If IPL doesn't happen, Dhoni's India comeback chances look very bleak: K Srikkanth

Mumbai:Former India cricketer and Chief Selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said that with the possibility of IPL 2020 getting called off, MS Dhoni's return to the national side for T20 World Cup looks very bleak. 

Speaking at Star Sports' show Cricket Connected on Saturday, Srikkanth said he couldn't be diplomatic about the topic."I am not going to be diplomatic. I am talking about if I was the chairman of the selection committee, what would I do. If the IPL does not happen then his (Dhoni's) chances are very, very bleak," said Srikkanth.

The 38-year-old Dhoni has not donned the national jersey since India's defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of World Cup 2019 and has been on a sabbatical and since then.

Srikkanth said that the interest of the team should come ahead of an individual, even if it involves an achiever like Dhoni.

"Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be the wicket keeper-batsman. Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh Pant is highly talented, '' the 1983 World Cup winner said.

"So, I wouldn't mind taking him along with the squad, but definitely if the IPL doesn't happen, then Dhoni will have a difficult time getting back into the team for the T20 World Cup," he added.In the recent past, India head coach Ravi Shastri had said that the national comeback of Dhoni depends on his performance in IPL 2020. 

The former Indian skipper was all set to lead Chennai Super Kings in much-awaited IPL 2020. However, the tournament has come to a standstill due to the outbreak of COVID-19 across the globe.

Appreciating Dhoni's achievements, Srikkanth said, "Let's be very honest about it. He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself."But the question is for the World Cup team. So you'll have to put the Indian team first and then the individuals,'' he concluded.(UNI)