Senior Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been away from the field since the ICC World Cup in July. And even as reports of his impending retirement refuse to die-down, head coach Ravi Shastri has said that the decision of Dhoni’s return to the national team lie with the wicketkeeper-batsman.
The 38-year-old Dhoni had previously missed the West Indies tour after taking a break of two months which also meant that he missed the home series against South Africa. A recent report had said that the cricketer would not be available for selection until November this year.
“He will go down as one of our greatest players, very, very high up the list. Whether he wants to come back, that’s for him to decide. I have not met him after the World Cup. He has to first start playing and let’s see how things go. I don’t think he has started playing after the World Cup. If he is keen, he will definitely let the selectors know,” Shastri was quoted as saying by The Hindu in an interview.
“Very Concerned”: Shastri on Bumrah’s Injury
Head coach Shastri also said he was “concerned” about Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, adding that the team needs to be careful about the bowler’s workload management.
"Very concerned. Because he is precious, special, different, and a match-winner. They are taking opinions on whether he needs surgery. We have to be careful about his workload because he plays all three formats," Shastri was quoted as saying by The Hindu in an interview.
Bumrah is out with a stress fracture and is currently in the UK to consult specialists. While Bumrah has already been ruled out till the Bangladesh series in November, the team management doesn't want to take any chance and will consult the best.
Shastri also spoke on Rohit Sharma opening the batting in test cricket and said the star Mumbai batsman is cut out for that role.
Rohit marked his debut as an opener in Test matches with twin hundreds in the first Test against the Proteas, shattering many records as India registered a comprehensive 203-run victory in Visakhapatnam.
“I would hate to see a player of his (Rohit) quality sitting in the reserves. In the West Indies I was very clear that he should open and had a chat with Kohli about it. This was his opportunity.”Ravi Shastri to The Hindu
"Opening is about the mindset. You got to respect the new ball. A lot of guys in India should have opened in the last 20 years for the sake of team balance, but they didn't have the stomach for it.
"Who would have thought Virender Sehwag would average nearly 50 in Tests. But he conquered those first 20 minutes against the new ball. I don't think any other opener actually enjoyed opening like he did, Shastri said."
Shastri also oozed confidence ahead of India's tour to New Zealand in January next year. India will play five T20s, three ODIs and two Tests starting 24 January.
"As the No. 1 side we like to go and play against tough teams in their backyard. We are confident against New Zealand. Didn't we beat Australia down under after 71 years?. West Indies had beaten a strong England team at home in Tests and we absolutely smashed them. We like to go and play against tough teams in their backyard. We are confident against New Zealand. We are the No. 1 team in the world."
(With inputs from IANS)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)