MS Dhoni’s last competitive match dates back to July last year against New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. A prolonged sabbatical diminished his chances of making a comeback into the side ahead of the World T20 in Australia.
Is it over for MS Dhoni?
A good show in the IPL would have helped him get back into the international fold. But as the cash-rich tournament got postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the immediate future looks gloomy for the World Cup-winning captain.
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth feels Dhoni’s chances of making a comeback took a jolt due to the postponement of the IPL. He believes KL Rahul will be keeping wickets in the marquee event. Rahul has been in fine form in white-ball cricket.
“If the IPL does not happen then his chances are very, very bleak. Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be the wicketkeeper-batsman. Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh Pant is highly talented,” said Srikkanth at the Star Sports Cricket Connected show.
Srikkanth, who is also an ex-chief selector, further stated there are no questions over Dhoni’s calibre. According to him, the team should be prioritized over an individual.
“Let’s be very honest about it. He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself. But the question is for the World Cup team. So you’ll have to put the Indian team first and then the individuals,” Srikkanth added.
Dhoni faced heavy criticism for playing a slow knock against England in the World Cup, which resulted in India’s only loss in the group stages. The veteran hit a fifty in the knock-out World Cup game against the Black Caps but failed to get his side over the line.
