Doors Closed On MS Dhoni, Will Only Be Back If BCCI Offers Him Farewell Series: Report

Is MS Dhoni’s international career over? Will he forced into retirement? These two questions are making rounds these days as the former Indian skipper looks set to be kept out of the squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

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As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, it is unlikely that Dhoni will ever be selected in the national squad and will only be given a chance if the board offers him a farewell series. The update does come as a surprise but latest indications from Dhoni have hinted towards this.

Despite being available, he didn’t play the South Africa T20Is and also backed out from Bangladesh series, the squad for which will be named today.

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He has been on a break since World Cup 2019. Dhoni, in August, took a break from the game to serve the Indian army. He was expected to make his comeback after serving the Army but he did not play the South Africa series. Rishabh Pant was given another opportunity to impress selectors but he couldn’t.

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It is confirmed that the youngster will keep his spot in the team but selectors are likely to name Sanju Samson in the squad. He might play as a specialist batsman but can always replace Rishabh in the playing XI going ahead.

Presently, Rishabh and Samson are only two names who are in contention for selection in the squad. Ishan Kishan is also an India A regular but isn’t in the scheme of things for now.

With two T20 World Cups lined up to be played in the next two years, the race for the wicketkeeper’s spot is between Rishabh and Samson, now when Dhoni is unlikely to play international cricket.

Apart from Samson, Mumbai’s Shivam Dube is also in contention for selection. He will be a replacement of Hardik Pandya, who is out for next 3-4 months. Dube is a big hitter of the ball and can also chip in with wickets, like Pandya.

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He might pip Vijay Shankar for a place in the team. Shankar was a part of the Wrld Cup squad but was ruled out mid-way due to a toe injury. He is currently playing Vijay Hazare Trophy for Tamil Nadu.