‘No motivation to play’ – MS Dhoni’s former teammates reveal veteran’s decision to retire

MS Dhoni, the Indian wicketkeeper, has apparently let his former teammates know about his decision to hang his boots from the sport. It’s been nine and half months since the 38-year-old was last seen on the cricket field during the 2019 World Cup semi against New Zealand. The Jharkhand-born will be turning 39 this July and it goes without saying that he’s at the fag end of his career.

Ever since he went on a sabbatical, talks of his retirement have been doing the rounds. Most of the experts have had their say on Dhoni’s importance in the Indian team and what he should be doing going ahead in the future. During his phase, he also served the Indian Army in the Kashmir Valley. He was set to make a comeback for CSK in the IPL, but the tournament has been postponed indefinitely.

MS Dhoni doesn’t want to block youngsters’ chances

If reports are to be believed, Dhoni will be deciding on his career after the T20 tournament next year. “He will take a call probably after the next year IPL on how to go about things in the T20 league,” a current senior cricketer, on conditions of anonymity, was quoted as saying in Sportskeeda.

“Now there is no motivation to play anymore. When there are people he feels who can replace him, he doesn’t want to block their chances,” another player stated.

“When there is nothing to prove, where is the question of playing IPL to get into the Indian team,” another member of the Indian cricket team, who once played with Dhoni, said.

Lately, it’s been learned Dhoni doesn’t wish hinder the youngster’s journey. Reportedly, Dhoni has also heaped praises on Rishabh Pant, saying that the southpaw has immense talent.

“Dhoni can still demand a farewell game, but he isn’t ready to disturb the combination of the Indian cricket team. He believes that Rishabh Pant can do a very good job both behind the stumps and with the bat,” a source close to the veteran added.

Earlier, reports said that Dhoni was eyeing the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy for his home state Jharkhand as a preparation for the IPL.