweeping Noah Thain brilliantly caught by a diving Wharton at deep backward point before Coad had Benkenstein caught at wide mid-on in that collapse.Ben Allison’s useful unbeaten 27 gave Essex something to work with, and he was one of four batters to post career-best scores alongside Benkenstein, Das and Simon Fernandes with 18.Essex’s hopes were raised when Yorkshire slipped to 18 for 2 inside seven overs of their reply. Snater claimed both wickets – Harry Duke smartly caught at second slip above his head by Thain and Fin Bean caught at mid-on.Masood and Wharton then shared 84 in similar fashion to the earlier Benkenstein-Das alliance – composed but not becalmed.Masood’s 46-ball fifty was his third in succession in this campaign, while Wharton pulled Aaron Beard’s seam for six to reverse the pressure.But the pendulum was about to swing again, as the Vikings lost four wickets for 21, including Masood, to slip to be 123 for 6 in the 31st over.Westley’s off-spin accounted for Masood lbw and Will Luxton caught at cover before Snater returned to bowl George Hill with an angled-in beauty and Richards removed Revis.Wharton pulled a couple of sixes in his 79-ball fifty to keep home hopes alive. But when he was brilliantly caught at mid-on by a leaping Browne off Thain’s medium pace, the Vikings were 184 for 7 in the 40th over and under the cosh.But, in keeping with the day’s flow, the game wasn’t over.Bess, having shared 61 with Wharton, played the guiding hand in partnership with Coad. He worked the ball expertly – to delight the majority of a 3,113 crowd – and reached his fifty with the winning hit off Allison.

ديلي ستار: مانشستر يونايتد يستهدف التعاقد مع لاعب برشلونة مجانًا

قد يبحث مانشستر يونايتد عن التعاقد مع لاعب حر خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة، حيث يرغب روبن أموريم في ضم مهاجم مميز لتعزيز هجوم الفريق.

ولا يزال فريق روبن أموريم بحاجة لضم مهاجم يسجل العديد من الأهداف، ويتساوى مانشستر يونايتد مع برينتفورد من ناحية الأهداف المسجلة بـ11 هدفًا، ويحتل المركز التاسع في الدوري الإنجليزي.

وقد يتطلع روبن أموريم لضم مهاجم خبير، على غرار ما حدث مع زلاتان إبراهيموفيتش وإدينسون كافاني، واللذين ارتديا قميص مانشستر يونايتد سابقاً.

اقرأ أيضاً.. تقارير: راشفورد يجبر برشلونة على قرار حاسم بشأن مستقبله

ووفقاً لـ”ديلي ستار” البريطانية، فإن التعاقد مع روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مهاجم برشلونة والذي ارتبط أيضاً بالانتقال لإنتر ميامي الأمريكي، سيكون صفقة رائعة للمدرب البرتغالي روبن أموريم.

ومن المقرر أن ينتهي عقد الدولي البولندي الصيف القادم، ولم يقم برشلونة بتفعيل خيار تمديد عقده بعد، ويشك هانز فليك مدرب البلوجرانا في قدرة اللاعب على اللعب في الضغط العالي.

وقدم ليفاندوفسكي بداية رائعة مع برشلونة، حيث أحرز المهاجم البولندي الدولي أربعة أهداف في سبع مباريات، على الرغم من أنه لا يلعب أساسياً في غالبية المباريات لصالح فيران توريس.

 

 

Juventus now open to selling "world-class" 27 y/o to Man Utd this summer

da esport bet: One of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly open to the idea of selling a “world-class” player to Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Amorim coy over Man Utd's summer business

da roleta: The Red Devils endured a pitiful 2024/25 campaign by their standards, with the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham the last nail in the coffin.

Ruben Amorim will know the importance of nailing his first summer in charge of United, both in terms of signings and training ground work, but the Portuguese has spoken cautiously about the amount of transfer business that can be done.

