Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has said that if the Indian Premier League does not happen this year, it will be difficult for Mahendra Singh Dhoni to return to the Indian team. Dhoni last played for India in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in July last year. Since then Dhoni has not participated in competitive cricket and great players like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have already said that after being away from cricket for so long, it is becoming difficult for this player from Jharkhand to return. Dhoni was expected to play in the IPL this year but due to Covid-19, the possibility of organizing this T20 league is very less. Gambhir said in Star Sports program 'Cricket Connected', 'If IPL does not happen this year, it will be very difficult for MS Dhoni to return. On what basis will he be selected because he has not been playing for the last one-and-a-half years.'

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Gambhir called Lokesh Rahul, who is handling the responsibility of wicketkeeping in ODIs, as a suitable substitute for Dhoni. He said, 'Of course his (Rahul) wicketkeeping is not as good as Dhoni, but if you look at T20 cricket, Rahul is a useful player, besides wicketkeeping, he can bat at number three or even four. If there is no IPL, then the chances of Dhoni coming back are slim.'

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Gambhir said, 'Ultimately you are representing India and the one who will perform the best and win the match for India should play in the team. As far as the plan to retire is concerned, it is his personal decision.' Dhoni's former partner and test expert VVS Laxman believes that Dhoni can continue playing in the IPL. Laxman said in this program, "Not only in this IPL, Dhoni can play in the next few IPL and then we can decide on his future as a cricketer."

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However, Laxman, who played 134 Tests for India, said that the new selection committee, headed by former spinner Sunil Joshi, will have to discuss his future with Dhoni. Laxman said, 'As far as Dhoni's plans are concerned, he is very clear about it, I am sure he (captain) must talk immediately after the 2019 World Cup in England with Virat Kohli, (coach) Ravi Shastri. He said, 'As far as Indian cricket is concerned, the new selection committee will have to sit down with MM Dhoni and talk to him, but Dhoni will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings and will do well.'

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