Indian selectors unhappy about Dhoni leading India against Afghanistan
MS Dhoni had captained India in a solitary game in the Asia Cup 2018 that concluded in September. Rohit Sharma, who led the side in Kohli's absence, had sat out of the game against Afghanistan, which was a dead-rubber. Under Dhoni's leadership, India tied the last over thriller. Now reports have surfaced that BCCI selectors are unhappy about Dhoni's 'surprise' return to captaincy.
BCCI selectors unhappy with management's decision
According to a report, it has come to the fore that the selectors weren't pleased to see so many changes in the fixture against Afghanistan. "The selectors are not pleased that wholesale changes were rung in for the match and both stand-in captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shikhar Dhawan sat out with MS Dhoni forced to be captain again, out of nowhere".
Why did former skipper Dhoni lead against Afghans?
India had made five changes to their XI for the match against the Afghans. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who were on song with the bat, took timely rest for the final. This, in turn, saw Dhoni completing 200 ODIs as India captain. He had last captained the side against New Zealand close to two years ago.
Our take: Strange to see selectors get miffed
It is indeed strange that this decision made the selectors unhappy. Dhoni was the best bet to lead the side in the absence of Sharma. Further, both Sharma and Dhawan needed the timely rest. Perhaps the reason is Dhoni had, himself, stepped down as captain in January 2017. Nonetheless, India won the Asia Cup and that is what matters the most.