“You know better than me that we have rules with FFP. We can’t change that in this year. We need to do something in the summer. We have a plan and we are doing that in a while. We also have a preseason to improve the players we have.”

Manchester United manager RubenAmorimtalks to the fans after the match

It looks as though United are trying to be bold in the market, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves, and the likes of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike also among the leading targets ahead of next season. Now, another player with a big reputation has been mentioned as an option.

Man Utd boosted in efforts to sign "world-class" ace

According to Give Me Sport, Juventus are “open” to selling Douglas Luiz to Manchester United this summer, with a “cut-price” deal mooted. A loan move away from the Serie A giants is also mentioned in the report, with the Brazilian midfielder not believed to be part of their future plans, in a possible boost for Amorim.

Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.

Added quality is needed in United’s midfield this summer, with Casemiro no longer the force of old and Christian Eriksen’s time at the club now officially over. Kobbie Mainoo is a great prospect, but he is still learning his trade, while the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are good players, but haven’t wholly convinced at Old Trafford to date.

In Luiz, United could have a great choice to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, having been hailed as “world-class” by former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn in the past.

The Brazilian has proven that he can shine in the Premier League, making 175 appearances in the competition and chipping in with 38 goal contributions (20 goals and 18 assists).

Luiz possesses box-to-box quality, offering defensive quality but also class going forward, and at 27, he is at a good age to come in and hit the ground running from minute one.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign £40m Ekitike alternative

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a star who could sign ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

A permanent deal would be better than a loan move, although the benefit of the latter is that he could be moved on easily next summer if the move simply didn’t work out.

Everton could now make shock move to sign £250k-p/w England star for Moyes

Everton are all set for a summer of change now their move from Goodison Park has been completed and could now make a surge to land one of the Premier League’s most recognisable names.

Everton and the challenges that await them this summer

Without stating the obvious too much, there is still a lot of work for David Moyes and the Friedkin Group to do before the Toffees can safely say they have the strength in depth required to compete next term.

Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Ashley Young have departed, alongside several loanees, offering an indication of where incomings may surface.

At the same time, questions exist over other out-of-contract stars, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman.

Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates their third goal, an own goal scored by Tottenham Hotspur's Archie Gray

In recent times, Everton losing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea has also hit the headlines. Nevertheless, the other end of the field may require the most attention to ensure the Toffees maintain their strong foundations next campaign.

Central defender Michael Keane is another star due to leave on a free transfer who hasn’t yet confirmed his future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why may his renewal become important? Simply put, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting a lot of interest from elsewhere, including former suitors Manchester United.

The England international is the jewel in the Toffees’ crown and it remains to be seen whether he will stick around. Seeking a contingency plan, Moyes could turn to Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah as an unexpected solution for a fee in the region of £29 million.

While that may come as a surprise to Everton supporters, they may be even more intrigued by the latest name to crop up on their shortlist as a target to strengthen their backline.

Everton eye shock move for Man City star John Stones

According to The Mirror, Everton are eyeing a shock move for Manchester City defender John Stones and he would need to take a pay cut from his £250,000 per week wages to sign for his former club.

The England international has one year left on his deal, and it is said that the Citizens wouldn’t stand in the way of his departure or be difficult to negotiate with due to his need for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

John Stones at Everton – could a shock return be on the cards?

Years spent at Everton

3

Appearances

95

Goals

1

Assists

N/A

Joined Man City in 2016 for an initial £47.5 million

Dubbed “sensational” by Jamie Carragher, Stones has struggled with injuries this term and made just 20 appearances across all competitions, registering three goals and two assists.

Having turned 31 years of age, his time at the Etihad Stadium could now be over, and his openness to a move back to the blue half of Merseyside may prove to be a catalyst in the Toffees’ pursuit of a new defender.

Of course, Everton fans will know all too well that Stones is a force to be reckoned with after watching him claim six wins against his former side over the years. Now, he could be in the Blues’ corner the next time they face Pep Guardiola’s men.

