'Think MS Dhoni has played his last game for India': Ashish Nehra on wicketkeeper's future with Men in Blue

When one talks about the current Indian cricket team, the one name that pops in the minds of fans is that of MS Dhoni. The former India captain's future with the Men in Blue has been a big talking point among all for quite some time. 

Dhoni, who last played a competitive game in July last year, hasn't said anything about his future, which has lead to speculations and debates about his retirement. 

Talking about the same, former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra, feels that the wicketkeeper-batsman has already played his last game for India and he will not be seen donning the blue jersey again.

"As much as I know MS Dhoni, he has played his last game for India happily. MS Dhoni has nothing to prove and we, in the media, discuss all these things because he hasn't announced his retirement. Only he can tell what's in his head," said Nehra, on Star Sport show 'Cricket Connected'.

Nehra also stated that Dhoni's form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has nothing to do with his international career. 

"See as far as MS Dhoni's international career is concerned, I don't think this IPL has anything to do with it. If you are a captain, a selector or a coach and if MS Dhoni is ready to play, he will be my number one name on the list," he added.

Dhoni's last played in July 2019 when India lost to New Zealand in the semi-final of 2019 World Cup. Dhoni, along with Ravindra Jadeja had kept India's hopes alive, but his run out at a crucial moment turned the tide in the Kiwi's favour.

Referring to Dhoni's knock in that game, Nehra said that his game never dipped and till he was at the crease India had hopes of reaching the finals. "For me, MS Dhoni's game never came down, till the last game he played India had hoped to reach the World Cup final, till the time MS Dhoni was there. The minute he got run out everybody's hopes were gone. It shows where his game was even at that time," Nehra said.

The bowler, who retired from international cricket in 2017, also stated that having a senior pro like MS Dhoni in the team is an advantage.

"He knows how to run the team, he knows how to push youngsters forward, all those things I don't need to repeat again and again. I don't this IPL makes any difference to his

stature, his aura as a player and I don't think so that a tournament like IPL should be MS Dhoni's selection criteria," said Nehra.

Dhoni was to be back on the field with the IPL which was to begin on March 29. However, the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to the comeback. Now, like most Indian cricketers, Dhoni will return to action during the much-anticipated IPL 2020, which is set to begin in September in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).