Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Sports

Dhoni Should Be Going Without Being Pushed Out: Sunil Gavaskar

Darpan News Desk IANS, 20 Sep, 2019 08:36 PM
  • Dhoni Should Be Going Without Being Pushed Out: Sunil Gavaskar

Former captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that time has come for Indian cricket to "look beyond Mahendra Singh Dhoni" and invest in youth going into next year's World T20 in Australia.

 

However, there has been a raging debate on the options available as Rishabh Pant has not been able to grab his opportunities. But he remains Gavaskar's "top-choice" going into the marquee event next year.


Asked if Dhoni should be picked for the Bangladesh tour, Gavaskar replied in the negative.


"No, we need to look beyond. Mahendra Singh Dhoni at least doesn't figure in my team. If you are talking about the T20 World Cup, I will certainly think about Rishabh Pant," Gavaskar told 'Aaj Tak'.


For Gavaskar, if Pant doesn't do well, then Sanju Samson is the next best option.



"If I need to have an alternate option, then I will think of Sanju Samson because Sanju is a good 'keeper as well as a good batsman.


"If I have to think of the T20 World Cup, I would think about youth as we need to look forward. Dhoni has made great contribution to Indian cricket but it's now time to look beyond him," the iconic opener said.


Later on the 'India Today' channel, Gavaskar said: "I think he (Dhoni) should be going without being pushed out." Dhoni, who is yet to announce his international retirement, took a two-month sabbatical from the sport after the ODI World Cup but the current selection committee has already indicated that it doesn't want to look behind.


However, Pant's inconsistency and poor shot-selection is hurting the team's interest as head coach Ravi Shastri had recently pointed out. Batting coach Vikram Rathour too reminded the team's youngsters about the difference between a "fearless and careless" approach.


Gavaskar, on his part, wants to check whether the young keeper-batsman is batting at the correct number.


"What is Rishabh's position in batting order -- No 4 or 5? Going in to the World T20 in Australia, we will know his (batting) position better," Gavaskar said.


But Gavaskar acknowledged that there will be scrutiny since he started his international career on a rousing note.


"The way he (Pant) started his career in Tests, it was so good and it is obvious that he will be scrutinised. I think whatever is happening is for his good as he can rectify the mistakes he is making."

MORE Sports ARTICLES

Shahid Afridi A Selfish Player, Ruined Many Careers, Says Pak Batsman Farhat

Out-of-favour Pakistan batsman Imran Farhat has lashed out at Shahid Afridi, saying the former all-rounder was a “selfish player” who ruined many careers for his own good.    

Shahid Afridi A Selfish Player, Ruined Many Careers, Says Pak Batsman Farhat

Shahid Afridi Finally Reveals His Real Age

The revelation could lead to Shahid Afridi losing the record of being the youngest ODI centurion.

Shahid Afridi Finally Reveals His Real Age

Harpreet Singh Bags Silver, Bronze For Gyanender As India Finish With 16 Medals At Asian Wrestling Championships

India wrapped up their campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships on a resounding note with 16 medals.  

Harpreet Singh Bags Silver, Bronze For Gyanender As India Finish With 16 Medals At Asian Wrestling Championships

Shot Putter Manpreet Kaur Banned For 4 Years After Dope Flunk

Shot Putter Manpreet Kaur Banned For 4 Years After Dope Flunk
Shot Putter Manpreet Kaur Set To Lose National Record, Asian Title After NADA Hands Her Four-Year Suspension Over Doping Violation

Shot Putter Manpreet Kaur Banned For 4 Years After Dope Flunk

India Thrash Canada 7-3, Enter Final Of Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament

Striker Mandeep Singh scored a brilliant hat-trick as India outplayed Canada 7-3 in a goal fest to set one foot in the summit clash of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Wednesday.

India Thrash Canada 7-3, Enter Final Of Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament

KT Irfan Becomes First Indian Athlete To Qualify For Tokyo Olympics

KT Irfan finished fourth in the 20 km event of the Asian Race Walking Championships in Nomi, Japan.

KT Irfan Becomes First Indian Athlete To Qualify For Tokyo Olympics