What Sandeep Patil did to Sachin and Dhoni was unethical: Saba Karim

In the aftermath of the formation of the new selection panel for the BCCI, the biggest challenge that lies ahead is how to prepare the team for 2019 cricket world cup. Former selector Saba Karim has said that the Board needs to think about MS Dhoni’s future.

Speaking to the Times of India, Karim said, “I don't know why and how this perception has come up that Dhoni can't be a part of the team if he doesn't have his captaincy. His fitness levels have certainly gone up. However, it's up to the present selectors now to decide if they want him in their scheme of things looking at the World Cup in 2019. The current selectors need to have a vision." 

Former selector Vikram Rathore has also hinted at his displeasure towards Sandeep Patil for revealing the discussion he had held with Tendulkar and Dhoni. While asking whether the issue was discussed in person with Dhoni, he said, “You should ask this to Patil. He is the one making statements these days.”

He also added, “The decision to continue with Dhoni rests with Dhoni himself as much as it does with the national selectors.”

Saba Karim has backed KL Rahul as an efficient wicketkeeper to fill in the big shoes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the shorter version of the game.

"There is a problem with the resources, especially in wicket keeping. Wriddhiman Saha is just growing into his job in Tests. But in limited-overs, Rahul looks good to don the gloves. His glove work has potential but a lot of work has to be done with wicketkeepers. At the moment, Dhoni is doing pretty well."

Karim has also expressed his disappointment over the statements of Sandeep Patil about Tendulkar and Dhoni.

He said, “This is disturbing. 10 days ago, he said in a press conference that certain things should remain confidential. I feel what he did was not needed and unethical.”