Writing on the wall: Chairman of selectors M.S.K. Prasad, right, made it abundantly clear that India was looking at a future without M.S. Dhoni.
We have moved on from Dhoni: Prasad
Chief selector says that Rishabh Pant will receive complete backing
The writing had been on the wall even before M.S. Dhoni failed to help India clear the World Cup semifinal hurdle but for the first time, chief selector M.S.K. Prasad admitted that the selection panel had “moved on” from Dhoni, backing Rishabh Pant as India’s wicketkeeper for shorter formats.
“I have been very clear on this that after the World Cup we have started backing Rishabh Pant. So we will still back him (Pant) and see that he progresses well. Of course, he might not have the best of the matches, the way we except of him, but we can still only make a player by backing somebody. So we are confident that he will come out successful and that’s been the thought process post World Cup and we are focusing on Rishabh Pant,” Prasad said after announcing the squad for India’s forthcoming series versus Bangladesh.
When pressed further on whether the selectors had moved on from Dhoni, Prasad said: “I made it very clear, post World Cup that we are moving on. We are giving opportunities to youngsters and see that they establish themselves in the side. With Rishabh doing so well and Sanju Samson coming into the side, I am sure, you must be understanding our thought process.”
It is perceived that Dhoni may not feature in India’s squad now on but the retirement announced could be delayed since he is contemplating to wear the Chennai Super Kings’ yellows for the 2020 Indian Premier League. Prasad, though, remained non-committal on whether Dhoni has conveyed his willingness to let youngsters take over.
“That is purely his personal call. Going into domestic cricket, getting his touch back or thoughts about retirement, everything is purely his personal [decision]. We’ve already laid the roadmap for the future, I’m sure you can see in the way we are selecting the teams,” he said.