With MS Dhoni saying he will not discuss his international future until January, former batsman VVS Laxman feels that veteran Wicketkeeper is preparing for IPL 2020 and will take a call after the T20 Championship.HIGHLIGHTSLaxman awaits the return of Dhoni as long as he has a good performance in IPLDhoni hasn't played international cricket since the 2019 World CupDhoni said that he wants to be left alone until January 2020Former Indian VVS Laxman feels that MS Dhoni can return if young Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson do not take advantage of the opportunities that arise in the near future.VVS Laxman said, MS Dhoni would relate to his international future after the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020. He added that Dhoni could be seen in international cricket if he plays well for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).The future of Dhoni's International Cricket has become intense speculation since the World Cup-winning former captain has not played since the 2019 World Cup.Dhoni was not available for the West Indies tour and took an educational license during which he trained with the Para Regiment in the Indian army. Nor he was a part of India's limited-overs team for series against South Africa and Bangladesh.While the images of his Ranchi training raised expectations of an early return, Dhoni was not named in the T20I and ODI squads for the next series against the West Indies at home.“I think MS Dhoni will wait patiently to see the performance of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson."If these two young people do not take advantage of their opportunity, it can be believed that MS Dhoni can return considering he performs well in the IPL that leads to the World Cup.""At this time, Rishabh Pant will be the first option, and his back up will be Sanju Samson, and if these two boys do not take advantage of the opportunities given to them, then we may be able to look at MS Dhoni, considering how he performs in IPL." Meanwhile, Dhoni broke the silence about his international return at a promotional event in Mumbai on Wednesday. "January tak mat poocho (don't ask me till January)," said Dhoni.
MS Dhoni has been in outstanding form in the current edition of the IPL and has played a crucial role in completing CSK's innings in numerous matches. Nevertheless, there has been extensive discussion about the seasoned cricketer retiring from the sport permanently after this IPL season commenced. Thala, a popular nickname among his fans, has retired from international cricket and now only participates in IPL matches annually.Speculation about MS Dhoni's retirement grew stronger when he transferred the captaincy of CSK to Ruturaj Gaikwad at the beginning of the season. Later on, Gaikwad disclosed in a conversation that MS Dhoni had indicated transferring the CSK captaincy to him a few years ago.In 2022, I recall Dhoni saying to me, "You probably won't lead next year, but be prepared for the opportunity after that." It was clear that I was prepared for it (captaincy) from that moment on. Earlier this year, Gaikwad had stated that he was not surprised or shocked by the news because it was not unfamiliar to him.Following the game against RR on Sunday, CSK requested their supporters to remain at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK supporters were then given a celebratory lap and signed balls by their beloved cricketers, causing speculation among commentators on whether this could be MS Dhoni's final match at Chepauk.Suresh Raina's epic reply on MS Dhoni's retirement:During the CSK vs RR match, Suresh Raina, who was commentating, was questioned about whether MS Dhoni was playing his final game in Chepauk. Raina's reply sparked optimism among numerous CSK supporters that Thala might return for one more season.Commentator Abhinav Mukund questioned Raina on Sunday, stating, "I obviously have to inquire about this." Could this be MS Dhoni's final match at Chepauk?"Absolutely not," Raina firmly declared before bursting into laughter.Also Read: ICC names Yuvraj Singh as brand ambassador for T20 World Cup 2024
