If MS Dhoni thinks he can still win matches for India, he should continue playing – Gautam Gambhir

 

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir said MS Dhoni should continue playing if he thinks he can still win matches for the Indian team and if he is in good form and fit. Dhoni had last played in the national colours back in the 2019 semi-final World Cup against New Zealand. Thus, it has been more than a year since Dhoni has played any professional cricket.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni will return back to action in the ongoing Indian Premier League, which is all set to begin from September 19 in the UAE. Dhoni will be leading CSK and all eyes will be on his performances.

In fact, many cricket boffins reckon that if Dhoni can show good form in the IPL, it might pave a way for his national selection. However, Dhoni has not made any official statement regarding his retirement and it would be interesting to note his decision.

Speaking on Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’ Gambhir said: “Age is just a number, I think if you are in very good form if you are hitting the ball really well.

“MS Dhoni, if he is hitting the ball really well, if he is in very good form, if he is enjoying the game and if he thinks that he can still win the game for the country at that number especially at six and seven, then he should continue playing — because no one can actually force anyone to retire,” he added.

Dhoni has all the experience under his belt and he would like to hit the ground running in the IPL. In fact, Chennai Super Kings players like Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Piyush Chawla have stated Dhoni was looking in sublime form in the training sessions at Chepauk Stadium before the lockdown.

Dhoni had done a magnificent job while batting at number six for the Indian team and his average of 50.57 goes to show how consistent he was during his illustrious ODI career of 350 matches. The right-hander was an expert in providing the finishing touches to the innings and got India over the line in many matches.

Dhoni was known to take the match deep and did a fine job for the team. If the wicket-keeper batsman shows good form in the IPL and if he wants to continue playing at the International career then there is no reason why he shouldn’t get back into the national side.