IPL 2020: MS Dhoni practising his wicketkeeping in UAE is new; I have never seen him do it, says Irfan Pathan

Those who know MS Dhoni, they very well know that he never goes through wicketkeeping practice ahead of any series or match. On match days MS Dhoni is often seen warming up with a friendly but competitive football session with his teammates.

But the latest videos coming out from UAE is showing the former Indian captain doing wicketkeeping practice. That has come as a surprise for his former Indian and CSK teammate Irfan Pathan. While speaking to Star Sports. the former all-rounder said that never ever in his career has he seen Dhoni go through his wicketkeeping drills.

Irfan Pathan opined that MS Dhoni’s long absence from professional cricket can be one of the reasons for this change in stance. The Baroda-born added that Dhoni might also be going through the drill to check the new bowlers in the squad.

«We have seen a new visual where we have seen MS Dhoni keeping the wickets. This never happens, this is something new for me because I have played cricket for so many years with him, whether it is for the Indian team or in the league with CSK, I have never seen him keeping wickets.

«So this is because he has not played cricket for a long time. I guess there was some leg-spinner bowling, so he may be trying to check the new bowlers but it is good to see that he is doing keeping during practice,» Irfan Pathan said.

Further, fans have turned out in number to cheer Dhoni in UAE despite coronavirus pandemic. The Ranch-born who retired from international cricket on August 15, has been cheered by numerous fans while boarding the team bus.

Irfan Pathan said he was not surprised to see these visuals and it was expected. Pathan added that this has happened for years and that it was actually good for the CSK camp, which had to face disruptions after the pull-out of their star players Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh.

«Absolutely, this had to happen. And these are good visuals because there have been some disruption in Chennai Super Kings after the withdrawal of two players with Suresh Raina coming back and Harbhajan Singh not playing.

«So, it is a good news that practice has started and it is not a surprise that fans have reached there to see MS Dhoni. This is happening for so many years and it is not a shock that it is happening now also. COVID is there but still fans have reached there to watch MS Dhoni.»

Source: indiatoday.in