Don't Push MS Dhoni Into Retirement: Nasser Hussain

One of the biggest mysteries in the past year-or-so, has been around the International future of former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni, the only captain to win each of the three ICC events- T20 World Cup (2007), 50-over World Cup (2011) and Champions Trophy (2013- has been on sabbatical for almost an year now and with every passing day, the mystery has deepened on his International future.

The former Indian captain last played for the national side during the 2019 World Cup. India bowed out of the 50-over event courtesy a heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals at Old Trafford, with Dhoni getting run-out being the everlasting image from that game. Fans wondered whether they had seen the last of the champion cricket and up until now, their fears have proved to be true.

Former English captain Nasser Hussain gave his piece of mind on the Dhoni issue on Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Connected’ where he said that the former World Cup-winning captain should not be pushed into retirement as once he is gone, there is no coming back.

“Is Dhoni still good enough to get into the Indian side? It is as simple as that. That should apply for anyone across the board. What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think he has a huge amount to offer to Indian cricket. Yes, there have been one or two occasions where he has got it wrong in run chases, like that World Cup game against England. But in general, Dhoni is still a really good talent,” Nasser Hussain said on ‘Cricket Connected’

He added: “And be careful what you wish for because once Dhoni is gone, there is no getting him back. There are some legends of the game who are once in a generation cricketers, don’t push him into retirement early. Only Dhoni knows his mental state and in the end selectors select,” he said.

Also Read: 8 Instances When MS Dhoni Came Up with Savage Replies In Press-Conferences

MS Dhoni was slated to make his comeback to cricket with the IPL

Earlier, Indian Head Coach Ravi Shastri had said that the International future of Dhoni depends on how and his contemporary wicketkeepers perform in the IPL.

“It all depends on when he starts playing and how he is playing during the IPL. What are the other people doing with the wicket-keeping gloves or what is the form of those players as opposed to Dhoni’s form. The IPL becomes a massive tournament because that could be the last tournament after which more or less your 15 is decided,” Shastri had told IANS.

Also Read: 5 Instances When MS Dhoni Lost His Cool On The Cricket Field

MS Dhoni was preparing himself for the IPL but unfortunately his return to competitive cricket was cut-short due to the proliferation of the global pandemic coronavirus.