There is no confirmation on the former Indian World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni’s future in the international cricket. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar feels that Dhoni should have retired after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Last time, MS Dhoni played a cricket match during the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 where India suffered a heartbreaking 18-run defeat against New Zealand at Manchester on 10th July 2019 (reserve-day). Chasing down the 240 runs target, while the top-order Indian batsmen lost their wickets cheaply, Dhoni (50) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) fought brilliantly and almost inspired the team to the victory.
Since that tournament exit, Dhoni has always made himself unavailable for the cricket matches. However, he hasn’t clarified about his international future yet – whether he will return to the Indian team or retire from international cricket. There is only confirmation that Dhoni will return to the cricket during IPL 2020 where he will continue his leadership role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, the IPL 2020 has been postponed amid coronavirus outbreak and it has thwarted Dhoni’s return to the game.
Some believe that Dhoni has already played his last game for India. Some others believe that Dhoni wants to play for India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 and his return is depending on his performances in the IPL 2020.
MS Dhoni should leave cricket with dignity: Shoaib Akhtar
While many speculations are running in the cricket world about Dhoni’s international cricket future, Shoaib Akhtar believes that Dhoni should have retired from the cricket after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 rather than dragging it. Talking about this, Akhtar gave his example as he decided to retire from the cricket after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 although he could feature in the shorter formats for another three-four years.
Akhtar told PTI, “This guy has served to the best of his ability. He should leave cricket with dignity. I don’t know why he dragged it for so long. He should have retired after the World Cup. If I would have been in his place, I would have hung up my boots. I could have played shorter formats for three-four years but I left (after the 2011 WC) as I wasn’t into the game 100 per cent. So why drag?”