Dhoni will get a chance in T20 World Cup even if IPL is cancelled – Keshav Ranjan Banerjee

 
MS Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Ranjan Banerjee believes the former skipper will get a chance for the last hurrah in the T20 World Cup even if the forthcoming IPL is cancelled. Dhoni last turned out for the Indian team in the semi-final match of the World Cup against New Zealand. Subsequently, it was expected that he might call it a day from International cricket after the ODI showpiece but it wasn’t to be the case.

Banerjee believes Dhoni’s selection in the Indian squad for the World T20 will be difficult as he hasn’t played any professional cricket of late. Dhoni has been out of action for the last nine months and it’s going to be difficult for him to get back into the side. Furthermore, the talisman isn’t playing in the domestic circuit, which puts a question mark on his future.

It was expected that a good season for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2020 could have led to Dhoni’s comeback in the side but the tournament is likely to be cancelled amid the coronavirus crisis.

“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 told PTI from Ranchi.

Meanwhile, Dhoni will turn 38 in July but there is no doubt that he is still fit as a fiddle. Banerjee added Dhoni is working on his fitness and he is fully fit. However, they still need to wait for the BCCI official statement regarding the fate of the IPL.

“I spoke to him after he returned from Chennai and I’m in constant touch with his parents. He’s doing his fitness training and is fully fit.

“Now let’s wait for the BCCI’s decision. There’s no tournament. ICC tournaments are off till June. So we will have to wait and see.”

On the other hand, Dhoni has all the experience under his belt, which is his biggest asset. Dhoni hasn’t played any cricket in the recent past and he could be a tad rusty when he comes back but his childhood coach believes he would take less time to hit the ground running again.

“True that he has not played a tournament (since July 2019) but for someone with 538 International matches, I don’t think it would take much time to adjust,” said Banerjee.

“It would have been a different scenario for a beginner. But it’s not the case with Dhoni who has a wealth of experience. I think he will get a last chance,” maintained Banerjee.

It will be difficult for MS Dhoni to make a comeback having been out of action for a long time. However, there is no denying that Dhoni has been a champion and if there is someone who can make such a majestic return, it has to be him.

Written by: Gautam Chauhan