Will MS Dhoni survive until the ICC T20 World Cup 2020? 

In just a few months from now, the most awaited tournament of the year, the ICC World Cup 2019 will commence in England come summer. The marquee tournament will host the top 10 ranked ICC ODI teams from across the globe as they compete for the most valuable trophy in the entire cricketing arena. As always, it promises to be another exciting and entertaining event for cricket fans around the world.

Over the years, some of the great legends of the game have chosen this occasion to be their last stint on the cricketing field and this edition will only make the list longer. Already few players like Pakistan’s premier batsman Shoaib Malik and South Africa’s pacer Dale Steyn have disclosed their intentions to quit playing in ODIs after the mega event.

Amongst many more, everyone is anticipating this event to the last assignment for Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni. In recent years, his place in the side has been questioned due to his inconsistent performances; however, the BCCI and the team management have relentlessly shown complete faith in his ability to contribute towards India’s success at the ICC World Cup 2019. Rightfully, MS Dhoni was given ample opportunities and thankfully, he eventually regained his golden touch back with his recent match-winning performances.

MS Dhoni will once again be key for India in the World Cup.

Now that MS Dhoni has successfully passed through the turbulence and is certain for the ICC World Cup 2019, comes a very intriguing question – ‘Will he survive until the ICC T20 World Cup 2020?’

As much as we are expecting him to bid adieu to the game after the prestigious event this summer, he may just not quit and continue to play further. Dhoni might choose to follow in the footsteps of fellow Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar who continued to play the game until Dec’12 (when he was 40) despite accomplishing his childhood dream of winning the esteemed world cup.

ICC has scheduled their next mega event ICC T20 World Cup 2020, just 15 months away from the ICC World Cup. MS Dhoni may just prolong his retirement until then. In fact, his cricketing career will complete a beautiful circle and end on a romantic note, if he could lift the T20 World Cup again in 2020, just like he did when he started his leadership journey by winning the inaugural T20 World Cup back in 2007.

Without a doubt, today MS Dhoni isn’t the same aggressive and free-flowing player but he still continues to be a vital component of the Indian batting line up especially as he helps stabilize the shaky middle order. His presence strengthens the Indian batting line up and provides the required stability at one end while others may simply carry on playing fearlessly on the other end.

MS Dhoni guiding his team around on the cricket field

At 37, he continues to be amongst the fittest players in the team. While batting, he is one of the fastest between the wickets pushing his teammates for quick runs. Also, even today, his agility and safe hands behind the stumps makes him the best wicketkeeper not just in India but around the world.

Much like the ICC World Cup 2019, the ICC T20 World Cup will be a high-intensity tournament and the teams will require much more than just skills to win the event. Dhoni's sheer presence through his calm and composed persona on the field and in the dressing room will keep everyone at ease even in a high-pressure situation, enabling them to perform at their best.

With ICC T20 World Cup only 15 months ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, the BCCI may just have the almost irreplaceable MS Dhoni in the scheme of things yet again. Team India might as well utilize his expertise, knowledge, and experience for one last time on the cricket field and aim for yet another World Cup triumph!