'Dhoni's comeback looks bleak with no IPL', says Gautam Gambhir
What's the story
With the chances of witnessing IPL 2020 looking bleak, the cricket fraternity seems to be divided over Mahendra Singh Dhoni's comeback. In the same light, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir believes Dhoni will have a tough road ahead if the IPL gets called-off. According to Gambhir, the ex-Indian captain has no recent record in competitive cricket to justify his selection. Here's what he said.
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There is no basis for Dhoni's selection: Gautam Gambhir
"If the IPL does not happen this year, then it will become very difficult for MS Dhoni to make a comeback. On what basis can he be selected since he's not been playing for the last one or one and a half year," Gambhir said.
Hiatus
Dhoni was set to play for CSK following prolonged sabbatical
Dhoni has not been a part of competitive cricket since India's shocking semi-final exit from the ICC World Cup 2019. The 38-year-old was recently also axed from the list of centrally contracted players after he made himself unavailable for several bilateral series. However, his much-awaited return has been dented with growing uncertainty around the upcoming IPL season due to coronavirus outburst.
Information
Dhoni's recent records state a different story
Dhoni averaged 60 in ODIs last year, having scored 600 runs from 18 matches. The tally included 6 fifty-plus scores. He was also adjudged the Player of the Series in Australia. In the IPL, he amassed 416 runs in 15 matches at 83.20.
Replacement
KL Rahul is an apt replacement for Dhoni
Gambhir feels KL Rahul is an ideal choice for the wicket-keeping role. Rahul has been impressive behind the stumps ever since he replaced Rishabh Pant in the playing XI. "Obviously his keeping is not as good as Dhoni's, but if you are looking at T20 cricket, Rahul's a utility player, can keep and bat at No 3 or 4," Gambhir said.
Views
Gambhir took a dig at Dhoni's rotation policy
Gambhir made headlines when he questioned Dhoni's infamous rotation policy, that he implied during the 2012 tri-series. "Dhoni declared that he can't play all three (Gambhir, Sachin and Sehwag) of us together as he was looking ahead at the 2015 World Cup," Gambhir said. He added, "I haven't heard anyone be told in 2012 that they would never be a part of World Cup."