Former Indian wicketkeeper outlines the way MS Dhoni has brought new dimension to T20 cricket

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Image Courtesy: AFP/IANS

Undoubtedly one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has achieved spectacular success in the T20 format, both international and domestic. The wicket-keeping batsman proved himself as the skipper when India clinched the historic 2007 World T20 title. Even with Chennai Super Kings, the captain has led the franchise to three IPL trophies as well as two CLT20 victories. Meanwhile, former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim speaks his mind on how Dhoni has brought a new dimension to the shortest format of the game, and how it contributed to the success of IPL.

Image Courtesy: AFP/IANS

Dhoni, who bid adieu to international cricket back in August after more than e year of hiatus, will be back in action in the 2020 IPL season, starting on 19th September as Chennai takes on defending champions Mumbai Indians.

A delight for the CSK fans as their beloved thala is seen back in the nets in their training session in UAE, as the franchise eyes their fourth IPL silverware this year in UAE. Check out waging options for IPL and other tournaments here.

In addition to leading Chennai to three IPL trophies, Mahi has enjoyed a stellar IPL career as a cricketer. Since 2008, the 39-year-old has scored 4432 runs in 190 matches, with an average of 42.2 runs.

Speaking about the veteran’s career in the shortest format, former Men in Blue keeper Saba Karim praises Dhoni for bringing a ‘different dimension’ to T20, which also helped propagate the success of IPL.

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Aggressive with willow, calm behind stumps: Saba Karim on MS Dhoni

A former Bihar cricket team icon, Saba Karim played for India towards the end of 1990s. He has made one Test and 34 ODI appearances.

In a recent interview with AFP, Karim pointed out how Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket will benefit him in the upcoming blockbuster tournament in UAE.

“He is very fit and I believe he is working very hard on it,” said the 52-year-old, “Plus he has stopped playing international cricket so there will be less burden on his body.”

After 16 decorated years with India, Dhoni announced his retirement on 15th August. He has donned the Indian jersey in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20s. Karim claims that the gentleman’s game needs someone like Dhoni to thrive even now.

“Global cricket still needs an icon like MS Dhoni to continue,” Karim acknowledged.

Continuing on, Karim recognised Dhoni’s contribution to the success of IPL, and hailed the veteran’s approach to his contrasting wicketkeeping and batting technique, which he credits as a ‘different dimension’ to T20.

“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,” Karim signed off.

Retired Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim lauds MS Dhoni for contributing to IPL’s success. (Image Courtesy: PTI/Getty)

Dhoni will be in action in the opening night of IPL 2020 as CSK takes on MI on 19th September in Abu Dhabi.

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