Since the past few weeks, speculation has swirled around MS Dhoni”s spot in the Indian team. At 38, the veteran cricketer has amassed over 10,000 runs in 350 ODIs. BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad, after announcing the squad for the Caribbean tour, said that Dhoni is unavailable for the upcoming series.
India will face the Windies in a series of 3 T20s, 3 ODIs and 2 Tests, from August 3-30. Indian skipper Virat Kohli will feature in all the three formats while all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been rested.
Saha makes a comeback into the Test fold
Wriddhiman Saha, who recovered from an injury, has been recalled into the Test side after a gap of one year, though he will be competing with Rishabh Pant for a spot in the playing XI.
Prasad on Dhoni”s future
Prasad answered queries regarding rumours of Dhoni”s retirement. “Retirement is purely individual (decision). A legendary cricketer like Dhoni, he knows when to retire. What is the future course of action, that is in the hands of the selection committee? I don’t think we need to discuss anything more on it. First of all, he is not available. Second, we have already started grooming youngsters.”
“He’s unavailable for this series but we had certain roadmaps and plans till World Cup. Subsequently, we’ve laid down a few more plans and thought of giving as many opportunities to Pant and to see he is groomed. This is our plan right now,” Prasad added.
Pant failed to take India over the line in the crucial semi-finals against New Zealand in the World Cup. The southpaw got off to a start but couldn”t convert it into a big one. The youngster hit 32 while senior statesman-Dhoni made a gutsy fifty. Pacer Navdeep Saini has earned his maiden call-up in the ODI side. Paceman Khaleel Ahmed has also been included in the ODI mix.
