Anil Kumble heaped praise on ‘heavyweight’ MS Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2024, recalling his coaching stint with Sachin Tendulkar’s MI.
Even though MS Dhoni is entering the twilight of his trophy-laden T20 career, legendary Indian cricketer Anil Kumble will not be surprised if the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon decides to play another season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni, CSK’s charismatic leader, arrived in Chennai for the 2024 IPL season last week. Dhoni’s grand entrance into Chennai managed to break the internet before the start of the new season.
Spin-bowling legend Kumble drew parallels between Dhoni and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, recalling his time working with the CSK skipper. Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Kumble did not play IPL cricket with Dhoni, but he did share the MI locker room with the Little Master. Kumble was Team India’s coach when Dhoni led the Men in Blue from the front. The former Indian captain also served as a mentor for Tendulkar’s MI franchise.
‘Never played with MS Dhoni in the IPL’
“I never played with MS in the IPL. When I played with him on the Indian team, he was the first to encourage me. I suppose he was the strongest among the group to lift a heavyweight. It was a fantastic experience for me. I remember when I was a coach. I remember when I was coach and he was captain, we were in Ranchi for a one-day game and an optional practice session; he didn’t have to come because Ranchi is his hometown. But he was present for the session. I asked, ‘What are you doing? We still have a few days until the next game.’ He replied, ‘No, I just want to be around.’ “That’s him,” Kumble told The Ultimate News.
Nicknamed Jumbo, Kumble led RCB to the IPL final in 2009. Tendulkar’s Mumbai Indians hired Kumble as the franchise’s Chief Mentor in 2013. Kumble spent three years in Mumbai mentoring the five-time champions. In his first year in Mumbai, the Men In Blue won both the IPL and the Champions League in 2013. Mumbai were also named IPL champions in 2015.
‘Sachin Was the Same’: Kumble Recalls IPL Stint with MI
“Sachin remained the same. Sachin had been playing cricket for about 25 or 26 years when I joined the Mumbai Indians. But on optional days, he’d be the first to board the bus. I don’t think these two guys can take a break. I wouldn’t be surprised if MS continues to play for CSK, as that is his optional session. “He’s so passionate that he wants to be there,” Kumble added.
CSK vs RCB: Dhoni to Headline IPL 2024 Opener
Dhoni’s CSK side has begun their pre-season training camp. Deepak Chahar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Simarjeet Singh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, Ajay Mandal, Shaik Rasheed, and Nishant Sindhu have already joined the CSK camp for the 2024 IPL season. Dhoni’s CSK will face Virat Kohli’s RCB in the IPL 2024 opener on March 22.