Legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, who had been a centre of attraction in the cricketing landscape for his shrewdness — and way of finishing the games while absorbing a lot of pressure, is believed to ‘rule the roost’ by experts in the impending edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which will commence from September 19 in the UAE.
The 39-year-old Dhoni, who maintained calmness, has been praised by former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim. He further added that Dhoni has been giving his best on the field — and by deciding to move away from the international arena.
Karim stated that it will also help his body to do well in a nutshell.
“He is very fit and I believe he is working very hard on it. Plus he has stopped playing international cricket so there will be less burden on his body,” AFP quoted Karim as saying.
The star cricketer Dhoni has recently announced retirement from international cricket on August 15, which has further lessened his burden in a bid to entirely focus on IPL for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – the franchise which has won three IPL titles so far.
The Ranchi-born veteran Dhoni had represented India for 16 years before bidding adieu to the international cricket.
Considering the views from the cricketing fraternity, many are hopeful that Dhoni will do quite well in the 13th edition of the IPL. Dhoni has the last feature in 2019 World Cup during the semi-final clash against New Zealand.
MS Dhoni played an instrumental role in kick-starting the IPL: Saba Karim
The 52-year-old Karim also stressed that world cricket needs cricketer like MS Dhoni to keep playing.
Besides, praising Dhoni for his approach donning the gloves, Karim asserted that Dhoni has been an influential figure in the cash-rich league given to his contribution apart from pyrotechnics with the bat in hand.
“Global cricket still needs an icon like MS Dhoni to continue. Also with his calm exterior behind the stumps. Dhoni played an instrumental role in kick-starting the IPL because of the way he brought a different dimension to the shorter format of the game because of his aggressive side with the willow,” Karim added.
MS Dhoni is Chennai: Harsha Bhogle
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra maintained that CSK depends on Dhoni, who has proved to be the ‘life and soul’ of the team. He has done wonders as a skipper and batsman to continue as a towering figure, particularly in the CSK camp.
“He is the soul of Chennai Super Kings. As long as he is there, CSK’s heart keeps beating and they move forward. MS Dhoni, the player and the captain, has a great impact. “Dhoni is going to rule the roost once again as a captain, as a batsman,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Also, star commentator Harsha Bhogle has heaped praises on Dhoni while admitting the fact that Chennai is because of Dhoni and if he continues to deliver Chennai will keep on moving forward.
“Dhoni is Chennai, Chennai is Dhoni. If Dhoni is doing well. Chennai is doing well,” Cricbuzz quoted Bhogle as saying.
Besides IPL, MS Dhoni had led India in three major ICC title victories since 2007 which included the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy in England.
