England’s seasoned all-rounder Moeen Ali believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni “could definitely” play in the IPL next year, playing down the widespread supposition that the ongoing season will be his last participation in the T20 league.
England’s seasoned all-rounder Moeen Ali believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni “could definitely” play in the IPL next year, playing down the widespread supposition that the ongoing season will be his last participation in the T20 league.
The World Cup-winning former India captain, who is now 41, still has a huge fan base throughout the entire nation. Last week, he nearly led CSK to victory over Rajasthan Royals with batting that reminded everyone of his best years.
“He could play again next year,”
Moeen was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNcricinfo’.
“The way he’s playing, I don’t think it’ll be his batting that stops him from playing, even if it’s in two, three years.
“I wasn’t surprised at how he played (against Rajasthan). I’ve been watching him in the nets, and he’s been batting unbelievably well.
“It’s just amazing to see from somebody at that age. It’s not easy when you come in so late – people forget that a lot of the time, but that’s what makes him so good at his role.”
Moeen also compared Dhoni to his former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, who led the country to its maiden 50-over World Cup victory in 2019.
“They’re very similar in how clear and calm they are, but also very different. Their interests and all that is very different.
“The biggest difference? MS does most of his captaincy on gut feel, on the day. It could be a bit like that with Morgs too, but he was also very data-driven. But they’re both so calm. In terms of mannerisms, they are very, very, very similar.
“The best way I could describe MS is that he’s a very normal person. Obviously, he has a massive following but there’s no big-headedness or anything like that. He’s very humble. You can talk to him about anything… he’s just as you see him on TV: approachable, calm.”
The 35-year-old spin bowling all-rounder, who had retired from Test cricket, is using the IPL to improve his bowling and “getting myself ready” for the World Cup, which India will host later this year.
He said it is likely to be his last ODI World Cup.
“It’s going to be important that I do bowl, and that I get my bowling up to the best place it can be,” Moeen said.
“It’s more than likely going to be my last 50-over World Cup, so I want to make sure it’s a good one – both for myself and the team. We want to defend the title, and spin could play a massive role in the World Cup.”