MS Dhoni's Future in Cricket: Will He Play After 2019 World Cup?
As the 2019 World Cup approaches, speculation abounds regarding MS Dhoni's future in cricket. While it is highly unlikely that he will single-handedly win the tournament for India, Dhoni's contributions over the years have been invaluable. Here, we delve into the current status of Dhoni's career, the probable reasons for his retirement, and the implications for his future in the game.
MS Dhoni's Versatility and Contribution
First and foremost, it's important to recognize that MS Dhoni is not just a one-trick pony. While he is admired for his exceptional wicket-keeping abilities, his contributions extend beyond his fielding skills. As a mentor, he has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many young Indian cricketers. However, his batting and bowling seem to fall short of expectations in contemporary cricket.
Winning a World Cup requires a well-rounded team with strong batting, bowling, and fielding. While Dhoni has been a stalwart in the captaincy, his batting performance has been inconsistent, and he does not bowl effectively. These factors make it highly improbable that he will single-handedly guide India to victory in the 2019 World Cup.
Reasons for Retirement
Professional cricketers typically opt for retirement under two main circumstances. The first is when they are at the peak of their game and many years of career lie ahead, similar to the decisions made by players like AB de Villiers and India's late Javagal Sreenath. The second circumstance involves long-standing players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and MS Dhoni, who often retire after reaching close to 40 years of age or when they feel that their contributions no longer make a significant impact.
MS Dhoni, being in the latter category, is awaiting a clear signal from the selection committee. If he were to make the decision voluntarily, he would likely declare his retirement immediately, as this is the norm in international cricket. However, until he receives a definitive message, he is keeping his options open.
Future Plans and Possibilities
While retirement is a possibility, Dhoni has other plans. He is known as a fan favorite, and his future in cricket is likely to involve a mix of participating in domestic and international leagues. After the 2019 World Cup, it is speculated that Dhoni might retire from ODI cricket, given that the 2023 World Cup will not present a new challenge for him. However, there remains the possibility that he might continue playing T20 cricket, participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a few more years, and then retire from all forms of cricket.
Winning the 2019 World Cup would be a fitting send-off for an outstanding cricketer who has brought immense joy and success to Indian cricket. Regardless of the outcome, Dhoni's legacy in limited-overs cricket, particularly in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy, ensures his place in cricket history.
Final Thoughts
As the 2019 World Cup approaches, the community of Indian cricket fans will be watching closely to see what the future holds for MS Dhoni. Whether he decides to continue his cricketing journey or retire, one thing is clear: Dhoni's impact on the game will be felt for years to come.