NEW DELHI: Former MSK Prasad selection committee chairman believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was brought on board to mentor the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, will join the Indian team and Virat Kohli, who has his maiden in mind, will unite will give a big boost as a captain ICC trophy.
Prasad, who represented India in 6 Tests and 17 ODIs, also said India will miss its T20I star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who was not considered for the mega-tournament. Chahal, India’s highest wicket taker (63 wickets in 49 games) in the shortest format of the game, was not selected for the competition in the announced roster. Some changes may be yet to come, as the deadline for submitting roster to the ICC is October 15th.
The T20 World Cup begins on October 17th in the United Arab Emirates and Oman and India begin their battle against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24th at the Dubai International Stadium. The Super 12 round starts on October 23rd.
TimesofIndia.com met with MSK Prasad to discuss team selection, the failure of Chahal and Shikhar Dhawan, the reunion of the Ashwin-Jadeja couple in limited overs cricket, Dhoni, the mentor, and much more.
Your take on India’s World T20 squad that was announced …
Given the number of games we’re going to play in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I feel we don’t have enough fast bowlers. These places are more conducive to fast bowling than spinners. Having five weirdos in the roster is a little higher. You hardly ever play a weirdo or two on these tracks. I think there should have been a seaman in the squad. Because Hardik Pandya doesn’t bow too late in the IPL games either.
Rahul Chahar’s recording of Yuzvendra Chahal raised many eyebrows. Your opinion on this …
Yes, it’s a little unfortunate that Chahal is absent from this T20 roster. At the time of selection, the selectors preferred shape over selection. (Rahul) Chahar was considered above Chahal because of its shape. There is no doubt that Chahal is one of our premier T20 bowlers and has taken more wickets than anyone in the T20I format. It is a real shame that he is missing from the World Cup squad. We will definitely miss the services of Chahal. 
Rahul Chahar and Yuzvendra Chahal (Image credit: BCCI)
Not only Chahal, but Shikhar Dhawan’s omission became a topic of conversation …
I don’t know the reasons well. I can’t say he was rested. But he’s a very good player at ICC tournaments. He has had a good number of runs in ICC events. It’s always been phenomenal. If you ask me, one person I feel (bad) about is Shikhar Dhawan. It’s a little unfortunate that Shikhar is out because the formidable pair he has formed with Rohit Sharma, especially at ICC tournaments, has been phenomenal.
The couple Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin are back in the limited edition Overs Cricket. Ashwin hasn’t played limited-over cricket in a long time. His experience should benefit the Indian team in the T20 World Cup …
Washington Sundar has been the preferred off-spinner of choice in T20 cricket for the past 2-3 years. And for that he was prepared. He was prepared for this slot. Now that he’s not there, the selectors have resorted to experience. Ashwin has done really well over the last two seasons of IPL. This was the main reason why he managed to convince voters. Ashwin can come in handy against left-handed people. 
File image: Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin (AFP photo)
MS Dhoni has been named mentor to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. How do you think the team will benefit from Dhoni?
You (BCCI) did a good job. I respect the decision of the selection, the BCCI management and the Indian team. This is a huge and excellent move that makes Dhoni the mentor of the Indian team. It was a collective decision to have MSD as a mentor. Someone who played 200+ IPL games, someone who made India glory in the 2007 World T20, someone who made India win the 2011 World Cup so it’s a brilliant decision. I respect this decision and I am very happy about it. You couldn’t have chosen a better mentor than Dhoni. 
MS Dhoni, Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli (AFP photo)
It’s a wonderful decision by the BCCI. Virat always had a good chemistry with Dhoni and Ravi (Shastri). It will be a wonderful tournament for Virat with Dhoni and Shastri together. Virat played a lot of cricket under MSD. He did a wonderful job with Shastri as a trainer. The Indian team reached the final of the World Testing Championship, defeating Australia twice in Australia. You (Indian team) dominated cricket. Dhoni is a thought leader and will join the Indian team. His commitment as a mentor will add value to the team and give Captain Virat a boost.
The support of MS Dhoni will also be vital for Virat Kohli, who as captain is chasing his first ICC trophy …
What happens behind the doors is very, very important. Strategy, homework, discussions, and planning are done the same way the classwork is done. So if someone like MSD is part of this homework and strategy it will surely add value and strengthen the team to a greater extent. As I said, he’s a mastermind. He and Virat will work wonders for India in the T20 world. 
MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli (BCCI photo)
Dhoni has mastered many such situations and games in his career, not only for the country but also for CSK. More importantly, Virat has such a respect for MSD. He worships him. Virat has good chemistry with Ravi and MSD so things are looking wonderful and fine. Ravi, Virat and MSD will be a good combination for the World T20.
India will begin its campaign against Pakistan. It’s going to be a tough duel, of course, but how would you rate India’s overall chances for the title at the T20 World Cup this time?
It all depends on the team they choose to play in. It’s really good that both SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) and Ishan Kishan are back in shape. It is a good sign for us. We were concerned about the shape of these players. Bhuvi also bowled well in the last few games of the IPL. I am sure India will do well.
Ravi Shastri’s tenure as head coach ends after the T20 World Cup. Your opinion on the possibility of MS Dhoni becoming a future India trainer …
I would definitely feel like it should be Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni in the future. Rahul more as a coach and MS as a mentor. Dhoni and Rahul on the Indian team are going to be a fantastic thing to watch out for in the era of Ravi Shastri.
