Mahendra Singh Dhoni might start playing international cricket before IPL 2020
Dhoni has not played cricket since India got knocked out of the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
Mumbai: Veteran Indian wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni might return to the international cricket scenario before the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL).
According to a report by India Today, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to permit seven top Indian cricketers to play for Asia XI, which will be playing two T20Is against the Rest of the World.
The BCB has asked the BCCI to allow MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Ravindra Jadeja to play for the Asian team.
During an interview with India Today, BCB Chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury stated, “Yes, Bangladesh is scheduled to host two T20 Internationals between Asia XI and Rest of the World. We are in touch with BCCI and other cricket boards of the Asian region to allow their players to be part of these two games.”
Dhoni has not played cricket since India got knocked out of the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, the 38-year-old cricketer remained out of action. Earlier, between July and August, the former Indian captain served the Indian army.
While, several reports stated, the Indian cricketer chose to make himself unavailable for the away series versus West Indies, home games against South Africa, Bangladesh, and also for the upcoming home fixtures against the Caribbeans.
Despite opting out of tours, the cricketer himself hasn’t spoken a word about his future.
Speaking on Dhoni’s future, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri stated, “Half the guys commenting on can’t even tie their shoelaces. Look at what he’s achieved for the country. Why are people in a hurry to see him off? Maybe, they don’t find enough talking points. He and everybody who knows him know he’ll be going away soon. So, let it happen when it has to.”
Shastri further added, “Let me say this: MS Dhoni has earned the right to retire when he wants to. And let this debate end once and for all.”
Nevertheless, the BCCI is yet to give a green signal to the BCB’s request. If BCCI gives a nod, that would provide more clarity on India’s one of the most successful captains’ future.