Reports| BCCI sources reveal MS Dhoni’s batting form might lead to Rishabh Pant’s ODI selection
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According to reports, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s poor batting form in limited overs cricket might eventually force the selectors to drop him for the upcoming ODI series against the Windies that will be played later this month. Rishabh Pant might get a chance as the wicketkeeper in the ODI squad.
The batting form of MS Dhoni has been a cause of concern for the Indian limited-overs side and as per the reports, the former captain might be dropped from the ODI series, the squad of which is scheduled to be announced tomorrow. Dhoni was not effective in the recently concluded Asia Cup in UAE as well and apart from his knocks of 36 and 33 against Bangladesh, he had nothing to show in the tournament.
A BCCI official has mentioned that the selectors might consider Rishabh Pant for the one-day games after his maiden Test hundred at The Oval in England and a stroke-filled 90 against the Windies in Rajkot. The official said that they are sure that Dhoni would continue playing the ODIs till the World Cup next year but the BCCI would want to groom young Pant.Â
"We all know that Dhoni will play till the World Cup but there is no harm in grooming Pant, who could be a terrific No.6 or 7 batsman, who has the ability to finish games," a senior BCCI official told PTI.
The Indian team went in with Dinesh Karthik as a specialist batsman in the Asia Cup but his batting form has not been a great one as well in the recent past and his inability to finish matches is a cause of concern for the team management.
It is also learnt that skipper Virat Kohli might be rested as well after the Test series but whether the team will be selected for the first three games or the entire series is yet to be confirmed. The five-match ODI series would begin from October 21 which will be followed by a T20I series.
