Like any other MS Dhoni fan, I am also waiting for his return in the IPL: MSK Prasad

The absence of MS Dhoni from the sport has given rise to many speculations about his future in international cricket. The entire cricket fraternity is eagerly waiting for Dhoni’s return into the national squad. The 38-year-old last donned the Indian jersey in the heartbreaking defeat against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Since then, the former India skipper has stayed away from the game.

Moreover, Dhoni’s exclusion from BCCI’s annual contract list multiplied the possibility of his retirement. However, die-hard Dhoni fans were still hopeful to see him return to the cricket field in the much-awaited IPL 2020. However, fate took another turn as the tournament was postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 outbreak.

At the moment, Dhoni’s future looks in jeopardy as there is no certainty over the commencement of IPL 2020. While the question of Dhoni making a comeback still prevails, India’s former chief selector MSK Prasad has given his opinion on the former Indian skipper’s national comeback.

The former BCCI selection committee chief had a rather diplomatic stand after being asked about the return of Dhoni. Prasad said that he himself is a Dhoni fan and he is also waiting to see the wicketkeeper-batsman back in action.

MSK Prasad also heaps praise on KL Rahul

“Like any other fan of MSD, I was also waiting to see him in action in the IPL. Unfortunately, due to the prevailing situation, the IPL has been delayed. Let’s wait and see,” said Prasad in an interview with Rediff.

Prasad also discussed Pant’s stint with Team India and said that the young wicketkeeper-batsman went through the pressure after being compared with MS Dhoni.

“He is the only Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who got Test centuries in both England and Australia. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to step into the shoes of a legendary cricketer when time and again he is being compared (to Mahendra Singh Dhoni). He must have gone through tough times because of these expectations on him,” added Prasad.

Heaping praise on KL Rahul, Prasad also said that the Karnataka lad is capable of delivering across all formats. Despite having a rough period, KL Rahul’s rise to glory has been phenomenal and the right-hander has now emerged as a vital cog of the national side.

“KL is a phenomenal player and he is capable of performing well across all formats. Yes, he did have a bit of a rough period. But he has worked hard, he has gone back to domestic cricket, did extremely well for Karnataka and has come back stronger,” Prasad said.