We have given Yuvi a chance to appreciate his domestic performances: MSK Prasad

Virat Kohli is all set to lead the Indian team in the limited-overs format as well now while the role of MS Dhoni will just be restricted to a wicketkeeper-batsman. It will be interesting to see how Kohli uses Dhoni the batsman in the games to come. Amidst the regular names in the team, one that surprised all was the selection of Yuvraj Singh. Not many expected the newly married southpaw to be included in the ODI and T20I team since he hasn’t been considered of late.

But the new selection panel led by MSK Prasad has taken this approach where they include one or two youngsters who have the promise of serving Indian cricket in the future and at the same time also look back at the experienced names in domestic cricket and plunge them back in the scene. It was the case with Gautam Gambhir and Parthiv Patel in Tests and now Yuvraj has been named in the limited-overs squad to face England.

Talking at the press conference after announcing the team Prasad said they had to pick Yuvi on the back of his show in domestic cricket where he has played some fantastic knocks for Punjab. “We should appreciate the way Yuvi has played in domestic cricket. He played some fantastic innings, he got a double hundred, he got 180 in the Lahli wicket. We appreciate it and have given him a chance,” Prasad said.

MS Dhoni’s role will not only be to keep and bat but he has the bigger responsibility of shaping things up. Yes, of course, Virat is there and he is the captain but the experience Dhoni brings to the table has no parallels in Indian cricket. “He is the best guy to look after the youngsters. Mahi is not about stepping down and anything. He is a captain by nature and leader from the front.” The chairman of selectors said.

Also check out- Twitter Reactions: Yuvraj Singh back in the limited-overs squad

The news was made public yesterday evening that Dhoni has decided to step down. It was after he had a long discussion with Prasad who was in Nagpur for the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Gujarat and Jharkhand while Dhoni was with his state team as their unofficial mentor. “Last four days I was there in Nagpur and he was very much part of the Jharkhand team. But on the last day he informed BCCI and me that he is quitting captaincy and it’s time to move on,” Prasad said.

A lot of young names have been picked for the practice matches and that is certainly an opportunity for them to experience the bigger platform. Rishabh Pant has been named in the T20I team along with Suresh Raina who is also making a comeback of sorts. “We have selected the best possible team which can give us the best possible result.” He concluded.

Also read- Virat Kohli to lead 15-man Indian squad for the ODI and T20I series against England