Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Wasim Akram, feels that Dhoni perhaps could have played for Team India for some more time, but he took the right decision to call it quits back in August 2020. Dhoni played his last match for India in the 2019 ODI World Cup. He announced his retirement a year after keeping everyone guessing.

The legendary pacer of Pakistan said that "he could have still played for India if he wanted to, considering his performances. But he retired at the right time, and that’s why Dhoni is Dhoni." He also felt that Dhoni would be back next year, as he said, "I think he’ll come back stronger next year."

Upon being asked why he thinks so, he said, "He has the experience, calmness, and is physically very fit. Most importantly, he has the passion to play. No matter how fit you are, if you don’t have the passion, you will not be able to come up with performances."

Wasim further added, "He is physically fit and did not sit out of any matches [in IPL 2023]. After a certain age, making a comeback is difficult. But, knowing Dhoni, if that passion is still there, he will train. Match practise is very important, but I am sure he knows what he is doing."

The former captain of the Pakistan cricket team also hailed Dhoni as a "gem of a cricketer," as he said, "He is a gem of a cricketer, a gem of a captain.