Playing at Ranchi without Dhoni will be different: Anil Kumble

Team India head coach Anil Kumble looks confident about the prospects of the third Test of the India vs Australia series. The third Test of the 4-match series commences on March 15 at the JSCA Stadium at Ranchi. Ranchi is set to become the 26th Test venue in India. The city of Ranchi is best renowned for their local hero MS Dhoni for the cricket fans. This will be the first instance when an international match being played at the venue will not see Dhoni in the action. Dhoni had retired from the longest format of the game back in 2014.

However, as per the recent quotes in India Today, Anil Kumble is hopeful that Dhoni will turn up to watch his team play. Kumble noted that the first ever Test match at the venue will be a big moment for the Jharkhand cricket. Jharkhand has been one of the most improving cricketing states in India. “This is going to be the first Test in Ranchi and it’s a historic moment for Jharkhand cricket,” Kumble quoted.

He further said that despite Dhoni being involved in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the moment, he hopes that the former skipper will come at the venue to witness the historic moment. He also added that playing without Dhoni at Ranchi will definitely be a different thing altogether.

Dhoni is currently leading the Jharkhand team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year. Under his leadership, the team has done reasonably well to reach the knockouts of the tournament. “Hope MS Dhoni comes to watch the Test. I know he is busy with the Vijay Hazare trophy. Playing without him at his home ground will be different,” Kumble conceded further.

Meanwhile, Kumble is with the national side for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Team India bounced back really well in the Bengaluru Test to register a turn around victory. Their win in the second Test has kept the series in balance with a game in the kitty of both the sides. Prior to the Bengaluru Test, the hosts were shocked by the visitors at Pune where team India lost the match in under 3 days of play.