Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has named Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni as a gem of a captain and cricketer. Praising the Indian legend, he also added that Dhoni has the ability to turn any team into a match-winning team as well. However, under Dhoni, CSK recently won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, beating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets (via the DLS method) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as well.

Praising the veteran cricketer, Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda: “He is a gem of a cricketer, gem of a captain. To win five IPLs with one team is a massive deal. It is such big tournament. There are 10 teams and you have to play 14 matches each to qualify [for the playoffs]. They started slowly, but you give Dhoni any team, he takes them to the final and makes them win it. CSK, five titles is dream stuff. They have become a legendary team and that too in one of the biggest and most difficult tournament in world cricket.”

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While MS Dhoni does not play any competitive cricket apart from the IPL, he still managed to do well with his cameos in IPL 2023 and was lightning-quick behind the stumps. While sharing his views on his ability to deliver goods despite international retirement However, Dhoni has played 250 IPL matches, scoring 5082 runs which came at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.92, with 24 half-centuries as well.

Akram explained: “He has experience, calmness and is physically very fit. Most importantly, he has the passion to play. No matter how fit you are, if you don’t have the passion, you will not be able to come up with performances. He is physically fit and did not sit out of any matches [in IPL 2023]. After a certain age, making a comeback is difficult. But, knowing Dhoni, if that passion is still there, he will train. Match practice is very important, but I am sure he knows what he is doing.”

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“He could have still played for India if he wanted to, considering his performances. But, he retired at the right time and that’s why Dhoni is Dhoni. I think he’ll come back stronger next year,” Wasim Akram concluded “Whenever Dhoni quits cricket, I am sure he will stay with CSK as a mentor, a president or whatever the word is. I don’t think Dhoni and CSK will separate.”