Fact-Check: Is MS Dhoni Coming Out Of Retirement For WTC Final?

Is MS Dhoni Coming Out Of Retirement For WTC Final?: Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has given a clear opinion, stating that MS Dhoni should come out of his Test retirement and play in the upcoming World Test Championship Final 2023, which is scheduled to take place at The Oval in London against Australia from June 7-11 on Tuesday (April 25).

Ahead of the marquee tournament, the wicketkeeper slot has become a big worry for the Indian cricket team, especially with the absence of Rishabh Pant’s affection for the team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

On Tuesday, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) announced a 15-man squad for the much-anticipated World Test Championship 2021-23 final. Rohit Sharma will lead a 15-man squad against mighty Australia in the much-awaited game. The BCCI has named KS Bharat as the wicketkeeper in the squad. Besides him, KL Rahul was also named in the team and many felt that he can be trusted with the gloves in the match.

MS Dhoni

Ravi Shastri Wants MS Dhoni To Come Out Of Test Retirement

MS Dhoni

During an interview with Cricinfo, Shastri was asked by the anchor if India should consider MS Dhoni as well, given his fitness. Notably, Dhoni had announced his retirement from the longest format of the game in the year 2014.

Further, Shastri highlighted how Dhoni has shown up a lot of young keepers in the country with his style. He said:

“Oh yeah. He has shown up a lot of young keepers in the country with the way he has kept behind the stumps, the way he has moved just for someone who doesn’t play first-class cricket just to pitch up.”

When Shastri was asked if Dhoni would seriously consider coming out of retirement for the one-off Test, responding to this, the former head-coach Shastri said that it won’t be possible as once the former Indian captain makes up his mind, he doesn’t deviate from it. He said:

“Nah. Once MS makes up his mind, he makes up his mind. To leave Test cricket, where he could have easily played for a year or year and a half, if he was statistically driven like our country is then he would have loved that 100 Test match mark, big crowd, nice ceremony, nice presentation, walk around the crowd, say good bye to everyone…he doesn’t want that. He’s like hands up, new man is there, let him be,”

MS Dhoni is not coming out of retirement, it’s just a statement by Ravi Shastri that has started a media debate. It’s only his wish and nothing more.