MS Dhoni's Axing is a Big News Due to his Fan Following - Ajit Agarkar

It came as a blow to many once the Indian squad for the T20Is against Windies and Australia got announced on Friday. A very familiar name was missing, and that is of former captain, MS Dhoni. Meanwhile, Ajit Agarkar said the exclusion became news because of MS Dhoni’s fan following.

However, India will play a three-match T20I series against the Windies. Also, regular skipper, Virat Kohli will cool off his heels, as deputy, Rohit Sharma will once again be on duty.

Agarkar backs MS Dhoni’s snub

However, former India pacer, Ajit Agarkar has backed selectors’ decision and said it is the right call going forward. He had earlier supported Pant to play for India in the limited-overs cricket.

“He (Pant) is a good striker of the ball and looks like a batsman for all formats of the game, he looks the part,” Agarkar said. “In the top six, purely with his batting ability there no doubt in my mind that he has to be given the opportunity to see whether he is good enough. There is no left-hander (in the middle-order) and the way he strikes the ball, it is suited for any format,” he added.

“It is big news that MS is not in the side because of the fan following he has got. I think it is the right decision. The next World T20 is in 2020. I don’t know if he is going to last till then and India perhaps don’t need him much in limited overs cricket. When he was the captain, he did something similar. And it doesn’t matter how great the player is. Eventually, you got to stay in the present.” Agarkar told ESPN Cricinfo.

Agarkar also questioned selector’s remark on Dhoni, as the wise men said Dhoni got rested and it is not the end of the road for him. The Mumbaikar feels there should be clarity in the decision and that he doesn’t see Dhoni survive two years from now.