MS Dhoni is the best ever wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team: Kamran Akmal

Not many people would point their finger to argue that MS Dhoni is regarded as one of the most decorated skippers of the sport. There was no looking back for the Ranchi stalwart after clinching the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Post the T20 World Cup triumph, Dhoni even steered the Men in Blue to success in 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. He is the only captain in the history of the sport to have won three ICC trophies. After Sourav Ganguly, Dhoni played a pivotal role in flourishing Indian cricket, especially in terms of winning the silverware.

There have been many instances when the opposition team has also lauded Dhoni’s presence of mind and exemplary batting as well as wicketkeeping skills. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal also heaped praise on Dhoni and labelled him as one of the best players to have ever graced the game. Kamran added that the former Indian captain deserves immense credit for delivering consistent performances throughout his career.

“I feel he is the best ever wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team who has achieved so much for India, unbelievable. The way he has performed consistently, to keep an average above 50 in ODIs and play such match-winning innings,” Kamran said on YouTube show CricCast.

Akmal also recalled India’s ODI series victory in Pakistan in 2006 when Dhoni had delivered impressive knocks in almost all the matches. Akmal also pointed out Dhoni’s achievements and the three major trophies which he has under his belt.

Dhoni is an unbelievable performer: Kamran Akmal

“We remember the way he took the ODI series away from us in Pakistan. The way he started against Pakistan A in Kenya, he carried on like that till the end.

However much credit you can give to MS Dhoni – 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, IPL, Champions Trophy – I feel all achievements are there in his captaincy. He is an unbelievable performer, I will say very few players come to cricket like MS Dhoni,” said Akmal, who donned the Pakistan jersey in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is.

Apart from Dhoni, Akmal also lauded Rohit Sharma and tagged the opener as an ‘unbelievable’ batsman. The wicketkeeper-batsman also highlighted Rohit’s feat of smashing five tons in the 2019 World Cup. Rohit is the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs.

“Amazing, unbelievable batsman. The amount of pleasure you get in watching him bat, his timing, temperament and commitment level while batting is unbelievable.

“I guess he is the only batsman who has two double-hundreds. And then he scored 5 centuries in the last World Cup and his timing is so pleasing,” said Akmal.

Here’s the video: