Only a terrific IPL 2020 can get MS Dhoni a berth in India squad for T20 World Cup, believes Ravi Shastri

The perennial question about whether MS Dhoni will make a return to Team India was answered by head coach Ravi Shastri recently in an interview. The former India captain is yet to play any cricket ever since his half-century in the semi-final of the 2019 ICC World Cup, which India lost to New Zealand and post that, he has been on a sabbatical.

MS Dhoni spent some time with the army and since then, has been seen touring the world with his family. The former Indian skipper recently celebrated the New Year in Ranchi and is recently having some fun in Mussoorie with his family alongside his in-laws. Dhoni himself had said to a reporter that no speculations should be made on his return till January 2020, and it was confirmed that he will play IPL 2020.

“I have had a conversation with MS Dhoni and that is between us”: Ravi Shastri

“I have had a conversation with MS and that is between us. He has finished his Test career, he may soon end his ODI career. So, he will be left with T20, he will definitely play the IPL. One thing I know about Dhoni is that he will not impose himself on the team. But if he has a cracking IPL, well, then..” Shastri was quoted as saying by news18.com.

MS Dhoni will be leading Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season. He won his third title when the franchise made their comeback after a two-year ban in 2018 and then led the team to the finals in 2019 as well, where they lost to Mumbai Indians. However, with selectors backing Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson also knocking on the door of selectors, Shastri mentioned that the choice would come down to some factors.

“We will have to consider a person’s experience and form. They will bat in the number 5-6 position. If Dhoni plays well in IPL then he does put himself in contention,” he said. Dhoni is 38-years-old and Shastri still says that he is one of the fittest players going around in international cricket and he feels that the CSK captain needs a terrific outing in this year’s tournament if he is to stake a claim for a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

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