MS Dhoni has not played for India for over 6 months. As far as breaks go, it is a pretty long one. His replacement Rishabh Pant has gotten flak for reckless batting and substandard keeping. So is it time to look for other options or bring Captain Cool back?
The question is more in the context of the current situation. In the first ODI vs Australia, Pant was unable to keep because of a concussion. KL Rahul kept wickets in his place and did not really do much justice. Pant is under observation and is racing against time to be fit for the next game on January 17. So what is the problem? Whom do we call??
Sanju Samson is not even in the squad. Since he's not being considered, do we call Dhoni back? Is it finally time for him to stand behind the wickets once again? Make no mistake, Dhoni is a much better keeper than Pant, Rahul and Samson combined. At 38 he remains one of the fittest players in the game and after Kohli, the fittest among the Indian players. Age is just a number and one must not forget his value as a finisher, anchor and also the experience he brings to the table.?
The last time Dhoni played an international game, it ended in tragedy as he was run out after reaching a half-century. He almost took India over the line and into the World Cup final but it was not to be.?
Nonetheless, one cannot deny that right now, he is the best man for the job. Pant has hardly been able to fill his shoes and maybe will do so in the long run, but right now the answer would be a flat no. Dhoni is rusty without a doubt and while he may not have too many games under his belt in terms of practice, the man is lethal with the gloves in hand. His batting skills are an added bonus. The next game is just around the corner, and while the odds are Rahul will continue or Pant shall come back, a return for Dhoni would silence all speculation about his future.?
Yes, he will retire one day. When it happens, an era will end. But until that time, let's focus on the odds of him coming back. Because an Indian team without Dhoni is just like a fish out of water. ??