He'd be unplayable with Barry: Everton register interest in £25m PL star

Everton have had a busy 2025 summer transfer window so far. David Moyes’ side are looking to build on the momentum they garnered at the back end of last season, with the dawn of a new era upon the club. They are, of course, set to move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.

One of the players they are pursuing, and seem close to signing, is Fulham right-back Kenny Tete. BBC Sport report that the Toffees are ‘close to securing a deal’ to sign the Dutchman on a free transfer from the Cottagers, with his contract set to expire this summer.

Another player they are after is French striker Thierno Barry, with talks intensifying this week. The Toffees are also linked with a midfielder who could perfectly complement the centre-forward.

Everton's next target after Barry

It is looking like a deal to sign Tete is on track to be completed before long, and one that would see them sign Barry might not be too far behind. They are reportedly in talks for the Villarreal star, who has a £40m release clause.

That’s according to a recent report from The i Paper. Barry is not the only young talent the newspaper has linked the Toffees with. They have reportedly ‘registered an interest’ in signing Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee.

It seems like the talented young number 10 will be made available for sale this summer, and Everton could pounce as a result. The Manchester Evening News confirmed at the end of May that he is ‘set to leave’ the Etihad Stadium, and will be available for a fee of around £25m.

Everton's new look attack with Barry and McAtee

After a couple of successful seasons on loan at Sheffield United, McAtee was given a deserved chance in the City first team last season, but struggled for any real game time. However, when he did get the opportunity, he certainly left an impression, particularly on Pep Guardiola, who described him as a “special” talent.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts withJamesMcAtee

The 22-year-old, who came through City’s esteemed academy, scored seven goals in his 27 appearances last season. However, he played just 936 minutes in all competitions, leaving him with just 10.4 full 90-minute games on average.

For the Blades during his two loan spells in 2022/23 and 2023/24, McAtee was a standout player. He played 75 games for the club, scoring 14 times and grabbing eight assists. Six of those goal involvements came in the Premier League, including a sublime strike against Brentford.

McAtee has been a creative force throughout his career, both in youth and professional football. Once described as being “simply too good” by scout Jacek Kulig, he could well be playing as a number 10 behind Barry at the Hill Dickinson Stadium if both deals get over the line, where Everton fans could see that creativity shine.

Villarreal's Thierno Barry

The Villarreal number 15, who is an international for France at U21 level, certainly impressed in the 2024/25 campaign for the Yellow Submarine. He scored 19 goals and grabbed four assists in 41 games.

Barry knows exactly where the back of the net is, and with McAtee’s ability to fashion chances, they could form a dangerous combination. Indeed, the stats from the Man City star’s three seasons at professional level show just how exciting he can be as an attacking midfielder.

According to Sofascore, the 22-year-old, who was born in Salford, averaged 1.8 key passes for the Blades in his first campaign. He maintained a similar level when they got promoted, playing 1.4 key passes in 2023/24, and chalking up 0.8 for City last term, without much involvement.

Goals

0.4

0.2

0.7

Assists

1.8

1.4

0.8

Big chances created

0.3

0.2

0.2

Dribbles completed

1.9

1.8

0.7

Tackles and interceptions

1.8

2

1.3

Expected goal involvements

N/A

0.24

0.38

Therefore, McAtee could make Barry completely unplayable if the pair are to unite on the Blue half of Merseyside next season. The Frenchman is clinical in front of goal, and with the creativity of the Man City youngster behind him, he could hit whole new heights.

Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match

The 22-year-old has not had much of an opportunity for City, but has shown exactly how good he can be when the chance to play has arisen. With regular football and a clinical striker ahead of him at Everton, he could excel at the Toffees.

