MS Dhoni is the first choice wicketkeeper for the World Cup, confirms MSK Prasad

Given that Mahendra Singh Dhoni has not been in a good batting form for over two years now, there have been demands for him to be dropped from the team. However, Dhoni’s wicket-keeping, decision making and the experience of winning three ICC trophies, will be very crucial to India’s campaign in England next year.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place from May 30 in England and Wales, and there have been a lot of debates on who should be the keeper, in case Dhoni is dropped or himself chooses to retire. Clearing the air, MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors, confirmed that Dhoni remains their first-choice wicketkeeper.

“There is no ambiguity about who our first wicketkeeper is (Dhoni). We are looking out for the second keeper ahead of World Cup. We gave chances to Karthik, now we want to see Rishabh Pant. Then we will take a call,” Prasad was quoted as saying in ABP News.

India recently announced their 14-man ODI squad against Windies and Pant, who is yet to make his ODI debut, found his way into the team. Tamil Nadu’s Dinesh Karthik, who was in the ODI squad against England and also in the Asia Cup, has been left out.

Apart from Dhoni’s waning form, another major concern for the Indian team ahead of the World Cup is the no. 4 batting position muddle. Manish Pandey, playing at no. 4, didn’t perform well in the only Asia Cup game he played, and Karthik was unable to finish games.

However, the selectors thought it was best to bring back Pandey in the ODIs against the Windies, for him to get more game time and practice against a relatively toothless bowling attack. Shreyas Iyer is another name that Indian can try for their no. 4 slot.