MS Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for the home series against the West Indies and the crucial away assignment against Australia last week, signalling a possible end to his run in the shortest format. Moreover, Dhoni’s form in ODI cricket is a huge cause of concern for Team India. In 2018, the wicketkeeper batsman is averaging 25 in the 50-over format from 19 matches.
However, it is learnt that Dhoni’s place is certain in India’s squad for the all-important World Cup, slated to be held in England next year. As per a report in TOI, the selection committee led by MSK Prasad are of the opinion that the former 2011 World Cup-winning captain is still the best wicketkeeper in India.
Report further suggests that Dhoni won't be the only wicketkeeper in the 15-member squad that will be eventually picked for World Cup 2019. Based on form and fitness, Rishabh Pant is the leading choice as the second wicketkeeper but the selectors aren't shutting the door on Dinesh Karthik either.
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and captain Virat Kohli and Dhoni are certainties while Ambati Rayudu has strengthened his position at No. 4. Kedar Jadhav and Manish Pandey are the likely candidates for No. 5. However, the selectors will have to take a hard call on whether to opt for an extra opener in KL Rahul or alternately pick a formidable middle-order batsman.
On the bowling front, the spinners' slot still looks open. With chinaman Kuldeep Yadav and leggie Yuzvendra Chahal given the role to take wickets in the middle overs, the selectors are uncertain for a choice to pick the third spinner or the third pacer. Depending on Hardik Pandya's fitness and form, the selectors have the option of looking at three bowlers each in both pace and spin departments.
India’s probable squad for World Cup 2019:
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant/Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja/Khaleel Ahmed, KL Rahul/ Manish Pandey, Umesh Yadav/ Mohammed Shami
(With TOI inputs)
