Former Indian wicket-keeper, Saba Karim reckons that MS Dhoni’s decision to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is great for global cricket despite announcing retirement from international cricket. Dhoni bowed out of international cricket with a simple yet emotional post on social media when India was celebrating her 74th independence Day on August 15.

Dhoni had reached Chennai for a pre-IPL training camp before announcing his retirement. During a recent chat with India Today, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that their celebrated skipper is likely to play for CSK until 2022.

ALSO READ: Kesrick Williams Recalls His Notebook Banter With Virat Kohli

Saba Karim, speaking to news agency AFP, said, “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. Global cricket still needs an icon like MS Dhoni to continue.”

Meanwhile, the former BCCI general manager, also opined that MS Dhoni had played a crucial role in making IPL happen by bringing a different dimension to the shorter format of the game. It is safe to say India jumped the T20 bandwagon only after Dhoni captained the Indian team to T20 World Cup success in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2007.

Karim elaborated, “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.”

ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly Inspects Preparation Of IPL 2020 In Sharjah

MS Dhoni has been looking sharp in training sessions ahead of IPL 2020. Following the withdrawal of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, there is considerable pressure on the CSK skipper as he will be eyeing to win their 4th title. CSK will be commencing their IPL 2020 campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians on the opening night of the tournament in Abu Dhabi.