Gulf News

Dhoni doubtful for 2019 Cup after axing

Squads named for T20 series against West Indies, Australia & Tests Down Under

- BY K.R. NAYAR Chief Cricket Writer

Indian selectors have sent a message to a struggling Mahendra Singh Dhoni by dropping him from the T20 internatio­nal squad for the three-match rubber against the West Indies and also the subsequent three T20 matches against Australia.

Dhoni, who led India to their only T20 World Cup triumph before following it up with a triumph in 50-overs format in 2011, was omitted following a string of not so impressive scores. The omission raises questions as to whether selectors no longer consider the 37-year-old an automatic choice for the shortest format of the game.

With in-form wicketkeep­er and batsman Rishab Pant performing impressive­ly ever since his debut, it is now doubtful whether Dhoni will be considered.

Chief selector M.S.K. Prasad sought to play down the omission of Dhoni, who has a huge fan following in India, saying selectors had wanted to give Pant an opportunit­y.

However, if Dhoni still features in India’s team plans for the Internatio­nal Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup next year, then this reasoning would be surprising.

What the selectors cannot hide are Dhoni’s batting statistics — since the turn of the year, he has scored only 245 runs from 17 matches, an average of 27.22. His last half century came almost a year back when he hit 65 against Sri Lanka in Dharmasala on December 10, 2017.

Dhoni’s inability to force the pace — in South Africa, England and also during the Asia Cup in Dubai — has been a topic of discussion and a source of concern.

It is well-known that Indian skipper Virat Kohli consults Dhoni on the field but whether he can still afford to keep him on as he goes through a run drought just for this remains to be seen.

 ?? AFP ?? Mahendra Singh Dhoni makes a catch to dismiss West Indies’ Chandrapau­l Hemraj on Friday. The former skipper’s poor batting statistics of late has come under scrutiny.
AFP Mahendra Singh Dhoni makes a catch to dismiss West Indies’ Chandrapau­l Hemraj on Friday. The former skipper’s poor batting statistics of late has come under scrutiny.

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