Sunil Gavaskar Questions MS Dhoni's Lengthy Absence From The National Team

MS Dhoni’s absence from international cricket has been a never-ending debate ever since India’s exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The former Indian captain addressed his hiatus by telling the media not to ask about the same until January. However, it still largely remains uncertain as to when MS Dhoni or if he will don the national colours again. And former Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar has questioned his unavailability from international cricket.

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In the absence of the veteran keeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have been part of India’s plans for the keeper’s slot. While the latter has been with India’s squad for limited-overs series since quite some time, Pant has garnered more preference ahead of Samson. However, Samson played in the latest T20 game for the national team against Sri Lanka.

Speaking post his lecture in the 26th Lal Bahadur Shastri Lecture, he refused to comment on his fitness level, but the question of keeping himself in contention of getting selected needs to be asked to Dhoni. Gavaskar further said that he has not made himself available for India since July 10th 2019 and to him is doubtful whether any player would keep himself away from the national team for this long.

“I can’t tell you anything about fitness. But I think the question that needs to be asked is of MSD himself. He has not made himself available to play for India since July 10. That is the important point. Does anyone keep himself away from playing for India for that long? That is the question and therein lies the answer.” Gavaskar said as quoted by India Today.

Sunil Gavaskar opens up on four-day Tests:

On the topic of the ongoing discussions of four-day Tests, the former Mumbai batsman felt that it is up to the current crop of players to decide whether a day needs to get reduced. He also conceded that since they are more aware of the ground situation, they would be in a better position to determine the verdict.

“What I think does not matter. It’s what the current players think that matterd because they are the ones who will play the matches. They are the ones who should be consulted. They are more aware of the ground situation. I think we can be there and talk but they are well aware of what needs to be done.” the 70-year old added further.

The men in blue are currently gearing themselves up for the three-game ODI series against Australia which gets underway from the 14th of January.

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