Ravi Shastri speaks on MS Dhoni playing in T20 World Cup, importance of IPL 2020 in WC squad selection
What's the story?
The Indian Cricket Team's head coach, Ravi Shastri pointed out how IPL 2020 will play a massive role in deciding the 15-man Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to take place next year. Shastri even spoke about MS Dhoni, India's World Cup semifinal loss and Rishabh Pant's talent in his recent interview.
The background
Australia will host the ICC T20 World Cup in October 2020. The inaugural champions India have not lifted the trophy since 2007 and hence, the fans will expect Virat Kohli and co. to bring the cup back home next year.
Besides, India's veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni has been away from the cricket field since the World Cup semifinal. In his absence, Rishabh Pant has taken over the role of the team's wicket-keeper, however, the Delhi-based youngster has not cemented his spot in the squad yet.
The heart of the matter
Ravi Shastri feels that MS Dhoni's position in the Indian T20 World Cup squad depends on how he plays in the IPL. The coach mentioned that the tournament will help the team management in finalizing the squad. He said:
“It all depends on when he (MS Dhoni) starts playing and how he is playing during the IPL. What are the other people doing with the wicket-keeping gloves or what is the form of those players as opposed to Dhoni’s form. The IPL becomes a massive tournament because that could be the last tournament after which more or less your 15 is decided."
He further spoke about the team's semifinal defeat at the 2019 World Cup and praised Virat Kohli and co. for showing character after that heartbreak. Shastri continued:
“For me, the intensity shown by this team is fabulous. The way they have bounced back after those 15 minutes in Manchester. That was a bitter pill to swallow and hurt one and all. But then, the ferocity and intensity they have shown after that in the last three months is unbelievable. This is remarkable and that is why I say if you look back 5-6 years, this will have to be one of the most consistent Indian teams ever across all formats."
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Finally, he talked about Rishabh Pant's position in the team, saying that the young talent needs to be groomed before he becomes a superstar in world cricket.
" (I) Just tell him that you are young and nobody expects you to learn everything in one day. You are bound to make mistakes, but as long as you sit down and thing about ways to rectify those mistakes, you know that is what this game will teach you. You are not going to be a superstar in one day. You will have your ups and your downs. That is life, but the more you work harder, the more the sacrifices you make, the better you will become.”
What's next?
India's next challenge is the ODI and T20I series against West Indies which will begin on 6th December. The Men in Blue are the favorites to continue their dominance at home in the upcoming series.