Aakash Chopra opines whether MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers would make a comeback to international cricket

International cricket may have flagged off with the England-West Indies Tests but the future of two prominent players is still vague. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, fans are still doubtful over the international comeback of two cricketing stalwarts– MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers.

Both the veterans, who are in the latter phase of their career, were anticipated to brace international cricket in the T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia. However, with the surge in COVID-19 cases across the globe, the showpiece event has been postponed by the ICC.

Dhoni has not played internationally for over a year as he took a sabbatical after India’s semi-final exit at 2019 World Cup. The veteran was also going to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the thirteenth edition of the IPL but the league was postponed in the wake of coronavirus debacle. Amid his truancy, Dhoni has kept mum on his future but many former players like Harbhajan Singh have hinted that the Ranchi stalwart has already called it quits.

IPL 2020 was looked as an important tournament for Dhoni as well as AB de Villiers. Both the prolific players were expected to pave their way into their national side on the back of their performances in the IPL. However, the coronavirus outbreak has put the feasibility of the T20 extravaganza in jeopardy. But according to reports, the BCCI is keen to shift the tournament to the UAE in late September.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra, while addressing the international futures of AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni in response to a fan’s question, said he feels both of them can play international cricket again.

Don’t think Dhoni’s comeback is dependent on IPL: Aakash Chopra

According to Chopra, it’s up to the former India skipper to take a call on his international return. Chopra said that Dhoni will pave his way back into the side if the team management wants him to don the India jersey again.

“When it comes to MS Dhoni, only he knows. There is nothing to talk about his form, because he hasn’t played for a year now and what to say about form? I don’t think his comeback is dependent on IPL,” Chopra said on his YouTube show Aakash Vani. “If he wants to play and makes himself available and India wants to pick him, then he will be fine, he will be absolutely fine,” he added.

Meanwhile, on AB de Villiers, Chopra said that the South African stalwart is as good as ever and he’s ready to brace the field for playing international cricket. The right-hander was seen in action in the inaugural 3 Team Cricket Solidarity Cup in Centurion, where he hogged the headlines by smashing a quick-fire 61 off just 24 deliveries.

“ABD’s form is still very good. His whole comeback has been facilitated. Sooner than later, you will see him playing again. If the T20 World Cup happens this year, you can see him (playing for South Africa) this year, or if it happens in 2021, then next year. I don’t think there is any problem. ABD, no doubt, he will be playing international cricket sooner than later,” said Chopra in the video.

Here’s the video: