Having enjoyed IPL stints with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under his astute leadership, Albie Morkel is still in awe of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Morkel, the former South African all-rounder, considers Dhoni a pillar of great strength for CSK. The team has enjoyed immense success over the years with him at the helm.
“Dhoni plays a big role. We all know how big Dhoni is in India, and the brand of cricket he plays," Morkel told Sportstar. "He is one of the best T20 and white-ball players ever to play the game and if you get him as a leader, it is going to bring success as he knows how to get the best out of his players."
Great emphasis on clarity of plans and retaining a core group of players, Dhoni's shrewd ways have helped CSK become one of the most consistent IPL sides in a format where teams are most vulnerable to be inconsistent, winning three titles.
"It all comes from keeping your core group of players together for a long time and have the same captain, Dhoni, for all seasons except for the two years when they weren’t part of the competition," Morkel added. "Consistency is their secret. Over the last few seasons, they have made the finals eight times out of 10."
Morkel also talked about an issue long plaguing South African cricket. With a strict racial policy in place and a weakening economy, Proteas have had a massive talent exodus, especially of white South African cricketers, who are plying their trade now in county cricket as Kolkak players.
But the ex all-rounder, whose own brother Morkel went the Kolpak route two years back, is hoping that with the UK leaving the European Union, the situation will change as no new players will be able to sign Kolpak deals.
“Well, I think, England went the Brexit route so Kolpak will fall away. So most of the SA guys have one more season in England, I think. They can’t qualify lest they sign as an overseas player. I think we will get a few guys back into our system," said Morkel.
“The core head of the bowling department is gone with Dale Steyn [retired from Tests], Morne and Vernon Philander. Kagiso Rabada has shown that he is capable of filling their boots, so is Lungi Ngidi but the only concern will be their fitness," he added.
"The body needs to get used to a lot of bowling. They are all good new-ball bowlers. Anrich Nortje is a young exciting prospect."
(Inputs from Sportstar)
