Missed Catch? MS Dhoni May Not Get To Make A Comeback For India

The fateful scene of MS Dhoni's dismissal in the semifinal against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup cut right through our hearts as it ended our campaign to lift the ultimate prize. But what truly hurts is the sight of watching team India these last few months without Dhoni in the fray. Five months on from India's exit at the World Cup, former Indian captain continues to be overlooked by the selectors. The unconvincing, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has since been given a run in, but has so far failed to produce the goods. Add to that: MS Dhoni has not yet retired, and is still waiting in the wings.

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After Chandrayaan 2, all of India has been trying to find an explanation for the Dhoni conundrum: will he retire, or will he be back? Let us just put it straight: MS Dhoni will decide his own fate. For the achievements and contribution to cricket alone, he deserves that and much more. The cricket fan in us would want nothing more than seeing Dhoni in the Indian jersey again. Yet, reality holds more weight than our wishful thinking.

The wicketkeeper equation

The MSK Prasad led selection committee made it abundantly clear a few months ago that they are looking to the future when they picked young Rishabh Pant to fill the wicketkeeper role. With T20 World Cup next year, selectors are looking at a new set of players. As a result, Dhoni was omitted from the squad that toured West Indies and was again ignored for the home series against South Africa. It was an indication into the mindset of the selectors - they are looking beyond the World Cup winner and are looking to groom a new gloveman for the future. While it may seem a logical move given Dhoni is 38 years old, and well past his prime, but the decision to hand Rishabh Pant the wicketkeeping duties have backfired massively.

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Having given a free run in the team, Pant has disappointed with the bat and has been anything but reliable behind the stumps. More frustrating has been the manner in which Pant has been giving his wickets away. He has been rash and devoid of any real quality. There have been a chorus of voices with former players and fans alike, wanting Dhoni to be included back in the setup, but selectors are still showing faith in Pant.

The next move

Just last month, India announced their squad for the home series against West Indies, and Pant's inclusion was the talking point.

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After dismal performances, many expected the Delhi gloveman to be dropped in favour of talented Sanju Samson, but selectors backed have again shown faith in Pant. Although Samson has now been included in the squad in place of injured Shikhar Dhawan, Dhoni has been overlooked.

After another exclusion, what¡¯s next for Dhoni?

Arguably India's greatest captain having led the team to World Cup win, Dhoni is not going to get any younger. His performances over the last few years have been a shade of the great Dhoni we saw in his prime. While his wicket-keeping ability is still second to none, his batting has been a huge concern. His strike rate has dropped, and he has found it tough to get the old rhythm going in his batting. But to study the impact of Dhoni, you have to look beyond to understand what he brings to the team - a cool head, leadership and a winning mentality. If we go by performances alone, then Dhoni would without a doubt do a far better job than Pant. And if the logic behind this move is to give Pant a consistent run in the team - it would only be fair if he merits with his performances, but that hasn't happened.

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The T20 World Cup is less than 10 months away, and india still doesn't have a player who can cement the wicketkeeper role, but Dhoni is still around and waiting for the call. It is obvious that Dhoni wants to play in the big tournament next year, that is the only reason he hasn't called time on his career. While selectors continue to ignore him, Dhoni is still hopeful of getting a call-up to the squad. Yet, it is difficult to tell if he is still part of the plans. Last week BCCI president Sourav Ganguly was asked about Dhoni's future, and his reply was very cryptic, "Please ask him." Is there something we don't know? There are endless possibilities, but no definite answer.

After winning everything that was there for the taking, Dhoni is still hungry to add another trophy to his cabinet. He wants to play at the T20 World Cup next year, but selectors have so far given him little to believe in. With Rishabh Pant and now Sanju Samson the two wicket-keepers who have the confidence of team management, it is tough to call if Dhoni will find a way back. But if India needs experience and reliability, than who better than MS Dhoni to call upon. He hasn't retired, and is still hoping to jump at the opportunity if selectors came calling.