MS Dhoni was about to make his much-anticipated return in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). Unfortunately due to the COVID-19, the IPL season got postponed and Dhoni fans are still awaiting his comeback. Dhoni last played an international match exactly one year ago against New Zealand in the world cup semis.
Dhoni getting run-out in the heartbreaking loss against the kiwis was the last visual fans saw of him on the cricket field. A lot has been speculated about if Dhoni performs in the IPL will he be selected in the India squad again. His former Chennai Super Kings teammate Micheal Hussey believes that it would be wrong to write off a champion like MSD.
Hussey pointed out that Dhoni is still extremely fit which will be a bonus as he will take less time to settle once cricket returns. As far as the skill part of Dhoni’s batting is concerned Hussey is least worried. Hussey stated that Dhoni understands his game and the whole game in general which is why he is such a legendary player.
“I am obviously not an Indian selector but I don’t think you can discount MSD. You should never write off champions and champion players, and he has given so much to the country as a player and leader,” Hussey said.
Don’t write off MS Dhoni – Mike Hussey
“Dhoni still keeps himself in very good shape so as long as he keeps himself fit and healthy, and maybe this break is really helpful for him to rest and get a break especially from the physical side of things because he has so much experience.”
“It will take time to get his skills to the required level but not as long as other players who don’t know their game as well. He has a great understanding of his own game and the whole game in general. I am not worried about the skilled perspective”, Hussey said on ‘HotSpot: The Cricket Podcast’ by Deep Dasgupta.
Furthermore, Mike Hussey reckons that this forced break will help MS Dhoni in recognising whether he still wants to play for India again. Hussey is against writing off a player of the calibre of Dhoni. The ultimate decision is up to Dhoni of what he wants to do nobody can force that decision on him feels Hussey.
“The only question is it is up to MSD himself really. Whether he is willing to be physically and mentally fully engaged to play for the country at the international level, then I have no doubt he can still do it. But does he want to do it?”.
“Maybe this forced break for MSD will allow him to mentally refresh and get that hunger to want to do it again for India. I am not writing him off no question whatsoever, but I think it is up to him, and in his mind, in his heart, whether he still wants to do it at the international level”, Hussey concluded.
