Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni eventually seen in action in the 2019 world cup semi finals against New Zealand where India lost the match. Dhoni himself made unavailable for the further International matches after that.
Dhoni is expected to make his way back to the competitive games through the IPL 2020. But due to coronavirus pandemic the IPL has been postponed to mid of April. BCCI also released a new update to host the IPL at the end of April or at the beginning of May.
BCCI assured that Dhoni’s performance in IPL would have a chance to bring him back to the squad. But with uncertainty over the tournament this year, Dhoni’s plans might have taken a big hit.
Keshav Ranjan Banerjee’s belief
While it looks his T20 World Cup hopes solely depends upon the IPL, his childhood coach Keshav Ranjan Banerjee still believes that the cricketer will find a place in the team.
“In the current scenario, IPL looks unlikely and we will have to wait for BCCI’s call. His (Dhoni’s) position will become tough obviously. But my sixth sense says he will get a chance in the T20 World Cup, which will be his last,” Banerjee told PTI.
Chennai Super Kings skipper also trained at CSK training camp before the sessions were suspended amid coronavirus pandemic. Banerjee also confirmed that the ageing cricketing hero is training at his home to keep himself in shape.
“I spoke to him last after he returned from Chennai and I’m in constant touch with his parents. He’s doing his fitness training and is fully fit. Now let’s wait for the BCCI’s decision. There’s no tournament. ICC tournaments are off till June. So we will have to wait and see.”
“He is fully fit and trained in Chennai for a week or so. Now everything is closed in Ranchi, earlier he would train at the JSCA. But now he’s confined at home and making use of the facilities at home. He has a gym, a badminton court, and a running corridor.” he said.
MS Dhoni’s experience in an asset
Earlier, likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag raised questions on Dhoni’s prolonged absence. However, Banerjee thinks that the experience of the cricketer will help him adjusting to the game again.
“True that he has not played a tournament (since July 2019) but for someone with 538 International matches, I don’t think it would take much time to adjust. It would have been a different scenario for a beginner. But it’s not the case with Dhoni he has got a wealth of experience. I think he will get a last chance,”.
“I’m sure BCCI (president, selectors, captain) are aware of the scenario. They will make the announcement when it’s the right time,” Banerjee further added.
