Reports: MS Dhoni desires to play upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy

MS Dhoni, the veteran Indian player, who hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the 2019 World Cup semis, wishes to make his comeback in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy. The 38-year-old has played in only a single edition of the tournament in 2007. Back then, he plied his trade in four matches for Jharkhand, scoring 123 runs at a decent average of 61.50.

It has been learned that Dhoni talked about his desire with the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA). Reports suggest that Dhoni might be taking the decision after the lockdown period, which has been imposed due to the massive coronavirus outbreak.

“Dhoni has been training in the JSCA international complex now and then and has been in touch with JSCA officials,” a source was quoted as saying in Sportskeeda.

MS Dhoni wants to be match ready for the IPL

Dhoni was set to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the indefinite postponement of the popular T20 event. He also attended the practice sessions, which had to be cancelled as well.

The IPL was speculated to be a platform for Dhoni to stake his claim back in the national side. But now it’s been known that he wants to use the SMAT to get himself prepared for the IPL.

“He has expressed his interest to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy next year, even JSCA put forward the proposal to him. He has always expressed his interest in giving back to state cricket. He will take a decision post lockdown about this, there is no hurry either. He wants to be match ready for the IPL, and will use the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as practice,” the source added.

From the second week of July 2019, Dhoni has been on a sabbatical and he also went to serve the Indian Army at the Kashmir Valley. In the meantime, speculations regarding his future and when he will be hanging his boots from the sport also did the rounds. In July this year, Dhoni will be turning 39 and it won’t be wrong in saying that he is at the fag end of his career.