Afghanistan cricketer Rahmanullah Gurbaz expresses desire to play with MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is regarded as one of the best cricket players in history. Many young cricketers have the desire of playing with him, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Afghanistan is no exception. The 21-year-old admitted that playing alongside or against Dhoni had always been a dream of his.

The dynamic AB de Villiers was another player the young Afghan wished to play with, but unfortunately, that seems to be beyond the bounds of possibility right now. The young Afghanistan cricketer spoke about his heroes, sources of inspiration, and events that helped him become more interested in the sport.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, he said:

“I had two players in my life I want to play with but unfortunately, I did not play with them. One was AB de Villiers. I was really inspired by him. He was my idol. I followed him a lot from my childhood. He is retired now but one thing that I hope is possible this year is to play with MS Dhoni, against him and with him but in one game. I hope this dream comes true.”

IPL 2023, the platform for Gurbaz to fulfill his dream

Gurbaz still has a chance to fulfil his desire to play with MS Dhoni in franchise cricket despite the former Indian captain's retirement from international cricket. The 21-year-old, who was a part of the Gujarat Titans’ squad last year, did not get a single game to play in the IPL 2022. He was then traded to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2023, and has a chance of getting a game.

In 2019, Gurbaz made his Twenty20 International appearance against Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium. The wicketkeeper-batter has since played 35 T20Is, amassing 896 runs at an average of 25.6.  With 15 one-day international appearances under his belt and 582 runs scored overall, including three centuries and two half-centuries, the 21-year-old also boasts a respectable record.

The ILT20 competition, which begins on January 13, will feature him as a member of the Sharjah Warriors. Gurbaz expressed his joy at joining the team and expressed his desire to play good cricket with them. Additionally, he thinks that the team is evenly matched and that the new competition may present a thrilling opportunity for aspiring cricket players.

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