WATCH: MS Dhoni impresses fans as he plays tennis
What's the story
MS Dhoni has been away from cricket since India's exit from the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. There has been a lot of speculation regarding retirement calls of the veteran cricketer. However, Dhoni, who hasn't played any cricket since the World Cup, took to tennis in Ranchi. This has impressed fans on Twitter. Here's more.
Participation
Dhoni participates in a tennis tourney
The former Indian cricket team skipper was seen participating in the Tennis Championship at Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium in Ranchi. A Dhoni fan shared a video on Twitter, where the wicket-keeper batsman was seen returning a serve in a men's doubles match. Meanwhile, Dhoni's IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), also shared a picture of him while serving.
Twitter Post
Dhoni at your service!
The King, at your service. 😉🦁 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/c5nK9Kwr7O
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 8, 2019
Twitter Post
WATCH: Mahi back in action with the tennis racquet
Master of all sports! ❤️😇
— MS Dhoni Fans Official (@msdfansofficial) November 8, 2019
This one is for all @msdhoni fans who were missing him in action. Here’s your weekend delight.
Mahi is back in action, playing his first match of Tennis Championship in JSCA, Ranchi.#MSDhoni #Dhoni #RanchiDiaries pic.twitter.com/kLaLol0mU4
Dhoni tennis
Last year, Dhoni had won a tennis tournament
This isn't the first time Dhoni has featured in a tennis tourney. Last year, Dhoni went on to win a local tournament in his hometown. Dhoni had taken part in the men's doubles category. He had partnered with a local tennis player and won in straight sets to bag the trophy. Notably, MSD and his partner won the final 6-3, 6-3.
Dhoni cricket
Dhoni had taken a two-month sabbatical from cricket
Dhoni had taken a two-month sabbatical from cricket the 2019 World Cup which included a two-week Army stint in Kashmir. He missed the tour of West Indies and wasn't included in India's squad for the T20I series against South Africa and Bangladesh. It remains to be seen if Dhoni makes a comeback for the limited-overs series against West Indies, starting December 6.
Views
Shastri wants to see Dhoni resume play before retirement decision
Back in October, India coach Ravi Shastri had said that he wanted him to resume playing before deciding his future. "He has to first start playing and let's see how things go. I don't think he has started playing after the World Cup. If he's keen, he will definitely let the selectors know," he told The Hindu.