With competitive cricket slowly returning after the coronavirus induced lockdown, the significant question encircling the future of two celebrated cricketers a also back.
A lot was talked about how the pandemic and the following impact of it on the sporting calender would exert influence on the careers of MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers who are in the final years of their journey.
MS Dhoni has not featured in any international tournaments for more than a year as he took a sabbatical after India’s semi-final exit at 2019 World Cup. Dhoni was all set to make his come back during the Indian Premier League 2020 but the crisis forced the suspension of the T20 league.
MS Dhoni has kept mum about his cricketing future but a few of his teammates, including Harbhajan Singh, have hinted the former captain might not play for India again.
At one point, speculations were rife about MS Dhoni's retirement. However, they were dubbed as rumours in a strongly worded social media post from Dhoni's wife Sakshi who deleted the post after sending out the message.
On the other hand, IPL 2020 was viewed as an important tournament for AB de Villiers who was looking for an international comeback at the T20 World Cup after announcing his retirement in an unforeseen manner in 2018.
The former South African skipper made his intent clear and got the support of the team management but the uncertainty over the T20 World Cup is adding to the uncertainty of his return.
Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra, while talking about the international career of de Villiers and MSD in response to a fans query, stated that he feels both of them can play international cricket again.
Aakash Chopra though stated that when it comes to Dhoni, it's up to him to take a decision on whether he wants to come back to action or not.
The former opener said that if the team management wants Dhoni back, then regardless of the performances in IPL, the veteran wicketkeeper batsman will be back.
"When it comes to MS Dhoni, only he knows. There is nothing to talk about his form, because he hasn't played for a year now and what to say about form? I don't think his comeback is dependent on IPL," Chopra said on YouTube.
"If he wants to play and makes himself available and India wants to pick him, then he will be fine, he will be absolutely fine."
Simultaneously, Akash Chopra feels ABD’s form is as good as ever and that the South African star will be seen on the pitch soon.
De Villiers set the stage on fire during 3 Team Cricket Solidarity Cup in Centurion. The former Proteas skipper knocked 61 off just 24 balls for his team, Eagles on Saturday.
"ABD's form is still very good. His whole comeback has been facilitated. Sooner than later, you will see him playing again. If the T20 World Cup happens this year, you can see him (playing for South Africa) this year, or if it happens in 2021, then next year. I don't think there is any problem," Chopra said.
"ABD, no doubt, he will be playing international cricket sooner than later."
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