'If you haven’t played for so long, you cannot come back from anywhere' - Kapil Dev on MS Dhoni's return

Former Indian captain and a three-time ICC trophy (T20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup and Champions Trophy) winner, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been on a sabbatical from international cricket and no one really knows when or if he’ll turn out for the Men in Blue ever again. Dhoni last played for India in the semi-final of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against New Zealand where he was run-out by a brilliant direct throw from Martin Guptill.

Since then Dhoni has been on a sabbatical and following his unavailability from the national set-up, questions galore regarding his International future. Dhoni, who has been attending public functions and also fulfilling his brand commitments, has shied away every time media has asked him the questions around his International future.

Ravi Shastri, head coach of Team India, has reiterated in the past that the pathway to Dhoni’s entry in the side will be decided after his performances in the Indian Premier League.

But former Indian World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev thinks it will be difficult for Dhoni to make a comeback, considering he hasn’t played any cricket in the past 6 months. The former all-rounder said that the former Indian skipper has done a lot for Indian cricket but at the same time, he hopes that the selectors do what is best for the country.

Dhoni still has the IPL to prove himself, feels Kapil Dev

“If you haven’t played cricket for so long then I don’t think you can come back from anywhere. But he still has IPL, his form there’ll be important and selectors should see what is best for the country.” Kapil was quoted as saying by ABP News.

“Dhoni has done a lot for the country but when you don’t play for 6-7 months, you leave a doubt in everyone’s mind. And then that creates a lot of discussions which shouldn’t happen,” added Dev.

Another veteran Sunil Gavaskar had also expressed his concern regarding MS Dhoni’s return. “Fitness is something that I can’t tell you anything about. The question that needs to be asked is of MSD himself. He has not made himself available to play for India since tenth of July. That is the important question. Does anybody keep himself away from playing for this long? That is the question and therein lies the answer,” Gavaskar had said.

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