On Friday, the Indian selection committee announced a plethora of squads for the upcoming series of Team India. The most shocking news though was the exclusion of the former Indian skipper MS Dhoni from the T20I squads against the Windies and Australia as well. The decision was a shocker for most of the fans as the veteran doesn’t play the longest format of the game. However, the Indian chief selector, MSK Prasad has given the much-needed update on the same and has cleared that Dhoni hasn’t been dropped from the team.
While speaking to the reporter, Prasad clarified that they are looking for the second wicketkeeper-batsman and hence the former Indian skipper will not be playing the upcoming six T20 Internationals. He said, “MS Dhoni is not going to play the 6 T20Is because we’re looking at the second keeper slot. It is not the end of Dhoni in T20Is.”
As far as the T20I squad against the Windies, Virat Kohli has also been rested as Rohit Sharma has been appointed the skipper. While Kohli will return for the Australia series, MS Dhoni has been sidelined with the selectors looking for an option to the veteran.
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It seems that Hardik Pandya hasn’t recovered from his back injury as the star all-rounder is not the part of any of the announced squads. Talking about him, the chief selector said, “He is not yet recovered. He is not there till November 15. It is difficult to match Hardik’s all-around ability. We don’t see that kind of talent in India. We expect Bhuvneshwar to come good.”
Murali Vijay, who was dropped from the Indian Test squad in the mid of the England series has also made a comeback and explaining that decision, Prasad said that the opener went back and played county, where he showed intent and performed well and that is one of the reasons that they have considered him for Australia.
ALSO READ: Murali Vijay Returns To The Test Squad
Rohit and Parthiv were another surprise inclusions in the Indian Test squad as Prasad feels, “With regard to Rohit we felt his nature of play (was suited). He is a very good backfoot player. Parthiv was not picked for Afghanistan and England. But subsequently, he played Duleep Trophy. He batted and kept well. We have brought in youth and experience, we wanted him because it will be a high-intensity series. He can bat anywhere in the top-order. Considering all these factors we have picked him.”
The Indian chief selector also announced that Team will be playing only one first-class match on November 28th.
