While MSK Prasad’s tenure as the chief of the national selection committee is near to the end, he talked about MS Dhoni’s future for the national team. He has clarified that the former World Cup-winning Indian skipper is free to decide his cricketing future, but the team is focusing on the next generation.
Since the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Dhoni hasn’t played a cricket match yet. While there is no clarification about his future in international cricket, many speculations are arising in every day.
Though the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has clarified that the Indian captain Virat Kohli and Head Coach Ravi Shastri are aware of Dhoni’s plan. However, they haven’t confirmed whether the former Indian captain will return to the national team or not.
Moreover, Shastri has recently claimed that Dhoni’s future in international cricket depends on the performances in the upcoming IPL 2020. The chief coach also hinted that Dhoni might not return to the ODI format.
On the other hand, Dhoni has taken time to decide his future. Earlier, he even requested to not ask a question about his cricket future till January 2020.
I am as big a fan of MS Dhoni as anyone else – MSK Prasad
In the recent interview to Sportstar, Prasad claimed that he is a big fan of MS Dhoni. But as a selector, he wants to provide bigger opportunities for the youngsters. He also clarified that Dhoni would take a decision for himself about his future.
Prasad told Sportstar, “As far as we are concerned, we are backing youngsters and giving them as many opportunities to settle well and play long. Mahi will take a decision for himself. As a panel member, if I keep professional duty aside, I am as big a fan of Dhoni as anyone else.”
Apart from being a smart wicketkeeper, controlled batsman and cool finisher, Dhoni was also a top-class captain. Under his captaincy, India won the ICC World T20 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and many other reputed trophies. He also took the national team on the top of the ICC Test rankings, which was the first time for India since the global governing body ICC started the official team rankings in 2003.
Prasad added, “He has achieved everything under the sun winning two World Cups, the Champions Trophy, the No. 1 Status in Tests. Nobody can question that. About his career, he will take a call. As selectors, our duty is to move on and identify the next generation of players and keep giving them chances.”
Dhoni will lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2020. His fans are eagerly waiting to see him on the cricket field.