Cricket lovers have been perplexed with the question of whether MS Dhoni was dropped or rested from the Indian T20I team for the series against West Indies and Australia later this year. While many have questioned the decision, The Indian Express newspaper has reported that the former captain was in fact dropped and not rested as the chief of selectors MSK Prasad claimed after announcing the teams.
Further, the newspaper reports that the selectors' understanding was that there was no point in continuing with an ageing Dhoni in T20s till the World T20 in 2020. That is what prompted them to look at other and much younger options who can be groomed into the keeper's role before the global tournament.
Express also reported that Dhoni was informed about the decision by the selectors through the team management which might put to bed speculations that no communication was made before dropping a heavyweight like Mahi.
“The selectors before selection meeting had informed Dhoni through the team management that time has come to move on and give a chance to a younger player in the shortest format. Everyone knows that Dhoni might not carry on till the 2020 World T20. Selectors felt the Indian board should start looking for Dhoni’s replacement from now on,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
However, Dhoni's future in ODIs looks relatively stable as the choice to call time on his one-day career has been reportedly left with him. He is at present the number 1 choice for the wicket-keeper's role in ODIs and looks set to continue in that role till next year's World Cup. It is believed that Kohli needs the legend's advice on tactical issues on the field thus making the latter an important cog in India's World Cup plans.
