Former Indian and Andhra Pradesh batsman Venugopal Rao has stated that MS Dhoni should play in the 2023 World Cup that will be hosted by India. Rao feels that there is hardly anyone close to the legend in terms of Wicket-keeping and captaincy.
“Definitely. He should also play the 50-over World Cup which will happen in India in 2023. He is a valuable player for any ICC tournament. I know he didn’t play after the World Cup semifinal last year but it is not difficult for him to come back. He is Dhoni. He knows how to handle these things. A guy who has all the ICC trophies. Nobody else is close to him as a captain or a wicketkeeper-batsman,” Rao replied to Sportstar upon asking if Dhoni should play T20 World this year.
Dhoni who last represented India in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019 against New Zealand had took a break from Cricket after that and then trained with the Territorial Army unit of the parachute Regiment, as the legend holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the concerned unit. After that Dhoni made himself further unavailable for the series against West Indies, South Africa and Bangladesh. Till that point of point it seemed a break but after that India had already played 2 T20I and 2 ODI series and Dhoni’s name yet remains missing from the team has just clearlu indicated that Indian Cricket has moved on from him and are looking for future options in Pant, Samson and now Rahul also downing the gloves in limited-overs.
Going by the words of head coach Ravi Shastri, MS Dhoni must prove his form and fitness in the IPL Season in order to win back his place has clearly indicated that the former captain has to prove his mettle yet again. If Mahi comes up with runs then yes it can be assured that he is in the mix of things atleast till the twin T20 World Cups in 2020 and 2021. And if his body allows then Rao’s words cannot be put down.
Come On Mahi!! Just show us what you had been showings us for last 15 Years i.e. ‘The Mahi Magic’