In recent times, the enigma surrounding former India captain MS Dhoni’s playing career has transformed into a rather perplexing subject. Fans and pundits all across the global cricket fraternity have chimed in with speculations as to what the future holds for MSD. But in the absence of any form of actual cricket action whatsoever- owing to the global COVID-19 pandemic; to fixate on any one particular suggestion can be quite misleading.
That’s not to say predictions around the ‘Captain Cool’s much-anticipated comeback have stopped. Recently, several former cricketer(s) opened up to the sports website Sportskeeda offering their insights on the subject. The player(s) did wish to remain anonymous though, adding to the suspense-element of the situation.
According to our unnamed sources-in-question, Dhoni seems to have postponed his plans until the end of the next IPL season; whenever that might happen. This particular suggestion comes on rather expected lines; given how many fans had described IPL 13 as Dhoni’s ‘make or break’ season. “He will take a call probably after the next year IPL on how to go about things,” one of the sources divulged.
A certain player closely associated with Dhoni further revealed that he had lost his motivation to represent the national team anymore. The source even reasoned that Dhoni voluntarily remained ‘unavailable’ for selection; to not block opportunities for some of the younger players. “Now, there is no motivation to play anymore. He feels there are young players out there to replace him, so he doesn’t want to block their chances.”
“No urgency around the IPL”- anonymous source
Somewhat conflictingly to some of the more popular opinions, one of the players opined that the ‘do or die’ theme around Dhoni’s next IPL is exaggerated.“When there is nothing to prove; then where does the question of playing IPL to get into the national team stem from,” they argued.
Before concluding, one of the sources offered an interesting take on Dhoni’s dynamics with Rishabh Pant. The source revealed that Pant and Dhoni shared a great camaraderie off the pitch; and MSD, in all likelihood, looks at the 22-year old Pant as his successor. “Dhoni can demand a farewell game, but he won’t disturb the combination of the Indian cricket team. He believes that Rishabh can do a very good job both behind the stumps and with the bat,” they concluded.