Dhoni likely to stay till 2020: Reports

After India’s defeat in the semi-final against New Zealand, there has been a lot of discussion around the future of MS Dhoni in the current set-up. There has been a ton of speculation around his potential retirement, with various contrary reports on whether he will continue to be a part of the Indian team. But according to fresh reports, MS Dhoni is set to continue to feature in the Indian team for the forthcoming future and the think-tank have handed him a big responsibility.

Won’t be a part of the West Indian tour

The selectors will convene on July 19 to pick the squads for the West Indian tour. According to a report in Times of India, Dhoni has decided to withdraw from the tour. The reason for this is the injury he sustained during the World Cup game against England. Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik are likely to continue as the two wicketkeeping options in the squad in his absence. While Pant will be the first-choice keeper, Karthik will act as his backup and may also feature in the playing XI depending on the team composition. Pant still needs a lot of fine-tuning in his game and keeping this in mind, Dhoni has been handed a major responsibility.

A new role for MS Dhoni 

The report in TOI adds that captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri are keen to have MS Dhoni as a part of the set-up. The duo doesn’t want the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman to announce his retirement just yet and play a big role in further strengthening the team. They want Dhoni to act as a mentor to Pant and help him raise his game to the next level. Pant was acting as a deputy for Dhoni in recent times but that could very well change in the future. The BCCI and the team management see a big future for the maverick Pant with the T20 World Cup coming up in 2020.

Retirement after IPL in 2020?

Reports have come out that Dhoni might opt to retire after the next edition of the IPL in 2020 after his contract comes to an end. There are contrary reports as to whether he will continue to be a crucial member of the Indian team during this period. Reports have stated that despite continuing to be a member of the squad, he will not be an undisputed starter in the playing XI, with Rishabh Pant being given an extended run to stake his claim in the middle-order and with the gloves.