Team India’s exit in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019 has opened up a plethora of questions. There has been a contentious debate over the no. 4 spot in the Indian cricket team and the selectors are being criticized for not keeping faith on one particular player.
After India’s ouster at the hands of New Zealand, the role of MS Dhoni in the team has also come under the scanner.
The All India Senior Selection Committee is going to announce India’s squad for the tour of West Indies on Sunday keeping Dhoni’s future in mind. Before the big day, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has given his verdict regarding the future of Dhoni in Team India.
Gambhir believes that its time to bring youngsters into the team, looking forward to the World Cup in 2023. The southpaw cited the example of Dhoni, who had phased out players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gambhir and before the CB Series in Australia.
Gambhir highlighted the names of three young wicket-keepers, who should be given a chance in the Indian team as he wants the selectors to look forward at the future.
“India now have a chance to give opportunities to youngsters. Be it Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan or any other wicketkeeper, whoever is believed to have the potential should be made the wicket-keeper. Give him chances for one and half-years and if he doesn’t perform, then others should be tried out as well. Then one would get to know who the keeper for the next World Cup is,” Gambhir told TV9 Bharatvarsh.
Gambhir also talked about the circumstances before the CB series in Australia where Dhoni wanted to oust Sehwag, Gambhir, and Sachin as the grounds were bigger.
“It’s important to look into the future. And when Dhoni was the captain, he invested in the future. I remember Dhoni saying in Australia that me, Sachin and Sehwag can’t play the CB series (in Australia) together as the grounds were big. He thought young players were needed for the next World Cup. It’s necessary to take practical decisions than being emotional,” Gambhir added.
