ICC World T20 2021: What does having MS Dhoni means for Team India? KL Rahul reckons

Legendary former Indian skipper MS Dhoni is back with Team India, as he will be mentoring the side for the ICC World T20 2021, being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the first time he has been associated with the side since announcing his retirement from international cricket last year.

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On Monday, India played a warm-up game against England, its first competitive game under Dhoni, as India won the clash by six wickets in a high-scoring battle. Wicketkeeper-opener KL Rahul was one of the top-scorers, scoring 51, while he said that having Dhoni back in the dressing room has given the side a 'sense of calmness'.

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During a clubhouse session with Red Bull Campus Cricket, Rahul said it feels fantastic for the side to have him back in the Indian camp, as he was their mentor even when the side played under his captaincy, reports PTI. He added that the team admired his calmness, while the time spent with him so far has already been a lot of fun for the side, besides expecting some priceless inputs from the legend in due course of the competition.

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Also, he said that none of the players in the Indian camp feels that Dhoni had played his last game in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having just led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to its fourth title. He also considered that Dhoni can still hit the farthest six in the entire side, as he is strong, besides running perfectly between the wickets, while he is healthy and fit.

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Speaking on his recent good run in the format, Rahul acknowledged that playing consistently in the IPL has helped his performance, as he has now adapted himself to the conditions of the gulf. Also, the IPL 2020 stint in UAE helped him prepare better for this IPL and the WT20.

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However, he clarified that the bubble life is not easy to deal with, despite being excited a year ago, as everyone was looking forward to playing cricket after a five-month lengthy COVID-forced break. But, he feels that the bubble life has brought the players closer due to continued interactions and meetings, while he has been busy playing with Hardik Pandya's son Agastya, as he loves spending time with kids.