'If IPL 2020 does not happen, MS Dhoni's India comeback chances look very bleak' - K Srikkanth

The never-ending debate over MS Dhoni’s future has been consistent since the former skipper’s absence from the game. The 38-year-old has not donned the national jersey since India’s defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of World Cup 2019. Post India’s exit from the marquee event, Dhoni was on a sabbatical and since then, speculations over his retirement have been doing rounds across social media.

India head coach Ravi Shastri had also stated that the national comeback of Dhoni depends on his performance in IPL 2020. The former Indian skipper was all set to lead Chennai Super Kings in much-awaited IPL 2020. However, the tournament has come to a standstill due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the globe. The possibility of the tournament to commence looks bleak and so does Dhoni’s national comeback.

Amid all the rumours about Dhoni’s retirement, former Indian international and ex-chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has opined about Dhoni’s future with the Indian team.

K Srikkanth bats for KL Rahul as India’s wicketkeeper-batsman

Srikkath stated that with the possibility of IPL 2020 getting called off, Dhoni’s return to the national side looks very bleak. Srikkanth has placed his bets on KL Rahul to be the next wicketkeeper-batsman of Team India and hence, chances of Dhoni’s comeback look very weak.

“I am not going to be diplomatic. I am talking about if I was the chairman of the selection committee, what would I do. If the IPL does not happen then his chances are very, very bleak,” Srikkanth said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

“Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be the wicketkeeper-batsman. Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh Pant is highly talented.”

“So, I wouldn’t mind taking him along with the squad, but definitely, if the IPL doesn’t happen, then Dhoni will have a difficult time getting back into the team for the T20 World Cup,” he added.

Srikkanth opined that there’s no scepticism over Dhoni’s fitness. However, with the World Cup team in contention, one needs to put the Indian team first before any individual.

“Let’s be very honest about it. He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself. But the question is for the World Cup team. So you’ll have to put the Indian team first and then the individuals.”