Unquestionably the country’s greatest captain, MS Dhoni is no longer a player, but the road doesn’t stop there for ‘Captain Cool’, if reports are to be believed – MSD could be set to become the future coach of Team India.
The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) recently released the list of 27 players who have been offered official contract. The biggest surprise was the omission of the former Indian captain M.S. Dhoni from the list. He is no longer a centrally contracted player with the BCCI.
Heads Up! MSD 2.0 – Dhoni’s Time Will Never Be Up, Coaching Next?
- Has MSD Conveyed His Thoughts On The Future?
- The Road Forward For Captain Cool
- Only Dhoni Can Answer The Question
- The Possibility Of MS Dhoni Stepping Up As Coach Of Team India
- Can M.S. Dhoni Be The First Indian To Win The CWC As Captain And Coach?
This is by far the biggest news related to Dhoni post his ICC CWC 2019 semi-final ‘run-out’ against New Zealand, which knocked India out of the competition. What does his omission from the list indicate? What does it mean for the cricket fans who have been waiting for his return?
Has MSD Conveyed His Thoughts On The Future?
Has MS already conveyed his thoughts to the BCCI management? Similar questions arise in every mind. In case MS hasn’t conveyed about his future to the management or the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, this is surely a brave as well as tough decision taken by the management.
Has the great MS Dhoni already played his last match in Indian colours and is gearing up to be the future coach?
The players who are officially kept under different grade contracts receive a certain fixed amount for that particular calendar year. This decision seems an indication to the fact that the board surely can’t pay a player if he is uncertain about playing for the country or is not a part of the future team prospects.
This is big. Anything concerning the former Indian captain has to be big. Has the great MS Dhoni already played his last match in Indian colours? Does he have anything else to offer to the team? Probably expertise as a coach?
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The Road Forward For Captain Cool
There is no official verdict as of now but his exclusion from this contract list may be an indication that the road seems to be ending for ‘Captain Cool’. His former Indian and CSK teammate Harbhajan Singh also believes something on a similar line.
However, team India’s coach Ravi Shastri feels Dhoni still has a chance of making it to the squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia subject to his performance in IPL 2020 and other team dynamics. Dhoni, who has been on a sabbatical since the ICC CWC 2019 semi-final had earlier suggested about providing a clarity on his future prospect post-January 2020.
Only Dhoni Can Answer The Question
Former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar who has been a long-term fan of M.S. Dhoni voiced his opinion on Dhoni. During the 26th Lal Bahadur Memorial Lecture, Gavaskar said, “I can’t tell you anything about fitness. But I think the question that needs to be asked is of MSD himself.”
“He has not made himself available to play for India since 10th July. That is the important point. Does anyone keep himself away from playing for India for that long? That is the question and therein lies the answer”, Gavaskar told the reporters.
Does anyone keep himself away from playing for India for that long? That is the question and therein lies the answer – Sunil Gavaskar on MS Dhoni
Gavaskar’s statements make it quite evident how the once true and faithful fans are worried and questioning MSD’s absence from the team. As a fan, one might feel that such a decision on Dhoni may not be ideal for a man who has brought immense glory for the nation. However, the important question is, “Is there anyone above the sport?”
The Possibility Of MSD Stepping Up Into A Managerial Role
If various past reports are to be taken into consideration, there may be a good possibility of this. It must be known that team India had no particular coach when they won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. Lal Chand Rajput was appointed only as the cricket manager for this event.
When the team was announced for the West Indies tour post-CWC 2019, Dhoni opted to stay out with Pant getting a chance to play for the team. Sources confirmed that MS would help in the transition of the team during the period. Recently MS was also spotted giving batting tips in Ranchi.
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T20s: Is India missing ‘Mahi-Yuvi’ Firepower in Middle-Order?
Can M.S. Dhoni Be The First To Win The CWC As Captain And Coach Of Team India?
With Dhoni unable to live up to his finisher’s role in the recent past and Ravi Shastri’s inability to steer India past the knockout hurdles in the big ICC events, the thought of MSD being appointed as the coach may be viable. MS’s great rapport with current captain Virat Kohli and other players is quite evident – in fact, most of them have played under him.
The spin twins – Kuldeep and Chahal, themselves believe how MS’s advice from behind the stumps helps them in performing well. So do most of the other players. Add to that his astute nature, great game awareness and proven leadership skills. MSD as a coach can be the perfect thing for the Indian team at the moment. India lifted the 2011 World Cup under his captaincy. How about him coaching and guiding the team to lift the 2023 World Cup?
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