MSK Prasad opens up on why Virat Kohli was chosen as MS Dhoni’s successor

MSK Prasad who term of office as the chief selector of the Indian cricket team came to an end a couple of days ago after BCCI named former Indian cricketer Sunil Joshi as his successor, giving thought to his 5 year-long term with satisfaction. Often in the middle of criticism, MSK Prasad had no doubts in pointing out the achievements of his selection committee.

MSK Prasad, put forward team India’s success in all the formats. Their efforts in creating back-ups for every position and a few inspiring selections like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya in Test. But the former chief selector had a firm reply when asked about his biggest accomplishment.

MSK Prasad said the focus of his term was the smooth transition from MS Dhoni era to the Virat Kohli one. “I personally feel that my colleagues and me can take pride in the fact that we have successfully seen the transition period from MSD to Virat very well,” Prasad told.

Prasad, who took over as the chief selector after Roger Binny also revealed what led to the appointment of Virat Kohli as MS Dhoni’s successor.

“Once Mahi completed his [captaincy] stint, we had to look at somebody who could step into those shoes. We wanted to see that happening smoothly. Once Virat took over, we reached the No. 1 ranking across all three formats. That’s the biggest satisfaction I got,” added Prasad.

MS Dhoni had decided to call it a day from Test cricket midway through the Australia tour in 2014 setting the stage for Virat Kohli to take over as India Test skipper. Kohli was later appointed India’s skipper in all three formats after Dhoni stepped down as limited overs captain in 2017.

MSK Prasad’s selection committee drew some criticism for their handling of MSD’s future in the Indian team after the ODI World Cup 2019. But Prasad stated that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind regarding MS Dhoni’s future.

“I don’t really see any ambiguity. MS is clear about his future which he expressed to me and the team management. I cannot disclose details as it is confidential. It’s best that whatever discussed and shared between us [selection committee and the team management] remains there. It’s an unwritten code,” said Prasad.

“There are plenty of great selections that we can talk of like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya coming into the Test team. From nowhere, we brought in Rishabh Pant. He was nowhere in contention. We groomed him through India ‘A’ tours. Nobody expected he’ll do so well,” added Prasad when questioned about the selections he is proud of.

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