MSK Prasad explains why MS Dhoni was picked and not Rishabh Pant in ICC Champions Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced the 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. No new face has been included in the Indian side.

Many fans were hoping that young Rishabh Pant would make it to team India going to defend its title.

After Rishabh’s consistent performances in domestic season 2016-17 and outstanding display of hitting in IPL 2017, cricket lovers were pretty much sure of his selection. But, selectors preferred experience over youth and picked a very experienced squad for the big ICC tournament.

But, the selectors have other ideas as they preferred experience over youth and picked up a very experienced squad for the upcoming ICC tournament.

While announcing the Indian squad, the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad explained why MS Dhoni was picked and not Rishabh Pant in the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

“How many of us still believe that MSD is still the best wicketkeeper in the world? We all believe he is still the best wicketkeeper in the world. We are only talking and focussing on his batting form,” MSK Prasad said while addressing the media at a press conference.

MS Dhoni ODI

“He is an invaluable asset to the team and his inputs in crunch situations, he has got one of the best brains. He is the best person to guide Virat,” MSK Prasad added.

Talking about Dhoni’s spectacular skills behind the stumps, Prasad said that fans focus too much on his batting and forget that he is currently the best wicketkeeper in the world.

“Not many people realize, that in last 10-12 years, Dhoni has never had a bad day with the gloves. We always treat him as a batsman but the phenomenal stuff he does behind the wickets, not many people appreciate that. According to me, he is still the best wicketkeeper in world cricket,” MSK Prasad said.

Talking about Rishabh Pant, Prasad said that selectors are impressed with the way Delhi lad is playing and he is surely one for the future.

Rishabh-Pant

“We are completely impressed by how Rishabh Pant is playing. It’s just combination because of which he missed out. He is one cricketer we are looking at for our future. He is definitely a solution for our future,” added Prasad.

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