Anil Kumble certainly feels that MS Dhoni could continue to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL well beyond the upcoming season.
Dhoni is gearing up for what many feel could be his final campaign in the famous yellow jersey as CSK chase their record-breaking 6th IPL title. While there has been a lot of discussion around the wicketkeeper's career, Kumble feels that Dhoni may not be ready to take a break just yet.
Speaking to JioCinema, the former India coach remembered an incident where Dhoni turned up for an optional session in Ranchi, his hometown. Kumble said that when he asked Dhoni, the wicketkeeper said he just wanted to be around things.
Kumble would draw parallels between Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar and said that both men always wanted to be around things. The former India coach said that the IPL maybe like an optional session for Dhoni and he wouldn't want to miss out on it.
“I never played with MS in the IPL. When I played with him in the Indian team, he was the first one to lift me up. I guess he was the strongest of the lot to lift a heavyweight. It was a fantastic moment for me."
"I remember, when I was coach and he was the captain, we were in Ranchi for a one-day game, for an optional practice session, he didn’t need to come as Ranchi is his hometown. But he was there for the session. I said, ‘What are you doing? We still have a couple of days before the next game.’ He said, ‘No, I just want to be around.’ That’s him."
“Sachin was the same. When I was with Mumbai Indians, Sachin had played around 25 or 26 years of cricket. But on optional days, he’d be the first one to be on the bus."
"These two guys, I don’t think can take a break."
"I won’t be surprised if MS continues to play for CSK, because that’s his optional session. He’s so passionate, he wants to be there,” said Dhoni.
After winning the IPL title last year, Dhoni said that he would come back and play atleast one more season of IPL.
"Looking for an answer? This is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for 9 months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body," said Dhoni.
CSK will be playing in the opening match of the IPL this season on March 22 as they face Royal Challengers Bangalore.
