Dhoni unlikely to play Vijay Hazare and Bangladesh series
What's the story
Former Indian skipper and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni has been missing from action since the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2019. While it was reported that he is taking a break from cricket for some time, fresh reports indicate that his hiatus could continue as he is likely to miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy and even the upcoming Bangladesh series. Here is more.
The break
Dhoni took sabbatical break from cricket, served Indian Territorial Army
It has to be noted that Dhoni had opted for a break, following the World Cup, to serve the Indian Territorial Army. Dhoni had taken the break from July 21 and went for a 15-day stint with the army. He was posted in Jammu & Kashmir, with the Victor Force unit. Currently, he is on a vacation with his family.
Quote
Dhoni unlikely to be available for Bangladesh selection: BCCI source
"It's highly unlikely that Dhoni will be available against Bangladesh. In BCCI, we prepare a 45-day match schedule [international and domestic], training, anti-doping whereabouts chart for all senior and A-team cricketers. There is nothing marked against Dhoni," a BCCI source said to PTI.
Break extension
Dhoni to miss Vijay Hazare Trophy following extension of break
The BCCI source has also said that Dhoni is looking to extend the break until November. As a result, he is likely to miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to be held between September 24-October 25. This will also make him unavailable for selection for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, which gets underway from November 3.
Unavailable
Dhoni was unavailable for selection for T20Is against South Africa
While Dhoni's stint with the army had ended on August 15, he still did not participate in the just-concluded T20I series against South Africa. The series ended 1-1, with one match getting washed out. As per the Chief Selector MSK Prasad, Dhoni's break was officially to get over on September 21, which did not make him eligible for the selection.
Information
Dhoni could play limited-overs series against Windies in December
With his immediate return to international cricket being ruled out, Dhoni is likely to make a comeback during the series against the Windies at home. It will get underway from December 6. Following it, Zimbabwe and Australia are scheduled to visit for the white-ball series.