MS Dhoni particpated in a charity football game ahead of Australia series

MS Dhoni is perhaps the most relaxed cricketer in the Indian team. Not too far from wrapping up an illustrious career, the 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has made a thumping return to the batting form to vastly improve his chances for playing in the ICC World Cup this year.

He missed a couple of ODIs against New Zealand recently because of an injury but whatever time he has spent in the middle, the former India captain has always been found to be in the game, either through brilliant glovework or mentoring bowlers or clinically wielding his bat.

Dhoni is now set to play in the T20I and ODI series against Australia starting February 24 and the player was seen in a lighter mood ahead of the series testing his skills in football, the other sport he has a fascination for. The wicket-keeper had been a goal-keeper in his school days and hasn’t lost the love for the game still.

The Ranchi cricketer, who is often seen playing football during training sessions of the national side, played a charity football game in Juhu, Mumbai, earlier this week according to India Today. Some Bollywood celebrities also took part in the game including Dino Morea and Aparsakthi Khurana, brother of actor Ayushmann Khurana.

Donning football boots, Dhoni was seen in perfect shape while playing and was closely watched by a large crowd. It may be mentioned here that he had taken part in another similar charity match with the likes of Nick Jonas and Ishan Khatter after India’s Asia Cup triumph last September.

Dhoni batted splendidly in Australia ODIs

MS Dhoni replaced an in-form Rishabh Pant for the ODIs in Australia and he silenced his critics by hitting three fifties in as many games to help India win in two of those to clinch their first bilateral series down under. He bagged the Man of the Series award before heading for twin series against New Zealand where he played well yet again. Aaron Finch’s men will hope the man’s batting form doesn’t remain as consistent as it was Down Under.

That the 37-year-old is almost certain for India’s squad for the WC is evident from that fact that the selectors chose him along with Pant for the upcoming series against Australia and left out Dinesh Karthik, another seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman.

“MS, under whom we have won two major World Cups… the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 50-over World Cup in 2011… his experience will come to the fore. His mentoring will also be very crucial, crucial. We all know the chemistry Virat and Mahi share is very, very important. That’s the reason why I said MS Dhoni is very crucial,” chief selector MSK Prasad was quoted as saying by India Today.

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