Special tribute
Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting an Army insignia on his glove during the India-South Africa clash was well appreciated by his fans but the International Cricket Council on Thursday requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, saying it is against its regulations. Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager - Strategic Communications, said that the apex body has requested the Indian cricket board to have the sign removed. India's next game is against Australia on Sunday. "It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed," Furlong said. When asked if Dhoni, who is a Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, could be penalised for the breach of an ICC regulation, she added: "For first breach no, just a request to remove". Dhoni's love for the Indian Army is well known. During the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday, Dhoni's gloves attracted special attention when the TV cameras zoomed in. The regimental dagger insignia of the para forces was embossed on his green wicket-keeping gloves.
Sweet tooth
On tours, Dhoni is most relaxed when daughter Ziva is around. A regular fixture during Chennai Super Kings' home matches, the little one was in the mood for some cookies as she was accompanied by a member of the team support staff into the refreshment room for the media. But it was hilarious when a member of ICC's broadcast team thought it to be an opportune moment for a selfie with Ziva. However her request was politely declined by the member of the support staff and rightly so for security reasons.
Right watch
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has figured out a way to tackle India's menacing pacer Jasprit Bumrah, albeit only for the right-handed batsmen. Bumrah, who ranks at the top of the ICC ranking, produced a fiery spell of fast bowling to put South Africa on the back foot with a two-wicket haul on Wednesday. "Quick memo to all right handed batters - get onto off stump against Bumrah and look to hit him from, straight back at the stumps to square leg. Eliminate the off side completely!" Pietersen wrote on his twitter handle.