Kolkata: The BCCI president-elect Sourav Ganguly has made it clear that he would like to know the national selection committee’s plans with regards to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future and then give his opinion on the matter.
The 39-year-old MS Dhoni has been on a sabbatical post India’s World Cup exit and is unlikely to feature in three-match T20 series against Bangladesh. The team for it will be picked October 24.
While Mahendra Singh Dhoni has not announced his international retirement, the selectors have time and again made clear that they intend to move forward keeping next year’s World T20 in mind.
“I will find out from the selectors when I meet them October 24 as to what they are thinking about Dhoni. Then I will put forth my opinion,” the soon-to-be BCCI supremo Ganguly told reporters at Eden Gardens.
Ganguly also stated that he would like to speak to Dhoni and know what he wants. “I will also speak to him (Dhoni) regarding what he wants to do and what he does not,” Ganguly stated.
The former India captain made it clear that he will speak to the selectors and present skipper Virat Kohli once he takes charge at the AGM, October 23.
Earlier the selection meeting was scheduled for October 21 but now it will be conducted October 24 along with selection of India A, B and C teams for the Deodhar Trophy.
“During all this time, I was nowhere in picture. My first selection committee meeting will be October 24. So I will ask the selectors and talk with the captain regarding their plans. The coach (Ravi Shastri) won’t be there as per the new BCCI constitution,” Ganguly pointed out.
Ganguly also said that Devang Gandhi and Jatin Paranjpe are eligible to continue as selectors (as per five-year rule).
“Devang and Jatin are eligible to continue. There will be a couple of changes though. We will have to see who has how many days left in their respective tenures,” said Ganguly. He also informed that he has already resigned from his position of ‘mentor’ with Delhi Capitals but will continue as the MCC Board Member.
PTI