Did BCCI ask MS Dhoni to leave captaincy in ODIs and T20s?

According to a report published in Hindustan Times, the Ranchi lad was asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to step down his captaincy.

By: News Desk |
January 9, 2017 1:24 pm

The year 2017 brought a massive disappointment for the Indian cricket fans after Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to leave his post in the limited over format of the game, on January 4. It was supposed that Dhoni had willingly taken the decision to step down.

However, according to a report published in Hindustan Times, the Ranchi lad was asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give up his captaincy.

During the Ranji Trophy semifinal between Jharkhand and Gujrat, held at Old Nagpur’s VCA stadium, Chief selector MSK Prasad met MSD who was present there as a mentor for the Jharkhand Ranji team. The report has now claimed that the conversation between Prasad and Dhoni led MSD to leave captaincy.

The report also mentioned that the process started back in September 2016 when the new core committee of selectors was formed. Keeping the ODI World Cup 2019 in mind, Dhoni – who would be almost 39 years old till the time the 50-over World Cup is held was briefed why Virat Kohli must succeed him in all the three formats of cricket.

The same matter was discussed between Prasad and Dhoni when they last met.

Under Kohli’s captaincy, team India has conquered five consecutive test matches. Hence, it was also believed that the things may not go similar under Dhoni’s leadership. Secondly, MSD’s recent form has been questioned in the recent times.

In the ODI series played under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2015, India lost to South Africa at home, lost by 4-1 in Australia early last year, and then scraped past New Zealand 3-2 towards the year end.

Dhoni though led India to the 2015 World Cup semifinals, where they lost to co-hosts Australia, the eventual champions. India won seven and lost six ODIs last year.

Despite resigning as a captain, Dhoni has been included in the squads against England for both ODI and T20. However, MSD will be leading the India-A side in a practice match against the English opponents.

Team India is going to play three ODI and three T20 against the English team led by Eoin Morgan starting from January 15.