Comparisons with MS Dhoni is out of question, he is a legend: Akbar Ali

Akbar Ali, the young Bangladesh batsman, doesn’t think that talks of his comparison with MS Dhoni should come up. The 18-year-old was the Junior Tigers’ skipper in the U19 World Cup in South Africa. Though he didn’t have to do much in the tournament, he rose to the occasion in the final against India.

The Young Turk showed nerves of steel and took his team over the finishing line. He scored an unbeaten 43 in Potchefstroom and gave Bangladesh their first major world title. That he had to play with the trauma of his sister’s demise made the knock even more special.

After that innings, a number of people seemed to have seen glimpses of Dhoni in him. However, the Rangpur-born feels that it’s too easy for comparisons, though he wishes to be like the veteran one day.

Becoming like Dhoni will be a great achievement, says Akbar Ali

“I haven’t been said something yet. If someone says, it will be completely wrong. Dhoni is a legend. There’s no place of comparison. If I can become like Dhoni, it will be a massive achievement,” Akbar was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with Bengali daily Ganashakti.

Dhoni has won India three world titles- the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 50-over World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He hasn’t played after the 2019 World Cup though. Despite not playing much cricket, Dhoni’s fandom hasn’t gone down by any means.

Akbar also wants to know about Rahul Dravid’s thought process during the knock he played versus Australia back in 2001. Along with VVS Laxman, who got 281, he helped India win the Kolkata Test after being made to follow on.

“During a tri-series in England, I saw him. I may not get too many chances to ask him questions, but I would like to know about his knock against Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. I didn’t see it live, but saw the highlights. I would like to know what was he thinking during his 376-run partnership with VVS Laxman,” he added.

In his career, Akbar has played 14 List A and two T20Is where he has scored 326 and 85 runs respectively with the help of a couple of fifties.