As the uncertainty over the IPL continues to be in question, it could well lead to curtains for another player who has had arguably the most success in the domestic T20 league. This season of the IPL was to be Dhoni’s chance to prove his mettle to earn a place with the national team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. But with no clarity on whether the IPL would take place this year, it could well be a rather muted end to Dhoni’s illustrious career. But Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Banerjee feels he might get one last chance,
“In the current scenario, the IPL looks unlikely and we will have to wait for BCCI’s call. His (Dhoni’s) position will become tough obviously. But my sixth sense says he will get a chance in the T20 World Cup, which will be his last,” Banerjee told PTI. “I spoke to him last after he returned from Chennai and I’m in constant touch with his parents. He’s doing his fitness training and is fully fit. “True that he has not played a tournament (since July 2019) but for someone with 538 International matches, I don’t think it would take much time to adjust”.
Banerjee said Dhoni is not completely away from training. “He trained in Chennai for a week or so. Now he’s making use of the facilities at home. He has a gym, a badminton court, and a running corridor”, said Banerjee. “Let’s wait for the BCCI’s decision. I’m sure BCCI (president, selectors, captain) are aware of the scenario. They will make the announcement when it’s the right time,” Banerjee added.
With the coronavirus pandemic bringing an unexpected roadblock to the comeback, Dhoni fans might have to come to terms with the possibility that the CSK captain may not be seen in the national side again. Dhoni’s childhood coach Keshav Banerjee is however still optimistic, saying that Dhoni could be given one last chance during the T20 World Cup, which will be his last. Should Dhoni miss out on a place in the team for the T20 WOrld Cup, it will be a brutal exit for someone who has had a remarkable career with the national side as a batsman, wicket-keeper and captain.
Team India’s coach Ravi Shastri had said that Dhoniu could play for the team again if he were to perform well in the IPL. While fans have been optimistic of a return, many others like Kapil Dev and Gavaskar had said that a comeback was unlikely for the former captain who led India to victory in the first ever T20 World Cup in 2007.