1st One-Day International Harare Sports Club, Saturday PREVIEW
MS DHONI might be approaching the twilight of his career, but he has batted away speculation that he could be embarking on his final international tour against Zimbabwe.
The 35-year-old Dhoni will lead an inexperienced India squad in the three ODIs and three T20s, which kick off on Saturday in Harare.
With India set to turn their attentions to Tests in the coming months, there has been speculation that Virat Kohli could take over the captaincy in all three formats, however Dhoni believes he still has something to offer the team.
“It’s only a brief period where you can actually represent your country and that’s the biggest motivation for me,” he said.
“More than what you’ve achieved in your career, the fact that you are representing your country [motivates you]. And to achieve that, I have to keep myself fit. I am 35 right now, and I know the day I’m not able to run as fast as I’m running right now, I know the guns where they are coming from. Form will keep going up and down.You can’t control that, but fitness is very important. At this point of time, my only concern is fitness, but so far it has been good.”
Faiz Fazal was a surprise inclusion in the India squad, joining up with the squad from Hetton Lyons in the North East Premier League while the Zimbabwe squad has a more familiar look to it.
Graeme Cremer replaces Hamilton Masakadza as skipper, although the latter keeps his place in the squad, however Tinashe Panyangara is out through injury.