New Delhi: Former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra believes that the indefinite suspension of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the COVID-19 pandemic has made the international comeback of former Indian skipper MS Dhoni even more difficult given the fact that the IPL 2020 was being seen as an ideal platform for the cricket great to stake a place into the national team.
Ratra, who donned the India jersey under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly in 6 Tests and 12 ODIs also highlighted the fact that Dhoni had been absent from the international scene since a very long time as he last played for the 'Men In Blue' in the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
After a long self imposed hiatus from the sport, Dhoni joined the Chennai Super Kings Camp to step up his preparations for the IPL 2020 preparations and looked in good touch with the willow despite his long absence. However, Dhoni's plans of using IPL at a platform for his comeback went for a complete toss following the postponement of the tournament he was forced to go back to his hometown in Ranchi.
"But yes there has been a long time since he played competitive cricket. IPL 2020 seemed quite decisive for his international career. The team management would have closely monitored his performance and also how other wicketkeepers would've done during the IPL.
"Unfortunately, IPL getting postponed indefinitely makes it (Dhoni's comeback) difficult but you never know with Dhoni."
Ratra also spoke about Wriddhiman Saha and felt that given his wicketkeeping prowess, he should be given the nod even for overseason Tests. He even stressed the fact that Rishabh Pant should work on his wicketkeeping in a bid to seal his spot in the Indian team, whatever the format.
"Wriddhiman Saha has a brilliant pair of hands against the spinners but if you look at his career, he has taken some spectacular catches off fast bowling as well. This means he could be equally good gloveman in the overseas conditions as well," Ratra said.
"But I believe that the team management is thinking in terms of making batting stronger overseas because conditions are tougher there. Rishabh (Pant) has done exceedingly well overseas as a batsman.
"Having said that, I believe Wriddhiman is also a decent batsman and he can be a part of the playing XI in overseas games. I feel that the team management should also consider playing a technically more sound wicketkeeper in overseas conditions because he too can change the course of the game with his catches and fielding. And Wriddhiman fits the bill.
"As far as Wriddhiman's batting is concerned he's not that bad a batsman. He has three Test centuries to his name and has made vital contributions with the bat whenever needed. Therefore, I would say, Saha looks a better option in Test cricket."