MAKING A COMEBACK TO INDIAN TEAM
Ravi Shastri, Indian team coach indicated that Dhoni's International career is not over yet. The veteran wicket-keeper may still be a part of India’s T20 World Cup. However, it will reside on his performance in the upcoming IPL 2020.
This brought about a lot of joy to his fans, who are waiting ever since India's World Cup exists to see their man back in blues. Dhoni was also seen practicing at the JSCA stadium, Ranchi.
TO CONTINUE TILL 2021 IPL
There was more in store for his fans and CSK loyalists as it is reported that Dhoni has shown his interest in continuing to play for 2021 IPL edition.
Close sources to the CSK franchise informed TOI that he wants to help them rebuild the Kings to form a solid team at least for the next few years. He also told the franchise to release him for the mega auction in 2021.
This came as a very surprising and shocking move, as he has been a part of the franchise for all the editions of CSK in IPL. The reason, when revealed looks like a well thought and planned decision.
The source told that Dhoni going back to the auction pool will give CSK an option to use Right-to-match, maybe picking him for a lower cost. Dhoni is ready to sacrifice money for CSK, said the source to TOI.
RIGHT-TO-MATCH - A BRIEF
In IPL auction, each franchise is allowed a maximum of three players to retain. If they have retained all three of them, the right-to-match allows them to match the price of two other cricketers amidst the bidding war.
This proves to be the specific team's added advantage possessed over other teams. The Right-to-match can be used and is valid only on players who were a part of the particular franchisee during the previous season.
INTERNATIONAL COMEBACK ON THE CARDS?
While his return into the Indian team is to be decided after IPL 2020, it seems like he would probably make an international comeback before IPL.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has asked for permission from BCCI to allow seven of its top cricketers to be a part of an Asia XI invitational team, which includes Dhoni. The team is scheduled to play against World XI in March 2020.
The matches are fixed on March 18 and 20. If BCCI does give a go-ahead to BCB's request, Dhoni may be seen making his international return.
With a lot of news reported on Dhoni's comeback, it might well end long suspense over Dhoni's future.
