India vs Windies 2018: MS Dhoni is Dropped, Not Rested: BCCI Source

A Board of Control for Cricket in India source has confirmed MS Dhoni is dropped from the T20I squad and not rested. In fact, this is the first time that MS Dhoni is dropped from the Indian squad. The Indian selectors had met Dhoni during their meeting when they named India’s squad. Thus, Dhoni was given a message that the selectors are looking at the next generation in the shortest format of the game.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is not likely to be there for the T20 World Cup of 2020 in Australia. Therefore, the selectors want to give the young players a chance in place for the veteran Indian player. In fact, it makes sense to drop MS Dhoni from the T20I squad. Dhoni hasn’t been in the best of forms and has failed to hit the ground running with the bat.

Dhoni’s T20I career hangs by a thin thread.

Furthermore, MS Dhoni’s record in the shortest format of the game isn’t that impressive. He has only scored two fifties in the 80 innings he has batted for India. However, it should also be taken into consideration that he comes out to bat in the lower order and there are only 20 overs in a T20I game.

“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 2020 T20 World Cup. Selectors felt the Indian board should start looking for Dhoni’s replacement from now on,” a BCCI source told Indian Express.

Therefore, Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik will get their chances in the shortest version of the game. MSK Prasad had also clarified that they are seeking new options in place of MS Dhoni.

“He is not going to play the six T20s because we are looking at second wicketkeeper. It will be between Pant and DK (Dinesh Karthik) and they will get a chance.”

Dhoni has been a massive servant for Indian cricket. However, many believe that his time has come to bid adieu to the T20I format of the game. Therefore, it would be interesting to note Dhoni’s decision.