India’s wicket-keeper batsman, MS Dhoni will not be a part of his side’s tour of West Indies after making himself unavailable for the scheduled three ODIs and three T20Is, beginning from August 3. The 38-year-old, however, could be a part of the travelling squad as a ‘guiding hand’, but won’t be included in the playing XI.
As far as selection is concerned, it is believed that the former captain will be advised before announcing the squad.
“MS will not go to the West Indies. Going forward, he will not travel with the team within India or overseas as the first-choice wicket-keeper. Rishabh Pant will take over and there will be a grooming window for him until he settles down,” a BCCI representative was as quoted by Times of India.
“For all you know, he could be part of the 15 but not part of the 11. This team needs a guiding hand on multiple fronts and wishing MS away is clearly unhealthy,” the source further added.
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Meanwhile, the selection committee is set to meet on Thursday and while there are words for Rishabh Pant, senior member Dinesh Karthik’s future hangs in the midst, as the selection panel will discuss in what direction the Tamil Nadu cricketer can use utilised.
“Pant will be 22 this October. There’s a World T20 scheduled in Australia by the time he turns 23. He’s shown the right potential and also has some work to do. A year is a good time to undergo that transition,” sources said.
And for Dhoni, the source added that the former captain does not need to be told about the retirement. He’s already proved himself to be the kind of guy who preferred ‘why’ more than ‘when’ where his career graph is concerned. He’ll go, but what’s the hurry?”
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar
