Don’t think MS Dhoni will play for India again: Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra, the former Indian fast bowler, doesn’t think that MS Dhoni will again be donning the national jersey in the future. It’s been over nine months since the Jharkhand-born was last seen on the cricket pitch and there’s no clear picture on his return. The 38-year-old was set to return for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, after the IPL was deferred indefinitely, Dhoni’s return has also been postponed. To Nehra, MSD is still the first choice as the keeper due to stupendous level of fitness. Even as Ashish feels that there are minimum chances of Dhoni’s comeback, he’s not ruling out a surprise from the veteran.

MS Dhoni can still spring another surprise, feels Nehra

“Look, if MS wants to play and is fit, he is still my No. 1 choice for the wicketkeeper’s slot. Knowing MS, I don’t think he will play again for India, but you never know he can still spring another surprise. Yes, that he has not announced his retirement is a different issue. But that’s his way of dealing with the situation,” Nehra was quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

The now 40-year-old Nehra was a part of Team India when Dhoni captained the team to their second 50-over World Cup title after 28 years IN 2011. In 2016, Nehra also staked his claim back for the Men in Blue under Dhoni’s leadership.

Earlier Punjab spinner Harbhajan Singh, in conversation with Rohit Sharma on Instagram Live, also reckoned that Dhoni may not be making a comeback. Recently, it has been learned that MSD is in talks with the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) for a comeback in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.

Back in March, Dhoni was a part of CSK’s practice sessions, which ultimately had to be called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. During his short stay, he conjured praises from his teammates as well. Dhoni last played in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup.

There he notched a half-century, but couldn’t take India over the finishing line. At the fag end of the game, Martin Guptill ran him out with a direct hit when Dhoni was going for a double.