I don't think IPL 2021 final was MS Dhoni's last game: KL Rahul

Indian opener KL Rahul is pleased and feels it is “amazing” to have MS Dhoni as the team’s mentor for the T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had named the former captain for the role in an unprecedented move.

One of the finest captains in the history of the game, MS Dhoni has the distinction of having won all three ICC tournaments – 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy – in his tenure. The 40-year-old, who is currently with the Indian team in Dubai, recently led his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings to their fourth title.

Rahul stated that given the team has spent a lot of time with him previously, having him back in the changeroom gives a sense of calmness.

“Obviously, MS Dhoni back with the team feels amazing because we have played under him and we have looked towards him as a mentor even when he was our captain,” Rahul said in a clubhouse session for Red Bull.

“We loved having him in the dressing room when he was the captain, we loved the calmness. We have all looked up to him to help us out, to have him here is amazing. This gives us a sense of calmness; I have enjoyed spending time with him in the first two to three days and it has been a lot of fun. Looking forward to chewing his brain about cricket, captaincy and all things cricket,” he added.

Dhoni can give any of us stiff competition: KL Rahul

Rahul lauded Dhoni’s fitness while admitting that he could very well compete with current lot of Indian players. He added that like everyone else, he would love to see him feature in another season of the IPL.

“None of us are sure that IPL 2021 final was his last game. I do not think, I would love to see MS Dhoni play for a lot more years if he could.

“I think Dhoni can give any of us stiff competition, he definitely is a guy who can hit the ball furthest, he is very strong and he is good between the wickets. He looks the fittest, it is good fun to have him,” Rahul added.