'On what basis can he be selected' - Gautam Gambhir questions MS Dhoni's comeback in Indian team

Gautam Gambhir has always had some words to say about MS Dhoni. Gambhir, who played most of his international cricket under MS Dhoni, has publicly criticised the Indian captain for his certain decisions.

However, the former Indian opener who was one of the players on whom Dhoni showed his faith hasn’t even backed out to give Dhoni the credit where it is due. In a recent chat, Gambhir talked about the possible comeback of MS Dhoni and pointed out some crucial things related to it.

Former Indian player Gautam Gambhir said that if IPL is not held this year, then it will be really difficult for Dhoni to make a comeback into the Indian side. According to the report by the Quint, he pointed out that Dhoni hasn’t played enough matches to be selected in the team.

“If the IPL does not happen this year, then it will become very difficult for MS Dhoni to make a comeback. On what basis can he (Dhoni) be selected since he’s not been playing for the last one or one and a half year,” Gambhir said while voicing his opinion on Dhoni’s selection.

His observation is sort of correct. MS Dhoni hasn’t played international cricket since July last year. His last appearance was in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand. Since then, Dhoni hasn’t featured in any domestic cricket matches either.

Gautam Gambhir names KL Rahul as Dhoni’s replacement

The 38-year-old Gambhir also named KL Rahul as the apt replacement Dhoni. Gambhir went on praise Rahul for his versatility and said if IPL doesn’t happen, chances of Dhoni’s comeback look slim.

“Obviously his (Rahul’s) keeping is not as good as Dhoni’s, but if you are looking at T20 cricket, Rahul’s a utility player, can keep and bat at No. 3 or 4. If the IPL does not happen, then Dhoni’s chances for a comeback look dim,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir also pointed out that only the one who performs the best should be playing for India. He also said that retirement is Dhoni’s personal choice. “Ultimately, you are representing India, so whoever dishes out the best performance and can win the match for India should play for the team. As far as his retirement plans go by, that’s his personal choice.”