The suspense regarding MS Dhoni’s international future had increased significantly since the 2019 World Cup when he last played for the side against New Zealand in the semi-finals of the mega event.
After that game, fans haven’t yet seen Dhoni donning the prestigious Indian jersey. MSD has remained unavailable for all of India’s home and away series since then, and was set to make a comeback in IPL 2020.
The 13th season of IPL was a perfect stage for Dhoni to impress the selectors to make a comeback in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in Australia later this year.
However, due to the deadly outbreak of coronavirus, the BCCI was forced to suspend the tournament until April 15. Many reports also suggest that the IPL could be delayed to next year.
Now, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has dropped his thoughts and brushed off the possibility of Dhoni’s return. Gavaskar expressed that it is ‘unlikely’ that Dhoni will be going to Australia for the World Cup.
“I would definitely like to see Dhoni in India’s World Cup squad, but it’s highly unlikely that it is going to happen,” Gavaskar told Dainik Jagran.
The Little Master also said that Dhoni would silently announce his retirement from the game.
“The team has moved on. Dhoni is not someone to make big announcements, so I reckon he would silently retire from the game,” added Gavaskar.
Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg also believes that Dhoni shouldn’t be included in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup. Hogg said that Dhoni hasn’t played international cricket for a whole lot of time. Hogg further expressed that even if Dhoni plays the IPL, he won’t be having the desired amount of practice.
While replying to a question asked by a fan on Twitter. Hogg wrote. “Pending IPL performances, but sadly I think not, due to lack of international exposure lately & IPL he is playing the majority of games in Chennai (if it goes ahead) which is suited for a spin, not pace, the conditions he will get in Australia. #hoggytime #IPLT20.”
Pending IPL performances, but sadly I think not, due to lack of international exposure lately & IPL he is playing the majority of games in Chennai (if it goes ahead) which is suited for spin not pace, the conditions he will get in Australia. #hoggytime #IPLT20 https://t.co/KBRJQMOBhF
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) March 21, 2020
Dhoni has been the most valuable asset for Team India. He is the only captain in the history of cricket to win all the ICC trophies. Under his leadership, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
