INDIA SWEEP T20 SERIES AGAINST SRI LANKA
Exskipper key, but chief selector Prasad’s bleak view of ’keeping resources defies logic
NEWDELHI: It is not that it required fresh validation, but the national selectors have made it clear they are on the same page as the Indian team management as far as MS Dhoni’s spot until the 2019 World Cup is concerned.
Chief selector MSK Prasad even declared Dhoni as the world’s best wicketkeeper at the moment, essentially announcing that his choice for the 2019 World Cup in England is sealed. Prasad may not entirely be off the mark as Dhoni is seen as a leader among limited-overs keepers.
The debate over Dhoni losing the ability to tee off in the slog overs, considering that he will be 38 when the next World Cup is played, has somewhat died down.
With the ODI middle order somewhat unsettled and the team management refusing to play Ajinkya Rahane at No 4 or 5, Dhoni’s calm approach, be it in the series in Sri Lanka in August-September or in the Chennai game against Australia, have suited the team.
Besides, Dhoni has been a vital ally to Virat Kohli in deciding tactics. He has mentored Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have replaced R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and sealed their spots.
However, it is unusual for a chief selector to insist there is no other wicketkeeper who can do Dhoni’s job. Prasad effectively said the selectors don’t want to consider any other stumper till the World Cup.
By that logic, India’s spin department would not have been boosted. On the other hand, they have not picked Jadeja at all, despite his sharp fielding, batting and bowling, not even ahead of third spinner Axar Patel.
Former India stumper and chief selector Kiran More backed Dhoni but disagreed with Prasad’s poor assessment of India’s ‘keeping resources.
“I don’t agree with that statement,” More told Hindustan Times. “Dhoni is still the best, especially with young bowlers in the team like Kuldeep and Chahal, and that shows in the game. Dhoni is the key person for Virat on the field, whether it’s setting the field or discussing tactics.
And he bats at 6 or 7, and can carry the innings. If he is fit, he can play. He is quick. As a fast bowler, Ashish Nehra showed if you are fit, you can play (despite the age).”
But More felt the selectors should ensure back-up in the build-up to the World Cup and is surprised one obvious choice is not in the mix.
“But 2019 is a long way off, and if there are any niggles (for Dhoni), you need to have back up,” he said. “Dinesh (Karthik) is there. But I’m really surprised Wriddhiman Saha is not there. He has scored T20 100s. I’m a bit surprised, why don’t they have a look at him?”
Saha, 33, took over when Dhoni retired from Tests in 2015 and has is an integral part of the side as a keeper and batsman.
Saha has expressed keenness to play limited-overs cricket, but Karthik, picked as batsman, is the back-up.
More is confident the other keepers are competent if asked to step into Dhoni’s shoes.
“All are good enough. But I do agree they should be given some matches now and then to keep them motivated.”