SYDNEY: In an interesting development, India’s team director Ravi Shastri has confirmed that retired Mahendra Singh Dhoni still remains available if there is any injury to Wriddhiman Saha during the fourth and final Test in Sydney.

In an interview to a cricket website, Shastri said Dhoni will be in Australia but not with the team and remains as a standby if there is a need.

However, Shastri rubbished the reports suggesting that Virat Kohli’s rising influence in the dressing room was behind Dhoni’s retirement, terming it as “trash”.

“You guys have no idea of the respect Dhoni commands and not just from Virat but every member of the squad, support staff and administration,” Shastri said.

Moreover, Shastri too didn’t have any prior knowledge about Dhoni’s retirement plans.

“None. It came like a bolt from the blue. Not till after he returned from the post-match presentation did I come to know when he had a quick word with me, then the players. I understand he had not even spoken to his family about it,” Shastri stated.

“It was an unexpected decision no doubt, but a courageous one. In my esteem Dhoni has gone up by miles. He hasn’t waited to complete 100 Tests and all such pointless statistical stuff. He didn’t want any farewell fanfare. That shows his character. He’s different and quite remarkable.”

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2015

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