IS IT THE END OF ROAD FOR DHONI?

pix courtesy: thehindu.com

In all probability, the 2019 World Cup in England will be the swan song of wicket keeper M.S. Dhoni. His unceremoniously omission from the Indian T20I team for the forthcoming series against West Indies and Australia later this year is an indication that Indian selectors have made up their mind as far as the future of Dhoni is concerned. Tongues have been wagging since Dhoni was not included in the two important series ahead of the World Cup. It is not yet clear whether Dhoni was dropped or rested. Though words have been spread that Dhoni himself wanted the younger players, specially Rishabh Pant, to be groomed into the keeper’s role, the selectors’ studied silence is worth many words. 

There is no doubt that Dhoni has lost his Midas touch as a bang-bang hitter and has been struggling with runs towards the fag end of the innings when the team requires him to step up the attack. On the contrary, several young cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya have proved their mettle by going the aerial way neatly in the death overs. Rishabh Pant fits the bill perfectly as he is not only agile as a wicket-keeper, but has proved himself as a batsman who can plunder runs against any attack.

Perhaps Dhoni also realizes that he is not living up to his image as a player who could contribute with bat besides keeping wickets, giving the selectors the options to play with an additional bowler. It is because of this fact that he first recused himself from the Test cricket, solely concentrating on the shorter versions of the game. But sadly, his famed batting prowess has been a big let-down. In the last three years, Dhoni has played 62 matches and accumulated just 1341 runs with one century and 7 fifties. Interestingly, the sole century and the seven fifties came only last year in 2017 when it appeared that he had started regaining his form. But 2018 has been an eventless year as Dhoni made just 275 runs out of 13 innings of the 20 matches that he has played so far.  

There is no doubt that selectors will have to think beyond Dhoni who has already completed 37 years and it is high time that young players are groomed before India’s most successful wicket keeper takes a bow. But the selectors will do well to keep the veteran in the team for the World Cup as his experience itself is something that can’t be discounted. He is just one run away from reaching a historic milestone from reaching 10,000 ODI runs, second only to Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in the world. As has often been seen, captain Virat Kohli always turns to Dhoni when situation seems run out of control. Dhoni is often seen making small field adjustments while giving directions to bowlers. 

Another reason why Dhoni is an important cog in India’s quest for World Cup is his sharp eye during DRS reviews. He has been almost accurate as far as taking DRS reviews is concerned.

At a time when the team is yet to find a perfect combination with newcomers performing in patches, Dhoni’s presence itself is a matter of comfort in the dressing room. With 14 years of experience, Dhoni knows how to conduct himself in varying situations. Moreover, nobody can doubt his keeping skills as none can match his agility behind the wickets. India just cannot afford to not have Dhoni in the World Cup.