One last chance Dhoni may get before official retirement: Childhood coach
New Delhi : With Indian Premier League set to washout for 2020 due to coronavirus outbreak, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's childhood coach is hopeful that he may get a chance to play to Team India in the T20 World Cup.
Indian Premier League, which has already been postponed till April 15, is on the verge of cancellation as India fights deadly coronavirus with nationwide lockdown.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been out of action since India's defeat in the semi-final game of World Cup last year. While his return was expected in the IPL 2020, the chances are diminishing with every passing day but his known are hopeful.
"In the current scenario, IPL looks unlikely and we will have to wait for BCCI’s call. His (Dhoni’s) position will become tough obviously. But my sixth sense says he will get a chance in the T20 World Cup, which will be his last," Banerjee told PTI from Ranchi.
Before the news of IPL 2020 getting postponed, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was seen practicing on the Chennai ground with his teammate Suresh Raina.
"I spoke to him last after he returned from Chennai and I’m in constant touch with his parents. He’s doing his fitness training and is fully fit.
"True that he has not played a tournament (since July 2019) but for someone with 538 International matches, I don’t think it would take much time to adjust.” “It would have been a different scenario for a beginner. But it’s not the case with Dhoni he has got a wealth of experience. I think he will get a last chance," maintained Banerjee.
"He is fully fit and trained in Chennai for a week or so. Now everything is closed in Ranchi, earlier he would train at the JSCA. But now he’s confined at home and making use of the facilities at home. He has a gym, a badminton court, and a running corridor.” “I’m sure BCCI (presient, selectors, captain) are aware of the scenario. They will make the announcement when it’s the right time," Banerjee added.
"Now let’s wait for the BCCI’s decision. There’s no tournament. ICC tournaments are off till June. So we will have to wait and see.” Head coach Ravi Shastri had earlier said the IPL would decide the fate of Dhoni, who will turn 39 in July.
