MSK Prasad takes a U-turn on Dhoni

Photo: PTI

Chennai: Days after he was ready to look at alternatives for MS Dhoni in the run-up to the 2019 World Cup, chairman of selectors MSK Prasad hailed Dhoni’s dedication towards the game and for Team India.

MS Dhoni was almost ruled out for a crunch India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup last year after he suffered an injury but the then Captain's determination saw him not only turning up for the game but also winning it, according to national chief Selector M S K Prasad.

Revealing this at a function in Chennai, the Chairman of the cricket board's selection committee said though he had even kept ready a replacement, Dhoni told him not to worry and that he would play against Pakistan even "if my one leg is not there."

He said Dhoni had picked up an injury during training two days ahead of the tie but he went on to lead India to a win, adding, "this is what Dhoni is made of."

Narrating the incident, he said, "While training at the gym late in the night, Dhoni picked up weights and suddenly there was a catch in his back and he fell with the weight.

"Thankfully, the weight did not fall on him. He could not walk, he was literally crawling. He was taken on stretcher."

Prasad said he was not sure how to deal with the situation. "So, I went to Dhoni’s room to know what the issue was. He said, 'don’t worry MSK bhai'. I even asked him what should I tell the scribes, and the answer again was 'don't worry MSK bhai,” the Chief Selector said.

Prasad also said he didn't want to take chances and summoned Parthiv Patel as a replacement.

But, Dhoni's resolve came to the fore and he was ready for the crunch game against the neighbours.

"Before the team was announced in the afternoon, Dhoni was dressed up for the game. He called me to his room and asked me why was I worrying so much? Then he said, even if my one leg is not there,I will still play against Pakistan," Prasad said.

Ironically Prasad’s praise coincides with Dhoni’s roaring return to from in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka.  

It is the same Prasad, who had sent out a perform or perish warning to Dhoni when the ODI team for Sri Lanka series was announced.

The 36-yr-old former India captain remianed unbeaten on consecutive ODIs to bail India out of tricky situations and reinstated his reputation as a woprthy finsher, which was in doubt after a disappointing Champions Trophy, followed by West Indies tour.