MSK Prasad breaks his silence on Dhoni's retirement rumors
What's the story
BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad clarified the situation regarding MS Dhoni's retirement rumors. This happened after he announced India's Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, starting October 2. After the 2019 World Cup, talks surroundings Dhoni's retirement have done the rounds. Dhoni has been on a break and his future is unknown. Here's more.
Rumors
Social media flooded with Dhoni retirement rumors
Rumors did the rounds on Thursday after Virat Kohli took to Twitter to post a photo after recalling a memorable partnership with Dhoni. Reports stated that Dhoni will announce his retirement on Thursday and address via a press conference. This news also dictated the social media with plenty of fans posting emotional messages and anticipating MSD's retirement. However, MSK quashed this rumor.
Twitter Post
The tweet that paved way for rumors
A game I can never forget. Special night. This man, made me run like in a fitness test 😄 @msdhoni 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/pzkr5zn4pG
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 12, 2019
Situation
India have identified Pant as the main wicket-keeper batsman
India have identified Rishabh Pant as the man to lead the wicket-keeping role. The Indian team management and the selectors want to give Pant enough chances with the ICC World T20 in mind. It is unknown whether Dhoni fits into the current scheme of things. Several former cricketers including Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble had their say on Dhoni's situation.
Quote
The news is incorrect, says MSK Prasad
After announcing the squad, MSK was asked about Dhoni and the former Indian cricketer said, "No update on MS Dhoni's retirement, the news is incorrect."
Communication
Communication is key between selectors and MSD
The World T20 is set to be held in 2020. India have started their preparations for the same. Recently, Kumble stated that it will be crucial to sit down with Dhoni and outline the plans. He stated that it's important to have communication and believes that if Dhoni is in the scheme of things, then he should be playing more frequently.
Our take
It's Dhoni's decision, fans should leave him alone
It is Dhoni's decision on what he wants to do regarding his future and fans should stop speculating. If he intends to carry on till the World T20, then it's a welcome move. Dhoni is still the best keeper around and he still has something to offer. If Dhoni feels he cannot offer anything much, then the selectors should give him a proper farewell.