CALCUTTA (India): Indian Cricketers’ Association President and former India cricketer Ashok Malhotra said that fans may not see Mahendra Singh Dhoni play again for the national team.
The lack of a central contract from BCCI had sparked rumours of Dhoni’s retirement, but Chennai Super Kings owner N Srinivasan confirmed last week that the former India captain will be leading the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise in 2021 as well.
“Dhoni is a star. What he will do is up to him. Cricketer like him knows when to stop. But I think being out of the game since last July, returning to action will be difficult,” Malhotra told Khel Updates.
The BCCI may have had already hinted at giving a farewell by excluding the 38-year-old from the central contract by not picking him for the ongoing New Zealand tour.
“I’ve serious doubt whether I will see him in the 2020 Twenty20 World Cup in Australia,” added Malhtora, who played 7 Tests and 20 ODIs from 1982 to 1986 for India.
Dhoni played his last international game in the ICC World Cup semifinals against New Zealand. After that, the veteran wicketkeeper went on a sabbatical.
India head coach Ravi Shastri recently had said the cloud over Dhoni will become clear after the conclusion of IPL.
Dhoni didn’t play for India since July 9, 2019
Dhoni, who last played in a T20I against Australia on February 27, 2019, had captained India in ODI from 2007 to 2016, and in Test cricket from 2008 to 2014.
The former captain, who led India to 2011 World Cup victory, scored a fighting 50 against New Zealand in the semis on July 9 but was unfortunately run out at crucial stage which ended India’s dream.
But Malhotra, 62, is not so optimistic of Dhoni’s return to the national squad.
“The selectors have kept faith in Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. If they click in New Zealand, it is less likely that Dhoni will make a comeback into the squad even though he is a big name,” added the former India selector.
