Tahir hopes to continue special journey with Chennai Super Kings

Dubai - The veteran South African leg spinner says MS Dhoni is the best captain in the world

Veteran South African leg spinner Imran Tahir is hoping that he can continue his special journey with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings and spoke in glowing terms about MS Dhoni, saying he is the best captain in the world.
The 41-year-old, who has played 20 Tests, 107 ODIs and 38 T20Is, has been with the three-time champions since 2018 and that first season was a great start for Tahir as CSK won their third title after returning from a two-season suspension.
"They are a very professional team. And we have the best captain in the world, Tahir told Anis Sajan, mentor of the Delhi Bulls franchise in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, also the managing director of Danube Group, in a video chat titled 'Cricket Unplugged with Anis Sajan.'

"I feel so comfortable, me and my family, because every time we go there, they treat us just as their family and this is something you won't see anywhere. CSK is the best franchise I've played for. What makes CSK special is we respect each other, we play really hard and we enjoy our victories. So, it has been an amazing experience playing for CSK. It is a very special feeling when you play for CSK. The CSK family is very close to my heart ," he added.
Tahir also spoke of the special relationship with former Indian captain MS Dhoni, under whom he has flourished, with the franchise.
Tahir first played under Dhoni at the Rising Pune Supergiant when CSK was suspended. Tahir was picked as an injury replacement for Australian Mitchell Marsh and the wily leg spinner made his mark by snapping up 18 wickets in 12 games.
And then, with CSK, Tahir won the Purple Cap last season after bagging 26 wickets in 17 matches.
"First thing that comes to my mind is what a special man he is. I have a lot of respect for him. I first met him when I got picked for Pune and actually I was quite nervous, I didn't know how to react. But I was amazed, I was outside my room door and he came to me from his room and said: 'Imran bhai, welcome. This is my room and you are more than welcome anytime.' This is probably the best thing to hear from a legend like Dhoni. Like I said, it was very kind of him. He is such a down to earth guy," said Tahir.
"It has been a special journey with him and I hope I get the chance to spend another year or two or three, until I'm playing, I play with him and then make my journey a bit more special," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com