Huge upgrade on Beto: Everton in talks to sign "elite" big-money striker

Everton will be looking for improved output in front of goal next season

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 25, 2025

Dhoni: 'I just want to enjoy the game for the next few years'

His comments come at a time when there are still doubts over his availability for IPL 2025

Sruthi Ravindranath27-Oct-20249:15

Will CSK retain Dhoni as uncapped player? What about Jadeja and Dube?

MS Dhoni has said he wants to enjoy “whatever last few years of cricket” he can play. While there are still doubts over his availability for IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan said last week he was hopeful that Dhoni will be part of the upcoming season.”I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I’m able to play,” Dhoni said at a promotional event in Goa. “Like how during our childhood we used to go out and play at 4[pm], just enjoying the game. But when you play professional sport it becomes difficult to enjoy the game just like a game. So what I want to do is, there are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy the game for the next few years.”October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction, and this year Dhoni is eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player. That was made possible after the IPL brought back a rule that had been scrapped in 2021, according to which a player can be considered as uncapped if they have been retired from international cricket for five years.Related

Gaikwad: Dhoni focused on hitting as many sixes as possible

LSG set to retain Pooran, Mayank and Bishnoi for IPL 2025

Dhoni on his IPL future: 'Needs to be in the best interest of the team'

Decks cleared for 'uncapped' Dhoni to be retained

CSK waiting on go-ahead from Dhoni before retention deadline

Dhoni had batted lower down the order throughout IPL 2024, coming out to face only a handful of deliveries. While workload management owing to his knee surgery was one of the reasons for the move, Dhoni also revealed that it was to give game-time to India players who were then in the fray for the T20 World Cup.”My thinking was simple, if others are doing their job well why do I need to come up the order,” Dhoni said. “If you’re talking about last year (season) specifically, the T20 World Cup squad was going to be announced soon. So we have to give people who are fighting for a spot a chance. In our team (CSK) we had a few, [Ravindra] Jadeja was there, Shivam Dube was there so you give them an opportunity to prove themselves to get into the Indian team. There was nothing in it for me, no selection and other things. So I’m good behind [playing down the order] and my team was happy with what I was doing.”Dhoni: ‘Love how teams are playing Tests now’Dhoni admitted he’s a fan of Bazball. He said he “loves” how Test cricket has become more result-oriented when asked if he was a fan of this high-risk, no-fear brand of cricket.”You can give cricket any term that you want to, what we have seen is cricket has evolved,” Dhoni said. “The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score, now that score is not safe in T20s too.Will Dhoni return for another season?•AFP/Getty Images

“You give something a term, it becomes much more interesting because you start talking about it, you start relating to it but at the end of the day what is it? It’s a way to play cricket. Some people want to play aggressive cricket, some people want to play authentic cricket. A lot of that depends on the kind of team you have got – whether they can change the way they play that cricket. What is important is to realise the strength of your team and according to the strength of the team you decide which is the way you want to play cricket but it takes time. It doesn’t happen that overnight you say, ‘let’s start playing like this tomorrow’. You need to give time to individuals because they have played maybe 10-12-15 years of cricket and they have a certain way of playing cricket, so you need to give them that time to change.”Dhoni said there were a few “difficult” days back when he was playing Tests especially when he knew the match was heading towards a draw.”For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day of a match which is the last day when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw,” he said. “I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening, you are just going through the motions. Yes, bowlers would like to take wickets, batters will try to score runs, [but] there is no result in the game. You think let’s finish this and go, why do I have to be here. So I love the fact there’s change in the way teams are playing Test cricket.”Imagine telling someone who doesn’t know much cricket we play over five days and we start at 9.30 and 4.30 is the scheduled end of play, we play till 5[pm] sometimes, and after five days we don’t get a result. That’s not nice for the game. So I love how there’s more results in today’s world. Even if we are playing only four days of cricket and one day gets washed out, still you get a result – that’s the beauty of Test cricket and that’s how it should stay – you want to get a result after five days and you shouldn’t have a draw.”

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