Dhoni has not played in an ODI for India since the World Cup, either in the West Indies or against South Africa at home.
BCCI president-elect and former cricketer Sourav Ganguly has always been of the view that the onus is on Dhoni to clear the air about his future and convey the same to the team management, including captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, besides the selection panel.
Ganguly, on Wednesday, maintained his support, saying clarity would be sought from MSK Prasad’s selection panel. Talking to reporters in Kolkata, he said, “I need to find out from the selectors when I meet them next. We should find out what the selectors think.”
Ganguly added, “It’s not my opinion. I was nowhere in the picture all these days. My first selection committee meeting will be on the 24th.”
Saying he might speak to Dhoni if necessary, he said, “What matters is what Dhoni wants. Maybe there is clarity between Dhoni and the selectors, but I do not know of it as yet. Neither side has discussed anything with me. They’ll decide on the way forward.”
Speaking about Rishabh Pant, Ganguly said, “I don’t think there is any elephant in the room. Rishabh (Pant) is not Dhoni. Rishabh will not become Dhoni in the next three-four years.”
Although Dhoni’s role will be crucial to India, he is 38 years old. The selectors do not think Pant is not yet an automatic choice to be the wicket-keeper in limited-overs. As Ganguly is back at the helm of affairs, he may have his say in deciding Dhoni’s fate.
