Speculations are high regarding MS Dhoni hanging his boosts after featuring in the recently-held ICC World Cup 2019 in the United Kingdom (UK).
The veteran cricketer Dhoni has recently made himself unavailable for the Windies tour. However, the recent reports maintained that Virat Kohli had requested Dhoni to defer his retirement.
Also, it suggested that Dhoni might continue till the 2020 T20 World Cup scheduled in November in Australia.
Recently, many thought ‘Mahi’ is mulling over retiring after the twelfth edition of the World Cup.
The right-handed batsman had amassed 273 runs in eight innings at an average of 45.50.
In the recent past, Mahi had struggled in the middle-order. The slow-starter had managed to score runs at the World Cup which included a fine half-century in the semis against New Zealand at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
MSD changed his mind:
Recently, the chief of selectors MSK Prasad had maintained that they’re looking at young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
To talk about the perception, many felt that it is the time for Dhoni to bid adieu to farewell. Dhoni had three ICC titles under his belt since 2007 T20 World Cup.
Also, the sources revealed that Dhoni had changed his mind after having a conversation with Kohli.
In the recent past, Kohli had backed Dhoni while asserting the veteran’s presence in the team had benefitted Team India.
“It was only after Virat (Kohli) advised Dhoni not to quit immediately that the latter changed his mind,” a statement quoted a source close to Kohli.
The main idea has been to groom to Pant during the Windies tour. Also, Dhoni had given his inputs to Delhi-based batsman.
Furthermore, the report revealed that Kohli believes Dhoni is fit. It further added Dhoni could make an entry in the Team India if Pant suffers any injury.
“Virat feels that Dhoni has no fitness issues and can continue till the T20 World Cup next year if required by the team. The logic is that while grooming Pant, the Indian think-tank does not want any other wicketkeeper in the team. And, if Pant suffers any injury or loss of form during this time, then Dhoni can easily come in without any issues,” the source concluded.
The 38-year-old Ranchi-star had played 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20Is since 2004.