Vijay Hazare Trophy | MS Dhoni stays away from representing Jharkhand in quarter-finals

Dhoni has been going through a poor run of form over the last couple of series and was expected to play for Jharkhand in their quarter-final match against Maharashtra at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Even MSK Prasad, who has been underfire for a couple of selection issues lately, stated that he had communicated with Dhoni, who apparently gave him assurance that he would play the quarterfinals to be match ready. However, Jharkhand coach Ravi Kumar told reporters that the former Indian skipper has declined to play the game because his contribution in the team may affect the team combination.

"Dhoni feels that it would not be fair for him to join us at this stage, given that the team has done so well and reached the quarter-final stage in his absence. He does not want to upset the team balance," Jharkhand coach Kumar told PTI.

"He has to go to Hyderabad on October 16 to report for the ODI series against Windies. Maybe he will come for a day, I don't know yet what his plan is, but so far, he is not coming. But it may be possible. You know he takes his own decisions. He is saying the boys are doing well, so there is no point coming for just one game and taking somebody's place."

Dhoni wasn’t so far convincing with his display and yet to make a good score in the last few series. However, he has featured in all 15 ODIs in 2018, scoring just 225 runs at an average of 28.12. While his domestic return would have helped him get the confidence back, there are now questions being raised whether Prasad had even consulted Dhoni in the first place before announcing in public.

"I would love to know how MSK Prasad gets in touch with Dhoni. Last heard, even VVS Laxman didn't get a chance to speak to Dhoni before announcing his retirement. Hope he is telling the truth," a senior BCCI official told PTI.

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