On Thursday, BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad gave clarification regarding the future of former Indian skipper, MS Dhoni by selecting young Sanju Samson as a backup wicketkeeper for Rishabh Pant in the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh.
Dhoni was not picked for the Bangladesh series and it is yet not clear whether Dhonimade himself available for selection or not. Prasad though, stated that they are looking for younger options in T20Is with Pant being the man in focus for them.
While announcing the squad for the series, Prasad said, “We are moving on we are very clear. Post World Cup we have been clear. We started backing (Rishabh) Pant and wanted to see him do well. He may not have had the best of matches but we are clear, we are focusing on him only.”
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Dhoni has not played any form of cricket since India’s exit from the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup in England in July. He took a break from the sport to train with his regiment in the Territorial Indian Army after which he made himself unavailable for the limited-overs series against South Africa at home.
The selectors also named uncapped Shivam Dubey in the 15-man squad for the upcoming series which starts from November 3, and has rested skipper Virat Kohli. Rohit Sharma will lead Team India in the absence of Virat who will return to lead the team in the 2 Tests against Bangladesh.
Prasad further added, “We’re looking at younger options after the World Cup, so you can understand our thought process. We definitely had a chat with Dhoni and he also endorses our view of backing youngsters.”
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Pant has been in poor form with the bat this year in limited-overs cricket as he failed more often than not in most of the provided opportunities. His wicketkeeping skills are improving but there is still a lot of scope of improvement. In 9 ODIs this year, he has only scored 188 runs in 8 innings at an average of 23.50 with 48 being his highest score. In the 10 T20Is that he has played in 2019, Pant has managed 168 runs at 21 with one half-century to his name.
Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini was omitted on fitness grounds. Prasad said, “Experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could make a comeback from injury in the next series (against the West Indies).” He also added that the injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s return will take longer.
