Dhoni continues to be a figure of inspiration for cricketers

Khaleel Ahmed recently shared a heartfelt story about MS Dhoni during an interview with former cricketer Aakash Chopra. Reflecting on his relationship with the iconic former India captain, Khaleel described Dhoni not just as a mentor but as a “guru.” He emphasised that Dhoni goes beyond being just a friend or elder brother, highlighting the significant influence Dhoni has had on his cricketing career.

In the interview, Khaleel recalled a special moment from India’s tour of New Zealand. Dhoni had been given a bouquet of flowers by his friends and casually passed them to Khaleel while they walked together. This simple gesture held deep meaning for Khaleel, symbolising Dhoni’s guiding presence in his journey as a cricketer.

Khaleel also shared a memorable experience from the 2018 Asia Cup. He had always dreamt of opening the bowling for India, inspired by watching Zaheer Khan as a child. During that tournament, Dhoni allowed him to bowl the first over, a moment Khaleel cherished, especially considering the significance of leading the attack under the guidance of a legend like Dhoni.

Meanwhile, speculation around MS Dhoni’s future continues to swirl, especially after his appearance in IPL 2024. Despite rumours about Chennai Super Kings (CSK) attempting to bring back a now-abolished rule that would allow Dhoni to be categorised as an ‘uncapped’ player—thereby lowering his price tag—the franchise’s CEO Kasi Viswanath has dismissed these claims. The rule in question allowed players to be considered ‘uncapped’ five years after their international retirement, but this provision was scrapped after IPL 2021. Viswanath confirmed that CSK made no such request, putting an end to the speculation.

Even after retiring from international cricket, Dhoni continues to be a figure of inspiration for cricketers like Khaleel Ahmed, a testament to the legacy he has built as a leader and mentor.