Fast bowler Umesh Yadav would have MS Dhoni part of his Indian T20 World Cup squad in Australia if the former captain makes a timely return to the field.
There have been speculations over Dhoni's India future ever since he walked off in dejection after his run-out in the last year's ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Manchester.
The wicketkeeper batsman, having not played any form of competitive cricket since then, was due to turn up for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL this year. But the league's 13th edition remains suspended at this stage because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"My T20 XI would have Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer as the batsmen. Then, you have MS Dhoni bhai. Abhi kya bol sakte hai, unki marzi rahegi toh wo khelenge [We can't say anything now. If MS Dhoni wants to play for India, he will play]. If MS Dhoni bhai does not play, then Rishabh Pant," Umesh was quoted as saying in an Instagram Live with Sportskeeda.
Umesh's last T20 international match for India was in January 2019. The pacer realises he isn't in contention for a spot at the showpiece event down under at this stage.
"As for the spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Bumrah and Bhuvi will be the fast bowlers and it will be a tough fight for the third spot between Shami and Deepak Chahar. I don't think I am in contention for that spot," he said.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played from October 18 to November 15 in Australia.
India is placed in Group 2 of the Super 12 round, alongside South Africa, England, Afghanistan and two other qualifying teams, who will be decided via the preliminary round of the 16-team event.
(Inputs from Sportskeeda)
