NE SPORTS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 10
The head coach of Indian Cricket team Ravi Shastri slammed the ICC’s four-day Test proposal concept was a “nonsense’’.
Speaking to reporters, Shashtri said that the two-time World Cup winning India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni may end his ODI career soon here on Thursday.
“I have had a conversation with MS and that is between us. He has finished his Test career, he may soon end his ODI career… In all probability, he will finish one day cricket,” Shastri told ‘CNN News18’.
“People must respect that he’s played non-stop in all formats of the game for a while.
“At his age, probably the only format he’ll want to play is T20 cricket which means he’ll have to start playing again, get back into the groove because he’s going to play in the IPL and see how his body reacts.”
The coach reiterated that the 38-year-old veteran could still be a contender for the T20 World Cup if he does well in the upcoming Indian Premier League.
“… So he will be left with T20, he will definitely play the IPL. One thing I know about Dhoni is that he will not impose himself on the team. But if he has a cracking IPL, well, then…”
Dhoni’s last outing in India colours was during the World Cup semi final against New Zealand in July where he was run out following a half century.
Shastri said form and experience will be taken into consideration while picking the team for the shortest format’s biggest event.
“We will have to consider the person’s experience and form. They will bat in the number 5-6 position. If Dhoni plays well in the IPL then he does put himself in contention.”
Dhoni, who is on a sabbatical right now, has turned up for the country in 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20 Internationals while effecting a staggering 829 dismissals behind the stumps.
His career is studded with several milestones including leading India to the trophy in the 2011 World Cup where he finished the title clash with a six. AGENCIES
