If MS Dhoni wants to play, he will, we can’t say anything now: Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, the Indian fast bowler, said it’s up to MS Dhoni whether wishes to make a comeback or not. Dhoni, who will be turning 39 this July, hasn’t played any form of cricket since the 2019 World Cup and there’s no concrete news on when he will be coming back. He was set to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, which has been postponed due to COVID-19.

If reports are to be believed, the Jharkhand-born has revealed his decision of retirement to his friends and former teammates. Umesh expressed his opinions while picking India’s most suitable T20I eleven. As the wicketkeeper, he picked the young Rishabh Pant if Dhoni doesn’t play.

It’s MS Dhoni’s choice, says Yadav

“My T20 XI would have Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer as the batsmen. Then, you have MS Dhoni bhai. Abhi kya bol sakte hai, unki marzi rahegi toh wo khelenge [We can’t say anything now. If MS Dhoni wants to play for India, he will play]. If MS Dhoni bhai does not play, then Rishabh Pant,” Umesh was quoted as saying in an Instagram Live with Sportskeeda.

Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have rarely played T20Is together for the Men in Blue. But Yadav felt that the duo is among the best and hence picked both the wrist-spinners. In the pace department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah were his major picks. For the third seamer, Yadav said that there would be a hard competition between Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Shami.

“As for the spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Bumrah and Bhuvi will be the fast bowlers and it will be a tough fight for the third spot between Shami and Deepak Chahar. I don’t think I am in contention for that spot,” the speedster added.

Yadav was finding it difficult to break into the Indian team even last year. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s injury prior to the home series against South Africa opened the doors on him. He along with Shami and Ishant Sharma ruffled a lot of feathers in Test cricket. The 32-year-old is yet to gain his spot back in the ODI and T20I teams though.