Amid Reports of Injury, Dhoni Spotted Playing Football in Mumbai

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was spotted playing a football match in Mumbai.

(Photo: Yogen Shah)

Former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made himself unavailable for selection to the Indian cricket team post their semifinal exit from the ICC World Cup in July. Three months on, the senior wicketkeeper-batsman is yet to feature in a cricket match even as murmurs of his retirement continue to do the rounds.

According to a recent report, the 38-year-old’s comeback to the cricket field was being prevented by a back injury. However, on Sunday, 6 October, Dhoni was spotted playing a football match in Mumbai.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was spotted playing a football match in Mumbai.(Photo: Yogesh Shah)

Tennis star Leander Paes and actor Arjun Kapoor were also among those at the game.

MS Dhoni and Leander Paes during a football match in Mumbai.(Photo: Yogesh Shah)

Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and actor Arjun Kapoor during a football match in Mumbai.(Photo: Yogesh Shah)

Earlier in September, the Mumbai Mirror had reported that Dhoni would not be available for selection until November this year.

The former India captain had previously missed the West Indies tour after taking a break of two months which also meant that he missed the home series against South Africa. The extension of the break means that he will miss out on the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the home T20I series against Bangladesh as well.

MS Dhoni last played for India during the ICC World Cup in July.(Photo: Yogesh Shah)

If the above-mentioned report is true, then Dhoni would be available to play for India only in December when the West Indies tour the country for three T20Is and as many ODIs. The series is scheduled to start on 6 December.