Mahendra Singh Dhoni doubtful for final ODI
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni may decide to sit out of the final ODI against England to be played at Dharamsala on Sunday to avoid any more damage to an already injured thumb.
The 31 year old marshaled the Indian troops to a win in the fourth ODI in Mohali on Wednesday despite having a swollen thumb. He got struck on his right hand by a Manpreet Gony delivery while training in the nets on Tuesday afternoon. Though, he did not look in much of a discomfort during the match, he had his thumb strapped when he came out for the toss and flipped the coin with his left hand.
To the question of whether he would play in Dharamsala or not, Dhoni vaguely replied, “We will see. Since the press conference was so close (to the end of the game), I didn’t have a chance to have a chat with the selectors. It is definitely an opportunity but we will see. I can’t really confirm anything now.”
When asked about the extent of his injury Dhoni said that he had not got an x-ray done because he wanted to play in Mohali.
“It’s alright as of now,” added Dhoni. “I didn’t do the x-ray because I had to play this game. It went off well; I didn’t get many hits there so overall I am quite happy that it was not painful as it could have been. I am also happy with the performance of the team, so that really helps.”
Dhoni earlier survived an injury scare in the final ODI against Pakistan on January 6 after a back injury and was also doubtful for his home game in Ranchi against England.
India have already won the five-match series 3-1 and there is every chance the skipper may miss the inconsequential ODI, especially with a four-match Test Series with Australia just round the corner. In this case, Dinesh Kartik would have to be flown in to Dharamsala as a substitute wicketkeeper.
Tags: 5th ODI, Cricket, Dharamsala, Dinesh Kartik, England, India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, ODI Series, Wicketkeeper
