Dhoni to lead Team India in Tests: Sources
Posted on Nov 08, 2007 at 08:14 | Updated Nov 08, 2007 at 14:23
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Mohali: After having donned the skipper’s cap in Twenty20 and One Day format, M S Dhoni is all set to lead Team India in the longer version of the game as well.
CNN-IBN has learnt that selectors have zeroed in on the flamboyant cricketer to lead the team in Test matches.
A member from the team of selectors has told CNN-IBN the formal announcement will be made in Mohali on Thursday.
The selector also said Anil Kumble – who was also being considered for the top job – and V V S Laxman are being considered for Vice-Captain’s role.
The news comes amid speculation that the selectors would opt for a younger skipper who could lead the team for a longer time. Dhoni was the clear favourite after Saurav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar turned down the offer.
Dhoni has been around in the international circuit for just under three years. His test record is still not sensational: he averages just under 37 in his 20 Tests and has just crossed the 1,000 run mark. His elevation to one-day captaincy is backed by what has been a remarkable career: a strike rate of nearly 100 and an average of nearly 44.
First reactions
Reacting to the news, former cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad told CNN-IBN the reasons why Dhoni could have been selector’s choice. “Probably they were looking for a younger captain who can lead the team for a longer time. Then there is the controversy with the senior players. Selectors aren’t in favour of senior players and that shows with Rahul Dravid not being in team,” he said.
While Gaekwad agreed Dhoni was a “cool cat” and had his head on shoulders, he said wasn’t sure if the youngster was prepared for the mammoth responsibility. “I have my doubts about that. He is good captaincy material in ODIs, but in longer version, there’s a lot of pressure. He needs to settle himself down. Grooming would have been much better. Due to pressure in Tests, we can also lose a good player,” he said.
Another ex-cricketer Yashpal Sharma told CNN-IBN selectors perhaps had no choice but Dhoni. “They have no other option. When Saurav and Sachin said no, they have to look ahead and can’t get a better person than Dhoni,” he said.
To this, member of the editorial board of DNA Ayaz Memon added: "I think they had no choice. If they had to choose seniors, it would have been Sachin. Dhoni has done quite well for himself. So why look behind? Look ahead."
However, on Wednesday, Anil Kumble had also thrown his hat in the ring when he told cricinfo.com: "I would certainly do the job if asked to. I don't know what the big deal is, why so much is being made of this. I have said this before also. I don't know whether I'm in the race, but if it's offered it would be a great honour. I have relished it whenever I had the opportunity. But that's not something for me to decide."
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Total Comments: 25
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Posted By SMART INTELLIGENT 2007
Sachin knows himself that he is not a good captain and justice to the post- . He is very good
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Posted By Prashanth Anreddy
Good logic....makes lot of sense. Kumble is the answer for this predicament.
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Posted By sri
NDTV says BCCI sources confirmed kumble name as Test Captain. IBN says its Dhoni. Good to know which news channel
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Posted By peter
i think dhoni could be the better option when the three seniors are not interested.
But i am sure that the
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Posted By rengis
I have begun to hate dhoni, not because of anything he has done
but the hype and praise and coverage
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