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Dubai: Indian star cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reacted strongly to news reports that he will relinquish his captaincy over the ommision of pace bowler Rudra Pratap Singh.
Dhoni dismissed the rumour and is set to take up the matter with the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI).
Millions of Indian cricket fans watched in shock as a popular television station yesterday flashed the news that Dhoni warned that he would step down if the selectors did not reinstate Singh.
The story was first broken by a Kolkata-based newspaper who revealed that Dhoni had an argument with the selectors as he wanted R.P. Singh included in the team instead of Irfan Pathan. According to the report, Dhoni threatened to resign if his suggestions were ignored.
The news reached the Indian team's dressing room in Bangalore where they were preparing to take on England in the fourth one-day game today.
More respect
An angry Dhoni, told reporters: "It is disgusting that such statements are being made. It will only distract the team."
Dhoni also said that he would take up the matter with the cricket board saying, 'this needs to stop.'
The report also claimed that when K. Srikkanth, the chairman of the selection committee told Dhoni that R.R. Singh was out of form and he should play domestic cricket, an upset Dhoni then said, 'then you can look for another captain.'
The selectors reportedly complained to the BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan that they wanted more respect from the captain.
Dhoni said: "We are selecting 15 players and there will be debates and those information should not be put out in the media. What happens in the meeting between captain, selectors and coach, when it comes out, it is disgusting and disrespectful."
Interestingly, when he made this statement, reporters doubted whether such an incident really happened.
Dhoni then quickly added: "Incidents like this should not be happening. I'm not saying anything happened at the meeting but over the years we have seen news from the selection committee being leaked out."
It remains to be seen who is speaking the truth and who is lying.
The right choice?
- Rudra Pratap Singh has looked out of form since the Asia Cup. In his last two matches he has bowled nine overs and taken just the single wicket at a cost of 74 runs. His average is 74.00 and strike rate 54.00. One for 25 is his best.
- After a poor performance in Sri Lanka Irfan Pathan returned to domestic cricket and bagged 12 wickets from two Ranji Trophy matches including seven against Uttar Pardesh recently.
Do you think this was an attempt to sabotage Dhoni's captaincy? Or was there any truth to the story?
Your comments
I totally agree with Dhoni. The talks in the dressing room or between the selector, captain or coach should be kept a secret.
Sahil Thakur
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 23, 2008, 09:24
Dhoni is a successful captain. With great success comes great jealousy. I have observed many attempts by various sports personalities and even the media to put down Dhoni and his spirit. It is high time to let the man do his job and let him have a say in selecting his army. In the end he will be the one leading the same men in the battlefield.
Sheraz
Lahore,Pakistan
Posted: November 23, 2008, 08:43
In India, people do not like to grow. If anyone performs and delivers then it is their moral responsiblity to get them down.
Prakash
Brampton,Canada
Posted: November 23, 2008, 06:07
This is nothing but some news media wanting to claim that they are so well connected with the Indian team to know the inside news. The BCCI should take swift legal action against this particular station so that others will take care in the future.
Shan
Waterloo,Canada
Posted: November 23, 2008, 04:44
No, I do not think that Dhoni will do that because he is sensible.
Nisar A. L. Shaikh
Mumbai,India
Posted: November 23, 2008, 02:24
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