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Dhoni stops short of denying resignation reports

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Press Trust of India

Posted: Nov 22, 2008 at 1822 hrs IST
Dhoni

Bangalore, November 22: A selection controversy rocked the Indian cricket team on Saturday following reports that Mahendra Singh Dhoni had threatened to resign as captain after he had failed to ensure that bowler RP Singh was retained in the side playing the current ODI series against England.

On the eve of the fourth ODI against England, a livid Dhoni did little to dampen the speculation about resignation threat when he said that ‘something or the other leaks out’ but stopped short of denying the reports.

Dhoni apparently wanted R P Singh, who gave away 49 runs without taking a wicket in the second ODI after which he was dropped and the selectors replaced him with Irfan Pathan.

"I don't know from where the reports came from. It cannot be a report. What happens inside while the selectors and the captains are there, if it comes comes out, it is disgusting, it's disrespecting. Things like these should not happen," Dhoni said.

"I am not talking about whether something or not happened in the selection meeting. Over the years, we have found out something or other goes out. We go to see, we are at the highest stature because we are selecting 16 guys for the Indian team.”

"We will have debate inside and things like this should not come out. I think if they are suppose to come out, it's better we have a live television out there because what comes out. Nobody should know apart from the eight guys who are sitting down," Dhoni said.

Asked whether the controversy would affect the players ahead of the match, Dhoni said, "Not really. I don't think it was as important. Plenty of things are out there.”

"We have an important match coming up. We are all focussed on that. It's raining since morning so we are a bit worried about the practice session," he said.

Dhoni was angry with the with way media blew up the issue and said selection matters should not come out in the open.

"It's a selection thing. Personally, I don't discuss anything outside. Whatever happens stays in the meeting, stays inside. Whatever comes out of the meeting I would prefer it to come out from either BCCI or the chief selector or the group of selectors," the India captain said.

According to media reports, Dhoni had a disagreement with the selectors during the meeting in Kanpur on Thursday to pick the team for the fourth and fifth matches of the ongoing series.

Dhoni was unhappy that the selectors decided to drop R P Singh and include Irfan Pathan in his place and offered to resign, the reports claimed.

The BCCI, however, came out with a vague response which neither confirmed nor denied the development.

"I can't respond to something that is being floated around by somebody," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said.

The reports said BCCI President Shashank Manohar was forced to interfere and sort out the issue.

Dhoni said such leaks were detrimental for the game in the country and told the media that it would be better if the identity of the person who leaked the report could be known.

"It would be good for the Indian cricket if you quote that person," he said.

Dhoni said he shared a good relation with his teammates and hoped that such reports would not create a rift in the team.

Asked specifically if it would affect his relation with the two players Dhoni said, "To some extent it does. The good thing is that we trust each other because in a scenario like this all of a sudden you have to get in touch with R P Singh and Irfan Pathan.”

"And you don't want RP to feel that I will go out of the way and stand and defend him and Irfan should not feel I don't want him in the team. But the good part is that both of them trust me and my talks with them went of well."

Dhoni was also unhappy with the timing of the reports since it came on the eve of an important match.

"I don't think it's appropriate that it happened at a point like this because I don't think we have an outstanding and talented side to win every match but as a team we will become outstanding. For us the winning mantra is team effort," he said.

Dhoni meanwhile welcomed the return of Sachin Tendulkar into the squad and did not rule out the possibility of him opening the innings on Sunday.

"We all want him to play for long. It's a pleasure to have him in the team. It will help youngsters."

Dhoni also felt that pace spearhead Zaheer Khan needed rest but indicated that he will play tomorrow's match, which if India wins, will seal the series for the hosts.

Dhoni said he was worried about the weather conditions as the pitch and outfield at the Chinnaswamy stadium had dampness following intermittent rains, the city has been experiencing since Saturday afternoon.

"It is quite soft. There is dampness. If sun shines it would be good," he said.

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Might is right? by N Sridharan on 22 Nov 2008

Players like VVS Laxman get dropped from Test Team after they have contributed more than most of the colleagues. Also he was ignored for the ODIs after he scored a hundred in Australia. Nobody talked in his favour.No God fathers. Ganguly had political support to make a come back. What is the significant contribution of RP Singh during the last 3 ODIs that he should not be dropped? Does Dhoni feel comfortable only with "Yes Men" around him? Dhoni is on cloud nine right now. He may well try out "Might is Righ"t policy if he wants!!

Selectors ??? by chan on 22 Nov 2008

Stupidity of selectors. After all it is Dhoni who has to captain the match not the selectors. Irfan is ok with his latest find dance hobby.

Doni Resign. by Dennis on 22 Nov 2008

Since the selecters doing their job good. Why Dhoni interfere in this. He has to accept the team which selectors given. If come to R.P.Sing he is not performed during last matches. If Dhoni wants to black mail let him resing.

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