Coach Ravi Shastri said- Dhoni can retire from ODIs, if he plays well in IPL, will be T20 World Cup contenders
Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri said that if Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays better in Indian Premier League then he can come back to Team India. Dhoni has taken a break from international cricket since last year’s ODI World Cup. Shastri told CNN News18, “Dhoni does not impose himself on the team. We both had a conversation. He has retired from the Test. Can retire from ODI soon. They will be available in T20. Dhoni will definitely play in the IPL. After this, we will see how Dhoni’s body is supporting him.
After Shastri’s statement, it is believed that he will be with the team in the World Cup to be held in Australia in October this year. Team vice-captain Rohit Sharma also said that Dhoni can help captain Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup. They always help them decide and can do so even further.
‘Selection will be based on form and experience’
Shastri said, ‘Form and experience will be the main factors for selection in the middle order. It will be decided on either of Dhoni, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Dhoni bats at number 5-6. If they play well in the IPL, they will join the race.
Shastri defended Pant,
Rishabh Pant has failed to perform consistently. Due to poor keeping, slogans of Dhoni and Dhoni are being raised in the stadium. Shastri defended him. The head coach said, ‘Pant is still 21 years old. How many wicketkeepers have scored centuries at this age? He has not missed too many catches. Everyone makes mistakes. They will perform better as they are experienced. It is not a nightly thing. There is no doubt that he is a match winner. They are working hard on wicketkeeping.
Dhoni’s career
Dhoni scored 4876 runs in 90 Tests with an average of 38.09, 6 centuries and 33 half-centuries. At the same time, in 350 ODIs, he scored 10773 runs with the help of 50.57, 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries. He scored 1617 runs in 98 T20s at an average of 37.60. Dhoni has also performed well in the IPL. He scored 4432 runs in 190 matches at an average of 42.20. During this time, his strike rate was 137.85. He hit 23 half-centuries.
