India vs England: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Might Play For India A Ahead Of England ODIs
Feb 23, 2019 at 1:29 PM
Indian ODI skipper M.S. Dhoni, who hasn’t played any competitive cricket for past one month now, might don the India A jersey and mark presence in two practise games against England ahead of the ODI series against the visitors. Dhoni hasn’t played any form of competitive cricket for more than a month now and these practise games will be an ideal dress rehearsal for him to prepare himself for the One-dayers. He might also lead the team in these two games.
Last year, M.S. Dhoni, ahead of India tour of Australia, marked his presence for Jharkhand in Vijay Hazare Trophy to prepare himself for the tour but this year the One-day tournament starts after the completion of ODI series.
Though Jharkhand team has qualified for the quarter-final of Ranji Trophy but M.S. Dhoni, the mentor of the team will not play the game as he has already retired from Test cricket and there is no use of taking place of a deserved candidate, thus denying him a chance at the big stage.
Other than Dhoni, we may also see rookie Rishabh Pant being given a chance as the Delhiite has plundered 903 runs at an average of 90.30 in seven Ranji Trophy games till now. Priyank Panchal, the highest run-scorer in this year’s Ranji Trophy will also be an ideal choice for the selectors. Many other players like Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Parvez Rasool, Kuldeep Yadav might also be the part of the squad.
England team, yesterday, announced their ODI squad axing Ben Duckett and bringing in Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan, who missed the Bangladesh tour citing security issues.
The three-match ODI series starts on January 15 from Cuttack followed by 3 T20Is.