Mumbai: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir says if IPL is not played this year, it will be difficult for Mahendra Singh Dhoni to make a comeback to the Indian team.
Dhoni last played for India in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in July last year.
Since then he hasn’t played any competitive cricket and legends such as Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have already said that it’s getting increasingly difficult for the Jharkhand dasher to make an international return after such a prolonged sabbatical.
He was expected to be seen in action at this year’s IPL but the chances of T20 league being played are remote due to the COVID-19.
“If the IPL does not happen this year, then it will become very difficult for MS Dhoni to make a comeback. On what basis can he (Dhoni) be selected since he’s not been playing for the last one or one and a half year,” Gambhir said on Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’.
The 38-year-old Gambhir picked KL Rahul, who has been keeping in ODIs, as an “apt replacement” for Dhoni.
“Obviously his (Rahul’s) keeping is not as good as Dhoni’s, but if you are looking at T20 cricket, Rahul’s a utility player, can keep and bat at No. 3 or 4. If the IPL does not happen, then Dhoni’s chances for a comeback look dim.
“Ultimately, you are representing India, so whoever dishes out the best performance and can win the match for India should play for the team,” added Gambhir.
The southpaw also felt that retirement was Dhoni’s personal decision.
“As far as his retirement plans go by, that’s his personal choice,” said Gambhir.
