Wasim Akram Is Astounded by Dhoni’s Capability to Guide CSK to IPL 2023 Championship Victories
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Former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram praised MS Dhoni, the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), as a “gem of a captain and cricketer.” Saluting the Indian great, he continued by saying that Dhoni has the capacity to make any squad a match-winning one.
CSK just won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 under the experienced keeper-batter, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets (using the DLS technique) in the championship game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Wasim Akram said, “I’m so happy for MS Dhoni that he won his 5th IPL trophy. He deserves everything”. (To Sportskeeda). pic.twitter.com/wb59iMWWD5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 2, 2023
Although Dhoni was out for a golden duck in the championship match, he was instrumental in the big breakthrough for CSK when they won the toss and elected to bowl first. Shubman Gill (39) was stumped as a result of his influence.
Akram praised the seasoned player in a statement to 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.”
Even though Dhoni did not participate in any other forms of competitive cricket save the IPL, he was adept at the stumps and had a big influence during his cameos in IPL 2023.
The 41-year-old can still deliver the goods despite his international retirement, according to Akram, who shared his thoughts on the subject: “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.” In IPL 2023, Dhoni amassed 104 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 182.46.
Wasim Akram Optimistic about Dhoni’s Return for IPL 2024
Dhoni said he will try to make a comeback for the fans the following year, fitness permitting, after leading CSK to victory in the IPL 2023. According to him, it would be a gift for his admirers.
There is no reason, in Akram’s opinion, why the Indian legend cannot play again in the IPL championship game the following year.
“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,” the former Pakistan captain remarked.
“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,” added Akram.
Akram continued by saying that Dhoni will continue to be linked with CSK after retirement. Before concluding, he said: “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.” With 24 half-centuries and 5082 runs scored at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.92 through 250 IPL games, Dhoni has a record of success.
