'Dhoni unlikely to be part of India's future plans', hints MSK Prasad

Chief selector of the Indian Cricket team, MSK Prasad on Thursday, October 24, said the selectors have been focussing on Rishabh pant as the team's first wicketkeeper post the World Cup this year. In light of giving opportunities to youngsters, Prasad hinted that former skipper MS Dhoni's comeback is unlikely as the team is 'moving on'. MSK Prasad announced India's squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh at home beginning on November 3. Captain Virat Kohli has been rested for the T20 series and ace batsmen Rohit Sharma will be taking over his duties in his place. 

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MSK Prasad backs Pant

Prasad, while speaking to the media on Friday, October 25, said, "This is our clear thought process that post-World Cup we are focusing on Rishabh Pant only. I made it very clear post the World Cup that we are moving on. We are giving opportunities to youngsters and see that they establish themselves in the side. With Rishabh Pant doing so well and even Sanju Samson coming into the side, I am sure you must be understanding our thought process."

Sanju Samson, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been brought up as the second wicketkeeper for the T20 series. Prasad also added that the view of giving more opportunities to youngsters has been endorsed by Dhoni himself in the past and that the former captain is always welcome in the team, as and when he wishes to make his comeback but we have laid our plans for future. "Whether he wants to play domestic cricket, or retire, it is purely his personal call. We have already laid our roadmap for the future, I am sure you can understand our thought process and see it in the way that we are selecting teams."

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MSK Prasad also reflected upon Pant's selection in the team despite his poor performances. Prasad backed Pant and said perhaps he hasn't made the most of his opportunities post-World Cup and admitted that time and patience were essential to allow young talent to flourish. 

Squad for Bangladesh Tests:  Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Saha (wk), R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant

Squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant(wk), Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur

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