Former BCCI President and current CSK owner, N Srinivasan has claimed that he exercised all his power to save MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2012 ahead of Tri-nation ODI series against Australia in 2012. According to him, the selectors wanted to replace Dhoni as the skipper of Indian team after the team lost the Test series against Australia by 4-0. Before that Indian team also lost the Test series against England by 4-0 in 2011 immediately after wining 50 over world cup in India.
Srinivasan talked about the event in detail, saying, “This was 2011. India had won the World Cup. And (then) in Australia, we didn’t do well in the Tests. So, one of the selectors wanted to remove him (Dhoni) as the ODI captain. The point is, how do you remove him as the ODI captain?”
“He had won the World Cup (just a few months ago). They (selectors) had not even thought of who would be his replacement. There was a discussion and then (before the formal meeting) I said there was no way in which he would not be a player“.
“In fact, it was a holiday. I was playing golf. I came back. Sanjay Jagdale was the (BCCI) secretary at that time and he said, ‘Sir, they (selectors) are refusing to choose the captain. They will take him (Dhoni) in the team’. I came and said MS Dhoni (would be the captain). I exercised all my authority as the (BCCI) president.” He added.
The Old BCCI constitution played in favour of Dhoni where the decision taken by selection committee should get an approval from Board President and due to which Srinivasan was able to save dhoni’s captaincy in 2012.
The series losses in England and Australia had offset India’s 2011 World Cup victory, also achieved in Dhoni’s captaincy, but Srinivasan said he didn’t see any merit in sacking Dhoni as ODI captain based on results in Tests.
“See, there was apparently some prejudice somewhere, which reflected. He (Dhoni) has won the World Cup for you. After 1983, India won it again and you say, ‘I don’t want him to be the ODI captain’!” Srinivasan said
“Left to them (selectors), they might have (dropped him as a player). I don’t know. I think that was the most unfair (move) and I am glad that I stood my ground.” He concluded.
Dhoni has announced his retirement from International Cricket on 15th August 2020 but will continue playing in IPL for CSK. His retirement from international cricket has shocked all his fans as he is the only captain in the history of the game who won all ICC trophies.
