MS Dhoni’s self-imposed break from international cricket could be extended further if the latest reports from India are to be believed.
According to a report by the Mumbai Mirror, the India veteran wicketkeeper has extended his break from the international game to November and will likely not be available for the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh at home.
The 38-year-old has been away from cricket since the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup in England and played no part in India’s subsequent tour of the West Indies and the recently concluded T20 series against South Africa.
While Dhoni has been away from the limelight, India’s selectors have opted to groom Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper in all three formats with the youngster taking the gloves in both T20 series against Windies and South Africa.
Dhoni’s international future has been subject to intense speculation since India’s exit in the semi-final of the World Cup with the next major ICC tournament (2020 T20 World Cup) still being over a year away.
India veteran MS Dhoni.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has been away from the media scrutiny since returning from England but has not stopped the Indian team management from being bombarded with questions pertaining to his future.
Skipper Virat Kohli recently stated that Dhoni remains a valuable asset for the team as long as he ‘available’ while chief selector MSK Prasad has denied reports of a retirement being on the cards for the veteran.
India are slated to play three T20s against Bangladesh at the start of November and it now remains to be seen whether Dhoni returns for the home limited-overs clashes against West Indies in December this year.