Anil Kumble on MS Dhoni : The 17th season of IPL is going to start from March 22. The first match of this season will be played between the defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Earlier, it is being said about CSK captain MS Dhoni that this is Dhoni's last IPL season. He will not play this tournament after IPL 2024. But former Indian team spinner Anil Kumble has a different opinion about this. Kumble said, “It should not be a surprise if Dhoni is seen playing in IPL 2025. Because he wants to be there.”
'Dhoni comes to Chennai a month before IPL'
During a show, Suresh Raina said about Dhoni, “The best thing about MS is that he comes to Chennai a month or three weeks before the IPL. He bats for about 2 to 3 hours in humid conditions and does gym training. There is a lot of bonding in the CSK team and I think it is something magical.” Taking this point forward, Anil Kumble compared Dhoni with the great batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
'Dhoni used to participate in optional practice sessions also'
Anil Kumble said, “I never played with MS in IPL. When I played with him in the Indian team, he raised me. I think he was the strongest at lifting heavy weights. This was an amazing moment for me. I remember, when I was the coach and he was the captain, we were in Ranchi for the optional practice session for the ODIs, he did not need to come, because Ranchi is his hometown, but he was there for the session.
Kumble compared Dhoni to Sachin
Kumble further said, “I asked Dhoni, what are you doing here? The next match is still a few days away. He said, 'No, I just want to be around the team.' He is exactly like Sachin. When I was with Mumbai Indians, Sachin played cricket for about 25 or 26 years, but even for the optional session he was the first one to board the bus. I don't think these two will be able to take any break. I wouldn't be surprised if MS continues to play for CSK, as this is his alternate season. He's very emotional, he wants to be there.”