Despite MS Dhoni’s official retirement from international cricket, his intermittent appearances in IPL 2024 have reignited speculation about a potential return to donning the Indian colors, particularly with the imminent 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, while acknowledging the allure of Dhoni’s presence in the squad, admits the challenge of persuading the cricketing legend to commit to the tournament in the West Indies, given Dhoni’s apparent weariness and newfound interest in golf. However, Sharma hints at Dhoni’s likely presence in the USA for other engagements, subtly suggesting the slim possibility of his involvement in cricket-related activities.
Sharma commends Dhoni’s recent brief but impactful cameo in an IPL match against Mumbai Indians, where his quickfire 20 runs off just four balls proved decisive in securing a victory for Chennai Super Kings. This demonstration of Dhoni’s enduring prowess further fuels the debate surrounding his potential return to the national team fold.
On the subject of Dinesh Karthik’s potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, Sharma offers intriguing insights. Notably, Sharma recalls a recent exchange with Karthik during an IPL match, where the topic of the T20 World Cup spot was playfully teased.
Karthik’s subsequent explosive innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he blazed his way to 85 runs off a mere 35 deliveries, adds weight to Sharma’s contemplation. Sharma muses that it may prove comparatively easier to sway Karthik towards joining the T20 World Cup squad, hinting at the dynamic nature of team selection discussions and the evolving narratives within the cricketing fraternity.