Team India Must Not Look Beyond MS Dhoni If He's Fit: Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer, who recently announced his retirement feels that India should not look past MS Dhoni if he is still fit for international cricket. Dhoni, who was run out by Martin Guptill in India’s ODI World Cup 2019 semifinal match versus New Zealand, hasn’t been seen in national colours ever since.

The 38-year-old has been on a sabbatical ever since and has missed all India’s matches post the crunching World Cup defeat. Although, Dhoni recently returned to the cricket field ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season, to train with his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammates.

However, as fate would have it, due to the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, the IPL’s 13th season was postponed to April 15, and CSK had to cut short their training camp. Dhoni has now returned to his home town, Ranchi, and will continue to train there.

Jaffer meanwhile, who himself recently retired from cricket, said that Team India should not overlook MS Dhoni, as long as he’s fit, because he is still the best wicketkeeper in the subcontinent.

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Wasim Jaffer says India should keep faith in MS Dhoni:

If Dhoni is fit and in form I think we can't look beyond him as he'll be an asset behind the stumps and also lower down the order. It'll take the pressure of keeping off Rahul and India can play Pant as a batsman too if they want a lefty. #Dhoni #MSDhoni #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/6ndDfdhkap

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 18, 2020

Jaffer, who is the leading run-scorer in Ranji Trophy, feels India can’t look afford to look beyond MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper was dropped from BCCI’s central contract list, which was perhaps a sign that the board is looking at younger alternatives.

Rishabh Pant was promoted in Dhoni’s stead, but he has failed to really convince anyone so far. Pant couldn’t even break into the playing XI in the recent limited-overs series versus New Zealand. Sanju Samson has had his struggles as well. In the meantime, KL Rahul has been filling in as keeper in the ODIs and T20Is.

Therefore, Jaffer feels that Dhoni should be backed, as it will allow Rahul and Pant to prosper.

He took to Twitter and wrote, “If Dhoni is fit and in form I think we can’t look beyond him as he’ll be an asset behind the stumps and also lower down the order. It’ll take the pressure of keeping off Rahul and India can play Pant as a batsman too if they want a lefty.”

With doubts remaining on when and whether IPL 2020 will be played as per schedule, Dhoni’s future well and truly remains up in the air.

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