The India team management has taken a massive decision minutes after losing the third ODI to Australia by 32 runs in Ranchi. Batting coach Sanjay Bangar has stated that wicketkeeper MS Dhoni will be rested for the last two matches, scheduled to be played in Mohali and Delhi on February 10 and 13, respectively.
"We will have some changes in the last two games. Mahi will not be playing in the last two games. He will be taking rest," India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar told media persons after the match.
With India not having any home matches till October, the match here could well be the last time that Dhoni has played in India Blues on home soil.
The World Cup is widely believed to be Dhoni's swansong in India colours. However, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association believes that they would get one limited overs to match during the next home season where Dhoni could bid a proper farewell.
Dhoni looked in good touch on Friday when he came at the crease to assist skipper Virat Kohli during the 314 run-chase. Including a six and two fours, Dhoni scored 26 runs off 42 balls. Before he could take his innings further, he fell prey to Adam Zampa in the 20th over, leaving his home crowd in a state of massive shock.
Now with Dhoni missing in the next two games, it’s pretty clear that young stumper Rishabh Pant, who replaced Dinesh Karthik in the squad, will take the responsibility of keeping wickets.
The former Indian skipper played a match-winning knock in the first ODI in Hyderabad. He scored an unbeaten 59 and finished the game in style with a four. But he was unfortunate in Nagpur that he was dismissed on a golden duck in Nagpur.