Reports: MS Dhoni made up his mind to hang his boots

MS Dhoni’s plan for the future has been one of the hot topics doing the rounds ever since he went off the field after the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Former Team India’s selector MSK Prasad, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and a number of others have been quizzed about the 38-year-old veteran from Jharkhand. However, there hasn’t been anything concrete as of yet.

But sources privy to the enigmatic cricketer have said that Dhoni has already made up his mind to bid cricket goodbye. It’s been learned that Dhoni has already opened up on his retirement plans to his close ones, though he hasn’t had an official word with the BCCI, the world’s richest cricket board.

“Officially, he is yet to have a word with the BCCI officials, but he has revealed his mind to his close friends. When time comes, he will reveal it all,” a top source was quoted as saying to Sportskeeda.

MS Dhoni not planning retirement before IPL, says sources

It’s also been known that Dhoni won’t be quitting the sport before assessing his form in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “Otherwise, he would have announced his retirement a long time ago,” the source stated.

Dhoni was set to make a comeback in the 2020 edition of the IPL. He also attended a few practice sessions. But the coronavirus pandemic has led to the postponement of the cash-rich tournament, which was set to start on March 29.

Keshav Banerjee, Dhoni’s childhood coach, is of the opinion that his student can still make the squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. He also reckons that the hosting the IPL is unlikely, bearing in mind the gravity of the situation.

“In the current scenario, IPL looks unlikely and we will have to wait for BCCI’s call. His (Dhoni’s) position will become tough obviously. But my sixth sense says he will get a chance in the T20 World Cup, which will be his last,” Banerjee had said.

Dhoni was also reported to have backed out from India’s home series against South Africa. It was known that he didn’t show interest of coming back when a selector had contacted him.