Former India player Anil Kumble believes that MS Dhoni will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next few years as well. Kumble also added that the wicketkeeper-batter is one of the strongest cricketers to have played the game as well. The veteran also drew a parallel between Dhoni and legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar.
Sharing an example, Kumble said that MS Dhoni and Tendulkar were passionate about the game, which helped them stand apart from
the rest as well. However. Kumble said this amid ongoing rumours that MS Dhoni will retire at the end of the IPL 2024 season.
He recently said Jio Cinema, “I never played with MS in the IPL. When I played with him in the Indian team, he was the first one to lift me up. I guess he was the strongest of the lot to lift a heavyweight. It was a fantastic moment for me. I remember, when I was coach and he was the captain, we were in Ranchi for a one-day game, for an optional practice session, he didn’t need to come as Ranchi is his hometown. But he was there for the session. I said, ‘What are you doing? We still have a couple of days before the next game.’ He said, ‘No, I just want to be around.’ That’s him.”
ALSO READ: Kirti Azad welcomes BCCI’s new directive in central contract
He continued, “Sachin was the same. When I was with Mumbai Indians, Sachin had played around 25 or 26 years of cricket. But on optional days, he’d be the first one to be on the bus. These two guys, I don’t think can take a break.”I won’t be surprised if MS continues to play for CSK, because that’s his optional session. He’s so passionate, he wants to be there.”
Meanwhile, defending champions Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL 2024 tournament against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22 as well. MS Dhoni will once again try to win the title. They won their fifth title last year. However, Anil Kumble has also praised Rinku Singh’s ability to win matches for Team India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite
batting in the lower-middle order as well.
“Rinku Singh is someone who is going to be really special. With the role he plays for KKR and India and the opportunities that he has got, it has been extremely difficult to come in at number six or number seven and win a game for your team. That, to me, is special. There are quite a few. Sai Sudharsan was very impressive. I think he is someone who can play all three formats. He has the technique and the ability,” added Kumble.
