MS Dhoni to Extend his Break from Cricket

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who is currently spending time away from cricket, is set to extend the break for two more months. Mumbai Mirror has reported that Dhoni has made himself unavailable until November.

After the World Cup earlier this year, Dhoni announced that he would spend two months away from cricket. During the period, Dhoni, who has an honorary Lieutenant Colonel post in the territorial army, spent time training with his battalion. This saw him miss the India tour of West Indies and the ongoing home series against South Africa.

Dhoni’s further break will see him miss another home series against Bangladesh, and the Vijay Hazare trophy in the domestic season.

Dhoni’s retirement has been one of the most talked points since India’s World Cup campaign. The speculation grew upto such an extent that any announcement was being anticipated to be around the 38-year old’s retirement. Fans have remained so much around it that a random social media post by Virat Kohli was speculated as a tribute post to the former captain. Kohli later had to come out to clarify the post. Dhoni’s wife had to post on social media about rumours.

While Dhoni hasn’t been involved in cricket for a while now, it has been Rishabh Pant who is given an opportunity to fill his shoes. Coming into the side with a reputation of being extremely talented, so far, he has been flattering to deceive. Batting coach Ravi Shastri questioned his shot selection, only a few days after which, newly appointed batting coach wanted Pant to improve.

Keeping in mind the World T20 next year, Pant needs to find some consistency before India start finding other options. With Dhoni not being involved in cricket, one would imagine he is not in plans for the marquee tournament, although he cannot be ruled out until official announcement.

But with the news of him extending his break, it remains to be seen if we can see him on the cricket pitch again this year. India play West Indies in December and welcome Australia at the start of 2020. If MS Dhoni decides to play cricket again, it should be in one of those series.