MS Dhoni Unlikely To Be Picked For South Africa T20Is

The ambiguity surrounding MS Dhoni’s future is showing no signs of coming to an end. Speculations were rife that MS Dhoni would retire at the end of the World Cup. However, the former India skipper left everyone surprised by not only deciding against his retirement but also taking a two-month break. Consequently, he could not make it to the ODI or the T20I squads for the ongoing tour of West Indies.

And while everyone was expecting Dhoni to return to action in the upcoming series against South Africa, it looks highly unlikely now. The veteran is unlikely to be selected for the home series that will see India play three T20Is and three Tests against the Proteas.

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The team for the series is expected to be picked on September 4 and Dhoni is unlikely to make it to the list. According to reports, the selectors are likely to retain the squad that recently whitewashed West Indies 3-0. With the aim being the next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia, the selectors are looking to remain consistent with their selection.

“There are only 22 T20 Internationals before India play their first World T20 game and selectors are clear in their vision that it’s time to move forward” a BCCI official privy to developments in selection committee was quoted as saying by Manorama.

“They are planning on getting a pool of three keepers ready for limited overs, especially T20s” he added.

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It is still not clear whether the officials will talk to Dhoni to enquire about his plans like they did before the West Indies tour. But one thing is for sure that Dhoni is unlikely to get a place.

“Retirement is an individual decision and selectors or for that matter, no one has any right to decide on that front. But they have every right to decide the roadmap for the 2020 World T20 and that’s to give Rishabh Pant maximum chances,” the official explained.

It should be remembered that Dhoni has fallen down the pecking order in T20Is. Last year, he was not selected for the T20I series against West Indies and Australia. He did make a comeback in the subsequent series against New Zealand and Australia but only because the team-management wanted him to have good match practise.

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