BCCI should retire MS Dhoni and other Indian legends’ jerseys: Saba Karim

Saba Karim, the former Indian cricketer, said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should retire the jerseys of MS Dhoni and many other Indian legends. Karim, also an ex-selector, stated that the step should be taken as a mark of respect to the ones, who have contributed whole-heartedly to Indian cricket over the time period.

As far as Dhoni is concerned, he remains one of India’s most successful skippers at the highest level. From 2007 to 2013, he guided India to all three ICC Trophies in the limited-overs formats. On Wednesday, July 7, Dhoni celebrated his 40th birthday and on the auspicious occasion, he was showered with wishes from the cricket fraternity.

I hope Dhoni can continue serving Indian cricket: Saba Karim

“I think not only MS Dhoni’s jersey, but the BCCI must also preserve the jerseys of many other Indian legends. They must also ensure that the jersey number of that legend is not worn by anyone else,” Karim was quoted as saying on Khleneeti podcast.

“In this manner, one can recognize the achievements and the contributions of the greats of Indian cricket. Most importantly, by doing so you give some much-deserved respect to such legends,” he stated.

After last donning the national jersey in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020. However, he has continued playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per reports, he may even go on to play a couple of more seasons before quitting all forms of cricket.

Karim felt that even when he isn’t playing a lot of cricket, Dhoni can be a guiding light for a number of young players in India. Karim reckoned that with Dhoni playing the role of a mentor, Indian cricket is in safe hands.

“Although he is no longer part of international cricket, I hope he can continue serving Indian cricket, just like he did all these years. He is grooming a lot of youngsters with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). I wish he keeps mentoring and guiding young players at the state level as well. If that happens, it will be great for the future of Indian cricket,” Karim added.