Moeen Ali opens up on IPL experience with CSK

Veteran English all-rounder Moeen Ali, who is leading the Sharjah Warriors in the inaugural edition of the International League T20 has opened up on his time with four-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings. He also revealed the impact of playing alongside MS Dhoni and learning from him as a player and a skipper.

Moeen Ali got his first taste of IPL when he was snaffled up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 IPL auction. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the 2021 season, only for the Chennai Super Kings to sign the mercurial all-rounder. He was an integral part of the title-winning side that year, becoming the first Englishman to lift the coveted trophy. 

Talking about his role and experience in the Chennai-based franchise, Ali expressed his gratitude to the team management for backing him at no. 3 while he was batting much lower down the order for the national team. 

"It made a big difference in my international career. When I was playing for England and batting at 7 (at 8 in Test matches), CSK sent me to No 3. The franchise gave me the responsibility and backing. The big thing is them signing me and then retaining me. The backing you get from CSK, and the way the franchise is run are absolutely amazing. Everyone says it is the best franchise," the Englishman said in an interview with Cricbuzz.

The biggest thing I am looking forward to is the Chepauk and its crowd: Moeen Ali

The 35-year-old globe-trotting all-rounder has learned a lot from playing under the influential MS Dhoni at CSK. The Englishman revealed learning a lot from the Indian great in a team that feels much more like a family. He is also looking forward to linking up with his Test skipper Ben Stokes at the franchise after he was signed for a club-record fee in the 2023 IPL auction.

"I spent some time with MS and spoke a lot. I ask questions about captaincy and he answers. It is very open like that. As a captain, I learnt a lot from him. I have also learnt a lot from his batting. You learn a lot in CSK. I don't know about other teams but CSK is a family franchise. I am looking forward to this season. They had a very good auction. I am looking forward to playing with the new players (they have bought Ben Stokes) and the biggest thing is I am looking forward to the Chepauk and its crowd," he added.