Jharkhand coach reveals why MS Dhoni skips domestic competitions

MS Dhoni was criticised for not playing Ranji Trophy.

Dhoni not played any game since October | Getty Images

MS Dhoni has been hounded to resume playing domestic cricket in order to get some more game time under his belt and sharpen his fading skills ahead of World Cup 2019 squad selection, but Jharkhand coach Rajiv Kumar doesn't favor the idea of him playing Ranji Trophy.

There are many who have raised questions over Dhoni not playing any game since October including Sunil Gavaskar, asking if he is not a part of the specific formats at international level, then why wicket-keeper batsman is not playing the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2018-19.

Now, Jharkhand coach has explained his comment and revealed why Dhoni prefers to stay away from domestic competitions, saying that his return to the stateside would directly block place for a youngster who is working hard to impress with every given opportunity in the early phase of his career.

However, Kumar appreciated Dhoni’s efforts to make it to the training sessions and speaks to the youngsters and offer some tips whenever he is in Ranchi rather than being a part of the training sessions.

The coach told Hindustan Times, “Yes, there have been talks about this, but you also need to understand that him coming and joining the team means someone else misses out. Do you think MS would want to do that? Also, you have to understand that the youngsters in the team are trying to use every opportunity to impress and having Dhoni play the four-day format would be unfair.”

Rajiv signed off by saying, “But he is always there to come and help the boys at training whenever he is in Ranchi. I think that is more than helpful as the kids look up to him and spending time with him can change their outlook and thought process.”

(With Hindustan Times Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 20 Dec, 2018

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