MS Dhoni has remained out of any competitive cricket since the ICC World Cup semifinals 2019. However, Dhoni wants to return to the Jharkhand team to play the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy. The former Indian captain was part of only a single edition of this tournament back in 2007. He played four matches for Jharkhand in that tournament and scored 123 runs. He had an average of 61.50 in the tournament.
Sources reveal that MS Dhoni has had a conversation with the Jharkhand Cricket Association (JSCA). He has put forward his wish to play for the Jharkhand team in the upcoming Tournament. Reports reveal that Dhoni will decide on this after the lockdown due to coronavirus is over.
“Dhoni has been training in the JSCA international complex now and then and has been in touch with JSCA officials,” a source said to Sportskeeda.
MS Dhoni was all ready to feature in this year’s IPL, prior to the outbreak. The IPL was the platform using which he was planning to mount his comeback into the national team. The coronavirus pandemic postponed the IPL. It is still not clear whether the mega tournament will commence or not.
MS Dhoni wants to prepare for the IPL
Mahi now wants to use the SMAT to prepare for the IPL, if it does happen. This could really help him regain some of his lost form.
Last we saw Dhoni, he was practising for the upcoming editing of the Indian Premier League. However, amid the COVID outbreak, the tournament was postponed indefinitely. Despite that, when the competition does happen, he will surely want to play.
Also, the former Indian skipper was keen to be part of the T20 side for the 2020 edition of the World Cup. That is another tournament that might be postponed now to 2021. If that is the case, Dhoni has more time to prepare himself for the competition.
What The Source Said?
“He has expressed his interest to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy next year, even JSCA put forward the proposal to him. He has always expressed his interest in giving back to state cricket. Dhoni will take a decision post lockdown about this, there is no hurry either. He wants to be match ready for the IPL, and will use the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as practice,” the source added.
Dhoni has remained out of the cricket for a long period. He even went to serve the Indian Army at the Kashmir Valley. There is a constant air of speculations regarding his future. Dhoni will be turning 39 in July this year, and he is very well at the twilight of his career.
The fans have seen what he can do, which was quite evident in the practice sessions. However, it is time now to perform on the pitch. Dhoni’s goal is being part of the Indian squad for the upcoming tournament. His fans will be hoping that Thala can really pull off a miraculous comeback. Whether that actually happens or not, will depend on the management and the selectors.