MSK Prasad: Premature to talk about Dhoni and Yuvraj for 2019 World Cup

01/25/2017

Chief selector MSK Prasad has said it is premature to talk about Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni for the 2019 50-over World Cup, and also declared that Wriddhiman Saha is currently India’s best wicketkeeper in the longest format with Parthiv Patel establishing himself as the number two.

Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni struck centuries in the second One-day International against England in Cuttack, and their 200-plus stand was instrumental in India sealing the series with a game to spare.

It is premature to talk about Dhoni and Yuvi being part of the 2019 WC. We can't talk about something that is 800 or more days away from now,” Prasad as quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

“As of now MSD is the best ’keeper-batsman in the world. He is an invaluable asset. If the situation arose Mahi knows what to do. I don't think that situation will arise in the coming few months or a year's time.”

Yuvraj was recalled to the ODI squad after a gap of three years, and his last international appearance was in the World Twenty20 in India last year. The southpaw was picked based on his impressive domestic run that included a Ranji double hundred.

“All said and done we were a bit worried about the middle-order during the New Zealand ODI series. Now I am more confident, the way Kedar played and Yuvraj did. With the likes of (Ajinkya) Rahane, Manish (Pandey) and (Ambati) Rayudu in the reserves shows the kind of bench strength we have. I am absolutely confident now,” Prasad said.

“Yuvraj was definitely not a gamble. The five selectors earlier, and three now, had seen him do exceptionally well in the domestic circuit. Someone who can get a 260 and a 180 shows the ability and the hunger he has. I had no doubts that he is working hard to make a comeback. What else can a batsman do and with his ability.

Parthiv's glovework has definitely improved. But Saha has got better hands and that's where he scores little more points than Parthiv. With today's batting (Irani Trophy), Saha showed why he is the number one keeper-batsman in the country. When he came out to bat yesterday the team was struggling at 63-4, and to take the game away from Gujarat, is phenomenal. So it's a healthy competition between the two.

“There are no two ways about ability. The day he is fit, his abilities are there. Look how he played under pressure during the second ODI. The most important is country's interest. Heading towards a big event (Champions Trophy in June in England), you need a middle order which can finish off the game. The team that can gives the best possible result for the country is of paramount importance.”

Prasad also lauded Saha, who scored a double hundred in the Irani Trophy.

“We had made it clear that someone who is coming back from injury, had to play in a domestic game and this was the best opportunity. Right now Saha and Parthiv are the best No 1 and 2 that we have. It was only to test fitness that we had Saha play here.

“Personally, I can say that Wriddiman Saha was out of the team because of injury and not because he was out of form. He was man of the match in the Kolkata Test against New Zealand and got a hundred in West Indies.

“I am happy how Parthiv has responded to the call-up. He is a fighter to the core. He single-handedly brought Gujarat from nowhere to being the Ranji champions. He is in our scheme of things. There is just a minor difference between the two. When it comes to Test cricket, it is always the man who keeps better who gets the nod.

MSK Prasad: Premature to talk about Dhoni and Yuvraj for 2019 World Cup

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