CSK's latest attraction KM Asif talks about his endeavors to play under MS Dhoni

During the recent auctions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Stephen Fleming and co. managed to retain the nucleus of the successful Chennai Super Kings squad who were triumphant during the seasons of 2010 and 2011. One man named KM Asif, who developed a reputation of bowling at a brisk pace this season, was also bagged by the men in yellow.

Asif initially was more inclined to play football before developing an affinity towards tennis ball cricket. However, one thing led to another and there we see the speedster bowling at a rapid pace for the Kerala team in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy. He now has a chance to play under ‘Thala’ MS Dhoni.

“I used to play football till 10th standard. But, I also used to play tennis ball cricket with my friends. I come from Edavanna, Malappuram and most of my friends there, and the older boys as well, were interested in cricket and I used to play with them. Never wanted to become anybody per se, I just used to play because I loved it,” said KM Asif according to Sportskeeda.

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“Whether it was with Tennis ball or leather ball, I just wanted to play. I had a friend who played U-17 and on his advice, I applied to the GV Raja Sports School for selection into their cricket team. I also spoke to Surendran sir, who is a teacher there and hails from my hometown: and the more I talked to him, the more interested I became. And then I went there and got selected,” further added the Keralite.

For many aspiring cricketers in the country, it is indeed a dream to play under a stalwart of the game like MS Dhoni. Asif’s aspirations are also not so different. The 24-year old hailed MSD as the best captain in the world and thanked his stars for an opportunity to play under him in the upcoming editions of the high-octane league.

“As far as any cricketer is concerned, playing under Dhoni, or playing with Dhoni is like a dream. In fact, just bowling to him in the nets itself is such a great blessing. And now, I got selected for his team. Phew, what else can I ask for? After all, Dhoni is our Thala, isn’t he? The best captain in the world and I consider myself fortunate to play with somebody like him,” concluded KM Asif.

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