As we get closer and closer to the men's T20 World Cup in October, team India is looking to find the right combinations to get a squad together that can win the trophy.?
There are a lot of question marks over various players, more so when it comes to MS Dhoni. The former Indian captain is still around and hopeful of getting what would be a surprise call up to the national side. Surprising, because team management is looking toward the future and have conveyed it to Dhoni.
But in World Cup-winning captain's absence, his replacements have faltered - Rishabh Pant has been a disappointment and Sanju Samson in whatever few opportunities he has got, has failed to produce anything of note.
Far from a regular wicket-keeper, it is KL Rahul who has been the standout. Although, he isn't a direct replacement for Dhoni, his wicket-keeping ability could mean Pant and Samson would have to have a good few months before the World Cup to find favour with the selectors.
It could also mean one thing: MS Dhoni gets a look in. It is still possible and a productive Indian Premier League (IPL) season could open the door for the former captain to have one last hurrah Down Under.?
The Chennai Super Kings skipper will be back in training with his IPL side on March 2. He will be looking to keep fit and will be raring to go after more than seven months out of the action. But he has lot to ponder.
Even if he is fit and has a decent IPL, it might not be enough for him to guarantee his place in the squad for the T20 World Cup. He turns 39 in July, and although, he could still make a difference, there is more the team management is looking for - a young player who can be consistent and also make a place in the team his own for years to come.
That could go against Dhoni and he would know that. He has won everything that was there for the taking. Dhoni has nothing left to prove. One would feel he should exit gracefully and give up on his hope of playing in Australia later this year.
But come on, for the achievements alone, MS Dhoni deserves to be given time to make up his mind. Whatever he plans to do, it will be for the better.