Mahendra Singh Dhoni left a plethora of people surprised with his decision of not retiring after India crashed out of the ICC World Cup 2019. Instead, he chose to remain away from the field and serve his paramilitary battalion in Kashmir.

Dhoni's insipid strike-rate invited the critics to hold him responsible for unsuccessful chases against England in the group stage and New Zealand in the semifinal.

On Wednesday, when the chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad was questioned of former skipper’s fitness, he asserted that Dhoni is ‘the best glovemen and finisher in India in the shorter formats’.

“Had we won the (World Cup) semi-final (against New Zealand), especially after the collapse we had at the top of the order, then the knocks that Jadeja and MS played would have been hailed as one of the best knocks ever,” said Prasad.

“I can clearly say this that till today MS is the best glovemen and finisher in India in the shorter formats. The others are still work in progress. MS was a big strength to this team in the World Cup both as a batsman and keeper, apart from sharing his vast experience with the team and captain while taking on-field decisions,” he added.

Prasad, on the other hand, remained tight-lipped on including Dhoni in the side post West Indies tour. However, he admitted that the selection panel was looking at grooming Rishabh Pant as much as possible for future tours.

“I have very clearly told post the selection of the Indian team against West Indies, that we have a plan post World Cup to give as many opportunities as possible to Rishabh and groom him so that he can grow in confidence and perform as per the requirements of the team,” Prasad said.

Dhoni had approached the BCCI for a 2-month sabbatical during which he would serve the Paramilitary regiment of the Indian Army.