MS Dhoni is a Terrific Captain Says Irfan Pathan

After two years suspension, Indian Premier League will see the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan. Out of favor Indian pacer, Irfan Pathan who played under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant colors said that though CSK may not have a very strong squad on paper, they have a wonderful captain.

In an interview with Cricketnext, the all-rounder spoke about Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad being the two strongest side on paper. However, he later talks about the experience of CSK in their squad and feels that they would do well this particular season.

“I think Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab look very strong on paper and they have put together good squads, however, one cannot discount Chennai Super Kings ever. They have a wonderful captain (Mahendra Singh Dhoni) and they also assembled a very experienced squad (in the auction). Their fortunes will depend upon how fit and agile these experienced hands are, but other than that, I think they will do well,”

MS Dhoni is a Terrific Captain Says Irfan Pathan 2 — LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 28: MS Dhoni of India watches the ball during the ICC Champions Trophy Warm-up match between India and New Zealand at the Kia Oval cricket ground on May 28, 2017, in London, England. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)

The 11^th season of IPL will see two new captains making their debut. Dinesh Karthik for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Ravichandran Ashwin for the Kings XI Punjab. Pathan further reiterated that the squad changes this season will make the tournament more interesting.

“I think most of the teams have made big changes to their respective squads, for example, Kings XI Punjab, they have completely overhauled their side. While few teams have retained the core of their squad and added new faces to complement their key players. It will be interesting to see if teams will aid from their respective strategies and also the performance of the franchisees will depend upon how these players gel,” he said.

After a successful campaign in the U-19 World Cup, the likes of Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Shubman Gill, Anukul Roy and last but not the least skipper Prithvi Shaw have got a chance to showcase their talent in the cash-rich league. Pathan felt excited speaking the same.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Backed, Virat Kohli, Lack of Preparations, Overseas Series, South Africa Vs India, — Dhoni has been helping Kohli with his experience. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“I am really excited about the India Under-19 stars taking part in the league. It will be interesting to see if they will be able to take that leap from under-19 onto the big stage. In the past, not many youngsters have been able to make that transition but I really hope this lot does,” he signed off.