He Could’ve Still Played: Wasim Akram Explains Why MS Dhoni Retired Abruptly From International Cricket
Jun 6, 2023 at 4:40 PM
The way MS Dhoni has been performing in the Indian Premier League especially in the last edition of the competition, it would not be wrong to say that he still has a lot to offer as a cricketer.
Despite an injured knee, MS Dhoni performed really impressively behind the stumps. His lightning fast stumping to dismiss the in-form Shubman Gill in IPL 2023 final was one of the best wicketkeeping efforts in the competition.
There is not much to say about his captaincy as there are still very few in the game who can make decisions better than MS Dhoni. With the bat, he did not spend too much time on the field but it did not stop him from making a mark. Dhoni faced just 57 balls in IPL 2023 and smashed 104 runs with the help of 3 fours and 10 sixes.
Wasim Akram on MS Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket:
The way MS Dhoni has performed in IPL 2023, it has made many rue his retirement from international cricket. Dhoni had announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020 while his last appearance for Team India came during the semifinal of the 2019 ICC World Cup.
Many believe that the former India skipper could have continued playing for the team for few more years and former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram is also one of them. The legendary bowler recently talked about Dhoni and explained the reason behind his decision to retire from international cricket. Akram said that Dhoni could have continued playing for India if he wanted to but decided to retire at the right time.
“He could have still played for India if he wanted to, considering his performances. But, he retired at the right time and that’s why Dhoni is Dhoni,” Akram told Sportskeeda.
Speaking further, Akram said that Dhoni would play in the next IPL too, saying: “I think he’ll come back stronger next year.”
“He has the experience, calmness and is physically very fit. Most importantly, he has the passion to play. No matter how fit you are, if you don’t have the passion, you will not be able to come up with performances.”
“He is physically fit and did not sit out of any matches [in IPL 2023]. After a certain age, making a comeback is difficult. But, knowing Dhoni, if that passion is still there, he will train. Match practice is very important, but I am sure he knows what he is doing,” he added.
