Kapil Dev Not Excited About MS Dhoni's Return In IPL, Doubtful Over His Participation In T20 WC

The cricket fraternity is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) not because of the usual reasons but because the tournament will mark the return of MS Dhoni. The former India skipper has not played a competitive game since the World Cup semifinal last July.

As soon as the tournament ended, the legendary player announced that he would take a sabbatical from the game and then went on to extend it which has not ended even now. Later, outgoing chief selector MSK selector raised a number of eyebrows by saying that the selectors are moving on from MS Dhoni and would give chance to youngsters.

Since then, MS Dhoni’s name has not been considered for selection. Unsurprisingly, the fans and others are waiting for the IPL to start in order to see the wicketkeeper-batsman in action. However, former India skipper Kapil Dev is an exception. The legendary cricketer has said that he is not excited about MS Dhoni’s return to action during the IPL.

Kapil Dev said that the league is for future stars and suggested that the 38-year old should play a few matches to be considered for selection in India’s T20 World Cup squad. MS Dhoni will start training for his much-anticipated return to action in the IPL from March 2.

“It’s not just Dhoni who is playing the IPL. I am a person who looks for a young player who we can be proud of in the next 10 years. I think Dhoni has already done so much for the country,” Kapil Dev said during the fifth edition of the HCL Grant event here on Thursday.

“As his fan, yes (would like to see him playing the T20 World Cup) but as a cricketer, I think it all depends on the management. He hasn’t played for one year. He should play more matches to be on the team. There shouldn’t be different parameters for different players,” the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper said.

“He is on his last leg. I am his fan so I would love to see him but in IPL I am looking for the next generation,” he added.

Also Read: IPL 2020: If you Think There Is Burn Out, Skip IPL, Says Kapil Dev