MSK Prasad on Dhoni being excluded from T20I side
Last night, the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I series against West Indies and Australia, and surprisingly, former captain MS Dhoni's name was missing from the team list. At the outset, it seems that the domestic board is slowly trying to phase out the veteran, but the selection committee chief MSK Prasad has revealed the real reason. Here's more.
On the lookout for a second wicket-keeper batsman: Prasad
Prasad, during his press conference, said that the board is trying to find the second wicket-keeper batsman. He commented, "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". The board will be trying out Rishabh Pant and DK in the role.
Dhoni's batting form has taken a slump
MS Dhoni is still the sharpest behind the wickets, but what may be a reason for worry is his slump in batting form. Notably, in 2018, MS averages 27.22 in 11 ODI innings. In T20Is, he has scored 123 runs in 5 innings. In 2018, Dhoni has been a part of seven T20Is and he will not get much game-time before ODIs against Aussies.
Kohli rested against West Indies
Virat Kohli has also been handed a rest for the T20I series against West Indies. In his absence, Rohit Sharma will lead India. Shahbaz Nadeem and Krunal Pandya have been called up, with Krunal making it to the team for the Australian T20Is as well.
