Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron have playfully ignited speculation regarding the inclusion of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Despite Dhoni’s international retirement and absence from Team India for almost five years, Pathan and Aaron have suggested his potential inclusion as a ‘wild card’ entry.
“We could see a wildcard entry in India’s T20 World Cup squad… MS Dhoni,” Aaron exclaimed on Star Sports, labeling the suggestion as “the wildest card.” Pathan echoed this sentiment, stating, “If he says he wants to play the T20 World Cup, no one will deny him that chance…no one will mind, no one will have a problem with it. The guy is batting so well.”
Former India opener Virender Sehwag had earlier highlighted Dhoni’s impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). “MS Dhoni has a strike-rate of over 250 and doesn’t have an average because he hasn’t been dismissed yet,” Sehwag remarked on Cricbuzz, emphasizing Dhoni’s exceptional batting abilities.
However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had earlier humorously acknowledged the challenges of persuading Dhoni to return to competitive cricket, noting, “It will be hard to convince MS, although he is coming to the US, to do something else. He is into golf now.”
In IPL 2024, former India captain Dhoni has scored 91 runs off just 35 balls in six unbeaten innings, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 260. Dhoni’s performances have fueled speculation about his potential return to the national team. While the selection of the T20 World Cup squad remains subject to the discretion of the selectors, the suggestions from Pathan and Aaron have certainly sparked a lively discussion about Dhoni’s possible involvement in the prestigious tournament.
