After MS Dhoni’s slow blitz in Rajkot T20 International, former cricketers have been separated in two houses. One, who is advising Dhoni to retire from T20Is and rest of the others are supporting him to play till he wants.
Ashish Nehra is in the latter category and backed Dhoni to play T20I cricket till Twenty20 World Cup 2020. “He is one guy who is very honest with himself and the country. So, he should definitely play. I see him even to play T20 World Cup in 2020. If I can be a fast bowler at the age of 39. So, with MS Dhoni and his fitness, he can definitely play,” he said.
Nehra, who recently bid bye to International cricket, thinks Dhoni is the oldest in this house, whose presence is most important in the family.
“In every house, you need an elder one and he is there. I hope till next two to three years or as long as his body allows he plays. Cricket is a game of conditions definitely and it is not easy to perform. If it was in mind or if I am coach or captain I will be on his head that he has to play,” said Nehra.
“I am not saying he doesn’t perform he has to play. He is the first guy who will raise his hand and say I am retiring if he is not performing. But I personally feel we should leave at MS Dhoni and let him play cricket,” he added.
Indian wicket-keeper scored a 37-ball 49 in the second T20I game against New Zealand in Rajkot, which led India to lose the match by 40 runs. Moreover, India loses the series lead due to that defeat.
VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar targeted Dhoni for that loss and asked him to call it a time over T20I cricket. But a big group of players includes Virender Sehwag, urge him to stay till his body allows him to play.
Also, Nehra ruled out a comparison between MSD and Virat Kohli while saying that both are different personalities, that’s why there should be no comparison between them.
In October, the 39-year-old pacer announced his retirement date against New Zealand after first T20I in Delhi. Team India gave a fitting farewell to its oldest servant with a stunning win and Nehra bided bye to everyone after spanning his International career for over 18 years.
