Saba Karim — the former Indian wicket-keeper feels MS Dhoni may have retired from international cricket, but his decision to continue playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) is good news for global cricket. Dhoni bowed out of international cricket with a simple yet emotional post on photo-blogging website, Instagram when India was celebrating 74th independence Day on August 15.
Earlier, MS Dhoni had reached Chennai for a pre-IPL training camp before making the announcement. Dhoni will be leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2020 once again and the franchise’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan had told India Today that their celebrated skipper is likely to play for CSK until 2022.
Saba Karim Says MS Dhoni Is Extremely Fit Even At 39 And Working Hard
Saba Karim, who spoke to news agency AFP, said MS Dhoni, 39, is fit enough to continue — and there will be less burden on his body, considering he has called it quits from the international arena. Dhoni had not played international cricket for more than a year before he announced retirement.
“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,” Saba Karim said.
“Global cricket still needs an icon like MS Dhoni to continue.”
MS Dhoni has won the inaugural T20I World Cup in 2007 and 2011 World Cup after a hiatus of 28 years. He has also led CSK to victories in 2010, 2011 and 2018. He is the only captain to win all three ICC trophies for India. MSD has scored 4432 runs in IPL averaging 42.2 in 190 matches.
Saba Karim: MS Dhoni Brought Different Dimension To T20 Cricket With Aggression With Bat And Calmness Behind Stumps After T20I World Cup Win In 2007
India jumped into the T20 bandwagon only after MS Dhoni-led India to T20 World Cup success in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007.
Meanwhile, the former BCCI general manager, also opined that MS Dhoni had played a key role in kick-starting the IPL by bringing a different dimension to the shorter format of the game.
“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. Also with his calm exterior behind the stumps,” Karim said.
MS Dhoni has been looking sharp in training sessions in the lead up to IPL 2020. Following the withdrawal of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh citing personal issues, there is considerable pressure on the CSK captain who will be looking to inspire his team to the fourth title.
Chennai Super Kings begin their IPL 2020 campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.