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His credentials are unquestionable and his dedication for spirit of the Cricket is second to none. But change is the only constant. Yes Mahendra Singh Dhoni might have won millions of hearts through his leadership which helped India win its first world cup in 28 years and also climbed up to the number one rankings in all formats of the game, but recent development indicates that it is probably time's up for the 'captain cool'.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary on Friday announced the T20I squads for West Indies and Australia series later this year which did not feature Dhoni.
The move has fuelled speculations among fans and experts whether this was the end of Dhoni's T20I career. However, refuting any such concerns, chief selector MSK Prasad said, "He [Dhoni] is not going to play the six T20Is [West Indies and Australia] because we are looking at the second keeper's slot."
"So I think we will retain Rishabh [Pant] and Dinesh Karthik. So they will be getting a chance to keep and bat. It is not the end of Dhoni in T20Is," Prasad told the press, reported India Today.
Even as Prasad hinted that Dhoni would be back in T20I, experts said the decision is an indication as to what would be the future of the captain cool.
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said the announcement means that Dhoni would not feature in the next edition of T20I world cup.
The big news is obviously the absence of MS Dhoni from the T20 squad. The next World T20 isn't till 2020 so this is an acknowledgement that someone else will be behind the stumps there.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 26, 2018
Former cricketer Akash Chopra has also cited his concern saying that fans might never see Dhoni in India colours for the T20I format again.
Even the Indian T20i team for #AusvInd announced. 17 members. Big NEWS is that Dhoni is NOT in that team too. Might not see Dhoni in India colours for the T20 format again... #AusvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 26, 2018
Bhogle also said that since Dhoni's favourite format has been the ODIs, he would continue there till 2019 post which he might take a call on his future.
However, fans are not ready to be convinced and are openly showing their concerns and feelings over the decision in social media.
@BCCI #Dhoni #Dhonidropped He is THE Brand of Indian T20 history ? dropping him from the squad is the worst move by the selectors..He never played for the runs and records. Will surely miss his glove work..Not sure whether we gonna watch T20s or not... @msdhoni #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/vLiuB10xcc
— Manikaraju (@2manikaraju) October 27, 2018
Some others have come forward to show their support to the captain cool who shows no signs of aging.
MS Dhoni just took a stunning catch. This man is 37 years old. pic.twitter.com/8BEOg4O6rW
— puneet ? (@puneet44567) October 27, 2018
