Shoaib Akhtar reveals how MS Dhoni might play at 2021 T20 World Cup
Shoaib Akhtar reveals how MS Dhoni might play at 2021 T20 World Cup
Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar in a recent interaction stated that India's World Cup winning skipper MS Dhoni could feature in the T20I World Cup in 2021.
MS Dhoni put out his international retirement last week by means of an Instagram post. Following the announcement, the social media went into a frenzy, with sports circle sending the former skipper best wishes for the coming days.
When questioned if it was the right time for MS Dhoni to call it a day, Shoaib Akhtar stated that the Indian side would've picked the wicketkeeper batsman for the T20I World Cup squad because of his popularity.
“I think he could have gone on to play the T20 World Cup. The way India supports its stars, the way they love them, and recognizes them, they would have played him in T20s. But it was his personal choice,” Akhtar said.
Although, the Pakistani pacer added that MSD has achieved everything that he could have in his dazzling career.
“But again he has won everything, a person from Ranchi has rocked the whole of India, what else do you need. At the end of the day, the world should remember you. And a nation like India, they will never let you get forgotten,” Akhtar said.
When Akhtar was asked if Dhoni will get a farewell game, The Pakistani pacer stated that entire country will be ready to send him off in style. “India will be geared up to give him a farewell game, trust me. If he doesn’t want it, it is a different thing, but entire India will be ready.
“The whole stadium will be booked for him to play a couple of T20 matches. He still has not retired from IPL. He is going to score big runs in the IPL,” Akhtar said.
Furthermore, Shoaib Akhtar said that if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi requests Dhoni to play the T20I World Cup 2021, he would not be able to deny.
“He still is not done. He is still going to play IPL for at least two more years. You never know, the Prime Minister may call him and request him to play the T20 World Cup. That is also possible.
“Imran Khan was asked by General Zia-ul-Haq not to leave cricket after 1987, and he played. You cannot say no to the Prime Minister,” Akhtar said.
MS Dhoni will now be seen during the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League which is to be held in UAE, he will be seen leading the Chennai Super Kings.
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