MS Dhoni last featured in the 2019 world cup semi final clash against New Zealand where he was run out by Martin Guptill and as a result India bowed out of the tournament. He took a sabbatical leave to serve for his army battalion in the terrorist prone area of Awantipura in South Kashmir. He later missed on the home series and also didn’t make himself available for the New Zealand tour.
As the time passes by, the retirement rumours continue to be rife and the fans were awaiting the start of IPL, where the veteran glovesman will lead the Chennai Super Kings. However, the deadly coronavirus ensured that IPL was pushed off the schedule and with the country wide lockdown, IPL is likely to be postponed or cancelled for this year.
Meanwhile, former chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that if the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is not held, then the experienced Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s chance of making a place in the T20 World Cup for India will be greatly reduced. Srikanth said on the Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’, ‘I will be clear what I would have done if I was the chairman of the selection committee. If the IPL does not happen, then his (Dhoni) chance will be very less. ‘
Srikkanth said that the interest of the team should be ahead of the personal interest. Srikanth, who was a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team, said, “In my opinion, Lokesh Rahul will be the wicket-keeper batsman. About Rishabh Pant, I think he may have a little doubt but I believe he is a very talented player. “
“So I will not shy from having him in the team but it is certain that if the IPL is not done then it will be very difficult for Dhoni to return to the T20 World Cup squad,” he added.
