With competitive cricket slowly but surely resuming after the enforced break due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the burning questions surrounding the futures of two celebrated cricketers are also back.
A lot was said about how the pandemic and the subsequent effects of it on the sporting calendar would affect the careers of MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers who are in the twilight of their careers.
MS Dhoni has not played international for over a year as he took a sabbatical after India's semi-final exit at 2019 World Cup. Dhoni was all set to return to competitive action at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the Covid-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the cash-rich T20 league. Dhoni has kept mum about his international future but a few of his teammates, including Harbhajan Singh, have hinted the World Cup-winning former captain might not play for India again.
At one point over the last few months, speculations were rife about Dhoni's retirement on social media. However, they were branded as rumours in a strongly-worded social media post from Dhoni's wife Sakshi Singh Rawat who deleted the post after sending out the message.
On the other hand, IPL 2020 was looked at as an important tournament for AB de Villiers who was targeting an international return at the T20 World Cup after announcing his retirement in an unforeseen manner in 2018. De Villers made his intentions clear and got the backing of the team management but the uncertainty over the T20 World Cup is adding to the uncertainty over his potential return.
'Only Dhoni knows'
Former India opener Aakash Chopra, while addressing the international futures of AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni in response to a fan's question, said he feels both of them can play international cricket again.
Aakash Chopra though said when it comes to MS Dhoni, it's up to him to take a call on whether he wants to get back to action.
Chopra said if the team management wants Dhoni back, then regardless of the performances in IPL, the veteran wicketkeeper will be back.
"When it comes to MS Dhoni, only he knows. There is nothing to talk about his form, because he hasn't played for a year now and what to say about form? I don't think his comeback is dependent on IPL," Chopra said on his YouTube show Aakash Vani.
"If he wants to play and makes himself available and India wants to pick him, then he will be fine, he will be absolutely fine."
'ABD's form is very good'
Meanwhile, Chopra believes AB de Villiers' form is as good as ever and that the Proteas star will be playing international cricket soon.
De Villiers set the stage on fire inaugural 3 Team Cricket Solidarity Cup in Centurion. The former South Africa batsman hit 61 off just 24 balls for his team, Eagles on Saturday.
"ABD's form is still very good. His whole comeback has been facilitated. Sooner than later, you will see him playing again. If the T20 World Cup happens this year, you can see him (playing for South Africa) this year, or if it happens in 2021, then next year. I don't think there is any problem," Chopra said.
"ABD, no doubt, he will be playing international cricket sooner than later."