Former India cricketer and iconic captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to captivate the public even as he maintains a reserved profile. Known for his love for staying away from the persistent glare of the spotlight, Dhoni only makes infrequent public appearances, primarily during the Indian Premier League (IPL) off-season. He was last seen attending the star-studded wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, but his most recent appearance took many by surprise. On Thursday, August 1, Dhoni graced a promotional event and shared his thoughts on various aspects of cricket, including naming his favourite bowler.
In an announcement that both thrilled fans and acknowledged a cherished teammate, Dhoni revealed India’s fast-bowling sensation Jasprit Bumrah as his favourite bowler. “It’s easy to pick my favourite bowler because Bumrah is there,” Dhoni remarked. He chose not to pick a favourite batsman, stating the difficulty in singling out any one player due to India’s wealth of batting talent. “It’s difficult to pick a batsman because we have many good batsmen. But that doesn’t mean bowlers aren’t good,” he added, highlighting the balance and depth in Indian cricket’s current roster.
Dhoni elaborated on his inability to pinpoint a single batsman as his favourite, attributing it to the high level of skill across the board. “It’s difficult to pick one among batters as whomever I see batting, he looks the best. But when I see someone else he also looks great. But as long as Team India is winning, I don’t want to pick a batter. I hope they will keep scoring runs for the team,” he expressed.
Jasprit Bumrah, who made his international debut under Dhoni’s stewardship, has been a linchpin in India’s bowling attack across formats. His meteoric rise has seen him becoming one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Bumrah’s performance in the T20 World Cup in June 2024, where he clinched the player of the tournament award, only consolidated his reputation. During the tournament, which India won by defeating South Africa in the final, Bumrah took 15 wickets in eight matches, boasting an economy rate of just 4.
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The buzz around MS Dhoni inevitably includes speculation about his future in the IPL, especially regarding his tenure with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Addressing these swirling rumors, the former CSK skipper offered some insight into his thought process while keeping his cards close to his chest. “There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni stated.
This measured response from Dhoni comes at a time when the future of many IPL stars hangs in balance pending decisions on player retentions ahead of the mega auction. The IPL’s auction dynamics can significantly alter team compositions, and veterans like Dhoni are pondering the best course of action that aligns with their franchise’s long-term goals.
Dhoni’s words have, as always, generated plenty of conversation among cricket fans and pundits alike. Given his legendary status in the game, any announcement or even a hint regarding his plans holds considerable weight. As for now, Dhoni seems focused on understanding the policies that will shape the next phase of the IPL before making any definitive decisions.
The event also saw Dhoni extending his thoughts on other cricketing matters. However, it was his endorsement of Bumrah and his perspective on Team India’s batting lineup that resonated strongly. Bumrah’s growth under Dhoni’s mentorship and his subsequent exploits have been a point of pride for Indian cricket fans. Dhoni’s refusal to single out a batsman underscores his faith in the collective strength of the Indian squad.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await further updates, one thing remains clear: Dhoni’s influence on the game endures. Whether through his strategic shrewdness on the field or his considered opinions off it, this cricketing maestro continues to enrich the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.
