Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni has been on a sabbatical since India’s World Cup exit and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. While Dhoni has not announced his international retirement, the selectors have time and again made it clear that they intend to move forward, keeping next year’s World T20 in mind.
However, Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Banerjee believes the former India captain will return to play, but as of now, he needs rest.
“Dhoni has been playing relentlessly since 2004. So he deserves this sabbatical. Let him spend some time with his family,” Banerjee was quoted as saying by Times of India. He also said that Dhoni might have plans to play the next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia and then deliver a parting shot. “I think he will play the World T20 next year, then take a call,” Banerjee added.
Dhoni’s coach wants new players to be given opportunities
He also advised the Indian team management to give the deserving candidates a chance rather than settle for Dhoni’s return.
“More important than Dhoni’s return is providing the young ones who have impressed in domestic cricket a chance to play for India,” said Banerjee. “We should not waste their peak by making them play only domestic matches. Bangladesh series is the ideal opportunity to test them,” Banerjee further added.
Dhoni’s take on his retirement talks
MSD had broken his silence just before India’s last group stage game against Sri Lanka in the 2019 World Cup.
Dhoni said, “I don’t know when I will retire. But a lot of people want me to retire before tomorrow’s game,” according to ABP News.
