How MS Dhoni was picked to play for India: Former selector tells interesting story

The story of the 2 time world cup winning captain for India in MS Dhoni is known to everyone but the selector who played a major role in drafting the powerful wicket keeper into the team in Syed Kirmani who himself was a wicket keeper during his playing days has opened up regarding the story of how MS Dhoni was selected for the team.

His consistency was unbelievable- Syed Kirmani

In a recent interaction with Hindustan times, the legendary wicket keeper in Syed Kirmani who was part of the 1983 world cup team that India triumphed was the selector at the time MS Dhoni was struggling to get into the side. The former selector opened up on an interesting story on how MS Dhoni was selected for the team.

I have never disclosed this before but here is how Dhoni was picked. I and Pranab Roy – my co-selector from East Zone – were watching a Ranji Trophy match. I’m not sure which match it was since it was a long time ago, but Pranab Roy is proof. He said to me ‘there is this keeper batsman from Jharkhand, who is a very promising youngster and deserves selection. I asked him ‘is he keeping wickets in this match?’ Pranab said ‘no but he is fielding at fine leg.’ That is when I got Dhoni’s stats from the last two years to look into. And Wow! There was terrific consistency in his batting ability. Without even seeing him keep wickets, I suggested that Dhoni be selected for East Zone straightaway. And the rest is history

Mysterious future ahead for MS Dhoni

The man with the midas touch in MS Dhoni who kept himself away from the competitive cricket since India’s loss to the New Zealand in the semi finals of the world cup was waiting to play in the IPL but since the happenings of IPL is in jeopardy, the future of MS Dhoni has been a big question mark which only the legend can answer himself.