MS Dhoni's India chances 'very, very bleak' if IPL doesn't happen: Srikkanth

Veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni's chances of being picked in India's T20 World Cup squad will be "very, very bleak" if 13th IPL doesn't take place, former chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth said on Saturday without mincing words. Former England skipper Nasser Hussain, though, offered a different take about two-time World Cup-winning ex-captain's future, saying he still has a lot to offer. Srikkanth said he couldn't be diplomatic about topic.

'Very, very bleak'

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

Dhoni last played for India in World Cup semi-final against New Zealand last July. 60-year-old Srikkanth said that interest of team should come ahead of an individual, even if it involves an achiever like Dhoni. 1983 World Cup winner reasoned, "Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be 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.

"So, I wouldn't mind taking him along with squad, but definitely if IPL doesn't happen, n Dhoni will have a difficult time getting back into team for T20 World Cup."

In recent past, India coach Ravi Shastri had said that IPL could be a testing ground for Dhoni. On same show, Hussain felt that Dhoni shouldn't be "pushed into retirement". Hussain, one of most respected voices in world cricket, said that Dhoni still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket.

"Once Dhoni is gone, re is getting him back. re are some legends of game, appreciating while around, because y are once-in-a-generation cricketer and don't push him into retirement too early. 

"Only Dhoni kws his mental state and in end selectors select and players turn up when asked to," 52-year-old Hussain said.

Ackwledging Dhoni's achievements, Srikkanth, who played 43 Tests and 146 ODIs, 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 question is for World Cup team. So you'll have to put Indian team first and n individuals." However, Hussain, who led England from 1999 to 2003, felt orwise.

"Is MS Dhoni still good eugh to get in Indian side? It is as simple as that. That should apply for anyone across board. What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think MS Dhoni has a huge amount to offer for Indian cricket," he said.

Hussain also added that Dhoni did err on a couple of occasions during World Cup when he couldn't force pace of innings.

"Yes, it's been one or two occasions where he got it wrong in run chases, re was a World Cup game in England where he sort of blocked at end for some unkwn reason, but in general, MS Dhoni is still a really good talent and be careful what you wish for," Hussain signed off.