3 Reasons why MS Dhoni makes a comeback to the T20 fold

The Indian team for the ODI series in Australia was announced on Monday. Additionally, the team for the T20 and ODI series in New Zealand was named by the selectors.

Though the ODI teams didn’t contain many surprises, the T20 contained the name of MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper had been omitted from the T20s Down Under and many believed that it would be the last we would see him in T20 colours.

However, just a couple of months on, MS made a return to the team in the shortest format and now looks primed to add to his 93 T20I appearances against the Black Caps.

Through the course of this article, we would look at three reasons why the Indian think-tank have gone back to Dhoni and included him mere months after dropping him.

Here is a look at them:

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#3 His invaluable experience

Dhoni is still as good a keeper as any

The Ranchi-born wicket-keeper recently completed 14 years in international cricket having made his debut way back in 2004. After a topsy-turvy start to his career, he established himself as a vital cog in the Indian set-up and never looked back since.

Thus, his omission from the T20 squad for the first time ever caught everyone off-guard. With his bat not inspiring often enough, it seemed a decision well warranted. Though Karthik did his credentials no harm in Australia, he could never provide the experience and valuable input from behind the stumps that Dhoni can.

MS has been a part of many a battle and his ability to come out on top on most occasions has made him wise. Hence, it comes as no surprise that he is the first person Virat Kohli turns to in times of strife.

Though Dhoni might not be the captain anymore, having the wicket-keeper by his side makes Kohli feel more secure and provides him with different ideas.

The Indian think-tank would’ve thought long and hard before giving Dhoni another chance in the shortest format and the experience he provides seems to have played a vital role in his recall.

If he can actually show glimpses of his old self in the T20s in New Zealand is another matter altogether. Yet, his return certainly hinges on the experience he provides.

After all, experience is something that can’t be bought on the market.

#2 Pant’s continued failures

Pant failed to inspire in the T20s Down Under

When Dhoni was dropped from the T20 squad, many thought that Rishabh Pant would slot straight into his place and make the keeping spot his own. However, the lad from Delhi failed to inspire and returned with a string of low scores Down Under.

Though the selection committee has come out saying that Pant has been rested, there seems to be evidence suggesting that he could’ve been dropped altogether. The World Cup is on the horizon and if the team management sees Pant as a viable option in the middle order, he just has to play every series on offer.

While resting him for one of those three series would’ve been a wise move, keeping him out of the picture for all three highlights that the Delhi lad might not be in contention to make the World Cup squad.

Pant had been accorded the opportunity to stake his claim. Unfortunately, though, he couldn’t do so and he now finds himself on the periphery.

His loss of form and lack of match-winning displays now sees him isolated. While that might be a bane for him, it certainly is a boon for MS. Now Indian fans would hope that Dhoni can conjure some magic against the Black Caps and end the speculation regarding his place once and for all.

#1 Dhoni needs game time before the World Cup

Dhoni needs to play more games before the World Cup

The new year is nearly upon us and in about six months time, the 2019 World Cup would be too. Thus, every team participating is trying to work out their best possible combination by chopping and changing.

India has only 13 ODI fixtures between now and the World Cup. Hence, every limited over assignment they undertake gains massive importance.

With Dhoni struggling to find a rhythm with the bat recently, the selectors could’ve swayed towards providing him as much game time as possible.

If Dhoni plays all the T20s and ODIs India is scheduled to play over the next six months, he would’ve accumulated another 18 international appearances. Though the demands of batting in a T20 is comparatively different from the ODI format, MS is an experienced enough campaigner to make the switch seamlessly.

Since his retirement from red ball cricket, Dhoni has distanced himself from playing in the Ranji Trophy. With no domestic white ball cricket in the vicinity, India could’ve headed into the World Cup with their key wicket keeper lacking match-practice. Thus, they made the decision to bring MS back into the fold.

While many might be looking at Dhoni’s re-instalment as one necessary due to his experience, the simple fact could yet be that he just needs some international games under his belt.

Maybe, it could turn out to be a masterstroke but right now it is anyone’s guess. Yet, one thing has become amply clear: India is worried about Dhoni’s lack of playing time and his return has only reinforced that belief.